Do You Desire to Be Unique? Live as a Christian!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

It seems people today want to be unique.  They want to stand out.  They want to be different. I see that desire in the clothing people wear, in the body art people pay for, in the social media posts of people today.  Maybe in a world of 8 billion people we can feel like we just blend in, or are perhaps unimportant.  So, if you have a desire to be unique in today’s world I have a suggestion: Live as a Christian. Live as a disciple of Jesus.

 

Instead of living for yourself, live for Jesus “. . . he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15)  He died for us, so we live for HIM.  Now, that’s unique!

 

Instead of seeking authority over others, live as a servant. Jesus taught, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ²⁶ It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, ²⁸ even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)  Someone who seeks to serve is . . . different.

 

Instead of being proud, live in humility “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2)

 

Instead of seeking your own will, live in love, giving of yourself for others. “⁴ Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant ⁵ or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ⁶ it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never ends.”  (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 a)

 

Instead of having your own truth – trust the truth God gives in love through His Word. “⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

 

This may sound like an “old-fashioned” lifestyle.  But, the life of a child of God always stands out in a “Me-First world” of pride, and selfishness.  First of all, no human has ever been able to perfectly live a life of faith and love.  No human, that is, except the perfect man, the Son of God – Jesus.  And, since Jesus died for us, since the Lord of the Universe lived in sacrificial service, since Jesus humbled Himself, since Jesus is the love of God, His life changes our lives.  Since Jesus lived the most unique life ever, He changes our hearts and moves us to follow Him, to follow Jesus in a unique life of worship, and service, and humility, and love, and faith. 

 

So, if you have a desire to be unique in today’s world I have a suggestion: Live as a Christian, as a disciple of Jesus.  You will stand out!

 

A Child of God, Desiring to Be Different in this World – to Live as a Christian!

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S. ESPECIALLY FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH.

 

ALTAR CHANGES - Here are some pictures from recent altar changes at First Lutheran.

·       The altar was decorated for First Lutheran Thanksgiving Eve service.  Thanks to Debbie Jones for this picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/44ZFm9KvuSq4t34A6

 

·       The altar was prepared after worship on November 26 for Advent worship beginning on Sunday, December 3.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/p3A1WFW2TvZxeAP59

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE - The memorial service for First Lutheran member, Diane App, will take place on Saturday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m.

 

SPECIAL HOLIDAY WORSHIP - Special Advent and Christmas worship services will be as follows.

·       Wednesday, December 6 - Open Arms Children’s Christmas Program

·       Wednesdays, December 13 and 20 – First Lutheran will use Holden Evening Prayer to consider the Advent theme of “Hope.”  Sermons will include a skit by First Lutheran members.

·       Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Day we will celebrate Advent 4 in our regular Sunday morning service at 10:00 a.m.

·       Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve worship will be held primarily with children in mind at 5:00 p.m..

·       Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve candlelight worship will be held at 6:30 p.m..

·       Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day worship will be held at 10:00 a.m.

 

FIRST LUTHERAN CHOIR -   The First Lutheran Choir is practicing on Wednesdays.  They practice at 5:20 on Wednesday, November 29, and after Advent worship on following Wednesdays.  COME AND JOIN THE CHOIR IN LEADING FIRST LUTHERAN IN PRAISING THE LORD!

 

READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE? Today’s Light Bible – Pastor Rockey is inviting you to join him in reading through the Bible starting January 1, using the “Today’s Light Bible.”  This Bible leads a person through Scripture in 2 years and includes daily devotions.  It may be purchased online at CPH or at Amazon. 

 

MEMORIALS AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND - If you would like to make a donation in memory of Pastor Robert Besalski, the Besalski family asks that you either make a donation to First Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran World Relief.  This information was supposed to be included in the obituary in the Gainesville Sun.  However, it was omitted when the obituary was printed.  Donations to First Lutheran will help fund a Besalski Scholarship for Church Work Students.

 

 

P.P.S.  FISHING J  I went fishing once this past week.  On Friday, November 24 I fished with brother-in-law, Mark Reaves, on the Suwannee River.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/XbNfe1pFoDcPyHGx8

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

 

2024 Resolutions - Will You Join Me in Reading Through God's Word?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What are your New Year’s resolutions for the coming year?  Perhaps my question surprises you.  So, you might reply, “But, Pastor, it’s not New Year yet!”  Nevertheless, I would like you to join me in a resolution concerning our Christian faith.  It will take preparation for you to make this resolution.  So I am asking you now, “What are your New Year’s resolutions for the coming year?”

 

As you consider that question, here is my request.  “Will you join me in reading the Bible together?”  I have shared before in these devotions that God promises that His Word creates and strengthens our faith in Jesus.  Paul encourages Timothy, “¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it ¹⁵ and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  (2 Timothy 3:14-17) ( See also Romans 10:18, and 1 Peter 1:23).  In the Scriptures God “makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Through the Bible God teaches and corrects, trains and equips.  Do you need what God’s Word has to offer?  Do you want faith. or teaching, or equipping?

 

Paul also encourages the Christians in Colossae, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . “ (Colossians 3:16 a)  Do you want faith or God’s love or direction in your life?  God speaks words of love to us through Scripture. He brings forgiveness and eternal life to us through faith in Jesus.  You and I also need the Word of Christ dwelling in us!  If you truly do desire these blessings of God in your life, please join with me in letting God speak into our hearts as together we read His Word. 

 

One of my favorite devotional Bibles is entitled the “Today’s Light Bible.”  This daily devotional takes a person through Scriptures in two years, reading Monday through Saturday each week, and taking Sundays off.  (After all, we are called to “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.”) (Exodus 20:8)  The Today’s Light Bible starts each day’s reading with a short  section entitled, “Get at the Big Picture,” which helps a person consider ahead of time what they will be reading.  Then, after the daily Bible reading. there is a short devotion called “Sharpen the Focus.”  This devotion examines what God is speaking to us personally in part of that day’s reading.  An average day’s reading takes 10-15 minutes.  I personally take time to read my Bible in the morning, while I eat breakfast.

 

So, I am asking you to start studying the Word of God with me on Monday, January 1.  However, if do join me in reading Scripture, you will need to have one of the Bibles. That is why I’m asking you to order a Bible online now in order to join me in 2024.  Then, since we will be reading together, if you have any questions I would be willing to talk and pray with you about what we read.  You can call me, or you can text, or even email.  I do not have all the answers, but I will respond.

 

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?  Do you need faith, or love, or direction?  Do you desire God’s forgiveness or eternal life?  If so, please join with me in letting God speak His love into our hearts as together we read His Word.

 

By the way, Happy New Year, perhaps just a little early!

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Let the Word of Christ Dwell in Me Richly in 2024 and Beyond!

Pastor Jonathan

 

ESPECIALLY FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH.

 

P.S.  If you would like to make a donation in memory of Pastor Robert Besalski, the Besalski family asks that you either make a donation to First Lutheran Church, or to Lutheran World Relief.  This information was supposed to be included in the obituary in the Gainesville Sun.  However, it was omitted when the obituary was printed.

 

P.P.S. – Consecration Sunday Results – After Consecration Sunday on November 19, our First Lutheran Financial Secretary, Gail Mahnken, tabulated the Estimate of Giving cards and compared them to a full year of offerings in 2022.  The ESTIMATES are that offerings will increase by 17%, and we should receive an extra $63,000-$64,000 in 2024 to do the work of our Lord!  God is Good!

 

P.P.P.S. THE FIRST SPECIAL HOLIDAY SERVICE at St. John will be held THIS Wednesday evening, November 22, at 6:30 p.m. as we join in the National Day of Thanksgiving.

            In addition, in memory of Judy Helling, we are receiving a food offering of non- perishable food, which we be donated to “Bread of the Almighty.”

 

P.P.P.P.S.  FISHING J  I went fishing twice this past week

·       On Friday, November 17 I fished in a favorite local lake and came home with a limit of largemouth bass.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6GMsx5JffjFMw1GM7

 

·       On Monday, November 20 I fished on the Wacassassa River.  I caught 6 bass and kept 4 of them.  I also saw two gators.  One gator was really big!  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RjT3FNcy3g6TSD6Q8

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

  

My Heart Overflows With Thanks at the Goodness of God!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I once purchased a book containing statements of faith by the leaders of our country.  From that book I copied The First Proclamation of Thanksgiving by President George Washington in 1789

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection, aid and favors. . .Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which He   has been pleased to confer upon us."   - George Washington, 1789

Next Thursday, November 23, our country will observe Thanksgiving Day.  Though, these days when people speak of Thanksgiving I hear more about turkeys, and parades, and football, and Black Friday. I hear very little, in public speech at least, about Almighty God.

 

Yet, as people of faith, we know that our Lord calls us to give thanks.  In Psalm 136 the Psalmist repeats again and again, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1) God is good.  Therefore, we give thanks!

 

Jesus spoke to the one leper who returned to him after he had healed 10 lepers, “"Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?  ¹⁸ Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"  (Luke 17:17-18)  Jesus indicated that all who had been blessed by healing should give God thanks and praise.

 

Our Heavenly Father reminds us through St. Paul, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)  Did you hear that?  For believers in Jesus we are called to be thankful “in all circumstances!:

 

But, do you ever have difficulty giving thanks?  Do you ever wonder, “What is there to give thanks for?”  George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other presidents called the nation to thank God.  But today a person in public life can get in trouble for even talking about God.

 

Recently in the congregation where I am serving as pastor I asked people in the church to fill out a “Counting God’s Blessings in My Life” page.  I asked God’s people to consider and to write down His Spiritual Blessings, His People and Family Blessings, His Opportunity and Career Blessings, and His Material Blessings.  Even though I allowed 5 lines for each category, I confess to you I counted many more blessings from my Lord than I had lines on which to count them.  Let me share just some of the reasons I have for thanking my Heavenly Father, in spite of the disappointments of life.  I am thankful for:

·       My Savior, Jesus, who loves me, forgives me, and saves me, in spite of my rebellious and selfish heart!

·       God’s Church, and the congregations where I have belonged and served, and the faithful children of God who have served alongside me.

·       The Scriptures, to give true guidance when my faulty guidance system would lead me astray.

·       My family – I am so blessed to have had Christian parents, grandparents, and relatives.  I am so blessed to have a faithful and loving wife.  My children and my grandchildren bring joy to my heart!

·       For faithful Christian mentors, a ‘cloud of witnesses’ – So many have helped me in my walk with Jesus!

·       The opportunity to travel, to fish, to hunt, to golf, to read, and to experience the world which God has made.

·       That God keeps His promise and provides – Early in our married lives Kathy and I did not believe we would ever afford a house, and we were fine with that.  But our cup overflows with the material blessings which God gives.

·       My friends – My only regret is that I have friends in Alaska, in Florida, in New England, and around the country and I cannot be in all those place at one time.

·       And I could go on, and on, and on . . .

 

As I quoted Psalm 23 above, “My cup Overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)  God is so Good and loving!  Ultimately, that goodness comes to us through Jesus.  Do you know Romans 8:32? “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?” God gives us all things we need.  Thank you, Lord!

 

George Washington wrote, “. . .  it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God.”  It may indeed be our duty.  God Himself calls us to give Him Thanks.  But, when I count MY blessings, thanking God is a JOY!

 

For what are YOU thankful?

 

A Child of God, My Heart Overflows with Thanks at the Goodness of God!

Pastor Jonathan

 

ESPECIALLY FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH.

 

P.S.  The Service of “Remembering God’s Blessings in the Life of Robert Besalski” will be held at First Lutheran on Saturday, November 18.  There is visitation at 1:00 p.m., followed y the service at 2:00, and then a reception in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  Please plan to attend and celebrate God’s blessings in your life!

 

P.P.S. CONSECRATION SUNDAY is coming to First Lutheran on Sunday, November 19.  In worship on this day we will have an opportunity to respond to the love of God in our lives by placing a commitment on the altar.  Then, after worship, we have a wonderful meal prepared by Christa Vigil and helpers.  The menu includes stuffed pork loin, roasted smashed potatoes, Fall vegetables, Winter salad greens, and dessert, including cookies, cake, and apple galette!  Over 100 people have made reservations. PLEASE plnn to attend!  P.S. I will provide below the document “Counting God’s Blessings in My Life.”

 

FISHING - J

P.P.P.S.  I only went fishing once this past week, but I played golf 3 times.  Here are some pictures from a fishing trip with UF college student, and First Lutheran attendee, Alex Walenjus.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RcGSh7jRqbAaL8LU9

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTING God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in

all things at all times, having all that you need, you will

abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

 

    

    

                              God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

I                             I am Thankful for the following People and Family Blessings which                                                         God has given me in my life. (Parents? Spouse? Children? Friends?  Other?)

                         1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

I am Thankful for the following Spiritual Blessings which God has given me in                                                    my life. (Faith? Forgiveness? Church? Other?)

 

1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

 

COUNTING God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

                              God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 I                             I am Thankful for the following Opportunity and Career Blessings which God

                              has given me in my life. (Education? Jobs? Travel? Recreation?)

 

1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

 

                              God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

I                             I am Thankful for the following Material Blessings which God has given                                                 me in my life. (Homes? Finances? Transportation? Hobbies?)

1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

 

 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in

all things at all times, having all that you need, you will

abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)