Surprised AGAIN by the Grace of God, By His Undeserved Love in Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of   God,

 

The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart numerous times this past week about the GRACE of God.  First, Kathy and I traveled last weekend to Portland, OR. We walked through airports in Tampa, FL, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR.  If there is any place where a person might observe the diversity in our culture today, it is in an airport.  The voice inside my heart said to me that, “God loves all these people.  No matter the dress, or age, or messages displayed.  All were created by our Heavenly Father.  Jesus died FOR ALL.”  (2 Corinthians 5:15)  That is God’s grace.

 

I heard that voice again in worship on Sunday morning.  The assigned Gospel lesson in liturgical Christian churches last Sunday was John 3:1-17.  This reading contains the most famous verse in Scripture, John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  But Jesus spoke this word of grace in response to a visit from Nicodemus.  As a Pharisee and religious leader of the Jews, Nicodemus should have understood Jesus better.  In contrast, one might consider Nicodemus “clueless” because of the questions he asked.  Unfortunately, the confusion of religious leaders like Nicodemus only added to the troubles of God’s people. They were in as bad a situation as they had ever been.  Judea was occupied by Rome. The nation was divided into various religious factions.  Religious leaders lived lives full of pride and self-righteousness rather than love and mercy.  Israel was not living in a manner which would invite the presence of the Lord.

 

Nevertheless, in spite of the deplorable condition of God’s people, the Son of God left heaven and came to earth.  Jesus did not come because people earned His visit, but because they needed His presence and grace.  Instead of trusting the power of the sword, or of politics, Jesus came trusting the power of God’s word and His righteousness. Jesus defeated the powers of hell through His righteous life of service and obedience, through His sacrificial death.  Jesus defeated death and evil by rising again.  If we had a plan to reach lost people it might be through power, through politics, through force.  But, in John 3 with Nicodemus, and in our world, instead of acting as we would, our Lord acted in grace and mercy. 

 

God spoke to me again about His grace as I was reading my devotions the last few days from the book of Judges.  There are some books of scripture which I do not perhaps enjoy as much as others.  Judges is not my favorite book.  But, this book of Scripture is still the word of God.  The accounts of idolatry and depravity from God’s chosen nation which we read in Judges 17-21 make me cringe that even people of God are capable of such evil.  Yet, while our Lord did discipline, He did NOT abandon.  Our Heavenly Father prepared Israel as the cradle for our Messiah and Savior.  That God would act for sinners such as those we read about in Judges, that He would send Jesus for sinners such as us, honestly, that is GRACE!

 

We might define religion as ‘how we are to act.”  Christian faith, in contrast calls us to trust our Lord’s saving love in Jesus.  So many times we live in our ‘religion’ and end up trusting ourselves.  Yet time and again our Lord calls us to trust that He has loved and forgiven and saved us in Jesus.  That is Grace!

 

I am currently teaching a class on the book of Acts and this week we are in chapter 16.  The jailer of Philppi asks the ultimate ‘religious question.’ “ . . . what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30)  Please notice who is supposed to act according to this question.  “What must I do?”  The jailer asks a law question.  He wants to know what HE was required to do.  Paul responds , "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved . . . “ (Acts 16:31) Do not trust yourself or your actions.  Trust Jesus and His saving love. Paul responds to this law question with a grace answer.  Believe in Jesus!

 

Finally, the Holy Spirit pointed me to God’s grace in a recent shut in call.  An elderly saint confessed to me, “I don’t trust the church.  I trust Jesus.”  In truth, when the Christian Church acts as God calls it to do, the Church points to Jesus, to the unexpected and undeserved love which God gives through faith in His Son.  God’s church points to His grace.   ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  (Ephesians 2:8-9) Thank goodness I am saved by grace, as a gift of God, through faith, not by my works.  God’s grace brings peace and joy!

 

A Child of God, Surprised AGAIN by the Grace of God, By His Undeserved Love in Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan 

 

P.S.  Kathy and I traveled to Portland, OR, this past weekend for some church festivities.  Friend, President Paul Linnemann, was retiring.  Friend, Pastor Mike Von Behren, was installed as Northwest District President.  While in Porland we saw many good, long-time friends. Here are some pictures of our visits with friends last week.

 

·       On Friday night we ate at Gustav’s German restaurant.  But, we ate Mexican food with family, Marty and Colleen Gulseth, on Saturday night.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZgYraDmYPucNwLVe9

 

·       We worshiped on Sunday morning at Christ the Vine Lutheran Church in Damascus, OR.  Here is a picture with friend, Pastor Ted Werfelmann, in front of the sign.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mjLymugBZfanD61b7  

 

·       Julie Bedard helped Amazing Grace Lutheran in Oxford, FL, start their preschool.  (My brother James was pastor at Amazing Grace.)  We with Julie visited at the installation of Pastor Mike Von Behren as Northwest District President on May 26, 2024. https://photos.app.goo.gl/nzYPHJV8Kn2Q4ehY7

 

·       Linda Borecki is a good friend of many years.  After the retirement of Pastor Paul Linnemann, and the installation of President Mike Von Behren, we shared some refreshment on Sunday evening.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ny8Wru7bm69sTEEg8

 

·       President Mike Gibson (Pacific Southwest District) and his wife, Kathy, spent time with us asking about the health of sister-in-law, Martha Rockey.  Mike serves with brother, James, Martha's husband, on the LCMS Council of Presidents. https://photos.app.goo.gl/wUqPnM3QsxDposu38

 

·       We visited with MANY OTHER FRIENDS in Portland, but did not take pictures of all.

 

P.P.S.  NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – We received a list of names from the FL-GA District Office on Friday, May 17.  Now we begin the process of preparing to ask God’s guidance as to whom He is calling to be pastor at First Lutheran.  The call committee will meet on Thursday evening, May 30.  Please keep the process in prayer.

 

HYEJIN PARK, former music director at First Lutheran will visit on Sunday, June 2.   Hyejin and Stephanie Smith, current music director, will work together for music for worship on this Sunday. 

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We will study Acts chapter 16 this week, and consider mission work in pagan Philippi.  Come and join us in studying about the history of the early Christian Church!

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  On May 29 we finish reading the book of Judges.  We will start the book of Ruth on May 31.

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey if you have any questions at 907-841-4066, or at jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS FINISHED FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR.  However, Keep the dates of JULY 22-26 OPEN FOR VBS!

 

P.P.S.  PICTURES – AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST –  I did not fish this past week because of busy-ness and travel to Portland.  Perhaps I’ll have fishing pictures next week. 

 

 

*******

 

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

 

 

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 by God with Friends, Blessed by our Greatest Friend - Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Kathy and I took a planned break last week.  After a busy morning on Thursday, May 16, we drove 4 1/2 hours from Gainesville, FL, to Destin.  You see, this past January we had learned that the Maid of Honor at our wedding, Marlene Sieben, would be visiting our area with her husband, David, from their home in Illinois.  Marlene had been Kathy’s first year roommate at Lutheran School of Nursing in St. Louis, and they keep in touch. So, we booked a hotel room, drove to Destin, and met them for dinner at a restaurant on the beach Thursday night.  It has been many years, decades, since the four of us had gotten together.  Yet, we just picked up where we had left off.  Since it had been a long time, we had a lot to share.  In addition to being friends, we share the connection of Christian faith.  We sat at the table in the restaurant for quite a while even after we finished eating. Then we walked on the beach and talked some more.  Kathy and I have been blessed by the Lord in MANY ways.  But, among our most cherished blessings are our friends.

 

The next day we visited with a younger set of friends.  JC Forrester was a classmate of our daughter, Mary, throughout school in Palmer, AK.  They were confirmed together with 18 other friends in 2002 at St John Lutheran Church in Palmer.  They graduated together from Palmer High School in 2006. Mary attended college in Valparaiso, Indiana, after high school.  JC went to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and continues to serve our country.  In fact, JC is now MAJOR Forrester!  I also had the privilege of performing the wedding of JC and his wife, Rachel, in Albuqueque, NM, in 2016.  So JC and Rachel have been part of our lives for a long time.  We all met for lunch on Friday, May 17.  Again Kathy and I sat and visited, enjoying the company and news from JC and Rachel.  We could have continued, but JC had to return to work.  Kathy and I have been blessed by the Lord in MANY ways.  But, among our most cherished blessings are our friends!

 

God’s word is full of teaching about friends and friendship.  For example, God inspirited Solomon to write in Proverbs 17:17, “¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” In addition, Proverbs 27 teaches, “⁹ Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. ¹⁰ Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend . . .” (Proverbs 27:9-10) God teaches that friends are a blessing, especially in times of trouble.  Friends are a blessing to be cherished.

 

Our Lord Jesus also teaches us the amazingly good news that He counts us as His friends.  “¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:13-15) In our time of need and trouble, Jesus, our friend, lays down His life for us!  That is a true friend!

 

Jesus also speaks in perhaps a surprising way about His friends when He quotes an accusation by the Jewish religious leaders concerning Himself. “³⁴ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'’ (Luke 7:34)  The religious leaders saw that Jesus was also friendly toward the ‘undesirable’ people of His time.

 

The old hymn is right.  “What a Friend we have in Jesus!”  And our other Christian friends are also blessings to be cherished.  We want to care for our friends, and nurture our friendships.

 

Last week Kathy and I had the joy of spending time with some long-time friends, people with whom we share many life experiences, and with whom we share the blessing of Jesus’ saving love. In a world that is falling apart, our Lord blesses us with people with whom we can share both the joys and the trials of life.  God gives us friends! 

 

Who do you count as the friends with which our Lord has blessed you?

 

A Child of God, Blessed by God with Friends, Blessed by our Greatest Friend - Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures of our visits with friends last week.

• On Thursday evening, May 16, Kathy and I visited over dinner with Kathy’s first year nursing school roommate and her husband, Marlene and David Sieben.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/o741fWEMVNLEuxZN7

 

• Friday noon, May 17, Kathy and I shared lunch with JC and Rachel Forrester.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/4wT3qWdNTD2EKf9b8

 

P.P.S.  NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

KENNON AND RYLAND BROWN were confirmed at First Lutheran on Sunday, May 19, at First Lutheran.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NTAYxuWRXinsPdccA  Congratulations, Kennon and Ryland!

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – Members turned in names of potential people to consider as the new pastor for First Lutheran.  On Monday, April 22, President, Mark Hoyer, sent 8 names to the FL-GA District Office.  District will check the availability of these men to receive a call, and return a list of potential pastors to us to consider as the next pastor at First Lutheran.  We are expecting to hear back from District THIS WEEK.  Please keep this process in prayer.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We will finish Acts chapter 15 this week, discussing the topic of disagreement in God’s church, and whether our Lord even uses disagreement for good, at times.  Come and join us in studying about the history of the early Christian Church!

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We are now reading in the book of Judges, and read about Deborah in Judges 4 and 5 on Tuesday, May 21, and we read about Gideon on Wednesday.

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey if you have any questions at 907-841-4066, or at jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS FINISHED FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR.  However, Keep the dates of JULY 22-26 OPEN FOR VBS!

 

P.P.S.  PICTURES – AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST –  I went fishing twice since my last devotion. 

• On Saturday, May 18, I went fishing in a favorite local lake.  I caught and kept 5 bass, the smallest of which was 14”.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NTAYxuWRXinsPdccA

 

• On Sunday, May 19, I looked for a place to fish a little closer to home.  I fished in a lake where I caught fish in high school, Watermelon Pond. However, I have not even had a bite there in recent years.  I did have one bite on Sunday, but the wind was blowing and it was difficult to fish.  So, no fish, and no pictures. 

 

 

*******

 

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                                   

 

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 for Our Lord’s Strength and Blessings on Today’s Young Christians!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Sunday, May 19, two young men will be confirmed at First Lutheran Church where I am serving as vacancy pastor.  Kennon and Ryland Brown have studied with me by Zoom throughout the school year.  We worked through 40 different chapters to learn about Jesus, to learn about their Christian faith, to prepare for Christian life.  I met with these young men on Tuesday, May 14, to go over the ceremony, and to talk about what will happen.  But, in our assigned Gospel lesson for last Sunday, from John 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples because, “the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14) So, in this world which hates Jesus’ disciples, what will happen to the faith of these two young men after Confirmation Day?

 

Lutherans do not see faith in Jesus primarily as OUR decision for God.  We believe, as we heard Jesus say in John 15:16 two weeks ago in worship, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide . . .” Our faith in Jesus begins when God calls us.  He calls us in baptism.  He calls us by His Word, through His Spirit.  Our faith begins with our Lord reaching out in grace toward us.

 

Nevertheless, on Confirmation Day, after being called to faith by God in baptism, after opportunities to learn at home, at church, and even in confirmation classes, these young followers of Jesus publicly declare their faith.  Jesus taught His disciples, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,” (Matthew 10:32) As we practiced on Tuesday, as these young men again affirmed during practice, they will share publicly that they believe Jesus is God’s Son, their Savior. 

 

It is perhaps the ultimate understatement to declare that living a s a Christian is not easy.  Living as a faithful disciple of our Lord has NEVER been easy!  On Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, we will learn of God’s help for our faith by His Spirit.  However, there is another kind of help I would like you to consider.  On the one hand, it is parents who are called to teach their children about God’s love.  ^“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6) (See also Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Deuteronomy 11: 18-19, Ephesians 6:4, and others) But, please also consider, parents need help too!  The help I ask you to think about is to please assist these parents by personally encouraging these two young men in their Christian faith.

 

I don’t know about your kids, but sometimes my own children were not sure Mom and Dad were all that smart.  However, if someone else, another adult they respected, told my children the same thing which I had said, it was amazing how my kids listened.  Moses mentored Joshua.  Paul mentored Timothy.  Peter mentored Mark. Have you ever thought about speaking a word of encouragement to a little child or to a young person?   I was 3 years old when my pastor’s wife first suggested I might become a pastor.  Children do listen to other adults.  Have you encouraged faith, or mentored a young person?

 

I encourage you to speak to the young people of your congregation about their faith in Jesus, about their Christian life.  Thank them for attending worship.  (That’s not a normal practice in today’s world.) Tell the children and young people in your congregation that you appreciate their faith, their participation.  Thank them for their service.  Ask them if they have any questions.  Teach them in Sunday School or VBS.  Suggest they might become a a pastor, or a DCE, or professional church worker.  Welcome them into your home.  Include them in home devotions.  Ahem . . . take them fishing.  😊

 

While we celebrate Pentecost and Confirmation Day this coming Sunday, last Sunday was Mother’s Day.  A number of years ago, on Mother’s Day, my wife received a message from a young man who is a friend of one of my sons.  The message read, “It took a lot of Moms to raise me.  Thank you for being one of them.”

 

This Sunday the confession of faith by Kennon and Ryland will bless the members of First Lutheran Church.  What a joy to hear and see young people who truly believe in Jesus in today’s world.  Please make a point, on Sunday or in the coming weeks, to thank them for their faith and encourage them to continue.  Their parents will appreciate your help.  Someday these young men may thank you themselves, perhaps like that message my wife received.

 

A Child of God, Praying for Our Lord’s Strength and Blessings on Today’s Young Christians!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here a few of many words of encouragement from Scripture

·       Mark 10:14b – 15 "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

 

·       Philippians 1:6  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

 

·       2 Timothy 3:14-17 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.

 

P.P.S.  NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

CONFIRMATION DAY IS THIS SUNDAY, PENTECOST SUNDAY, MAY 19 for Kennon and Ryland Brown.  Come and rejoice with them in worship at 10:00 a.m.!

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – Members turned in names of potential people to consider as the new pastor for First Lutheran.  On Monday, April 22, President, Mark Hoyer, sent 8 names to the FL-GA District Office.  District will check the availability of these men to receive a call, and return a list of potential pastors to us to consider as the next pastor at First Lutheran.  We are expecting to hear back from District NEXT WEEK.  Please keep this process in prayer.

 

A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF ACTS continues on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We are still studying Acts chapter 15.  Chapter 15 is a very important chapter about the direction of the early church.  Come and join us in studying about the history of the early Christian Church!

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We will finish the book of Joshua on Thursday, May 16.  In Joshua 24:15 Joshua makes a declaration many of us have chosen for our own “. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.". 

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey if you have any questions at 907-841-4066, or at jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL HAS BEEN HELD EACH SUNDAY DURING WORSHIP DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.  However, Sunday School is soon coming to an end as the school year ends. 

Keep the dates of JULY 22-26 OPEN FOR VBS!

 

P.P.S.  PICTURES – AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST –

 

·       MY GARDEN CONTINUES TO GROW.  Here are some recent pictures.  (I’m sorry for the incorrect link last week.) https://photos.app.goo.gl/MKdnCSHZY5CFHk3A9

 

·       THANK YOU to all who sent cards and wishes on my birthday!  It was overwhelming!!

 

·       On my birthday, May 10, I was busy.

o   I went golfing early, until the rain stopped our game.  However, on hole #4 at Turkey Creek, a par 3 150 yard hole, this was my tee shot.  I made the putt for a birdie.  That good score followed some not so good.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6iKibd4MHuWcXsGg7

 

o   Kathy and I went out to eat with my sister and brother in law, Martha and Mark Reaves, at a place we found in Lake City, FL.  The Marion Street Bistro is a renovated pharmacy in the old downtown.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/w6EWtJidKM3CgocH6

 

·       On Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day, Kathy and I attended the last FL Gators home baseball game of the year.  They have a great player that we wanted to see again.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/EQddRfkFq55Qf3ox8

 

·       I went fishing twice since my last devotion. 

o   On Saturday, May 11, I went fishing on the Ocklawaha River out of Gore’s Landing in the Ocala National Forest.  The current was strong, but I caught a number of smaller bass, keeping 3.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/XRMGgTHyworrWuZr7

 

o   On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, after Bible Study, worship, and a baseball game with Kathy, I went fishing in Little Orange Lake.  I probably left too late.  I caught one bream, and saw a number of gators, in addition to this guy.  I missed a big fish.  Here are two pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/z5x14bk8owT6iubf7

 

 

*******

 

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

 

 

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)

 

 

 

On Mother’s Day, Thankful for My Mom and My Wife who 'Fear the Lord!'

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I read to preschool students on Tuesday, May 7, and I asked them, “Do you know what this week is?”  Now, I was hoping these young minds knew this is Teacher Appreciation Week.  I wanted them to tell their teachers, “Thank You!”  But, they were smarter than I was.  Their reply, “This week is Mother’s Day.”  They were right.  How will you say “Thank You” to Mom?

 

I saw a news report on TV with suggestions of gifts for Mom this year.  You won’t be surprised at the list.  The suggestions for Mother’s Day gifts included flowers and jewelry and gift cards.  Those are nice.  Those gifts at least say someone knows that there is a day to recognize Mom. But, does money show love?  Really?

 

In worship this coming Sunday, those attending where I am leading will hear Proverbs 31:10-31.  As one who has a believing wife and mother of my children, who has been blessed by a faithful and believing mother, Proverbs 31:30 speaks to my heart.  ³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

 

What is the best gift which a mother can give her children?  Toys break.  Food spoils.  Money never seems to be enough.  But we do remember a mother’s love throughout our lives.  And when a mother “fears the Lord,” when she lives and teaches faith, she gives a gift which lasts through this life into eternity.  A mother of faith gives her children Jesus, and His love, His forgiveness, and salvation.  These gifts last forever.

 

Years ago, in Wasilla, AK, Kathy and I attended a gathering for Pastors and families.  The question was asked during a time of sharing, “What is your favorite Bible Verse?”  Kathy’s answer continues to touch my heart and make me thankful that she is the mother of my children.  Kathy’s answer to the question, “My favorite verse is 3 John 4.  ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.’”

 

Actually, this section of Scripture shares the heart of the Apostle John, who desired the members of his church to follow Jesus.  But, in her role as ‘Mom,’ Kathy made this verse her own.  I believe she was correct in doing so.  A wife and mother who ‘fears the Lord’ desires that her children also ‘fear the Lord.’  She desires that they have the gift of God’s love in Jesus which lasts ETERNALLY.

 

How will you say “Thank You” to Mom?  A special meal is nice.  I am sure that flowers and jewelry are appreciated.  I also hear chocolate is a winner.  However, here are my suggestions.  First, tell Mon that you love her.  Also, thank Mom for helping to lead you to faith in Jesus, and to know His love. But, if possible, I would especially suggest that you worship with Mom.  “A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

 

A Child of God, On Mother’s Day, Thankful for My Mom and My Wife who Fear the Lord!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  This song about Christian Mothers always brings a tear to my eyes and a smile to my face.  Thank you, Keith and Kristyn Getty!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoy74orJu10

 

P.P.S.  Here are the words of Proverbs 31:10-31.  This section of God’s word is actually more about a believing wife.  But I believe it also speaks of Christian mothers.

¹⁰ An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

 ¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

 ¹² She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

 ¹³ She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

 ¹⁴ She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

 ¹⁵ She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

 ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

 ¹⁷ She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

 ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

 ¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

 ²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

 ²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

 ²² She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

 ²³ Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

 ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

 ²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

 ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

 ²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

 ²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

 ²⁹ "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

 ³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

 ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

 

P.P.P.S.     NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

FIRST LUTHERAN SAID ‘THANKS’ TO OUR OPEN ARMS PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS IN WORSHIP ON SUNDAY, MAY 5.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/bYZyHfSHUwKADurB8

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – Members turned in names of potential people to consider as the new pastor for First Lutheran.  On Monday, April 22, President, Mark Hoyer, sent 8 names to the FL-GA District Office.  District will check the availability of these men to receive a call, and return a list of potential pastors to us to consider as the next pastor at First Lutheran.  We are expecting to hear back from District soon.  Please keep this process in prayer.

 

A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF ACTS continues on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We are studying Acts chapter 15.  Chapter 15 is a very important chapter about the direction of the early church.  Come and join us in studying about the history of the early Christian Church!

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We recently read Joshua 10 and about the sun standing still. 

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey if you have any questions at 907-841-4066, or at jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS HELD EACH SUNDAY DURING WORSHIP.  PLEASE bring your children and grandchildren!

 

P.P.S.  PICTURES – AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST –

 

·       MY GARDEN CONTINUES TO GROW.  Here are some recent pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/bYZyHfSHUwKADurB8

 

·       I went fishing twice since my last devotion. 

o   On Friday, May 3, I went fishing with brother-in-law, Mark Reaves.  It was first time for each of us on LITTLE Orange Lake. https://photos.app.goo.gl/sVdhudxtsBKBKbw6A

 

o   On Sunday, May 5, after Bible Study, worship, and a nap, I tried to go fishing on a favorite Lake.  The fish were biting.  I caught a nice BASS. But, it started lightning before I had been on the lake for an hour.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iRTmjRRf9grZ5fHh9

 

 

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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

 

 

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)