Hopeful in Anticipation for Time With My Lord Each Morning

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

In the south, especially in small towns, I see many interesting roadside signs, signs which often bring a smile to my face.  While recently driving through the small town of Newberry, FL, the sign at First Baptist Church read, “Prayer – How We Speak to God.  The Bible – How God Speaks to Us.”  Do you ever long to hear the voice of God speaking to you?  Do you need direction? Comfort? Assurance?  God does speak, and He is speaking to you today . . . in His Word.

 

Do you follow the practice of personal daily devotions?  In some way I have tried to follow this discipline since my high school years.  Often I considered myself unsuccessful in my attempts to listen to God by spending time daily with Him.  I would set goals, such as reading through the Bible in a year. But I’d fail.  I would get behind one day, and then behind two days, then a week, or a month.  And then I would give up, for a while at least.  Sometimes I was more successful than at other times in accomplishing my goals. But, somewhere along the way I would fail again.

 

However, through all my failed attempts at daily devotions, as I tried and I struggled, I came to a couple of realizations.  First of all, when I did begin my day in Bible reading and prayer, those days just seemed to go better.  Even if trouble arose, I had a peace and assurance to face my troubles with the presence and the love of my Lord.  Second, I came to understand that, even if I failed in my personal goal of being in God’s Word every day, my whole week was blessed by the days when I did begin with devotions.  I realized that, even if I only spend personal time with my Lord every other day, that is still 180 times more each year than if I spent no time in personal Bible reading and prayer at all.  Even if I only found time once a week to read my Bible and go to my Savior in prayer, that was still 52 more times each year than if I spent no time in personal Bible reading and prayer at all. 

 

With these two realizations, I developed an attitude of not so much trying to meet my own goals, but of wanting to be with my Lord and Savior, and knowing that I needed my Lord’s presence and blessings each day.  Because I wanted to be with God, I became more faithful.  For perhaps the last 30-35 years, my time in devotions has been very regular.  And, somehow, I have reached my personal goals of reading and praying for at least 25-30 years.  For the next couple of weeks, I want to share with you some lessons and blessings I have received from my personal devotions, and perhaps encourage you to follow this practice as well, just in case you are not already doing so.  God is faithful with His children.

 

For example, two weeks ago I was reading in my current devotional from Genesis 25 and 26.  As Isaac and Ishmael bury their father, Abraham, we hear about these two men, whose mothers were at odds with one another.  We are told of Ishmael and his sons, “17 Altogether, Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. 18 His descendants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the border of Egypt, as you go toward Asshur. And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.” (Genesis 25:17-18 NIV)  Ishmael and his family sound somewhat ominous and threatening.  But, right away in Genesis 26 we hear of God’s promise and blessings to Isaac.  “2 The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, ‘Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. 3 Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.’” (Genesis 26:2-4) 

 

I learned that, in response to a possible cause of fear for Isaac from Ishmael, God gives His promise and blessings to assure Isaac.  In fact, God is with Isaac for more than just Isaac’s relationship to Ishmael.  God is with Isaac into eternity, in ways that bless the whole world, in ways that bless you and me.  Then in the devotional writing which follows the Scripture reading, the writer pointed out from this reading, “That promise and its fulfillment in the cross of our Lord Jesus . . . gives peace and meaning to our daily lives and hope for our eternity.”  With that peace and meaning of God in my life, I then was able to face the day, as we were newly arrived in Florida.

 

Paul tells Timothy, “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) Knowing that God uses holy Scripture to “make me wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus,” and knowing that in His Word God “equips me for every good work,” I look forward to time with my Lord every morning. 

 

How often do you spend time with your Lord in Bible reading and prayer?  Are you experiencing the blessing of having God speak to you daily?

 

A Child of God, Hopeful in Anticipation for Time With My Lord Each Morning,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Over the years I have used MANY different resources for personal devotions.

·       Currently I am using the “Today’s Light Bible” from Concordia Publishing House.  This Bible will lead a person through Scripture in one or two years, with introductions each day to help a person focus on what they will read, and with meditations at the end on a key thought from the readings.

·       The last two years I used a resource for pastors and church workers (and I am sure all Christians) called, “For All the Saints.”  This four volume resource begins and ends with prayers.  There are daily Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings, and the writing of a famous Christian as devotional writing each day.

·       I have read and used a number of times “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers.

·       I have used materials from Navigators in Colorado Springs for daily devotionals.

·       I have used Portals of Prayer from Concordia Publishing House.  However, that is what my wife and I now read together, when we remember to do so, after supper.

·       I regularly read devotions which come by e-mail from Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer and from President Jerry Kieschnick.  I can share those links with you if you wish to receive them.

·       I have used devotions from LAMP, From Lutheran Hour Ministries, and the Red Letter Challenge books suggested by St. John recently.

·       I have simply read through the Bible in English, or the New Testament in Greek, on no specific schedule, reading until I am finished.

I have also used many other materials.  I encourage you to find devotional materials which can help you spend time with your Lord each day.

 

P.P.S.  In my recreational time, I try to golf as well as fish.  On Thursday, January 26, Kathy and I drove north about 40 minutes north to Lake City, FL.  There is a BIG fabric and quilt shop there.  So Kathy shopped while I golfed.  The couple with whom I golfed told us about a local restaurant.  When we arrived at the restaurant we found they had a special on raw oysters, for $1.00 each!  J  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/tpX4434eXvcFvVB3A

 

P.P.P.S.  We have recently experienced a warm spell in Florida.  I saw water temperatures rise from 59 degrees two weeks ago, to 67 degrees on Monday, January 30.  With wind and fish not biting much, I didn’t get out as often as I planned.  But, I have been fishing twice.

·       On Saturday, January 28, my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves, and I fished on the Suwannee River. The water was the LOWEST I have ever seen it.  But we did catch fish.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/csUbrVwTSCiLeqPv7

 

·       On Monday, January 30, I fished at Rodman Reservoir.  The day had it’s challenges including breaking a pole, having the rope break on my trolling motor, wearing out my battery with the live well, and even falling into the water as I led my boat onto my trailer by rope.  But, I did catch fish, and kept 3 nice ones, 13 ½”, 14”, and 18”!  Maybe we’ll have a fish fry again this year.  J  I also saw eagles and other birds, a river otter, a raccoon, and other wildlife.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/J2Ha7UqzGdmiARdK6

 

P.P.P.P.S.  On Wednesday, January 25, I did something I haven’t done since high school, in the early 1970’s.  I went by myself to a University of Florida men’s basketball game and watched the Gators play the University of South Carolina.  Here are pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XMwQQXzntH9CjqjPA

 

*****

 

 

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 3:1 a)

 

 

Believing There is a Right and a Wrong in the World, and it Come from God

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Saturday, January 7, I taught 12 elementary children at St. John Lutheran in a class about serving as an acolyte, or as a candle lighter in worship.  It was a GREAT group of student acolytes.  But, some were a little inattentive at times, or talkative, even pushing at one another.  So I called them to pay attention.  One parent later asked me, somewhat jokingly, “Aren’t you a grandparent?  Aren’t grandparents supposed to spoil their grandkids and then send them back to their parents to deal with it?”  That is conventional wisdom, isn’t it? I thought and paused a moment before I replied, “Maybe.  But I grew up at a time when there was such a thing as right and wrong.”  You may be surprised at my answer.  Actually, I was also a little surprised.  But, in a world where everything seems acceptable today, I do believe in “right and wrong.”

 

As a Christian, a believer in God, I believe that the Creator and Ruler of the Universe is the one who determines what is right and wrong, what is good and evil.  We can find God’s standard for behavior in The Ten Commandments.  According to Jesus, God’s law is summed up in two commands, or directives.  “30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)  According to Jesus, we are to love God, and we are to love others. 

 

It is not a surprise for me to state that many in today’s world do not appreciate that there are rules or standards which might call their behavior, or call their choices, into question.  We have all said at times, “You can’t tell me what to do!”  But, since The Ten Commandments come from God, many who do not want to be told that there is a standard for our behavior, therefore reject the idea of God, and reject the truth of God.

 

Some think that God’s laws are just rules which forbid us from having fun.  In reality, the commandments show us how to live healthy lives.  If we have a healthy relationship with our Heavenly Father, that is to our benefit.  If we have a good relationship with others in our lives, that is to our benefit.  Therefore, when people understand that God’s law comes from His love for us, that God’s law is a blessing to our lives, then we want to keep His law. 

 

But, here’s the rub.  Guess who was the one who got in trouble the most when he was a kid?  That’s me!!  Guess who today wants to watch his mouth, who desires to keep from unjust anger, to act in humility instead of pride, and who often fails.  Again, that is me.  I fail to love God and love others as I should!  Unfortunately, none of us keep God’s law perfectly.  We actually deserve God’s punishment for our sin against His law. 

 

In our world, our laws are also meant for our good.  If laws work for the good of the citizens of our communities, and if people realize that benefit, people will keep the laws willingly, rather than just to keep from being punished.  Actually, most of the law in western societies can be traced to the standards of the 10 commandments, and these laws are intended to help us live together in our society.  As with God’s law, we also struggle with some of the laws of our culture.  Have you ever been cited for driving too fast?  Or, maybe there are other areas where you struggle, or disagree with the laws of the land. 

 

Therefore, our Lord knows that we need a Savior, THE Savior.  Please listen to God’s surprising plan for people like us who deserve punishment.  ^“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)  We deserve to be punished, yet God sends His Son to save us.  Therefore, God’s love and forgiveness, in the face of our rebellion and our sin, makes me even more desirous of following Him and obeying Him.

 

The law of God gives us direction for a healthy life.  That gives us reason to want to follow His law.  The love of God forgives us for our sin.  The sacrifice of His Son on my behalf, leads us to want to follow the law of our Lord and Savior even more. 

 

Yes, it is true, grandparents do spoil grandchildren at times.  But, what I really want for my grandchildren is what is best for them.  Following the healthy directives of our Creator and our Savior may not be popular in our world, but it is what is best for the world and best or us.  Therefore, I want to follow Jesus.  How about you?

 

A Child of God, Believing There is a Right and a Wrong in the World, and it Come from God.

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Hoping to eat homegrown tomatoes later this spring we planted our tomato plants.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jpwZfYEjSFygyQny9

 

P.P.S.  The water and temperatures have been a little on the cool side or FL.  The fish are not biting much, and in deep water. 

 

·       On Thursday, January 19, the wind was blowing, so I went to a smaller lake trying to hide from the wind.  No fish – 2 bites.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HDekK7Zjwh5eP9P27

 

·       On Monday, January 23, I fished at Lochloosa Lake for the first time ever.  The wind was blowing again.  I had one bite and caught no fish.  But I liked this lake.  I think I’ll return.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LtTU1HY3mYMwuAGi8

 

*****

 

 

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 3:1 a)

 

 

One of Billions Loved by God in Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Early Monday morning, January 16, Kathy and I boarded a plane in in Anchorage.  We had arrived at the airport early, so we had a number of hours for interacting with others, and perhaps for “people watching.”  A person runs into all kinds of folks in an airport, and on a plane. 

 

As we sat down to wait for check in, an Alaskan native grandmother sat next to me.  I greeted her with a simple, “Hello.”  She replied, “Well, I can tell we are back in Alaska.  People are talking to us.”  Then she went on to share their travels of the past month, her age, their history in Barrow, where they lived, and more, for about 15 minutes.  I liked that woman!  I could have sat and talked, or listened for another couple of hours.  But, they left for their plane.

 

A girls’ gymnastic team arrived and waited to check in for their flight.  They re-packed, and laughed, and took selfies, and generally had a good time.  It was an interesting show.

 

At the gate, we sat next to a couple from Wasilla traveling with two Boston terriers to Texas.  The dogs were friendly, and so were the people.  They had just retired and were going south for snowbird opportunities.  We had much in common and had some pleasant time to visit. 

 

Another younger couple sat in our area.  They also raised dogs.  The man shared that he owned 15 dogs at the moment, and was planning to buy two more.  They too were very friendly.

 

There were many other individuals and families in the terminal.  Some of them were friendly as well. But some of the other people were busy, or self-occupied, or obviously troubled, or even sleeping and snoring.

 

Both planes on which we flew were packed full of passengers.  There were no open seats.  At one point in the middle of the night I walked down the aisle. People of various ages and appearance were crammed into the small spaces allowed for seating.  Most were sleeping in various positions.  Some watched videos.  Others talked quietly.  They were a ‘motley’ looking group.  Walking by all these unique individuals it struck me that . . . God loves each of these people. 

 

Our Lord’s words in 1 Timothy came to mind.  “God our Savior,  ⁴  . . . desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  (1 Timothy 2: 3b – 4).  I thought of John 3:16.  "For 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.”  God sent Jesus, God sent HIS SON, for every one of these people.  Jesus came for the family from Barrow, for the gymnastic team, for the couples who shared a love of dogs, for all the folks sitting on the plane.  Jesus even came for me with all my quirks and short-comings.

 

In a world of about 8 billion people we cannot begin to know everyone.  I only interacted with a few of those on the planes we flew.  But, God knows all people, and He loves them.  That gives me guidance as I meet the different people and personalities in our world.  God loves all people, and sent Jesus for them.  I should be open to sharing God’s love as well.

 

A Child of God, One of Billions Loved by God in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  I enjoyed a number of outdoor activities in the past week.

 

·       On Friday January 13, I fished for a short period on Wolf Lake near Palmer, AK.  I started fishing after the sun had set, though there was still a prolonged time of dusk.  However, I had no bites.  Nevertheless, it is always good to get out in the outdoors and fish.  J  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/S9TUxWMgHv3wLUkV8

 

·       On Saturday, January 14, I spent time with son, Josh, and grandchildren, Jake, Henry, and Annie, skiing at Skeetawk ski area in Hatcher Pass.  Again, being outdoors is a blessing, especially with family!  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/FngA3yRsvAGCKZ4Y7

 

·       On Tuesday, January 17, I fished on the Suwannee River in Florida.  The effects of winter were evident.  The lily beds were smaller, and the water was cooler. I had a few bites, caught a few small fish, and enjoyed time outdoors.  Here are a couple of pictures.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/mAQUqs8BbotvRQef8

 

 

 

*****

 

 

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 3:1 a)

 

 

Blessed and Thankful to be A Member of the Family of God!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Tuesday, January 3, I was shopping at our Palmer Fred Meyer store, and ran into many members and friends.  One of those with whom I had a long visit was St. John member, Pat Martin.  Pat was sharing with me her thanks for the St. John congregation.  I shared my thoughts with Pat.  As I read Scripture, I have come to understand the Christian church on earth to be the family of God.  There are no perfect families on this earth.  But I suggested to Pat that any congregation, St. John included, is at it’s best when it lives as “The family of God.”

 

Scripture gives this picture and description of God’s church as family in many verses.  In Galatians 6, Paul instructs the people in the church of Galatia, “9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)  Family, when it is working well, treats one another with kindness and love. 

 

In the same book God identifies us as His children.  “4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”  (Galatians 4:4-6)  Fathers, when acting according to God’s plan, love, protect, and provide.  God gives us the best picture of how a father loves their children, when He sent Jesus.  We are children of the Heavenly Father.

 

In fact, the writer to the Hebrews teaches us that Jesus is our brother.  “10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.” (Hebrews 2:10-11)  Jesus is not only the Son of God, but Jesus is also a man who took on human form to keep God’s law and to pay for our sins with His suffering and death.  Jesus suffered for us, and gave us the kind of love we are called to give one another.  Scripture calls the man, Jesus, our ‘brother.’  Because Jesus is our brother, and because God is our Father, we are brothers and sisters with one another.  We are family!

 

Even if family members disagree, family remains family.  Family rejoices together, suffers together (1 Corinthians 12:26), encourages one another, and loves one another.  We are there for each other.  In the family of God none of us are perfect.  We all struggle with the results of our sin.  But, we rely on our heavenly Father.  God’s family does not ignore the fact of our sin.  But, as family, trusting in our Lord and His Word, we walk beside one another through our struggles, looking to God for direction and help.  When Jesus’ church lives in this manner, it is a blessing.

 

Also, in answer to prayer, St. John Lutheran Church has a new pastor.  In December 2022, St. John called Rev. Jeremy Davis to be it’s new settled pastor.  Pastor Davis and family arrived in Palmer on January 3, 2023.  So, think of this, the Davis’ and St. John are now family.  God is the head of His family.  But, we are brothers and sisters in that household.  In a world that is a mess, what a blessing that we belong to the family of God and that we can share the love of Jesus with one another. What a blessing that we can share the love of Jesus in our community.

 

A Child of God, Blessed and Thankful to be a Member of the Family of God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I enjoyed a number of fishing trips this past week. 

 

·       On Wednesday, January 4, a number of St. John adults took the St. John confirmation classes, and some others, fishing.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/7dh9Zn3dMPcsdLcv6

 

·       On Friday, January 6, I tried a new way to ice fish.  I put up a tent and used Christmas gifts of a heater.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/4nogyrDNHbvbmL2d6

 

·       On Monday, January 9, I went fishing for winter king salmon out of Homer, AK, with friends, Fred Vasilie and Wayne Mize.  Fred was the expert.  We fished off of his boat.  Thanks, Fred!  Mary and Kathy and I enjoyed the fresh king salmon as it it melted in our mouths on Tuesday evening.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/PbiHmUJxe7fHgg8D6

 

 

 

*****

 

 

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 3:1 a)

 

 

Thankful for the Christmas Blessing of Immanuel, 'God With Us' – NOW!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

St. John held Christmas Day worship again this year.  Intentional Interim Pastor, Craig Schultz, carried the heavy load of leading worship for the candlelight services on Christmas Eve.  I had the privilege of leading worship and preaching for the smaller, quieter Christmas Day service, as I had done for the last two years.  When worship was finished and Kathy and I were leaving, I told her that, in addition to the birth of Jesus, the service had given me reason for thanks. 

 

Christmas Day worship usually has a smaller worship attendance than Christmas Eve.  Nevertheless, among those worshiping Christmas Day was Janelle Hankins.  I reminded Kathy that last year Janelle was fighting for her life, on a respirator, in the hospital because of COVID.  Janelle is working through a long recovery. Yet here she was in worship on Christmas Day, with daughter, Hannah.  It brought joy to my heart!

 

In addition, Sara Guhl played piano for the service.  Sara’s daughter, Ellen, has been ill and returned to Alaska to see a doctor.  She had been waiting to find out from doctors the cause of her illness.  Our congregational prayer chain has been praying for Ellen for months.  Thankfully, two days earlier Ellen received a diagnosis from her doctor.  Her condition was identified, and there is treatment which should give her a long healthy life.  God is Good!

 

In addition, present in Christmas Day worship was Kristin Kopperud Stinn.  St. John prayed for Kristin for years because of heart trouble she has suffered from birth. In 2005 we started praying in a different way as Kristin left Palmer to await a heart transplant.  Three and a half years later, in April of 2009, God answered our prayers, and Kristin received her new heart.  Then, here Kristin was in worship on Christmas Day 2022 with her husband, Kevin.  Praise the Lord!

 

As we left worship my heart overflowed, because of the good news of Christmas, AND because God is active in our lives today in the midst of a troubled world.

 

I believe Christians often forget one of the great gifts of Christmas.  We look at the past and the birth of God’s Son, and we celebrate the holy family, we celebrate the angels and the shepherds and the magi.  We look forward to eternal life in heaven when “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

 

But, I believe we often miss the gifts of God in our present lives.  God inspired Matthew to teach us about the events of Christmas, “22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’--which means, ‘God with us.’" (Matthew 1:22-23) On Christmas Day I saw the gifts of Immanuel.  I saw God With Us, in the faces of Janelle Hankins, and Sara Guhl, and Kristin Kopperud Stinn.

 

I praise God that Jesus is Immanuel, and that God is with us right now, in our lives today!

 

A Child of God, Thankful for the Christmas Blessing of Immanuel, God With Us – NOW!

Pastor Jonathan

 

PICTURES - (If you click on these pictures in these links on your screen you get a larger view, with an explanation of each pictures.  J )

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures from the 2022 Rockey Family Christmas gathering (held 1-1-2023).  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VpbdAMd1oXrFuunGA

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures from some beautiful Alaskan Winter Vistas

·       These pictures of alpen glow on the Talkeetna Mountains were taken from the north side of Finger Lake, from the yard of JD and Dena Jeffers’ home.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/yJWQLLHTDcFruiGt9

 

·       These pictures of this moose were taken on Tuesday morning, January 3, around 10:00 at St. John.  Actually, there were three moose in the back yard of the Palmer United Protestant Church.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iJycvdwXThJKpKYA9

 

P.P.P.S.  Pastor Schultz and I went fishing on Thursday December 29.  We caught quite a few fish.  We also had an eagle begging during our whole time on the lake.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/TAsvnjpw1s92GFFP6

 

 

 

 

 

*****

 

 

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 3:1 a)