Thank You, Lord! Thank You ALL God’s Faithful Servants!!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Monday, October 23, I went fishing with my brother, James.  I am a pastor in the Lutheran Church, as is James.  In fact, James now serves as District President for the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  So, on their day off, in a boat, on a lake, on a beautiful day, what do you think two pastors discussed?  Of course; we talked about church business.  

 

Our major topic of discussion was relationships in congregations.  We discussed talking with fellow Christians in love and respect.  We talked about how church workers and congregations deal with each other in negative ways, and in positive ways.  But, perhaps the longest discussion revolved around the wisdom of simply saying, “Thank You!”

 

I mentioned to James that Kathy has shared with me that the one thing which has, for her, set good bosses apart from those who could improve their job performance, the one thing which sets good supervisors apart is appreciation for their workers.  James followed up with a story about how his congregation had recognized the good work of their pre-school director.  She was overwhelmed.  James related that she had said, “In 35 years as a Lutheran teacher my dad never received this kind of thanks.”  I could go on how we discussed failures to appreciate others, and the blessings of doing so.

 

Thanks is part of the life of a faithful Christian.  First, of course, we give thanks to God Himself.  Many of the verses in Psalms call God’s people to thankful hearts.  “Give thanks to him; bless his name!  ⁵ For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.  (Psalm 100:5b – 6)  God’s people are called to be thankful, not in order to earn God’s love, but because our Lord IS loving . . . eternally.  Christians realize that this eternal love ultimately points to Jesus who gives us eternal life through His sacrifice on our behalf. 

 

God provides a list of faithful behaviors for His children through the teachings of Paul in 1 Thesslonians 5. “¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)  Notice that verse 18 calls us to “Give Thanks in All Circumstances.”  We certainly thank our Lord for the gift of life.  We thank our Heavenly Father that He provides for us and protects us.  We thank God for His saving love.  But, in addition to thanking our Lord, it is also good to give thanks to others for their faithful service.

 

The danger of publicly thanking one person is that so many others who deserve thanks are forgotten.  But, this week I want to recognize two faithful pastors.  Pastor Bob Besalski has been my pastor since our family moved to Gainesville, Florida, in July 1965.  He has been a faithful shepherd to me and to my family, and an example to me as I serve.  Bob is now 90, and fighting cancer.  But even today he continues to encourage others, and to encourage me, and to encourage James.  Thank you, Bob!  By the way, on Monday, October 23, James gave Bob a certificate of recognition for 65 years of service since his ordination.  Wow!

 

I also want to say “thank you” to another pastor, Pastor Richard Allen.  I first met Dick in 1996 when he came to Alaska to serve at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Wasilla.  Bob Besalski graduated from seminary in 1958.  Dick graduated in 1959.  Dick had experienced a heart attack in the year previous to coming to Alaska, and had then retired from “full-time work.”  But, Dick served Lamb of God with attention to God’s people and faithfulness to Scripture.  And the congregation grew.  He later served at Anchorage Lutheran, and Zion Lutheran Churches in Anchorage when they were without pastors.  Beginning in 1999 Dick served with me at St. John for over 15 years.  Dick had a quiet dignity, and loved God’s people.  He passed away on Sunday, October 22.  I called Dick before we left Alaska.  But, I wish I had said “thanks” to Dick even more than I did.  “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  (Matthew 25:21)

 

God’s plans for His Church to bless His people.  Our Lord intends for the Christian Church to be family, to provide love and encouragement for His children as they live in faith.  A good way to provide such encouragement is a simple “thank you.”  Sometimes it takes growing old to learn these simple lessons.

 

A Child of God, Thank You, Lord!  Thank You ALL God’s Faithful Servants!!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S. On Monday, October 23, after a morning of fishing, my brother, James, and I went to see Pastor Bob and Elaine Besalski.  Both James and I are pastors in the Lutheran Church.  James is District President for the Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS.  Bob was our pastor as we grew up.

            James presented Bob with a certificate from the September President’s Equip / All Workers Conference.  The certificate was recognition that Bob has served as pastor since his ordination for 65 years!  Here is a picture of James presenting the certificate of recognition to Bob in his home.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ARgEca9Gd1YChagL7

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures I have of Pastor Dick Allen.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/yYdfcxBrX3TvJmWVA

 

P.P.P.S.  Even working as Vacancy Pastor, I found time to golf and fish last week. I am supposed to be half-time! Here are some pictures.

·       On Friday, October 20, I went fishing by myself on the Suwannee River.  I caught 3 bass and a couple of mudfish.  Some gators visited the boat as well.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/iJDKRAdMhcpuS16QA   

 

·       On Sunday, October 22, I fished after worship at Rodman Reservoir.  I did not catch any fish, though I did have bites.  However, after a long week, I welcomed some time “beside still waters.” (No pictures.)

 

·       On Monday, October 23, I took my brother, James, fishing on Orange Lake.  We both caught 2 bass.  I caught a very large mudfish.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/TmU5JfRGFJFUave26    

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time 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.  (Currently I am serving as Vacancy Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

        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

        Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

         

 

 

“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)

Facing Loss and Grief With Hope - IN JESUS!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

How does a child of God face grief?  That is an important question in my world right now.  Perhaps we are always dealing with loss in some form or another.  As Vacancy Pastor of First Lutheran Church I recently conducted two funerals.  One of those services was somewhat expected for an elderly person who had been seriously ill for a while.  But, the other death was a sudden and unexpected loss of a young person killed in an automobile accident.  In both cases, the questions are real.  How do we deal with our loss?  How does a Christian face death?

 

On another level there are many who are ill. As the minister in this congregation, I am visiting many.  In addition, on my daily prayer list are over 150 people, most of whom face losses and challenges.  Some of them may recover from their illness or their trials.  But, for some, their life has permanently changed in a way they would not choose.  How does a person face the loss of health? How does a child of God face broken relationships, the loss of the future they had planned and hoped for? 

 

Katherine Kubler-Ross years ago studied and named the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.  When we lose a loved one, when we lose the future we planned for because of illness, or disaster, or change, all of these responses are a normal and an understandable way to react.  So, how DOES a disciple of Jesus work their way through their own gauntlet of loss?

 

In truth, because we live in a world which has rebelled and sinned against its Creator and against its Lord, we should not be surprised at the trials and tears which we experience.  And everyone in this life does face pain, tears, death and mourning.

 

Therefore, none of us know what the next day will bring.  But, . . . there is one thing we DO know.  A Christian does know the love and the deliverance of God!  In 1 Thessalonians 4 God teaches the believers in this city, through the writing of Paul.  “¹³ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. ¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians. 4:13-14)  Please notice that the believers in Thessalonika are not forbidden to grieve.  They are told how to grieve, how to face our trials and losses.

 

God is telling us that we can face the losses of life, the death of loved ones, our own illness, the changes in our world which we do not want, we can face this grief with HOPE.  Our Lord teaches us not to grieve like those who do not have hope.  And, we are reminded that OUR sure hope is Jesus.  We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we do know our eternal future, because of Jesus.  “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

 

We do not know the circumstance tomorrow will bring, but we do know who is with us.  David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm. 23:4)  In the deep, darkness of life, our powerful and loving Lord and Shepherd is right there alongside us!

 

When we face loss in this life, it is painful.  Christians do not have to deny that pain.  Such suffering is part of life in a world separated from the Lord.  But, we can face that pain with the hope we have in and through Jesus, through His death and His resurrection.  We can face our grief because Jesus is by our side.

 

How does a child of God face grief?  We can face our losses differently than the rest of people in our world, because we face all of life with Jesus.  Even in the midst our loss and pain, Jesus gives us hope for today, and hope for eternity.  And,  . . . what a joy it is to share the hope of Jesus with someone who needs and wants that hope in their trials.

 

A Child of God, Facing Loss and Grief With Hope – IN JESUS!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S. I am supposed to be working half time, so I am only in the office 3 ½ days a week.  I am also finding time for golf with friends, and yes time for . . . fishing.  J Here are pictures from two trips this past week to Orange Lake.

·       On Friday, October 13, I took my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves, fishing with me on Orange Lake.  The weather was beautiful.  The weeds, especially the hydrilla, were horrible.  Nevertheless we brought home 2 of the 4 fish we caught.  Here are pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/sWKCLfNUjaKaAwZZA

 

·       After a very busy week, and after worship and teaching multiple classes on Sunday, October 15, I went to Orange Lake again on Sunday afternoon.  The weeds may be bad, but it is the closest fishing hole to our Florida home, and there are a lot of fish.  I found a new place on the lake to throw my bait and I caught 4 largemouth bass which I brought home.  These two fish in this picture are the largest of the fish.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2cwRCEghdK9685eh7

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time 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.  (Currently I am serving as Vacancy Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

        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

        Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

         

 

 

“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)

Finding Peace Through Jesus, EVEN in a World of Sin and Violence!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Last Sunday, October 8, we studied Acts 1 in the Adult Bible Class at First Lutheran Church where I am serving as Vacancy Pastor,.  We went spent time to consider verses 6 and 7 of Acts chapter 1.  ⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ ⁷ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.’”  Think of Jesus’ response to questions about the end times.  Why did he respond that way?  My materials suggested that the question of Jesus’ disciples was distracting them from the task at hand.  “. . . you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8b)

 

Little did I know that while we were in Bible class Hamas was bombing and invading Israel.  Hamas forces attacked people in their homes, killed civilians, raped people, and took hostages.  Then the next day I received a text from a neighbor asking what I thought.  She asked me in a way which seemed to be asking, “Is this a final battle? Is this the beginning of the end?” My response to my friend was to share some words of Jesus from Matthew 24 we had discussed in Bible Class.  “⁵ For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. ⁶ And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. . . . ³⁶ "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. . . ⁴⁴ Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:5-8, 36, 44)

 

My personal reaction to this invasion is sadness, revulsion, and anger.  But, notice I did not say that my reaction is total surprise.  While this attack was unexpected, it has only been a year and a half since Russia invaded the Ukraine, and caused similar devastation.  Here in America we have seen shootings in schools, in malls and theaters.  I could go on.  Unfortunately, history is full of examples of ‘man’s inhumanity to man.’

 

I am sad, for one thing, because these violent acts of aggression steal what little peace we have in this world.  But this world defines peace more as a lack of conflict, than the presence of calm and assurance.  This coming Sunday in churches which use the common lectionary we will read from Philippians 4.  In those verses we will hear God call us. “⁶do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)  In a world with so many reasons for worry, God gives assurance of His love, He gives peace in Jesus! Our Lord gives peace in Jesus who loved us so much He died to forgive our sins.  God gives assurance of His love, He gives peace in Jesus, who rose again to offer eternal life in heaven. For our worry, God gives His peace!

 

My reaction to the invasion of Israel is first, therefore, I am saddened to see another act of hatred and violence.  Second, this recent attack just confirms in my mind and heart that we live in a world of sin, and we are hopeless to overcome this sin on our own.  Sunday’s attack is another one of those birth pangs reminding me that Jesus is coming again as Judge over the sin of this world.  Because I don’t know WHEN He is coming, I ALWAYS need to be ready.  But, finally and thankfully, this attack confirms to me that we need a Savior from our sin against God and one another. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father has sent His Son, Jesus, who is our Savior, who forgives and saves us from ourselves.

 

We Christians are not only called to claim this peace of Jesus for ourselves. Our Lord calls us to share Jesus and His peace with others.  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew. 5:9) So in this time of upheaval, of wars and rumors of war, we are personally reminded to “be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” In this time of unrest, we can offer Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 

 

A Child of God, Finding Peace Through Jesus, Even in a World of Sin and Violence,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S. Kathy has been reading stories at the First Lutheran Open Arms Child Development Center on Thursdays.  Here are two pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/s2wEbEKTGFBmbLiX6

 

P.P.S.  I participated in the installation of Rev. Patrick Galliger as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Lecanto, FL, on Sunday afternoon, October 8.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZKuJ3WCvYNBL7ymc6

 

P.P.P.S.  I made time to go fishing twice this past week.  They were good trips. 

·       On Friday, October 6, neighbor and friend, Debbie Menoher, went fishing with me at Orange Lake.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bvxxx6nZTds2Rb7n6

 

·       On Monday, October 9, I went fishing in a local lake.  It was a good day.  I caught a limit of bass.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VHs4xC1BTPK6guiH9

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time 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.  (Currently I am serving as Vacancy Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

        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

        Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

           

 

“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)

Surprised And Thankful At God's Answers to Our Prayers

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Wednesday, October 4, I was reading my Bible and praying during my personal devotional time.  The reading was from Nehemiah 2 and 3.  The previous day in chapter 1, Nehemiah receives word that, “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and it’s gates destroyed.” (Nehemiah 1:3)  Nehemiah wept.  In chapter two the Persian king asks Nehemiah, his cup bearer, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?  This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” (Nehemiah 2:2)  After Nehemiah’s answer, the Persian king sends him to rebuild the city and the temple.  The devotional writer comments concerning Nehemiah’s prayer of the heart, “More often than you might think, God uses us as part of His answer to our own prayers.”  Or, perhaps you have also heard the tongue-in-cheek saying, “Watch what you pray for.”

 

I personally know the truth of those sayings.  Over 30 years ago, when I served as pastor in Jacksonville, FL, we had been facing a long hot, dry spell.  I prayed in our worship service for rain.  Hmmm! You know what happened.  It rained and rained and rained.  One of my members asked me, “Pastor, please stop praying for rain!” 

 

The words of my devotional writer, however, reminded me of my recent prayer experience.  My prayer list includes many individuals and situations.  I pray for those in need. I also give thanks to God for answers to prayers.  Among my prayers for God’s church was a prayer for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.  This is the congregation my family and I attended as I grew up in Florida.  It is also where Kathy and I worship when we visit Florida and our family there.  COVID was tough on First Lutheran, so I have been praying for them.  In addition, as I prayed for myself, my prayer was that God would use my retirement for ministry in his church. 

 

Well, in July, while at our fishing cabin in Alaska, I received a phone call from my brother, James.  I thought this was a “brother phone call.”  But, James is also District President for the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church.  It was not a “brother phone call.”  It was a “church business phone call.”  James informed me that the people of First Lutheran Church had asked for me to serve as their vacancy pastor.  When Kathy and I left Florida in May, Pastor John Glover was still serving First Lutheran.  In fact, Pastor Glover’s family stayed at our Florida home for the graduation of his daughter from high school.  Nevertheless, the Lord led Pastor Glover to take a call to serve elsewhere, and now First Lutheran needed a pastor to serve until they get a permanent full-time pastor.  I was shocked.  However remember, “More often than you might think, God uses us as part of His answer to our own prayers.”  Or, “Watch what you pray for!”

 

In all honesty, these sayings are good news.  Jesus teaches in The Sermon on the Mount, “⁷Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8).  Our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them.  Another assurance of God’s love comes from Romans 8:31-2, “³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”  Our Lord gives His Son, and all that we need.

 

It is good news that God loves us, that He listens to our prayers, and that our Lord’s answer to those prayers are found in Jesus.  Ultimately, God’s forgiving and saving love in Jesus is exactly what we need.  It IS good news that God listens.  It IS good news that our Lord uses us to do His ministry.  It really IS good news that God says yes to us through His saving Love in Jesus1

 

What are you praying about?  How might God use you?

 

A Child of God, Surprised and Thankful at God’s Answers to Our Prayers.

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I received our $1312.00 Permanent Fund Dividend checks from Alaska on Tuesday, October 3.  We then wrote a check for $262.40, 10% of our PFD’s, to our home congregation, St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  I urge you to manage God’s gifts to you in a way that helps His church spread the good news of Jesus!

 

P.P.S. Some staff from First Lutheran Church in Gainesville attended the Florida-Georgia District All Workers’ / President’s Equip Conference.  It was held in Orlando September 28-30.  We heard presentations, worshiped our Lord, and visited with other workers.  Here is a picture of Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, Vacancy Pastor, Jonathan Rockey, and former First Lutheran pastor, John Roth.  We had lunch together on Friday, September 29. https://photos.app.goo.gl/UpC3GVtvLp3Bu4Pm6

 

P.P.P.S.  I read a story at the Open Arms CDC on Tuesday.  Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/AL3UpHkQoRgy4Ayr7

 

P.P.P.P.S.  I have been busy and it had been a couple of weeks since I went fishing.  I plan to fish the week of October 1.  Here are some pictures of a fishing trip on Monday, October 2.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/qfuGE5VM31JVzuE27

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time 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.  (Currently I am serving as Vacancy Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

        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

        Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

         

 

“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)