Thankful that I am Not in Charge - GOD is Ruler and Lord!

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Tuesday, October 25, I was visiting in the home of one of the members of St. John.  I have known the person I visited for over 30 years.  This member has been in ill health, but is greatly improving, and I was checking on them, praying with them, and bringing the Lord’s Supper.  As we visited, I asked this child of God about their children.  As pastor, I have known this person’s children and watched them grow.  The answer I was given shared some wisdom.  After they shared a few details I was told, “I’m not in charge!  When they were younger I was in charge.  Now I love them and pray for them.”

 

This response was wise for a number of reasons.  In regard to parenting, we share our faith and our values with our children primarily when they are young.  Hopefully, parents can plant the seed of faith in the hearts of their children when children are growing up.  We pray that the seeds of God’s love and His Word grow and bear fruit in the lives of our children as they mature as children of God when they leave home, and as they live their lives as adults.  However, while parents can still share their opinions with grown children, if parents seek to force their children to certain choices when the children are adults, the children can resent their parents.  The parents can lose the opportunity to influence and speak to their children.  The wisdom in this member’s words are that a parent seeks to influence when they have responsibility for their children, but when the children become adults the parents pray that God would be the one guiding their loved ones.  Personally, I need to keep learning this lesson of wisdom.

 

The wisdom of this member’s response is not only true for parenting.  There are situations in life that concern us, but where we can only do so much.  For example, our country currently faces political unrest.  In addition, a pandemic is greatly changing our lives in many ways.  Also, traditional churches are struggling.  What can we do?  We can vote and respectfully express our opinions about what is good for our community.  We can make responsible choices in regard to the illness ravaging our world.  We can serve and give of ourselves faithfully to expand the mission and ministry of God’s church in our home congregations.  But, our best efforts do not always yield the results we desire, nor the results we think are best.  In fact, if you think the world is in bad shape now, I can tell you it would be in worse condition if I was in charge!

 

However, there is someone who is in charge, who is Ruler and Lord of all.  In the assigned Gospel Lesson for October 17, Jesus taught His disciples, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."  (Mark 10:27)  So, as children of God we seek to live faithfully, but we also understand there are areas of life where “We are not in charge.”  Therefore, we pray, and let God be God.  We pray for God to act in His power, and love and wisdom. 

 

Human beings do not like to admit that there are areas where we are powerless.  But, we are sinful, and Jesus is the Lord of all.  Because of our sin we are powerless even and especially when it comes to our eternal destiny.  But, we can and do trust in God’s grace in Jesus.  That is why Paul writes in Ephesians 2, “1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved.”  (Ephesians 2:1-5).  We were dead in our sins, and we are powerless to gain eternal life.  But, where we are powerless, where we are not in charge, God who is all powerful, who is loving, and who is merciful, God is Ruler and Lord!  God acted in power and in love to save us in Jesus!

 

What does a child of God do when we face problems and challenges in life where, if we are honest, we know we have limited ability to change the situation?  We admit that we are not in charge, but we know the one who is.  We live faithfully, and we pray.  We trust the one who saved us in Jesus to see us through life’s trials.  We trust the Lord of all to work His good even when we cannot see good in the situation.  Yes, “I am not in charge” . . . but I know the One who is!

 

A Child of God, Thankful that I am not in Charge, God is Ruler and Lord!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      “Choose to Be Different” Banquet

·       THANK YOU – The “Choose to Be Different” Banquet on Sunday evening, October 24 was a joyful event of fellowship and an opportunity to consider serving God with our whole lives.    About 75 people enjoyed times of sharing and entertainment.  Thanks to all on those who served on the committee, and who organized and provided the banquet.  The banquet was served by St. John member, Rebecca Kopperud and her event planning business.  The meal was paid for anonomously by a St. John member.  Again, THANKS to all.

 

·       A Prayer Vigil is planned for S.t John this Friday evening, October 29, from ­­­­­­­­­­­3:00-9:00 p.m.  There are people signed up for all slots.  However, if you have not signed up to participate, but would like to do so, please call the church office at 745-3338 and let them know you plan to participate.  Actually, when we spend time in prayer God always blesses our faith.

 

P.P.S. This past week, in addition to serving at St. John, I traveled to Funny River Community Lutheran to lead worship on Sunday, October 24.  I have led worship and preached at Funny River about once a month during 2021, along with preaching and serving at St. John.  I did not do any fishing, but I did see some more beautiful Fall scenery and wildlife.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/e2H3kfWZC3LN5wXBA

 

*****

 

            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 Hymns of Faith that Touch My Heart, Soul, and Mind, and Those of God's People

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

One of the tasks of ministry I really enjoy is visiting the people of God.  When, as pastor, I have visited people in their homes, or in the hospital, in a nursing home or an assisted living facility, I pray that they are blessed as I bring them God’s word and prayer, and perhaps communion.  I know that sharing God’s grace with others is a blessing to me and to my faith.  The people of God always have something special to offer.

 

On Friday, October 15, I visited a number of St. John members, including Marilyn Grasser in the Palmer Pioneer and Veterans Home.  St. John has two folks who are residents at the Pioneer Home at this time.  The St. John pastors try to visit our home bound people monthly, but unfortunately, because of COVID restrictions, we have not always been able to visit in the last year or so.

When I arrived in Marilyn’s room last Friday, she was in bed asleep, looking like she was failing.  I had seen Marilyn in August, but she looked like she had lost more weight.  I touched Marilyn on her shoulder and she looked at me and smiled, knowing who I was.  I asked her, “Would you like me to give you communion?”  Marilyn has had some hearing issues and she responded, “You know that I love music.”  That was not the response I was expecting, but I responded to her request and I sang. 

 

First, I sang 2 verses of “Amazing Grace” to Maryilyn. 

Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind but now I see.

 

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we’ve first begun.

 

Marilyn smiled and thanked me so I sang a verse of “The Old Rugged Cross” to her.

            On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff'ring and shame;

            And I love that old cross Where the dearest and best, For a world of lost sinners was

slain.

            So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down;

            I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown.

 

I saw Marilyn’s response and felt that God was reaching something inside her, so I sang the next song, “How Great Thou Art.”

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, Consider all the works Thy hand hath made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed; 

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

 

Marylyn was enjoying the singing, so I sang one more song with her current health in mind, “Abide with Me.” 

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

 

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to

the skies.

Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide

with me.

 

On Monday, October 18, I received a phone call from Peggy Mulligan, who is the daughter of Marilyn.    Peggy lives outside, and the Pioneer home had called Peggy to tell her that her mom was not doing well.  She asked if I could visit.  I was pleased to be able to share with Peggy about my visit with her mom on Friday.  I plan to get by again and visit some more.

 

There is something heart-moving about the great hymns of God’s church.  The words of these hymns speak the truth of God’s Scripture to our lives.  The tunes touch not only our heads, but also our heart and soul.  No wonder there is an apocryphal saying from Martin Luther, “He who sings, prays twice.”

 

When a child of God hears the great and familiar hymns of faith, and when their faith is strengthened, and that faith gives them comfort as they face eternity, such faith and comfort is a blessing for these children of God.  Such faith and comfort is also a blessing to those around them.

 

A Child of God, Thankful for Hymns of Faith that Touch My Heart, Soul, and Mind, And Those of God’s People!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      “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 St. John members and Friends are invited and encouraged to attend this celebration.

PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 907-745-3338 TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THE BANQUET IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO!!

 

P.P.S. Kathy and I hosted friends, Rev. Rick and Kristi Armstrong for the last couple of weeks.  Pastor Armstrong presented at the Fall LCMS Pastors’ Conference, October 4-6.  On Wednesday, Pastor Tony Schultz, Pastor Armstrong, and I golfed at Palmer Golf Course, in the cool weather.  Here are some pictures of our journeys and travels.

·       Here are two golf pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RR3t5ACNuXqj5KTeA

 

·       Here is an album of our visit from the Armstrongs.  Some of these pictures you may have seen before.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/aHrrdyo6JF2Z7sDk6

 

·       Here are some more Alaskan Fall Pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/JW1hVWVKkdWow1xy5

 

 

*****

 

            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

 

 

Who do You Listen To? Trust? Follow?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

My personal devotions this past week started me thinking sadly about the repeated failure of God’s people.  Included in my readings on Monday, October 11, was the section of Scripture which describes the behavior which led God to allow the Assyrians to conquer the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C, and bring these people into exile. Please read with me God’s word in 2 Kings 17:35, 40-41. “35 When the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: "Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them. . . 40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the LORD, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.” (see also 2 Kings 18:9-12)  Time and again the people of Israel turned away from God.  Time and again the Lord warned them through His word, through the prophets.  But, as verse 40 says, “They would not listen.”  Does that sound familiar?  Are there instances in our world where people make gods, or give their allegiance, to something or someone other than the true Lord?  Does it concern you that the behavior of Israel also seems to be a description of our world today?

 

Part of my stream of thought then led me to re-examine some verses from the book of Revelation which talk of the hard-heartedness of people, leading to God’s judgment.  In Revelation 16 we read, “8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. 9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. 10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony 11 and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.”  (Revelation 16:8-11).  In this description of end times, the people of the world turn from God.  The Lord sends plagues to help people see the error of their ways, and to turn them to the Lord of all.  But, God’s Old Testament people refused to listen.  The people in Revelation also refuse to repent.  Does that sound familiar?

 

How does that apply to the world we live in today?  Does it seem to you the world today refuses to listen to God, or follow Him?  It seems that way to me.  But, . . . there is a lurking danger in such thinking.  God’s children can look at the failures around them.  We can consider the sins of others, but then forget our own feet of clay. 

 

God moved Paul to write about his ‘journey through life as a child of God.’  In the book of Romans, written to teach a congregation which Paul had not yet visited, he confessed his own struggle.  “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-- this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19) The people of the Old Testament knew God’s law, but did not listen.  God called the people of Revelation to repentance, but they did not repent.  Yet, Paul, even “wanting to do good”, also “keeps on doing the evil he does not want to do.”  What Paul is really confessing is his own struggle and failure to listen to God and follow Him.  Paul confesses His need for a Savior. 

 

People of all time have needed a Savior.  We don’t need someone to save us from the injustice of the world around us as much as we need to be saved from ourselves.  Thankfully, God gives us exactly what we need in Jesus.  Paul not only discusses his struggle, but also shares God’s deliverance. “24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God-- through Jesus Christ our Lord!”  (Romans 7:24-25)  Because we sin and fail God sent His Son.  Even knowing our sin Jesus loved us.  Jesus came to this world to forgive us because we cannot save ourselves.  God delivers and saves us in Jesus. 

 

Yet, our need for God’s Savior, reveals another danger in today’s troubled world.  In the midst of all the trouble of today’s world, many voices give conflicting direction.  One bit of advice I hear again and again is this. “Trust yourself.  Trust your heart.” But, if we sin and fail, should we trust our sinful hearts for direction?  Who do you trust?  Do you trust yourself, knowing that the heart of sinful people takes them away from God?  Or, do you trust the Lord who loves you, who gave His Son for us?  Do you trust the one who died to forgive your sins and who rose to give you new life?  Do you perhaps test your thoughts and feelings by comparing them to the loving direction God gives in His Word?

 

Personally, God’s saving love for me in Jesus leads me to want to trust Him, not myself.  God’s saving love for me in Jesus leads me to study His word and follow His direction.

 

How about you?  Who do you trust more, your own judgements and feelings, or our Creator, our Savior, and His Word of love and truth?  That is an important question in today’s troubled world.  The answer can make a difference for each of us in this world, and for each of us eternally.

 

A Child of God, Asking, Who Do You Listen to? Trust? Follow?

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      Here is some St. John News.

 

• There is a prayer vigil at St. John on Friday, October 13, as part of the “Choose to Be Different” campaign.  You may call the church office at 907-745-3338 to sign up.

·       “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 invited to attend and celebrate God’s goodness in our midst.  Please sign up in the church office or in the back of church.

 

P.P.S. Kathy and I have been hosting friends, Rev. Rick and Kristi Armstrong for the last couple of weeks.  Here are some pictures of our journeys and travels.

·       On October 7 we drove up the Glenn Highway and viewed the Matanuska Glacier and the wonder of God’s creation.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ejc9yRaXTQuKsPyc7

 

·       On October 8 we took a snowy walk in Hatcher Pass.  Here is one picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/V9T35Gof87CAS8we7

 

·       As I mentioned last week in my devotion, I started college in August of 1971 with Pastor Rick and Kristi Armstrong, and with Pastor Tony Schultz.  The Armstrongs, Schultz’s, and Rockey’s ate supper together on Friday, October 8.    https://photos.app.goo.gl/2cdFRuV5MbgvT56x7

 

·       We visited the Alaska Sea-Life Center in Seward, AK, on October 11.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/hwkt3YZ884KU1rFQ8

 

·       On October 12 we drove home from the Kenai Peninsula and saw beautiful views on a nice fall day.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/fWMHAMaFnxhcGHcX7

 

*****

 

            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

 

 

“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a)

Thankful for God's Gift of Friends, for my Best Friend, Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Friday, October 1, long time friends, Rick and Kristi Armstrong, flew to Alaska and are staying and visiting with Kathy and with me.  In August 1971 Rick and Kristi started school with me at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas. Pastor Tony Schultz from Anchorage Lutheran Church was also part of that class.  So we have now known each other for over 50 years!  Rick and Tony and I graduated from Concordia Seminary in May 1979.  Kristi and Kathy graduated from Lutheran School of Nursing in May 1977. 

 

Rick and Kristi introduced Kathy and me during our time of attending school in St. Louis.  When Kathy and I were married in Memphis, TN, in 1977, Rick was my best man and Kristi was a bridesmaid, who made our wedding cake.  I served as a groomsman or best man in both Rick and Tony’s weddings.  And they were both asked to serve in Kathy’s and my wedding.  Tony and Rick and I have served as pastors and in the Lord’s church for over 40 years, and we have visited each other in the various  places we lived and served around the country.  What I am saying is this: I have some really good friends!

 

God inspired Solomon to write about friends in Proverbs 18: 24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The older I grow the more thankful I become that I have friends, friends who stick close, friends who listen, who encourage, and who help.  I am also thankful for a close, loving family.  Many people I know do not have loving family, nor close friends. God has blessed me with both family and friends.  Thank you, Lord! In fact, even though Pastor Schultz and Pastor Armstrong and I have known each other for over 50 years, longer than I have known my wife, I also have made other really good friends in Alaska, and other places in God’s church.  What a blessing God has given! 

 

However, our best friend really is Jesus.  Listen to Jesus’ words in John 15:15-17. “15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”  If my earthly friends listen, I can go to Jesus in prayer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You have heard, “You can’t pick your family, but you CAN choose your friends.”  Jesus chose us!  If other friends encourage, correct, and strengthen us, I can trust my Lord to be even more faithful and helpful in His friendship.  Also, my friend, Jesus, calls me to be a friend.

 

But please consider, a real friend does even more. A true friend will sacrifice and give of themselves to help you.  Jesus teaches, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15: 13)  Therefore, Jesus is our greatest friend.  Our Lord did lay down His life for us, suffering and dying on the cross to pay the debt for our sins.  Jesus died so that we might have eternal life by God’s grace, through faith that Jesus died and rose for us.  Jesus is my best friend!

 

My really good earthly friends and my family know Jesus.  That does not mean that a person who does not know Jesus can’t have friends, or be a friend.  But, when we know the one who lived for us, who died for us, and who rose for us, we can be better friends to one another.  We have a guide as we help, correct, and encourage each other.  We have one who has sacrificed for us, enabling us to give ourselves for those we care about.

 

Do you have friends?  Do you know Jesus?  Are you a friend?

 

A Child of God, Thankful for God’s Gift of Friends, For my Best Friend, Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.      Here are two pictures of Rev. Dr. Rick Armstrong, Pastor Tony Schultz, and myself at the LCMS Fall Pastor’s Conference, October 4-6 in Whittier.  Next week I will share a picture that includes our wives! J  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dL8JWD9LGTPSvmFB6

 

P.P.S. Here is some St. John News.

 

• 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.

·       “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.

 

P.P.P.S.  I did not go fishing, but here are some Fall pictures.

·       Here is a map from a hike along the Matanuska River on Saturday, October 2.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NYnUwRDrSip2U8Fv7

 

·       Here are some pictures from a trip to Hatcher Pass on October 4.  Friend, President Paul Linnemann, was also with us.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/rL91QK9N3SNhbFAQ6

 

·       Here are some fall pictures from Whittier and the Pastors’ Conference, October 4-6.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mah4xsLP9ua7Ftcy9

 

 

*****

 

            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