Praying Daily That the Remnant of Believers in Jesus Remains Faithful, and Grows!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Political turmoil is nothing new.  As I have recently read through 1 Samuel in my daily devotions, I am learning again about one of the leaders of Israel, King Saul.  As king, Saul strayed from following God’s path.  Saul also sought the destruction of his rival, King David.  This sounds to me somewhat similar to much of today’s political rancor, except that David, at least, fervently sought to follow His Lord.  In fact, David actually DID follow God’s guidance many times, rather than following his own natural desires.

 

I have shared in past devotions that, among those for whom I pray, I pray daily for our country and for our leaders by name.  Some of my prayers have remained the same for decades.  But in the last few months I have added a new prayer.  Every day, as I pray for our country, my prayer is that “the remnant of believers will remain faithful and will grow.”

 

In Scriptures the term ‘remnant’ refers to a minority of believers who remain faithful when much of the rest of the world around them is turning away from the Lord.  When the Assyrians were laying siege to Jerusalem, King Hezekiah begged Isaiah, “Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives." (2 Kings 19:4).  As the nation of Israel, including the tribe of Judah, turned away from faith, Isaiah prophesied more about the remnant, and even pointed to the coming Messiah.  “30 Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. 31 For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (2 Kings 19:30-31.) 

 

God refers to His remnant over 60 times in the Old Testament, especially through the writings of His prophets.  In the book of Isaiah we read, “20 In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of the house of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. 21 A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.”  (Isaiah 10:20-21)  You see, this remnant are those who remain faithful to the Lord when everyone else is turning away.

 

I don’t want to talk primarily about political policies, but I do want to talk faith.  As our country turns more and more away from believing in God, turns away from the 10 commandments, turns away from honor, from the Lord, there are still those who remain faithful.  It is a blessing for a country to have righteous laws and leaders and citizens.  Proverbs 14:34 teaches, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”  I am praying for faithfulness in the children of God.

 

In addition, when praying for our country I do not just speak to our Lord concerning political leaders or decisions.  I also pray that Christian congregations remain a faithful witness to our nation.  More important than any political policies, when God’s children remain faithful they bear witness to the wisdom, to the power, and to the love of God.  As God’s children remain faithful they point others to Jesus, to the promised Messiah who gave His life so that the remnant may live in God’s grace, and may live forever, even as the nations of this world turn from God. 

 

I am thankful that, like in the Old Testament, God has a remnant today who “truly rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.”  When we cannot trust human leaders, nor the decisions of nations, we can trust the One who gave His life for us.  So I pray daily that “the remnant of believers will remain faithful and will grow.”

 

A Child of God, Praying that the Remnant of Believers in Jesus Remains Faithful, and Grows!

Pastor Jonathan 

 

 

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

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – The First Lutheran call committee, interviewed two candidates for pastor at First Lutheran on Sunday night, June 23, and another candidate on Monday, June 24.  We will also conduct a Zoom Interview with the final candidate on Sunday evening, June 30.  Please keep the call process in prayer that our Lord sends the pastor to First Lutheran whom He has chosen!  

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND. In an announcement at the May 19 Voters’ Meeting we learned that to put a new roof on the sanctuary, the office building, the fellowship hall, the preschool, and the student housing will cost about $200,000.00  The roof is still in good shape.  But we have had leaks, and it has been about 20 years since the roof was last replaced.  First Lutheran leaders want to act before the roofs fail. 

In addition, we learned at the June Mission and Ministry Council meeting that our Air Conditioners will need replacing.   Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future.

 

MUSIC DIRECTOR, STEPHANIE SMITH IS TEACHING GUITAR CLASSES.  We found a number of guitars when the church was cleaned for the fire inspection.  We will use these guitars for the class. 

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We have been studying Acts chapter 16, and consider mission work in pagan Philippi.  We are now firmly into chapter 17.  This week, June 30, we will start our lesson with Acts 17:22, and discuss Paul’s mission strategy in Athens.  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.  This week we will finish the book of 1 Samuel on Saturday, June 29, with the account of the death of King Saul and his son, Jonathan.

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

 

VBS TAKES PLACE AT FIRST LUTHERAN JULY 22-26!  Please remember these dates and invite children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends! 

PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE FOR VBS!!!!!

Here is a link to the registration form.  https://flcgainesville.org/2024-vacation-bible-school/

 

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

 

 

I DID GO FISHING ONCE THIS PAST WEEK with First Lutheran member, Widler Casy.  We caught 4 bass and kept 3.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6isQJC1EWfaKtUE87

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

 

Desiring a Heart After that of Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Having been born in western Massachusetts in 1953, and being raised there in my early years, I have followed sports teams from my birth state my whole life. I am especially a fan of the Red Sox and the Celtics.  Perhaps you noticed (ahem) that the Celtics won the NBA title this past week.  The after the game interviews pleasantly surprised me. When the two main stars of the Celtics were questioned about their win, each one first praised God, and then they each gave credit to others on their team.  I like it when someone does not act in pride and say, “Look at me.” I appreciate when people work as a team, and everyone is important.  You see, I was taught that pride is a sin, and that humility is a virtue.

 

If you have been reading with us in the Today’s Light Devotional Bible, the recent readings have been exciting.  On Monday, June 17, we learned in 1 Samuel 16 about the prophet Samuel secretly anointing David to follow Saul as king.  Samuel, however, was ready to choose David’s older, stronger, and more handsome brothers as king.  Yet listen to what the Lord revealed to Samuel about whom He had chosen. "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7) God had chosen David, the youngest of the family. The process of choosing David teaches us about our Lord, and about His desires for our life.  Our Lord looks at the heart! Do you wonder what God saw in David’s heart?

 

Then, on Tuesday, June 18, the assigned reading was from 1 Samuel 17, the account of David and Goliath.  In these readings we get a view of the heart which the Lord chose.  The Bible describes Goliath as 9 feet tall, and as a fierce warrior.  The Israelite army was terrified.  Yet, even though Goliath towered over David, and was the more experienced warrior, David trusted the Lord for the coming battle.  Listen. ⁴⁵ “Then David said to the Philistine, ‘’You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  ⁴⁶ This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand,’”  (1 Samuel 17:45-46 a)  David did not trust his own strength, or blow his own horn.  David did not act in pride or arrogance.  In humility, in faith, David engaged the giant by diminishing himself, and trusting the Lord for the battle.  I think you know the results.

 

Humility is actually honesty.  The truth is that we all have our weaknesses.  Our lives are full of failures, and full of our sin.  To boast is to ignore those weaknesses. When we admit our weaknesses, we humbly speak the truth.  God saves us from our sin for eternal life in heaven by His grace, through faith or trust in our Savior.  “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.” (Ephesian 2:8-9) Saving faith is the opposite of pride.  Faith trusts someone else.  Faith trusts God’s love in Jesus, not ourselves, not our own good works. This humility of heart receives God’s grace through His Son.

 

We see the best example of humility in Jesus, and the life of Jesus calls us to also live humble lives.  ^“5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8) The truth of this word of God still amazes me.  Jesus is God Himself!  Yet He laid down His divinity to take on humanity.  The Lord of all took on the call to obedience.  The Lord of life suffered and died to love and save us.  Jesus gave up the trappings of glory, to live godly glory through sacrifice and service.  And we are told, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

 

Admitting our failures and weaknesses, and giving glory to God, is simply honesty. However, being humble is not the norm in our world.  Therefore, when we see humility that can be refreshing.  “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." That is why I was thankful for the example on Monday night from the athletes.  They gave praise to God, and did not take glory for themselves.  I pray the Spirit works such honest humility and faith in my heart.

 

A Child of God, Desiring a Heart After that of Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan 

 

 

 

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

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – First Lutheran received a list of names from the FL-GA District Office on Friday, May 17.  We have phoned all those on the list to see who is actually available for a call. The call committee met Wednesday evening, June 12, and decided on 5 pastors to potentially interview. We continue the process of asking God’s guidance as to whom He is calling to be pastor at First Lutheran.  Please keep the process in prayer.

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND. In an announcement at the May 19 Voters’ Meeting we learned that to put a new roof on the sanctuary, the office building, the fellowship hall, the preschool, and the student housing will cost about $200,000.00  The roof is still in good shape.  But we have had leaks, and it has been about 20 years since the roof was last replaced.  First Lutheran leaders want to act before the roofs fail.  Please consider how God may lead you toward this need in the future.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We have been studying Acts chapter 16, and consider mission work in pagan Philippi.  We are now studying chapter 17, about Paul in Athens.  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.  This week we have begun reading about King David in 1 Samuel 16 and 18.

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

 

VBS TAKES PLACE AT FIRST LUTHERAN JULY 22-26!  Please remember these dates and invite children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends!

 

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

 

I DID GO FISHING TWICE THIS PAST WEEK.

·       On Thursday evening, June 13, after work I went fishing at Rodman Reservoir and caught two nice fish.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/8PLQbyNWbTn3qaXT6

 

·       On Friday, June 14, I took First Lutheran member, Saher Kalaf fishing.  Unfortunately I had troubles with my trolling motor.  Nevertheless, we did enjoy the outdoors and catch one fish.  But . . . the big one got away.  ☹  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rjaXWz73y5eq8NRd6

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

Seeking to Use Gifts Given me by My Lord to Serve Him!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Last weekend, June 7 and 8, I attended a reunion for the 53rd anniversary of my high school graduation in May of 1971.  It was good to see long-time (surely not old) friends again.  However, one of the more sobering displays at the Saturday night banquet was a list of class mates who had passed away.  In 2016, at the 45th reunion of our graduation, that list included 88 members of our class of 964 students.  But this year, the number of those who have died since graduation has increased to over 150.  Kathy and I have recently commented numerous times to one another how blessed we have been to have good health.  We have friends and family who have suffered various illnesses and ailments.  Like my graduating class, a number of family and friends, even those younger than we are, are no longer with us.  Yet, we are still here and we have been relatively healthy.  Thank you, Lord!  This is NOT a gift to take for granted.

 

The other side to this blessing, which Kathy and I also often share with one another, is the question: “How are we using this blessing of life and health?”  In 2015 Kathy and I served as adult leaders at the LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.  Kathy had traffic duty.  Her volunteer work was summer hot in New Orleans, and required a lot of walking.  Yet, another volunteer working beside Kathy was an 85 year old lady.  Kathy talked with the lady about her active life.  This woman’s response to Kathy was, “I tell my friends, ‘You are still alive.  Get out of your easy chair.  God has still something for you to do!’”

 

So, Yes!  SINCE God has blessed us with life and health, how are we using these gifts to serve our Lord?  In Matthew 25 Jesus shares God’s truth in  “the parable of the talents.”  The master in this parable gave 5 talents (a large sum of money) to one servant, 3 talents to another, and 1 talent to another.  The first two servants doubled the investment of their master and returned it to him.  The master’s response was similar for both.  ”His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'” (Matthew 25:21) However, the third servant was not so diligent with His master’s gift.  When asked by the master for an accounting, the third servant replied, “I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.” (Matthew 25:25) Jesus tells of God’s response to those who do not use His gifts faithfully,  “²⁶ But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? ²⁷ Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. ²⁸ So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.’” (Matthew 25:26-28)

 

When I looked at retiring, for many understandable and good reasons, I nevertheless considered this parable.  I did not want to “bury my talents in the ground.”  I did not want to have gifts from the Lord, yet neglect to serve Him.  And, as I look at the list of all those who did not make it to my 53^rd graduation reunion, knowing that I have made it, and knowing that I am healthy, I am again led to ask that question.  “SINCE God has blessed me with life and health, how am I using these gifts to serve our Lord?”

 

My answer to this question is a little different than the question asked.  Rather than responding to the question “How am I . . . ?”, my response is that, “in my heart I DESIRE to serve my Lord and Savior.  In 2 Corinthians 5:15, God teaches us through St. Paul, “and 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) I WANT to live for Jesus, BECAUSE Jesus died and rose for me!  Jesus did not wait for me to use my gifts from Him, and then die to save me.  In spite of my sin He died and rose for a sinner like me, one who like the servant can be wicked and slothful (lazy).  But, because Jesus loves me in His cross and the empty tomb, I want to live for Him.  I want to use the gifts of life and health he has given to serve Him as I am able.

 

Interestingly, a friend just recently asked me about the parables of Matthew 25 after a round of golf.  My answer to His questions was, “When we know the undeserved grace and love of God, we want to serve Him and our lives show our thanks and praise.

 

I laughed at a recent story I read following the commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, on June 6.  A man named Harold Terens first visited Normandy as a U.S. Army Air Forces corporal right after the invasion.  Many of his friends died in the battle to establish a beachhead.  Last weekend Terens, who is 100 years old, returned to Normandy and married his 96 year old fiancee’, Jeanne Swerlin.  He said they’re looking forward to “a long and happy life together.”  Terens is not wasting the gift of life.  I appreciate his example!!

 

Not everyone is 71 years old as I am.  Many are younger, and many, like Terens, are also older than I.  Nevertheless, in each life there are blessings from our Lord.  We have the eternal blessings of forgiveness and eternal life as we believe in Jesus.  We have the earthly blessings of who God has made us to be, and the people and other gifts He puts in our lives. 

 

So, I ask you, “SINCE God has blessed you in this life, how are you using His gifts to serve our Lord?”

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Use Gifts Given me by My Lord to Serve Him!

Pastor Jonathan 

 

P.S.  I have a confession to make.  Last week I talked about the 45^th anniversary of my ordination, supposedly on June 2.  While the first Sunday of June in 2024 was the 2^nd, in 1979 that first Sunday was on the 3^rd!  After seeing conflicting information, I went back and looked at a 1979 calendar.  O well!  I am still thankful for the blessings of 45 years of ministry.

 

 

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

 

 

IN WORSHIP ON SUNDAY WE WERE ABLE TO THANK GOD WITH BOB AND DOTTIE MOUNTS.  They celebrated their 73^rd wedding anniversary.  God is good!  Here is a picture of Bob and Dottie in worship on Sunday, June 9^th.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RS7L4KEh11FGcQp58

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – First Lutheran received a list of names from the FL-GA District Office on Friday, May 17.  We have phoned all those on the list to see who is actually available for a call. Now we begin the process of asking God’s guidance as to whom He is calling to be pastor at First Lutheran.  The call committee is meeting Wednesday evening, June 12, to discuss interviews.  Please keep the process in prayer.

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND. In an announcement at the May 19 Voters’ Meeting we learned that to put a new roof on the sanctuary, the office building, the fellowship hall, the preschool, and the student housing will cost about $200,000.00  The roof is still in good shape.  But we have had leaks, and it has been about 20 years since the roof was last replaced.  First Lutheran leaders want to act before the roofs fail.  Please consider how God may lead you toward this need in the future.

 

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, OCALA, Installed a new pastor on Sunday, June 9, Rev. Timothy Mehl.  Interestingly I saw a number of friends I had not seen in years.  Here is a picture of the new pastor and of those pastors who attended the installation. https://photos.app.goo.gl/BAnueFZFGYrwnpAP8

 

MUSIC DIRECTOR, STEPHANIE SMITH IS STARTING GUITAR CLASSES.  We found a number of guitars when the church was cleaned for the fire inspection.  We will use these guitars for the class.  THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE.  Classes are starting.  If you are interested, please contact Stephanie.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We have been studying Acts chapter 16, and consider mission work in pagan Philippi.  On June 16 we will start chapter 17.  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.  This week we are learning about King Saul.

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

 

VBS TAKES PLACE AT FIRST LUTHERAN JULY 22-26!  Please remember these dates and invite children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends!

 

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

 

MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS CELEBRATED A 53/71  REUNION on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8, this past weekend. 

            53 because most of our class was born in 1953, AND it is the 53^rd anniversary of our graduation.  71 because we graduated in 1971, and most of my class is now 71 years old.  There was a gathering at a local restaurant on Friday night.  On Saturday we took a tour of our old high school in the morning, and had a banquet in the evening.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/EQ4gWQpdCo3f9t4n9

 

KATHY AND I WENT TO CRESCENT BEACH ON MONDAY EVENING (missing the heavy afternoon heat and sun)  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WwM3CrXnXGDLgCPj8

 

I DID GO FISHING ONCE THIS PAST WEEK with my brother Stephen at Little Orange Lake on Friday, June 7.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/YjuojUTJSNzwRs8L7  

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

 

The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases – THANKS BE TO GOD!

 

Dear Fellow Children of   God,

 

Did you ever have a special occasion “sneak up” on you?  No, I didn’t forget an anniversary, or a birthday, nor Mother’s Day. However, on Wednesday, May 29, as I was practicing for worship the following Sunday, I noticed the date on the bulletin: June 2.  That date struck a nerve, and then I remembered.  I was ordained as a Lutheran pastor on June 2, 1979 at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.  First Lutheran, happily, is where I am currently serving as vacancy pastor until they receive a new pastor.  Imagine, to be serving God’s people 45 years later in the church where I was nurtured in my faith in Jesus and then ordained! That’s worth remembering!

 

So, as I was practicing for Sunday worship, and then remembered my ordination, I mentioned the occasion to our Music Director, Stephanie Smith, and a then little later to our Administrative Assistant, Leeann Lee.  I think what really surprised me was that number, 45.  I can actually remember events surrounding my ordination like it was yesterday.  I remember the presence of immediate family and extended family.  I remember that my dad was one of the elders who gave blessings to the new pastor, to me.  I remember Kathy placing the stole around my neck, a stole which she had sewn and embroidered herself.  My pastor, Bob Besaski, conducted the ordination ceremony.  A beloved mentor, Pastor Paul Albers, preached the sermon: G.R.A.C.E. – GOD Really Accomplishes Completely Everything. I remember some beer at the after-party, and a fishing trip.  So, since I remember all these thing so well, HOW could that be 45 years ago??

 

On Wednesday night when I returned home I reminded Kathy of the approaching anniversary.  We realized again how blessed we have been.  And, that is what I shared with the people of First Lutheran on Sunday.  You see, after they got wind of the upcoming anniversary, they planned a surprise.  Head elder, Jack Halabrin, revealed the anniversary of my ordination to the congregation during announcements in worship.  First Lutheran gave me some very nice gifts.  And, they held a party and reception afterwards.  We had lunch, punch, and cake.  It was another very nice surprise.

 

As Jack made his announcement about the anniversary during the service, I told the congregation what Kathy and I had discussed.  In retrospect, my reaction to 45 years of ministry is . . . THANKFULNESS!  Serving my Lord Jesus, and serving His people is such a privilege.  I get to share God and His word with people during times of joy and of struggle.  I am not Jesus.  But God allows me to share the grace and presence and love of Jesus with others in those personal moments of life.  I am blessed and I am THANKFUL for this privilege. 

 

The events of the past week reminded me of our Lord’s call to thankfulness.  I did tell the folks of First Lutheran that my response to the anniversary is one of THANKS!  In Colossians 3:17, God’s encourages His people, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  (See also Ephesians 5:20)  Our lives are so full of so many blessings we can take them for granted.  In Jesus, through His death and resurrection, our Lord gives us these blessings eternally.  In Jesus, we have God’s blessings today.  Yet, in my experience the love and blessings of God can sneak up on you, like the anniversary of my ordination did.  We can miss them.  Because we can forget His love, God calls us to do everything in Jesus’ name, trusting His love.  We give thanks in everything, because of God’s blessings are constant.

 

I confess that in a way I also feel a little guilty. Kathy and I have indeed been blessed in so many ways.  Yet, I know many others for whom life has been very difficult, to say the least.  Yet, even in the trials of life, God is present.  During the exile of Israel in Babylon, God inspired Jeremiah to write, “18  . . . My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the LORD." ¹⁹ Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! ²⁰ My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. ²¹ But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: ²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; ²³ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:18-23) The hope and faith of Israel could have perished in their trials.  But, God was there then, He is here today, in bad times as well as well as good.  He is faithful.  There is always reason for thanks!

 

The anniversary of my ordination snuck up on me.  Maybe I had been taking the 45 years of love and blessings for granted.  But, ²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; ²³ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  THANKS BE TO GOD!

 

A Child of God, The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases – THANKS BE TO GOD!

Pastor Jonathan 

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures from my ordination day, June 2, 1979.  I took most of these from a collage of pictures hanging on the wall in my parents’ home.  When they passed, the pictures came to Kathy and to me.  Elaine Besalski, wife of Pastor Bob Besalski, brought me a bulletin from the ordination. (click individual picture to see caption) https://photos.app.goo.gl/gcLzsJFimxiS582RA

 

 

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

 

WEDDING – Katie Brabham and Keith Barnett were married at First Lutheran on Saturday, June 1.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/RCNkHg86gRqcbPd3A

 

ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION -  Here are some pictures from the celebration on June 2, 2024 at First Lutheran of the 45^th anniversary of my ordination.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/grKqfhmLtYyn8W2XA

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – We received a list of names from the FL-GA District Office on Friday, May 17.  We have called all those on the list to see who is actually available for a call. Now we begin the process of asking 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.

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND. In an announcement at the May 19 Voters’ Meeting we learned that to put a new room on the sanctuary, the office building, the fellowship hall, and the student housing will cost about $200,000.00  We are at a point if we need to act before the roofs fail.  Please consider how God may lead you toward this need in the future.

 

MUSIC DIRECTOR, STEPHANIE SMITH IS STARTING GUITAR CLASSES.  We found a number of guitars when the church was cleaned for the fire inspection.  We will use these guitars for the class.  If you are interested, please contact Stephanie.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  We are studying Acts chapter 16, 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.  Last week we read about Ruth.  This week we are learning about Samuel.

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

 

VBS TAKES PLACE AT FIRST LUTHERAN JULY 22-26!  Please remember these dates and invite children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends!

 

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

 

I DID GO FISHING TWICE THIS PAST WEEK.

·       On Thursday, May 30, I fished in Orange Lake.  It was hot, and I only had one or two decent bites and not bass.   I did catch one Florida gar.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/kzEKiWJejzWXtwTx8

 

·       On Sunday, after Bible Class, Worship, an Ordination Anniversary Party, and an Elders’ meeting, I went home and had a short nap.  BUT, then I went fishing.  I caught 7 bass and kept 4.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/SyosfrV1grVFJkDE6

 

 

*******

 

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)