When Did I Miss God?

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I spent the weekend of July 25 on the Kenai Peninsula fishing for red salmon with a fly rod.  The emphasis here is on fishing.  While a good number of fish had gone up river the previous week, the majority seem to have passed when I was on the bank.  Most people on the shore with me were struggling to even touch a fish, though I did see some salmon caught.  I did probably touch about 10-15 fish, and landed 3.  However, the 2 sockeye salmon and the one pink salmon I landed, were all foul hooked.  I released them.  So, after 3 days of fishing, with a sore shoulder and a sore knee, having missed sleep and being tired, I was frustrated and discouraged.

 

But, Sunday night as I was talking with friends on shore I looked around.  The sun was shining.  An eagle had been perched above us, watching us fish.  My dog was making friends with everyone who arrived.  The clouds framed the mountains like a beautiful picture.  I could have focused on my sore shoulder and my lack of catching.  But, then I would have missed the beauty around me, and the friends with whom I shared this experience.

 

In my devotion on Monday, July 26, my reading started with the following prayer:  “God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life.  Touched by your hand our world is holy.  Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters, and to experience the joy of life in your presence.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (For All the Saints, Volume II, p. 308)

 

What do we miss of God’s love, of His grace, of His presence in our lives because we focus on our problems, our possessions, our hectic lives?  The love of God is present because of Jesus, “Immanuel . . . “God With Us”. (Matthew 1:23)  Our bodies are a “temple of the Holy Spirit.”  (1 Corinthians 6:19)  Jesus promises, “ . . . surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)  In other words, God is always in our lives, but we often live like we forget His presence and His love.  Or worse, we live like God does not even exist.

 

One of the reasons that people ignore God is we do not want to admit that someone else rules our lives.  The reality is that God is the Creator and Ruler of the world, of the universe.  This is true, whether we want to admit it or not.  In addition, because our Lord is the Creator and Ruler of all, when we act in pride, in selfishness, in greed or envy or lust, we are liable to judgement and punishment.  We can miss God’s Lordship because we are too wrapped up in our lives, or simply because we want to be ruler of our own lives. 

 

But, when we miss God’s presence as Creator and Lord, when we miss our responsibility and guilt as sinners, then we miss something even greater.  If we don’t acknowledge our sin, then we don’t realize how hopeless our situation is.  When we forget or ignore the guilt of our sin, and our hopeless predicament, then we miss the unbelievable gift that ". . . God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16)

 

The assigned Gospel Lesson for last Sunday in many churches was the account of Jesus walking on water after He had fed the 5000.  Peter, impetuous as often he is often shown to be in the New Testament, went out to Jesus walking on water himself.  Then, however, in the Matthew reading of this account we are told, “But when he [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:30)  Jesus was standing right beside Peter.  But Peter’s attention was distracted from Jesus and His power and love Jesus had for Him.  Peter was distracted and forgot that Jesus gave Peter the faith to walk on water out to Jesus.  Jesus was there performing a miracle for Peter, but even in the midst of that miracle, he missed Jesus. 

 

Have you walked in the beauty of the world around you, perhaps surrounded by the mountains and streams and wildlife of Alaska, but been so distracted that your missed that beauty, and missed the signature of our all-powerful and loving Lord?  Do you walk through the problems of our world and your life and miss the love, the grace, and the eternal life which God gives us in His Son, Jesus?  I echo the words of the prayer I read.  “God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life.  Touched by your hand our world is holy.  Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters, and to experience the joy of life in your presence. Amen.” 

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Always Remember the Loving, Gracious Presence of Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  We had a visit last week from Pastor Jonathan Goeke, his wife, Sarah, and their sons Micah and Luke.  Here are some pictures from that visit, and a fishing trip.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/AQTvhLHfp6r9tBLR6

 

P.P.S.  – Here is a picture of others fishing on the bank where I fished July 23 ff.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/A8Ek6atXdHoQhtkN8

 

 

*****

 

            ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.) 

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

  

Does This Grow My Relationship With Jesus?

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Kathy and I had the privilege and blessing of caring for two of our grandchildren on a recent Saturday evening.  Our son, Andrew, was working as an air traffic controller.  But then again, Kathy was also called into work at Mat Su Regional Medical Center that evening.  So, I had the joy of feeding Jackson and Kendall, caring for them and putting them to bed.  We ate some chicken and dumplings for supper which Kathy had prepared beforehand.  Our supper included salad from the garden, and some berry pie Kathy had also cooked.  Kendall read a devotion after supper before we left the table.  Then, after Andrew left for work, and after the dishes were done, I asked Kendall if they wanted to watch a movie together.  I was surprised at Kendall’s reply.  “I’ll watch “Black Widow” on my I-Pad.”

 

Life changes for every generation.  My grandchildren have technology that, when I was a child, I never dreamed would even exist.  For example, Jackson was playing “Minecraft” on his technology with one of my other grandchildren who was at his home 5 miles away.  I don’t even own an I-Pad.  I have never played Minecraft.  Life is different than when I grew up.

 

I had two responses for Kendall.  First, I told my granddaughter, “I thought we could all watch a movie together, not do things separately.”  But, my second response was that I asked Kendall, “What does that movie teach?”  I believe the wisdom which God shares through St. Paul to the Christians in Philippi.  “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  (Philippians 4:8-9)  Christians are called to think about, to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.  Thoughts on such healthy topics bear fruit in our lives.  I know that “Black Widow” is a “Marvel” movie.  But, I have not seen that movie.  Not knowing what was in the show, I was concerned about the content, the language, the sexual situations, the violence, and the values.  My granddaughter is only 10 years old. 

 

But, children are not the only ones who should have concern about what goes into their minds and hearts and souls.  I try to ask myself, all of us should ask, if the movies, the music, the reading material, the TV shows we give our attention to are feeding our faith.  Do these different media bring us closer to our Savior, or perhaps damage our relationship with our Lord?  Do we grow in our faith and Christian values through what we watch, or listen to, or read?  Or, is our faith assaulted and our relationship with Jesus weakened?

 

Life is different than when I grew up.  Situations do change, but the Lord does not change.  God’s changeless character was good news for the Israelites when the Lord spoke through the prophet Malachi.  "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”  (Malachi 3:6)  God’s faithful love for the Israelites caused Him to act in mercy, even when the people deserved punishment.  The writer to the Hebrews reminds the people of that New Testament church, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  (Hebrews 13:8)  Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, is the same . . . forever.

 

Jesus, who does not change, therefore taught, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) God’s word remains the same.  The world may change, but God’s truth does not change.  We should want to grow closer to our true, right, and pure Lord.

 

My children sometimes tell me that I am old-fashioned.  But I want my grandchildren to know Jesus and His saving love.  I want them to consider what is true, noble, right, and pure.  I want them to follow Jesus in faith and in obedience.  So I am concerned about what they put into their minds.

 

I have quite a few movies, many purchased for the family or for church groups to watch.  I pointed Kendall to some family movies and suggested she might choose one of those.  Kendall chose to watch, “The Wizard of Oz.”  I called Jackson, made popcorn, and the 3 of us watched the movie together.  We talked about home, and about brains and heart and courage.  We said a prayer and they went to bed.  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.”

 

A Child of God, Seeking Healthy Thoughts of Faith and Obedience for my Family and Myself,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I took Tony Schultz and his niece from South Carolina fishing on Friday, July 16.  She had never been fishing, and never caught a fish.  Now she can say she has caught 15 rainbow trout!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mocwy5bdMqFcL1EX9

 

P.P.P.S.  – Here are some more yard and garden pictures mostly taken on Friday, July 16.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VCvR5f2AbuQPcQXu5  (I injured my knee that day.  L)

 

 

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those 0000who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)  Perhaps you also know that I “killed” my computer on November 7, 2020.  In so doing I lost, for a time at least, all my e-mail contacts.  So, I was really goofed up.  Many who were receiving this devotion each week were no longer receiving it.  I tried to rebuild my distribution list, but I am not sure how accurate I have been. 

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

What I want My Loved Ones to Know

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Do you ever lose sleep?  I confess that sometimes I have trouble sleeping.  Sometimes I lose sleep because I drank too much coffee.  But, sometimes I am concerned, or I’m worried.  I have worried about the churches where I have served, and have been concerned for the members.  I have lost sleep at times over the direction of our country and our world.  But, most often I have had trouble sleeping over concerns for family; for my parents, my siblings, my children, my grandchildren.  When I have trouble sleeping at night, I lay in bed and pray.  But, sometimes even after prayer I still can’t sleep, so I get up and find something to do.

 

Last week, in my devotion, I wrote encouraging others to be a godly influence for children.  I suggested that one way you might act as a godly influence is to take a child fishing.  However, my wife might suggest you could also spend time cooking with a child, or take them to a movie, or sew with a child, or read to a child. These are Kathy’s choices.  Spending time with someone shows love.  And, actions are more important than words.  But, it is also important to share important truths, with actions and with words.  Therefore, below I am sharing what is important to me, truths which I want my loved ones to know.

 

First, “Jesus is Lord.”  These are the God-inspired words of St. Paul in Philippians 2.  Paul says that, at the end, every tongue will “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. (Philippians 2:11)  Jesus, with the Father and with the Spirit is God.  Jesus is the Creator of all, the Ruler of all.  I want my loved ones to know that “Jesus is Lord.”

 

Second, even being Lord, Jesus is our Savior from sin.  “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  (John 3:17)  Jesus is not only the ruler of the universe.  Jesus’ ultimate identity is grace and love.  The Son of God, God Himself, The Lord of all, in love gave His life on the cross to pay for our sin.  We can trust the Lord of all as our Savior from sin.  I believe, and I want my loved ones to believe that Jesus is our Savior.

 

Third, because Jesus is Lord, and because He is our Savior, His words are true, and worth believing and following.  We find these words of Jesus in Scripture.  Paul was spiritual father to Timothy.  Here is what Paul wrote to His spiritual son.  “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:14-17)  God’s word is worth not just knowing, but believing. God’s word is worth following and doing.  Jesus said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28)

 

Fourth, my relationship with Jesus is my most important relationship of all.  When I conduct pre-marital preparation with a couple who is preparing for their wedding, we look at Genesis 2 and I discuss how the relationship of husband and wife is the most important human relationship.  But, our relationship with God, through Jesus, is most important.  Our faith, and the following of the Lord and Savior of all is most important.  Faith in Jesus is what makes my life most healthy, and fulfilling. 

 

Finally, knowing who Jesus is, we nevertheless all fail in our faith and our life.  Jesus is the holy Lord of all.  We are His sheep and lambs. We are weak and sinful.  I am not a perfect child of God, but I am loved and forgiven.  The same is true for those I love.  Because of our weakness, we need one another as fellow children of God.  Therefore, God gives His church.  The church is God’s family to grow and to support our faith and our relationship with Jesus.  Therefore, regular Sunday worship and participation in a church is important for my life.  Remember, Christian congregations are made up of sinners who need and who follow their Savior.  So, being part of a Christian congregation is frustrating. But, being an active part of a Christian congregation is part of God’s plan for us.  We need Jesus’ church to be the people Jesus made us to be.

 

I have two similar fishing pictures.  One picture shows my daughter, Mary, holding a red salmon at age 6 on Kalgin Island in Cook Inlet.  With a big toothless grin Mary is holding up the bloody fish.  The other picture shows my granddaughter, Annie, holding a trout at age 8 on Finger Lake.  She too has a smile from one side of her face to the other.  I love my family, my children and my grandchildren, and I want what is best for them.  I hope they remember our time together.  I will. I love my family, and I want Jesus for them. 

 

A Child of God, Praying That My Loved Ones Know Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are pictures of Mary and of Annie.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/4V1v5otdq6zJNM4a7

 

P.P.S.  I was on the Kenai Peninsula this week to conduct worship at Funny River Community Lutheran Church, and to help with a one day Vacation Bible School.  My only fishing this past week was dip-netting on the Kasilof River.  But, thanks to friend Wayne Mize, the trip was very successful.  We brought home 23 red salmon in 2 – 2 ½ hours of dipping.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/e5SbAwskU7ysfyxP6

 

P.P.P.S.  – The flowers in our front yard are especially beautiful right now.  Here are a few of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/D3pXxegSX75BW9SM7

 

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)  Perhaps you also know that I “killed” my computer on November 7, 2020.  In so doing I lost, for a time at least, all my e-mail contacts.  So, I was really goofed up.  Many who were receiving this devotion each week were no longer receiving it.  I tried to rebuild my distribution list, but I am not sure how accurate I have been. 

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

cell phone - 907-841-4066

Home phone - 907-746-5131

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Was a Godly Influence in Your Life? Take a Child FISHING!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Who was an influence of godly direction and love in your childhood?  Maybe you have heard, or experienced, that children do not always want to listen to their parents.  However, they do often listen to and care about advice and instruction from other respected adults, such as teachers, neighbors, uncles and aunts, or pastors.  I received godly direction from all of those people in my life, but my grandfather is one who made a difference which I especially remember.

 

Some know that I got in quite a bit of trouble as a young child.  For example, it seemed I was always standing in the corner, visiting the cloak room, or walking to the principal’s office when I was in first grade.  Yup, first grade!  Those days were different than today.  I would walk from school to my grandfather’s house for lunch.  My uncle, a teacher in the school, walked with me.  Upon hearing of my struggles, my grandfather came up with a plan.  Every day I didn’t’ get in trouble I could put a dime in a jar during lunch. If I put 20 dimes into the jar, he would take me out to eat for a lobster meal, which I loved. (Yes, I am old! A lobster meal cost $2.00 in 1960.)  The catch was that every day I got into trouble I had to empty the jar and start over again.  I did work to behave better, and tried to improve.  However, I actually only earned one meal that year. 

 

Through my life as a young child my grandfather taught me the difference between right and wrong, reminded me of Jesus, showed me a love for God’s church.  So, who was an influence of godly direction and love in your childhood? 

 

Unfortunately, our world has changed for the worse.  Perhaps because people are turning away from Jesus and His Church, or perhaps because of the internet, child abuse seems rampant.  We are told of child predators.  All of us can remember such horrors near us, or in our communities.  But, children still need godly examples to whom they will listen.  Children still need someone to support their parents in teaching the difference between right and wrong, to remind them of Jesus and His love, and to show a love for God’s church

 

You know that in Scripture God calls His people to raise children in love and in faith, to teach them about Him.  In Deuteronomy 6, Moses instructs the people of Israel as they enter the Holy Land, 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  (Deuteronomy 6:5-7) God calls people to teach their children about His commandments, and about Him.

 

And in Mark 10 we are told about Jesus. “13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-15)  Even when others thought that children were unimportant, Jesus took time for them.  Jesus showed godly love and attention to the children of His day. Ultimately, those children who knew Jesus’ love were saved for everlasting life.

 

The other side of this is that there is joy in being a positive, faithful, godly, influence for children.  I looked at my picture albums and found 7 fishing trips this year with grandchildren, and also with children from church.  I have at least two more such trips scheduled.  The children thank me and tell me they had fun, but it is fun for me too.  Let me share with you some stories from this summer. 

 

On June 8^th, when I first put my boat in the water with granddaughter, Annie, we returned home and she told Kathy, “Poppy made me stop and I didn’t want to.”  Annie had caught a lot of trout that night. On June 10^th, I took grandchildren Henry and Annie fishing.  We had grandkids that night so their parents could celebrate their 15^th wedding anniversary.  As we walked into the house about 10:00 p.m., after putting things away, Annie said to me.  “We were good.  We helped put things away.  Can we go back fishing now?”  (Those words warm a grandfather’s heart!) On June 13^th I took a young man from church, Gaelen Swigart, fishing in a canoe on a local lake.  Gaelen caught fish on bait, and then I taught him to fly fish.  Gaelen’s grandmother, Sara Guhl, later told me, “You cost me money.  Now I have to buy Gaelen a fly rod.”  J

 

We had a unique experience on June 19^th, when I took Andy’s children, Jackson and Kendall, fishing near our home.  Kendall had a fish on the line, but an eagle in a tree was watching, and dove.  Kendall turned to me with a look of shock on her face.  “An Eagle stole my fish!”

 

On Father’s Day I was able to take all 6 grandchildren fishing at Finger Lake State Park, with the help of my oldest son, Josh.  That was an exercise in organized chaos.  Annie was the last to catch a fish.  She told me, “You started the motor and scared the fish and it bit my bait.”  Hmm.

 

I took St. John member, Randy Luffberry, and his granddaughter fishing on June 25.  It warmed my heart to hear Julia shout, “I caught my first fish!”  She later caught 2 more fish.  I fished in other places without children this summer.  But, on July 1 I took Emma, Henry, and Annie fishing.  Emma and Henry were catching, but Annie was getting impatient, pulling the line too fast.  I said, “Annie, you have to be patient.  Henry and Emma told her the same thing.  Annie responded, “I don’t like patience!  That means waiting!!”  That was a teaching opportunity.  I’m told the children will remember these days.  But I will too!

 

Who was an influence of godly direction and love in your childhood?  Who, taught you the difference between right and wrong, reminded you of Jesus, showed you a love for God’s church?  Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’ Let me make a suggestion. . . Take a child fishing! 

 

A Child of God, Finding Joy in Being a Godly Influence in the Lives of God’s Children!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I made an online album of my fishing trips with children this summer.  Here is the link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LhEpD7o59LgwmGux8

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of my grandfather.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iFETSWZ8e7L4yLWz6

 

P.P.P.S.  – I also took daughter, Mary, and her boyfriend, Josh, fishing on Monday.  We were fishing for salmon but did not see many.  They did catch 3 trout.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BgDUKDaacXg8VSyeA

 

P.P.P.P.S.  I continue working on our yard and our garden. Here are some new pictures from this past week.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Td5JMnJk7V6HT6ZJ6

 

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." 

Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)  Perhaps you also know that I “killed” my computer on November 7, 2020.  In so doing I lost, for a time at least, all my e-mail contacts.  So, I was really goofed up.  Many who were receiving this devotion each week were no longer receiving it.  I tried to rebuild my distribution list, but I am not sure how accurate I have been. 

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net