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.

 

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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)