Whose Family Do I Belong To?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

My daughter, Mary, gave me the gift of an “Ancestry.com” kit for Christmas.  Using this tool has been an interesting discovery into the history of our family.  I knew I was of German ancestry. Through a DNA test I also found out that I have about an equal amount of Scottish blood in me.  As the online program searches public records, grave stones, and pictures, I found that my family on my father’s side immigrated from Germany, primarily from around Hannover, in the mid 1800’s.  But, my dad’s ancestors also include those from Poland and from Switzerland.  On my mother’s side, some of the family came to America from Ireland, England, and Scotland.  But, going back 5 generations, some of my mom’s family were in America in as early as the 1700’s.  I also discovered that family dynamics are not only difficult in our day and time. My ancestors also faced untimely death, divorce, and other challenges.  I knew some of these facts, but I am learning even more as this computer program helps me to dig deeper.

 

I had another surprise.  I did not expect to find many others doing similar research including some of the same people in my family.  Family trees extend a long way.  Some of these fellow genealogy searchers I recognize. But most I do not know.  It seems to me that there is an increase of interest in our family histories in recent years.

 

Did you know that genealogy is not a new phenomenon?  Scripture is full of such lists.  The first one I know of shows up in Genesis 5, listing a line descendants from Adam down to Noah.  But, Ruth 4 gives us a short genealogy showing that Ruth was the great grandmother of King David.  There are many other genealogies in the Old Testament, and both Matthew (Matthew 1:1-17, and Luke (Luke 3:23-38) give us the family line of Jesus. 

 

Following genealogical records can be confusing.  Sometimes birth records, and death certificates, marriage records and gravestones list the same dates, but the names are different, yet similar.  Likewise, Matthew traces Jesus’ heritage back to Abraham.  On the other hand, Luke follows Jesus’ line all the way through Adam, to God.  Therefore, according to Luke, Jesus is the Son of God by flesh.  Yet, according to John 1, and John 3, Jesus was “with God” in the beginning.  He is the “only begotten Son” (John 3:16) of God! 

 

This heritage of Jesus is important to us!  As a man, born of Mary, Jesus kept God’s law for us, suffered and died to pay for our sins, and rose to win victory over sin, death, and judgment.  As God, Jesus’ life shouts to us the love of God, that our Heavenly Father sent His ‘only begotten Son’, to save us.  As God, Jesus was able to accomplish our salvation by doing what sinful and weak human beings cannot accomplish.

 

This Sunday, June 4, at St. John, there are ways in which our family celebrates our heritage.  After late worship, at 12:30 p.m., we will dedicate the St. John Lutheran Pavilion.  The pavilion is named “The St. John Pavilion” because it belongs to this congregation to be used for the glory of God.  However, the pavilion is dedicated to my dad, Robert E. Rockey, who gave the funds which were used to build this tool for ministry. 

 

In many ways my dad was a simple, if faithful man.  He worked as an electrical engineer.  However, his life showed faith in God and love for his wife and children.  I often heard our pastor in Florida say that my dad had served in every office at First Lutheran in Gainesville.  And, my dad’s life and love lives on in his children and grandchildren and others.  Three of his children served as professional church workers.  As his oldest son, I served as full-time pastor for over 40 years, 28 of which were at St. John.  His son, Stephen, served as an LCMS teacher and principal for 20 years.  Our youngest sibling, James, has served as a pastor for 25 years, and is now District President for the Florida-Georgia District.  In addition, my dad’s only daughter, Martha, has served as congregational president in her small Lutheran church, Good Shepherd Lutheran in Chiefland, FL.  Actually, she has served about as long as congregational president as some of her brothers served as professional church workers.

 

You see, I observed that my dad would have traced his lineage and ancestry like Jesus did, all the way back through Adam, to God.  My dad saw himself as a sinner, called to God’s grace to forgiveness and life in Jesus.  My dad lived by grace as a “child of God.”

 

Have you thought about your ancestry?  Do you realize that, from the beginning, you are a child of our Heavenly Father?  Does your godly heritage show in your faith and life?

 

A Child of God, Thankful for My Christian Family and Heritage of Faith!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Please plan to attend the St. John Lutheran Pavilion dedication this Sunday, June 4.  After the short ceremony we plant to serve salmon and brats, cole slaw and macaroni and cheese, cake and watermelon.  J

 

P.P.S.  The St. John Colony Days Picnic is held Saturday, June 10, after the Colony Days Parade.  There are many opportunities to provide food donations or to help with the picnic.  Please consider volunteering or donating if you have not yet done so.

 

P.P.P.S.  The weather has been cool and windy since we arrived back home in AK. So no fishing yet.  But I’m scheduled to take someone fishing this Thursday.  However, we have been working on our yard, and on our daughter’s new house.

·       Here is a picture of new snow on the mountains on May 30.  You see what we have been facing for weather.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/kCrwBAeHPnKAziwa8

·       Our Garden has been planted since May 25.  Here are a few pictures.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/PSRvthpU2Ch3XAhHA

·       The Raspberries are trimmed and weeded.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/P25MX6r88h5uQTkK9

·       The Strawberries are weeded.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/qHpKU8esE29EPvWYA

·       I planted new Apple Trees, and tried grafting the trees damaged by the moose.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VdSsFscQJQVwTT549 

·       I trimmed a previously transplanted Lilac bush.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pVtopJvRA2XQaYYG8

·       Now I’m working on the front flower gardens.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dYhUoq6fXpLnDwBN9

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior  full-time 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. 

        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)

Praying the Blessings of Faith for Others

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I was struck by the words of the Epistle Lesson read in worship at St. John Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 21.  The readings we used in worship that day were those assigned for Ascension Day, the previous Thursday.  Ascension Day is an important, if somewhat forgotten event in the life and faith of God’s church.  I was struck by the prayer which God inspired Paul to write about and to pray for the Christians in Ephesus.  Please consider this prayer with me.  “16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:16-19 a)

 

As I have grown in faith in my Lord, Jesus, and as I have seen His wise and loving answer to my prayers, I pray regularly for many others.  Many of my prayers are for fellow children of God I know through St. John.  I am thankful for God’s presence in the life of His people as we walk through the wilderness trials of this world. I pray God blesses those I pray for whom I pray.

 

The phrase in this reading that caught my attention, which caught my imagination, was verse 18.  “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints”  We think of our eyes allowing us to see physically and to examine the world around us.  I consider that the eyes in my head help me to understand and to think.  But, “eyes of my heart?”  What an unusual description!

 

Perhaps you remember that Jesus quotes Isaiah in teaching about people who see, but do not perceive, who do not understand. (Matthew 13:13-17) Jesus faced such hard hearts in His day, and it still happens today.  Sometimes, even when confronted with the truth of God’s creative power and of our Lord’s saving love for us in Jesus, some choose not to believe.  Perhaps God’s truth does not fit their world view.  Perhaps they do not want a “god” telling them how to live their lives.  Perhaps life has hurt them so badly they cannot believe that God could actually be good.  We pray for ourselves that our heart and soul and mind are open to our Lord, open to God’s wisdom, to Jesus’ saving love.  That is what Paul prays for his friends and fellow family in the kingdom of God.

 

Every morning I pray for my family.  I pray for my wife Kathy.  I pray for my children, Josh, Andy, Mary, and Tim and for those in their lives.  I also pray for my grandchildren, for Jake and Jackson, for Emma and Kendall, for Henry and Annie.  I pray that they live with an active faith in Jesus their savior.  Perhaps I am praying Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints”  When I pray for others who are not blood family, but are members of the family of God, as I ask God’s help and blessings, perhaps it is the same prayer.

 

Think what it means that the eyes of our hearts are open to the hope to which God calls us.  The answer to this prayer means seeing the beauty and the order in the world around me, and knowing that God created this world.  To see the hope to which I am called means knowing and believing that God made me to be the unique, special person that I am.  For the eyes of my heart to be opened to God’s hope means knowing that I have selfishly rebelled and sinned against my loving Lord and Creator, but that He loved me so much that He sent Jesus, because I was lost in my sin.  For the eyes of my heart to be open to the hope to which God calls me means knowing that God is with me through the wilderness trials of this life, and it means that God saves me from judgment and death for eternal life in heaven.  To know this hope changes my whole perspective on life.  When I pray that my family may be active in their lives of faith, I am praying all these blessings, and for a godly world-view and perspective on life.

 

When we see the hope to which God calls us, it changes how we see our world, and our place in the world.  As the angel told Mary, “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

 

Is there something about which you would like me to pray for you?

 

A Child of God, Praying That the Eyes of our Hearts May be Enlightened to Know the Hope to Which God has Called Us,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  We are still getting settled in Alaska after 3+ months in Florida.

 

 

·       I know of no place where the mountains are as beautiful as they are in Alaska.  Here is a view from my porch of mountains lit up by the late evening sun at 10:17 p.m. on May 18. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5JTJG5RBWQcRXZFCA

 

·       We must live in the country.  On Saturday, May 20, as Kathy and I were working on errands, these cows walked through our front yard.  J https://photos.app.goo.gl/yHUafMpwU4NqWnsm7

 

·       We have been helping Mary with her new home.  Here is a moose antler left in a tree.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XdfRcM3NbAZYo93r7

 

·       We are working on our yard.  Here is our garden before tilling.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/4HpbLKjaqJZ9eCCCA

 

·       I did roto-till my garden on Monday, May 22.  Here is the garden before planting.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Jv1hLvKFiaEcrLsb8

 

·       Some flowers are starting to bloom.  Here are some tulips and daffodils, and beginning buds on our rose tree of China.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ysXJwMbrkheFEeoC6

 

P.P.S.  Maybe next week I’ll get to go fishing.  J

 

*****

 

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. 

        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)

Can We Talk? Rather, Can We LISTEN To One Another?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

In my daily devotions on Tuesday, May 16, I was reading through Joshua 22 and rediscovered a strange account.  (There are many surprising stories in Scripture which can cause one to wonder, or to react in sorrow, or in joy.)  When the Israelites had finished taking possession of the land of Canaan, the tribes living on the east side of the Jordan River returned to their homes.  But, these tribes on the east had fears that the Jordan, which separated the tribes geographically, might also separate them in other ways from the rest of Israel, and perhaps hinder their worship of the Lord.  So, in Joshua 22:10 we read, “the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan.”  However, these tribes in the east had not shared their concerns with the Israelites living in the west.  When the tribes on the west side of the Jordan River found out about the altar, they gathered to wage war against their brothers in the east.  The tribes on the west side of the Jordan River suspected idolatry, and did not want to suffer for the sins of their fellow Israelites.  You see, they were not talking with one another.  Ultimately, the tribes on the west sent messengers to the tribes on the east and discovered their fears, and their intent to remain true to the Lord.  This last minute communication prevented a terrible war between God’s children.  Do you see how dangerous it is when people do not communicate their concerns, their faith, their hopes with others?

 

Our country is divided todays in ways I have never previously seen in my lifetime.  People hold deeply divided ideas about what is right and wrong, about how we should live, about what it means to be a citizen of this nation.  A big part of this is disagreement about who God is, and what that means in our lives.  But, part of that division is that people are simply unwilling to talk with others who have different opinions.  We are often willing to talk ABOUT others, but not willing to have a discussion and talk WITH them.  You see, communicating is first of all . . . listening.

 

The Biblical writer, James, inspired by the Lord, wrote these words.  “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19) In conversation with another, how often are we “quick to LISTEN?”  For example, a few months ago I read a report on the internet about a situation in our local schools.  It turns out that the report did include some facts, but the conclusions were extremely slanted.  I was concerned, as a Christian, by what I read and discussed it with some people who knew the situation.  By listening to the whole story I came away with a totally different perspective.  But, perhaps you were also taught as I was, that “a half a truth is really a lie.”

 

In many pastoral classes on counseling I was taught about ‘active listening.’ That means paying attention when another speaks, and repeating back their message before speaking ourselves.  Perhaps such communicating honors what God meant when He led James to write about being “quick to listen.”

 

Unfortunately, when people refuse to listen, they often do what James warned against; they are quick to become angry, and share that anger in their speech.  Angry words lead to angry actions.  Usually an act of violence is first preceded by harsh words.  That is why another directive from God tells us that we should be “speaking the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)

 

I could write a book on what God says in Scripture about healthy communication.  Jesus teaches that the one to whom we should ultimately listen is God Himself.  When communicating truths of God’s kingdom in parables, Jesus often repeated the phrase, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."  (Mark 4:9, Luke 8:8, Luke 14:35)  Are we listening to God?  By the way, Jesus Himself is “The Word of God,” (John 1:1-14) our Lord’s greatest message!

 

If people in our country communicated in healthy ways, “being quick to listen”, and “speaking the truth in love,” there would still be areas of disagreement, but I am convinced that there would be somewhat less division. But, before we can speak truth, we need to hear the truth, by listening to our Lord.

 

Are you listening first of all to God?  Do you listen to others, even those with whom you may have differences?  When you speak, are you speaking the truth in love?  Our world and your life will be a better place if we listen well and communicate the true love of God’s love. God’s truth, by the way, is Jesus.

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Listen to God, Listen to Others, and to Speak in God’s Truth in Love,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  We are still getting settled in Alaska after 3+ months in Florida.

·       Since we arrived home on May 5 we have had multiple issues, including with WATER.

o   I replaced a shower head which was not working well.

o   Our dishwasher stopped working after 17 years.  We replaced the dishwasher.

o   As I was washing dishes after my birthday party, all water stopped flowing in our house.  Jake Griffiin, of Griffin Water, Well, and Pumps found that the points on our pressure tank were corroded.  He cleaned the points.  I feared a large repair and bill!

o   When the 5 gallon jug was placed on the water dispenser in our cabin, the dispenser had a leak, and the jug mostly emptied onto the floor.  We replaced the water dispenser.

 ·       We also have damaged apple trees from the past winter.  We believe moose ate the bark.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Po9HNL7MokMonZuj7

 

• ·       On Wednesday, May 10, we celebrated my 70^th birthday.  Kathy cooked, and about 50 people showed up to visit.  It was a good time.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZgCwjoL4Mwe7Hnmp8

 

·       We traveled to the Kenai Peninsula Thursday, May 11 to Saturday, May 13.  We watched our grandson play baseball, we picked up our dog - Mat, we visited with friends, and we opened our cabin. 

o   Here is a baseball picture, from a game in Palmer. https://photos.app.goo.gl/E6Jhvxw6DdyjkA1x9

o   Here is a picture from our cabin.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jj9NjLGojpFvcXok9

 

P.P.S.  Maybe next week I’ll get to go fishing.  J

 

*****

 

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. 

        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 God's Blessings of Family and Friends, Especially the Blessings of Children and Grandchildren!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Saturday evening, May 6, our family attended the 2023 confirmation banquet at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.  Our grandchildren, Jackson and Emmalee, were confirmed on Sunday, May 7.  Since I knew almost all the people present at the banquet, it was pleasant to visit after having been out of town for over 3 months.  Among others, I spent time catching up with some out of town family for one of the confirmation students. This family from outside heard we had just returned that day from our time in that Florida.  “WHY did you leave Florida for Alaska?” I was asked. Actually, the banquet was not the only place I heard that question.  My golf buddies in Florida asked same thing.  “Why would a person leave the warmth for the cold?”

 

On the one hand, many don’t know and don’t understand the beauty and allure which Alaska holds.  The mountains speak to me.  There are outdoor experiences in Alaska like no other state that I know.  (You know, I DO enjoy fishing and hunting!) And, I actually do enjoy the winter and the snow, at least until April.  Time outdoors during winter with an ice fishing pole in my hand, or a set of skis on my feet, or even riding a snow machine, are activities I truly enjoy.  Nevertheless, I also understand that my wife desires the warmth of Florida during the dark, cold, and windy months in Alaska.  Kathy and I are different in that way.

 

However, there is an even better reason than a change of seasons for why we are in Alaska now – FAMILY!  We do have close family and good friends in Florida.  But, our children, Joshua, Andrew, Mary, and Timothy, along with their families, all live and work here in Alaska.  In addition, in Alaska have really good friends, almost like family, in our church and community.  Kathy and I believe that the warmth of close family is even better than the warm temperatures of a southern state.  The love of people is more important than the beauty of a place.  Relationships are more important than possessions.

 

God teaches us that He intends for family to be a treasure.  One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 127.  Part of that Psalm reads this way about family.  “3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. . .” AND, in addition to our three sons, we also have a daughter whom we love.

 

The book of Proverbs furthers the thought about the blessing of children, and includes the joy of grandchildren.  “Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17: 6)  Kathy and I not only have 4 children, all living within 50 miles of us in Palmer, but we also have 6 grandchildren who all live within five miles of us.  We love our ‘children’s children,’ and we miss them when we are out of state.

 

More than that, Confirmation Day was not just a day with temporal blessings from God.  A day on which a person declares their faith in Jesus also includes spiritual and heavenly blessings.  Consider what Jesus has to say about material possessions compared to spiritual and eternal blessings.  ¹⁹ "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) So, we rejoiced to be present on this day of spiritual and eternal blessings in our grandchildren’s lives as well.

 

I do know and believe that God’s blessings of people are more precious than the things of this world.  But sometimes, like others, I can forget this truth. I can fail to live up to my values.  For example, I took golf lessons in Florida again this year.  So, on Saturday, May 6, when I went to the driving range in Palmer where the temperature was about 50, instead of 85, where it was cloudy and windy, instead of sunny with a slight breeze, where the wind blew my ball across the mat as I tried to hit it, and where the wind blew my clubs over, I will admit to forgetting somewhat about my loved ones and to thinking about the warmth of our Florida home.  I had that thought for a moment at least.  Nevertheless, I continue to believe what I said above, “the warmth of close family is even better than the warm temperatures of a southern state.”

 

An important part of Christian faith is an attitude of thankfulness.  Christians believe that we have sinned against God and against others.  We believe that what we deserve from our Lord for our sin is punishment and death.  Yet, in grace, God forgives us and saves us through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.  God is also with us daily through “Immanuel - God with us,” and through His Holy Spirit.  Knowing that we deserve punishment, yet through faith in Jesus we receive mercy and love, that we receive forgiveness and salvation, how can we not be thankful for these blessings of God??  In this attitude of gratitude, I include being thankful for the people in my lives, for friends, and for family.  I can very easily make a list of God’s blessings of love through family. 

 

How about you?  Has God blessed you through the people in your life, through your family?  Have you given thanks to the Lord for these blessings?  Do you live your values and your thankfulness?  Our Lord will help you in living as He intends us to live.

 

A Child of God, THANKFUL for God’s Blessings of Family and Friends, Especially the Blessings of Children and Grandchildren,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures from 2023 St. John Confirmation festivities for Jackson, Emmalee, and other young people at St. John. https://photos.app.goo.gl/8AaB7Q9wbKSkHPUQ6

 

P.P.S.  We are still digging out of being gone for 3 ½ months.  But, here are some pictures of Florida and Alaska.

·        Here are flowers growing and blooming at our home in FL  https://photos.app.goo.gl/SKB8KavbZTTy3SmHA

 

·       Here are some picture from Alaska on our return.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mHEvEYm2B3nCTPZK9

 

*****

 

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. 

        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)

It's VITAL! It's IMPORTANT - 'The Lord is Your Life!'

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

A number of years ago I had a Christian friend in Alaska who suffered from high blood pressure.  He made the decision to stop taking his medication, and . . . he ended up in the hospital with a stroke.  I cared about this friend, so I tried to impress upon him how vital and important it was for him to take his medicine.  I did not want the situation to get worse. I prayed for his health.

 

As Confirmation Day 2023 approaches for St. John Lutheran in Palmer, I have similar concerns.  Every year I was pastor, in whichever church I served, I looked at the young people committing themselves as disciples to Jesus and hoped they understood just how important Jesus is for their lives in this world, and for their eternal life.  Sometimes this concern gets even more personal, depending on who is confirmed, like when one of my children was confirmed, or grandchildren.  This year two of my grandchildren will stand up and confess their faith. They will share how they want to follow Jesus.  I hope and pray that the words they speak travel from their head to their heart, and that they do understand how important Jesus is to their lives, now and eternally.

 

On Tuesday morning, May 2, I finished reading through Deuteronomy again in my daily devotions.  Deuteronomy is a book of Moses’ last words to the people whom he has led, and prayed for, and struggled with, for 40 years on their journey through the wilderness.  In this book Moses continues to remind the people of Israel of God’s goodness, His grace, and His law.  Moses also reminds the people of their unfaithfulness and disobedience, and tells them that when they stray from God, there are serious consequences.

 

In Moses’ effort to get across to the Israelites just how important their relationship with the Creator and Lord of all is, he speaks these words, hoping and praying to touch their hearts.  “19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) Did you hear that?  “Choose life!”  “The Lord is your life!”  In other words, amidst all the other choices one makes in life, Moses is sharing his heart once again that the most important choice is to respond faithfully to the lordship and the love of God!  That is vital.  It is important.  It’s personal!

 

As grandparents, Kathy and I have purchased gifts for our grandchildren, Jackson and Emma, who are being confirmed on May 7 at St. John.  As with an older grandchild, Jake, we purchased bible covers.  These covers are not as expensive as Jake’s was, so we bought another gift for each of them.  We bought Jackson a study bible, which he did not own personally.  And, we chose a single pearl on a gold chain for our granddaughter, Emma.  (I can share with you that we are giving these gifts because Jackson and Emma do not read these devotions, yet.)

 

I am pleased with both of these gifts we are giving for specific reasons.  Paul was spiritual father to young Pastor Timothy.  As Timothy faced the trials of life, Paul encouraged him, “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)  In other words, it is the Scriptures, it is the Bible, through which God makes a person “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” That is vital.  It is important.  It’s personal!  So, Jackson receives a Bible.

 

As Jesus is telling “kingdom parables” in Matthew 13, He works to get through the distractions of this world to the hearts of those listening.  "45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46) Jesus lived for us. He suffered and died for us. He rose for us that we might receive the kingdom of God.  Through Jesus we receive love and peace and joy in the trials of this world.  Through Jesus we receive eternal life in heaven.  Through Jesus we receive the kingdom of God. Our relationship with our Lord Jesus is the pearl of great price.  It’s vital.  It is important.  It’s personal!  So, Emma receives a pearl.

 

God does not just speak to the people of Israel in the wilderness through Moses. Jesus doesn’t just speak to the people gathered around to hear Him teach.  Paul does not just share this heart-felt encouragement with Timothy.  God is speaking through these verses TO US today.  “19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life!”

 

Have these words of love and life entered your heart?

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Share With Those I Love How Vitally Important Jesus Is!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  We are preparing to return to Alaska, and are spending time with family and friends.

·       On Thursday, April 27, I had one last fishing trip with my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lw9nGrWVRMdVbWaH8

 

·       On Saturday, we held our now annual fish fry.  Even though rain threatened, and did arrive after we prepared to eat, we did have about 35 people attend the fish fry and we had a great time.  I didn’t take many pictures because I was cooking and serving.  However, here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/obGh5zsa6ERCoM1p9

 

·       On Sunday I preached at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL, while Pastor John Glover was out of town.  First Lutheran is home, the church where I grew up in FL, and the place I was confirmed.

 

·       On Monday and Wednesday I spent time with golf friends.

 

·       On Tuesday, we had an afternoon meal with Pastor Bob and Elaine Besalski.  Pastor B. has been my pastor since my family moved from Massachusetts to Florida in 1965.  J  He turns 90 in July.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/DxRxqr9M5duwBq8bA

 

P.P.S.  As we prepare to leave Florida, some things are just coming to life.

·       The birds have found our bird feeder BIG TIME!  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/uHCxEJtwmHxP4LeMA

 

·       Flowers and tomatoes are blooming and bearing fruit.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VAKZF8vUobwUJgmW7

 

P.P.P.S.  I also went fishing one other time at Orange Lake on Friday, April 28, thinking that maybe I needed just a few more fish for the fish fry. (I was wrong . . .again!)  We had 60 bass in the freezer, but we had also invited over 50 people to our home.  However, the wind blew so badly, I could not fish with my trolling motor; it would not push the boat against the wind.  In fact, when I threw in my anchor, it dragged on the bottom in the wind the boat still moved.  I tried hiding behind trees and bushes, but that did not work.  I caught no fish, and took no pictures.  L

 

*****

 

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

        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)