Why Would I Be Concerned Whether There is A God, Or What He Says?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Friday, September 24, I served as a substitute teacher at Wasilla High School.  When I retired, before being asked to return to St. John and help out, I applied to serve as a substitute in the Mat-Su School District.  I not only thought this might be a way to keep busy in retirement, but I also felt that I might be able to make a difference by helping out in our local schools.  I know people have many negative ideas about the school systems in our country today.  But, I can tell you that for the 5 or 6 times I have served as a substitute teacher I have received detailed sub plans, the classes are well organized, and the students know what they are working on.  In fact, the students I have taught, from kindergarten through high school, have been respectful, and for the most part, focused on their work.  From my experience our schools are not the horror scene which many imagine.  The students are actually growing and learning.  The one difficulty I have is that the schools use a LOT of technology which I don’t totally understand.  But, the more I substitute, the more familiar I become with the computers.

 

However, on September 24, during the 6 periods when I had students in the classroom, I looked at them and realized how different their world is than when I attended high school over 50 years ago.  We had no computers, no cell phones, no internet, or Facebook, or Twitter.  Politics were much different.  When I graduated, Richard Nixon was president!  Spiritual thinking and moral issues were viewed differently.  Certain behaviors were considered to be either right or wrong.  As I looked at these students in my classes on Friday, knowing that my life as a child of God revolves around my relationship with my Savior, I began thinking what they might ask me.  If many of these students knew my values they might ask me, “Why would I be concerned about whether there is a God?  Why should I worry about what God says?”

 

All sorts of answers to these questions came to my mind.  First, most people do have existential questions.  We want to know who we are and where we come from.  We want to know our purpose in life.  Christians have answers to these questions.  The Lord created our world and He created us.  He has answers to our purpose in life.

 

My second response: we live in a crazy world that seems to be more and more chaotic all the time.  But, the Lord who created heaven and earth in power, in wisdom, and in love, is smarter and wiser than I am.  I’m not in charge of the world, but I am thankful that God is.  That might be a reason for us to consider God, and listen to His direction for our lives.  At least I thought so.

 

Also, in this crazy world we all face troubles and problems, trials and sufferings, that in many ways are bigger than we are.  But God, who created the world through His Word, is all powerful.  He is bigger than our problems.  In fact, Psalm 46 teaches, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  (Psalm 46:1)  The help God gives for our lives is a reason why I would think a person should be interested in whether there IS a God, and what He says.

 

I continued to list reasons in my mind for why people, the students that I saw, might be interested in the Lord during this unique time in history.  Another answer that came to my mind is that God’s teaching, His Torah, His law, is really what is best for me as a person whom He created.  We are more healthy physically, mentally and spiritually, when we follow God’s loving direction for our lives.  Isn’t that reason to consider the Lord and teaching?

 

As I looked at my students, other reasons came to mind if one of them might ask me these questions.  For example, I might answer that I should be concerned because God will judge me.  Or, I should be interested because God offers salvation.  I should be concerned because . . . But, in a way, all religions make these claims to a certain extent.  And, I’m not sure the students would even listen, if they asked me why they should be concerned and I gave those answers. 

 

Yet, as I considered my students, I also realized that the Christian faith has a different answer to these questions than other faiths do.  That answer is something I believe the students might even listen to.  “Why would I be concerned about whether there is a God?  Why should I worry about what God says?”  Because . . . He loves us!        

 

In our impersonal world, God knows us by name.  As our Creator He knows us better than we know ourselves.  Our Heavenly Father cares enough about us to send His Son as our Savior.  Jesus, the Son of God, loved us enough to live His life for us, to suffer injustice for us.  He loved us so much that He died a cruel death for us.  God love us so much that, for people who struggle, and who fail, and sin, He offers forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus.  God’s love makes the difference!  Our Lord’s eternal care for us in our Savior is an answer to the questions which these students might ask, “Why would I be concerned about whether there is a God?  Why should I worry about what God says?” 

 

St. Peter wrote to a Christian congregation and, as He was assuring these believers of God’s love, He gave these instructions.  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  (1 Peter 3:15) Are you prepared?

 

As I looked at the students On September 24, and as I wondered about their lives, I realized that we come from different time periods.  But God is straightforward.  In answer to the questions, “Why would I be concerned about whether there is a God?  Why should I worry about what God says?”  God’s answer is simple. “Because I loves you!”     

 

A Child of God, Thankful for God’s Answer to Life’s Questions: He Loves me in Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      Here is some St. John News.

·       Prayer Vigil Friday and Saturday, October 1 and 2 – Members have signed up for hour long times of prayer at St. John from Friday at 6:00 p.m. to Saturday at 6:00 p.m.  This prayer vigil is a time of growth for all who participate.  If you have not signed up and wish to do so, please call Ruth Zellar at 907-232-3823, or the St. John office at 745-3338.

 

·       Special guest preacher - Sunday, October 3 – District President, Rev. Dr. Paul Linnemann will preach in worship this Sunday as part of our “Choose to Be Different” campaign.

 

·       Special Bible Study, Sunday Afternoon, at 4:00 p.m. – On September 12 Pastor Tony Schultz led an afternoon Bible Study.  It was attended by about 60 people and enjoyed by all who attended.  THIS Sunday, October 3, President Paul Linnemann will lead an “All Church Bible Study.”  There will be snacks, and child care will also be offered.  We invite all to attend.

 

·       “Choose to Be Different” Banquet – Sunday, October 24 at 5:00 p.m. – A celebration Banquet will be held as part of our Choose to Be Different campaign.  The meal will be held at the Palmer Senior Center and catered by St. John member, Rebecca Kopperud.  ALL are asked to attend and celebrate God’s goodness in our midst.

 

• On Saturday, October 9^th, the Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums will hold their Fall concert at St. John at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated, and will benefit ACPD’s Education Fund, and the St. John Youth Group trip to NYG in July 2022.  Come out for an evening of entertainment and support our Youth Group’s NGY Trip in July 2022.

P.P.S. I have been having issues recently with knowing who receives the e-mail for this devotion.  I have heard from a number of folks they have not received my e-mails with the devotions.  Spam protection does delete many e-mail messages from my personal inbox, including some I want to receive.  Perhaps that is happening to you.  I am working on this.

           

P.P.P.S.  Fall Pictures

·       On Wednesday, September 22, I took a hike in Hatcher Pass with my dog, Mat.  Here are some pictures - https://photos.app.goo.gl/PuDgdTpEVNY7rL6x6

 

·       During the week of September 19 I worked on the Final Harvest of my garden.  Here are some garden pictures. - https://photos.app.goo.gl/c7k9f7e3dRXXShBK9

 

·       The Fall Scenery in Alaska has been beautiful this year.  Here are some pictures I have taken. https://photos.app.goo.gl/eSD5YmQ57F43wdcU8

 

*****

 

            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

Thankful for Selfless Service From Today's Workers, And From My Savior!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Last week I listened to an interesting conversation between a supervisor and an employee at our local 3 Bears store.  The man at the cash register asked about who was working.  The supervisor replied that there were not enough people to cover the jobs and there was no one else to call.  He did not complain.  He just shook his head and went back to work.  She also went back to the office to keep working.  The employees of this grocery store, and many others, are giving above and beyond to serve our community.

 

I was called in last week to substitute teach a fifth grade class at Butte Elementary.  Our son serves as principal at this school.  Josh’s administrative assistant was extremely happy that I agreed to teach.  She shared with me that many teachers and staff have been ill, and the school has had real trouble getting people to fill in.  She related that our son, while being principal, has filled in as a teacher, as an aid, in the office of school nurse, and even in the food service.  I also learned that Josh’s administrative assistant has served in a classroom when no one else could be found.  I hear similar stories from other local teachers.  Our educators are giving above and beyond to serve our community.

 

My wife serves as a part time nurse at Mat-Su Regional.  Kathy has worked in the pre-op section of the surgery department for over 10 years.  But that department has not been calling her to serve very often.  Kathy has, nevertheless, been called in to work quite a bit lately.  She served as a “nurse extender” in the Intensive Care Unit and on the Medical Surgical floor.  Kathy describes how the floors of the hospital are full and that staffing is short.  Workers are doing extra shifts and filling in where they don’t normally work.  The workers are tired and drained.  When Kathy comes home she is drained.  I have heard the same story from local physiciians.  Our health care workers are giving above and beyond to serve our community.

 

One of our favorite local restaurants, The Noisy Goose, has recently been closed for it’s normal evening meal because of staff shortage (though I hear that it is now open again).  In addition, on September 4 we took a day trip to Talkeetna with my sister and brother-in-law, and we ate at the Denali Brewpub.  There was a pretty long wait to get seated, so we put our name on the waiting list and walked around town.  When we did sit down we noticed a sign which read something like this. “This has been an extremely trying year.  Our owner workers are doing their best to serve you.  We will treat you with respect and in turn we expect to be treated with respect.  Those not doing so will be asked to leave.”  We wondered what kind of treatment the workers had faced so that the restaurant had to post this sign.  And, we did see some people waiting in line who were acting impatiently and rudely.  The owners and cooks and servers in the restaurant business are giving above and beyond to serve our community.

 

Last Sunday, September 19, the Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, Jesus taught His disciples in the Gospel Lesson, ". . . If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:35)  Jesus calls His followers to live a servant life.  Yet, at times it seems difficult to find people in our world with a servant attitude.  However, I am growing more thankful at being served in an uncommon way.

 

Of course, the greatest servant of all is Jesus.  After a dispute among His disciples, Jesus taught, “26  . . . whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)  Jesus, the Son of GOD, and the Son of Man, served us by leaving heaven and coming to earth.  Jesus served us by living an obedient and righteous life, for us.  The Son of God Himself served us by knowingly suffering and dying to pay for our selfishness and sin.  He calls us to follow Him with servant attitudes.

 

With all the confusion around us because of the coronavirus, and the effect of the pandemic on our culture and the economy, it would be understandable for the workers who are going above and beyond to just give up.  In many ways, what they are asked to do is considered almost unfair.  Imagine where we would be if they did quit working!  I am thankful for the giving attitude of service from these workers, of their giving themselves for others.  Their service points me to the one who faced total injustice and yet served willingly to save us.  “28 . . . the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

 

A Child of God, Thankful for Selfless Service from Today’s Workers, and From my Savior!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here is the sign we saw at the Denali Brewpub in Talkeetna on September 4. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ixeXTMyu5YnWYxyq5

P.P.S.      I have been having issues recently with knowing who receives the e-mail for this devotion.  I have heard from a number of folks they have not received my e-mails with the devotions.  Spam protection does delete many e-mail messages from my inbox, including some I want to receive.  Perhaps that is happening to you. 

            Also, I always try to send the devotion BLIND Courtesy Copy.  My recent devotion correction was not sent that way.  I’m sorry for my lack of attention to that detail on Monday.

 

P.P.P.S. ALERT – NO FISH!  I often post fish pictures after fishing trips.  Perhaps I give the impression I always catch fish.  That is not the case.  My hobby is called “fishing” not “catching.”  After preaching at Funny River Community Lutheran Church on the Kenai Peninsula I went fishing on Monday with friend and St. John Member, Gerry Zellar.  We fished for about 4 hours without a bite.  But, we still enjoyed being outdoors on the river.  We did see a pair of seals far upriver from Cook Inlet.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Xzna4Xyj42hno6iA9

 

P.P.P.P.S.  For those outside Alaska, you might be interested that fall is here, and winter is coming quickly.  We have had weather to alert us to this reality recently.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/r8Jj8pmHennatwLU8

 

 

*****

 

            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

 

 

Desiring to Break My Alabaster Jar, To Serve Jesus With My Life

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I not only write devotions, but I read devotions written by other Christian writers, sometimes quite a few in a single day.  One devotion, which struck me recently, I read from my current morning devotion book, “For All the Saints.”  One of the Scripture readings for that day was from Mark 14:1-11, which relates the account of the lady who anointed Jesus’ feet with a very costly jar of ointment, or perfume.  Chinese Evangelist, John Sung, pointed out what Jesus said about the woman in verse 9, “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."  Sung wrote, “The fragrance of what this woman did has persisted all down the years until the present.  Of all the events that have occurred throughout the world, all through the centuries, the vast majority are not worth remembering.  Yet whenever the gospel is preached we shall remember this woman.”

 

Sung continues his devotion, “Jesus gave His life for us.  In what way, apart from hearing, can we bring Him comfort? . . . if we are to be remembered in a way that endures there is only one way to do it.  We must for the Lord’s sake break the alabaster jar. And we must offer ourselves entirely to God. . . The time will come, and perhaps soon, when you must pass on.  What will you do now for the Lord?  The Lord broke the alabaster jar – in other words He shed His blood and died for our redemption.  He did all that for us.  What, then, shall we do for Him?”(“For All the Saints,” Volume II, pages 793-795.)

 

I’m not sure what specifically about this devotion struck me, but I do know that I haven’t heard this account of the woman explained in this way before.  Yet, the bottom line is that Jesus gave His life for us.  He willingly suffered injustice and died the cruel death of a convicted criminal on the cross to pay for our sins.  How WILL we serve Him?  My service of Jesus is a response to His sacrifice for me.

 

The concluding prayer in this devotion also really touched me.  The prayer was written by Ignatius Loyola, a Roman Catholic priest from the 1500’s who is famous for his mission fervor, and famous for his role in The Counter-Reformation.  Loyola’s prayer also especially spoke to my mind and to my soul.

 

“Teach us, good Lord, to serve Thee as Thou deservest, to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to ask for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do Thy will.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

I want to live like St. Ignatius prayed, to serve the Lord with all my life.  Or, as Pastor Sung wrote, because Jesus broke the alabaster jar for me, I want to be willing to break my jar for Him.

 

How about you?  Do you want to live your life for Jesus? As John Sung wrote, The Lord broke the alabaster jar – in other words He shed His blood and died for our redemption.  He did all that for us.  What, then, shall we do for Him?”

 

A Child of God, Desiring to Break My Alabaster Jar, to Serve Jesus With My Whole Life,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      St. John News:

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTED LAST SUNDAY

o   Sunday School Classes began last Sunday at 9:45 for children of all ages, from birth through adulthood.

 

o   ADULT CLASSES –

§  “We want to see Jesus” – Taught by Pastor Schultz in the Fellowship Hall is looking at the book of Mark.

 

§  “Basic Teachings of Scripture - Adult Membership Class” – Taught by Pastor Jonathan Rockey in the library.

 

P.P.S. Here are some personal pictures from the past week.

·       My sister, Martha Reaves, and her husband, Mark, were in town for 2 weeks.  Here are a few pictures of their last two days with us.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tys2jCCoQNoQYTb97

·       In spite of much rain and higher rivers, I did go fishing with former St. John member and friend, Ron Hawkins, on Friday, September 10.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/MgxPTaHGjUHwrxKWA

 

*****

 

            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

 

 

How Do God's Children React When the World Around Us Seems to Be Falling Apart?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I don’t know if you were like the people in our home.  We were surprised and astounded by the coronavirus pandemic in the past year.  However, this spring and early summer we thought that our world was finally leaving this plague behind us.  But, the past week has been a time of “COVID consciousness” in our home. 

 

Our oldest son is a principal in the Mat-Su School District, and during the week of August 30-September 3, his school was first in the Mat-Su School District to be closed this year because of multiple cases of the coronavirus. We watched our son and our schools deal with new challenges.

 

Then from Thursday through Monday we learned that many friends, and even family were newly affected by the virus.  On, Thursday, September 2, close friend and retired pastor, Rev. George Rakos, and his wife. Carolyn, both received positive results for the virus.  Fearfully, my friend George fights Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  On Friday, Pastor friend, Mike Von Behren, from Spokane, WA, tested positive.  We also heard that same day that Kathy’s first cousin, Al Gulseth, entered the hospital in Ft. Smith, AR.  Then, on Saturday, Pastor Greg Heidorn, from Faith Lutheran in Homer, let me know that he and his wife, Wylene, had contracted this disease.  The scourge was hitting home.

 

The headline in Sunday’s Anchorage Daily News read, “Why 8.4M Americans are out of work when there are more than 10M job openings.”  And other news reports that hospitals and ICU’s in AK are at capacity, as a new variant of this virus asserts itself.  What does a child of God do in the face of continued concern and disruption of our lives?

 

Then my reading for my devotion on Tuesday, September 7, came from MARK 13  “31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back-- whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" (Mark 13:31-37)  We don’t know when the end is coming.  That is why, Jesus calls His people to keep watch, to always to be ready in faith for His return.  But Jesus also encourages His children to keep doing the work of His kingdom. 

 

What does a child of God do in the face of continued concern and disruption of our lives?  How do we react when the world around us seems to be falling apart?  As I read these verses from Mark, the apocryphal quote from Martin Luther came to mind.  I was taught a version of this quote in seminary, though now finding authentication is difficult. “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”  In the face of coming chaos, Luther is supposed to have said he would nevertheless persevere in living as a servant of Jesus.

 

Christians should not be surprised at trouble and chaos in our world and in our lives.  This world has rebelled against its Creator and is under the curse of sin.  Jesus assures us this end will come.  The world will end in judgement.  We just do not know when this will happen.

 

But, even knowing that we live with the result of our sinfulness, and even knowing that the end will surely come, Jesus still calls His people to continue doing the work he has given us.  Even as schools close, as hospitals fill, as our work force is in turmoil, and loved ones are ill, we still have the presence and the love of Jesus.  Jesus died and rose to save us from death and judgment.  He sends His Holy Spirit to guide us in faith through this life.  Others around us also need the saving love and the guidance of Jesus.  So, knowing Jesus’ loving presence we share the love of God in words and actions.  So, knowing our ultimate destination, we continue to do the kingdom work of loving God and of loving others. 

 

On Monday, September 7, our son’s school re-opened.  Thankfully, we have good reports thus far from fellow pastors about their condition.  But, unfortunately, Kathy’s cousin passed away from COVID this past Monday, August 6, in Arkansas.  We are praying for our community and for our country.  We would like to be in control of our world, but we are not.  Nevertheless, we do know that the one who loves us and saves us is Lord of all, and rules the world in His love and power.  Therefore, we persevere in the work of our Lord and our Savior. 

 

What does a child of God do in the face of continued concern and disruption of our lives?  How do we react when the world around us seems to be falling apart?  Trusting Jesus, I will seek to push on and to serve my Lord.

 

A Child of God, Continuing to Serve My Lord in a Time of Chaos,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      St. John News:

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS THIS SUNDAY

o   Classes begin on Sunday at 9:45 for children of all ages, from birth through adulthood.

 

o   ADULT CLASSES –

§  “We want to see Jesus” – Taught by Pastor Schultz in the Fellowship Hall.

 

§  “Basic Teachings of Scripture - Adult Membership Class” – Taught by Pastor Jonathan Rockey in the library.

 

·       “Choose To Be Different” – This is the title our congregation chose for our effort to intentionally grow as disciples of Jesus and to openly deal with our congregational mortgage debt.  There are many opportunities coming for growth and for acting together as God’s family at St. John.  These opportunities include:

o   Special Guest Preachers

§  On Sunday, September 12. Pastor Tony Schultz of Anchorage Lutheran Church will share God’s Word in worship.

§  On Sunday, October 3, District President, Rev. Dr. Paul Linnemann will preach for our worship services.

 

o   Special Bible Classes

§  On Sunday afternoon, September 12, at 4:00 p.m., Pastor Tony Schultz will lead an all-congregation Bible Study.  Bring your Bibles.  Door prizes will be given, and snacks and child care are available.

 

§  On Sunday afternoon, October 3, at 4:00 p.m., President Paul Linnemann will lead an all-congregation Bible Study.  Bring your Bibles.  Door prizes will be given, and snacks and child care are available.

 

P.P.S. Here are some personal pictures from the past week.

·       My sister, Martha Reaves, and her husband, Mark, have been in town for 2 weeks.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/qVN7ZWuVB5rramQs5

 

·       In spite of much rain and higher rivers, I did go fishing with my brother-in-law, Mark, on Friday, September 3.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mAwQT9TiSvr1CwwY8

 

 

 

*****

 

            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

 

 

Choosing to Be Different, A Follower of Jesus, in the Way I Speak

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I’ll be leading worship on Wednesday, September 8, so I was looking ahead at the Bible readings assigned for that service.  The Epistle lesson assigned for that day is James 3:1-12.  In this reading God inspired James to write these words about how Christians are to speak about others.  “8 . . . 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 3:8-10) Obviously, the people in the congregation to which James was writing were involved in gossip and slander.  He points out that this is not how Christians should act.  James’ reasoning is that everyone is created by God, so we should treat them as such, including in the way we speak.  (See also James 2:19-20.)

 

On August 31 and September 1, I attended a meeting of leaders of our church body from the various regions in the northwest.  Among the obvious topics of discussion was the COVID pandemic facing the people in our country and around the world.  We discussed the impact of this virus in our churches.  Together we shared what we have learned, and the unique challenges this disease has brought to God’s people.  Sadly, more than one person shared about division exhibited among God’s people in confronting this illness.  One leader said, and I paraphrase, “If someone makes a statement about what we should do in regard to this virus, almost immediately there are two sides which are dug in.  People in one group look at the other, not just like they disagree with the other group’s ideas, but like they are contemptible for even thinking those things.”  It sounds like the advice of James about treating one another as children of God is not always being heeded in today’s Christian congregations. 

 

Such confrontational conversation is also taking place in our broader communities, and not just concerning COVID.  It seems that civil discourse about important issues has disappeared.  Instead of listening to one another, my impression is that people first make accusations.  Sadly, God’s people also behave in this way.  So, in churches and in our society, we are divided.

 

Jesus gave good direction about speaking with someone we feel has wronged us.  "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)  Instead of talking ABOUT someone else, Jesus says speak TO them, privately.  This advice is wisdom from our Lord.

 

God also inspired St. Paul to write concerning Christian conversation, “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)  Following this direction from God is not as easy as it sounds.  It can be easy to share the truth in an unloving manner.  We can seek to be kind, and in so doing, refrain from the pain of the truth.  But, God calls us to lovingly speak the truth.

 

In fact, Peter wrote about how Jesus spoke as He sacrificed His life to pay the debt of our sins, including our sins of unloving speech.  “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.” (1 Peter 2:21-23)  Through suffering and dying for us, Jesus calls us to believe in and to follow Him.  If we believe in Jesus as our Savior, if we are followers of Christ, Peter says that His example includes how we speak.  If we follow our Lord we don’t lie or deceive.  We do not retaliate when insulted.  We trust our heavenly Father to bring His wisdom and justice into our lives.  You can see that how we treat and how we speak about one another is not so much about what to do in regard to COVID.  How we treat and how we speak about one another is about following Jesus. 

 

St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer has begun a new effort and emphasis to grow disciples of Jesus and to deal with our congregational mortgage debt.  The large committee leading this effort has chosen the title, “Choose to be Different.”  God’s children at St. John want to follow Jesus in a world which walks to a different tune.  The people of St. John want to let the light of Jesus shine through our words and our lives.  If we speak to and with one another in truth, lovingly, trusting our Lord to act in love and wisdom and justice, then we are choosing to be different.  We are choosing to follow the one who amazingly sacrificed His life for us. 

 

So, how are you doing?  Are you loving others as fellow human beings created by our Heavenly Father, including in the ways you speak to them and about them?  I appreciate the theme, “Choose to be Different.”  I want to speak the truth in love, loving and respecting fellow children of God.  How about you?

 

A Child of God, Choosing to Be Different, A Follower of Jesus, in the Way I Speak,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      St. John News:

·       “Choose To Be Different” – This is the title our congregation chose for our effort to intentionally grow as disciples of Jesus and to openly deal with our congregational mortgage debt.  There are many opportunities coming for growth and for acting together as God’s family at St. John.  These opportunities include:

o   Special Guest Speakers

§  On Sunday, September 12. Pastor Tony Schultz of Anchorage Lutheran Church will share God’s Word in worship.

§  On Sunday, October 3, District President, Rev. Dr. Paul Linnemann will preach for our worship services.

 

o   Special Bible Classes

§  On Sunday afternoon, September 12, at 4:00 p.m., Pastor Tony Schultz will lead an all-congregation Bible Study.  Bring your Bibles.  Door prizes will be given, and snacks and child care are available.

 

§  On Sunday afternoon, October 3, at 4:00 p.m., President Paul Linnemann will lead an all-congregation Bible Study.  Bring your Bibles.  Door prizes will be given, and snacks and child care are available.

 

·       Family Promise – Volunteer requested – Family Promise – Volunteer requested – This ministry with other Christian congregations to homeless families is part of the way that St. John works to bring God’s love into the community.  For many years Melanie Kopperud and Kirsten Nelson headed up this ministry for St. John, but a number of years ago Kirsten and her husband moved to McCarthy.  Melanie is looking for help. 

Melanie will be out of town for a while this fall and winter.  We do have 3 folks who have offered to help.  Melanie is also looking for a co-coordinator.  If you can help please call Melanie, or the church office and let us know.  Then we might have more leaders for this ministry of mercy.

 

P.P.S. Here are some personal pictures from the past week.

 

·       I had a church meeting in Portland, Tuesday and Wednesday.  I went to Portland on Monday to be able to function in Tuesday’s meeting.  Kathy came with me and we arrived early and visited Lincoln City, OR. Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/MiR9qGgaEE5hbyEo6

 

·       I did have 2 fishing trips in the last week.

 

o   On Wednesday, August 25, we had a special day on the Little Su.  Members of the Northwest District Board for Lutheran Hour Ministries, along with Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, the Lutheran Hour Speaker, and his son Titus wanted to go fishing. Since there were 10 visitors, we hired the best (in my opinion) local fishing guide, Andy Couch from Fish Tale River Guides. Members of local Lutheran congregations paid for the guide fees. Pastor George Rakos, came along to help the fishermen. Pastor Tony Schultz drove folks around in the Anchorage Lutheran Church van. Pastor Greg Heidorn, from Faith, Homer, organized the meeting of the LHM Board in AK. Thrivent Financial provided lunches.  There were 4 fishermen in Andy's boat, and 5 in my boat. After the fishing trip, Kathy Rockey prepared a meal for the group, along with help from members of St. John Lutheran.  Of the 9 fishermen, with a possible total limit of 18 fish, we brought home 17 SILVER SALMON! It was a good day for Exploring Alaska and Discussing Ministry Opportunities!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/F4Av3x94RkPk93789

 

o   On Sunday, August 29, we took a fishing trip after worship.  My brother in law, Mark Reaves is visiting with my sister, Martha.  Also, my son, Josh, and his two boys, Jake and Henry came along.  Jake caught this silver.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jouAMbPaRXBWedjz7

 

 

*****

 

            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