Is Your Head Spinning? - Holding Onto THE Rock, My Redeemer, My Lord and Savior-Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

My head is still spinning!  After counseling and a funeral in Florida on Saturday, July 27, AND after Bible Class, worship, and a meeting to call a new pastor in Florida on Sunday, July 28, I hopped on a plane Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. and I am now back home in Alaska.  You know, there’s a 4 hour time difference from Florida to Alaska.  So, when I rose at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning Florida time, it was 2:00 a.m. Alaska time.  When I finally laid down to bed at 4:30 a.m. Monday morning Alaska time, it was really 8:30a.m. Florida time.  Actually, Alaskans know this ‘head-spinning’ experience.  Those who travel know this as well.  It’s called “jet lag.” I am told it takes a day for each time zone to sort of regain one’s equilibrium.  So, you understand why my head is spinning . .  .again.

 

However, to my credit or shame, I am a person who wants to keep busy.  I desire to make a difference for good in my life and activities.  I don’t shy away from opportunities.  Instead, I attempt to balance my life.  And, when a person travels from one place to another, there are a whole new group of activities, or responsibilities, or tasks.  While I’m hoping to visit with family, and to fish, I am also helping to plan the Palmer Kiwanis Golf Tournament this Friday.  I have 4 doctor’s appointments in the next few weeks.  This sort of sounds like my devotion from last week about rest. 

 

In all honesty, my experiences bring minimal disruption compared to real trials.  Travel and activity are opportunities.  But, what happens when natural disasters, or death, or a medical diagnosis, or a national catastrophe, or a child leaving home, or the loss of a job affect our lives?  Then our heads really spin!  When life causes a person’s head to spin,’ how does a child of God balance these challenges or opportunities?  How does a a person actually keep going?

 

Personally, I find that I can face the challenges of life by knowing who I am, and whose I am.  I am a child of God, created by Him, forgiven and redeemed in Jesus, saved for eternal life in spite of the sin and death of this world.  What really helps me to face these times is one of the names of God.  He is “The Rock!”  He is My Rock!  When I stand on the Lord, I can face the challenges of life.  Please consider some of the verses from God’s word which call Him by this holy name.

 

The first verse I found in Scripture naming God as The Rock” is in Jacob’s blessings to his sons while on his death bed.  In prophesying about Joseph in Genesis 49, God moved Jacob to declare. “But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,”  God is The Rock on which Joseph would build.

 

The Psalms declare of God, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  (Psalm 18 2)  God is a place of refuge, of strength, of protection in the difficulties of life which spin our heads.

 

I appreciate the last verse of Psalm 19.  I pray this prayer each time I preach the word of God.  Yes, for the challenge of speaking words of truth for the lives of God’s people, HE is THE Rock and Redeemer. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  (Psalm 19 14)

 

Isaiah adds to these verses about God’s strength for our feeble and shifting lives.  . “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 30 4)

 

In the New Testament we are similarly told that Jesus is our “anchor” (Hebrews 6:17-20), and our “foundation.”  God teaches in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

 

How does a child of God face life, face this world, when our head spins?  We stand on The Rock.  We know Who we are: children of God, created in love and wisdom, redeemed by the blood of God’s son, Jesus, assured of everlasting life through faith in our Savior.  When the world spins our Rock and Foundation are sure, stable, and eternal.

 

Jet lag is a real thing.  But, I have been in Alaska two days now.  Nevertheless, there are tasks to be faced AS I seek to live as my Lord’s child and to make a difference in His name.  When my head spins, I hold on to the Rock, onto the foundation which is Jesus.

 

How do you face the “head spinning” times of life?

 

A Child of God, Holding Onto THE Rock, My Redeemer, My Lord and Savior-Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

 

P.S.  I am listing SOME of the “Rock” verses below.

 

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

 

Stephanie Smith and Larry Hartley were confirmed and received into membership at First Lutheran on July 28.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zBAxB71ogYNt4tZE6

 

FIRST LUTHERAN VOTES TO CALL PASTOR JAY WINTERS –

On Sunday,, July 28, in a congregational meeting after worship, First Lutheran Church voted unanimously to call Pastor Jay Winters of University Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, FL, to be pastor at First Lutheran.  When a pastor considers a call he deliberates and prays to determine the will of God.  Should he take this new opportunity to serve?  Should he continue where he is already serving?  What bests serves the Lord?

 PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

VBS took place last week, July 22-26 at First Lutheran.  I am told that a total of 18 children and 7 adults attended classes.  THANK YOU to all who helped organize, teach, and serve!  Here are some picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/wyexMTa9NdepT6r67

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  On Sunday, July 28, we continued in Acts 19.  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 Tuesday, July 16, we finished reading 2 Samuel.  We are reading 2 Kings. On Wednesday, July 31 we finished reading 1 Kings and learned the fate of Israel’s King Abab.. 

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND, and an AIR CONDITIONER 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 roofs are 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 are old and will need replacing.  

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future.

 

 

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

 

 

I WORKED ON MY BOAT FOR THE KENAI PENINSULA.  Gary Feaster of Greatland Welding put in a new floor, and moved a newer motor to this boat.  I tried it out on July 30.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9cREjyWdYx3CXcSJ6

 

Alaska Weather is understandably different from what we experienced in FL.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QF4KjhpVvnweQMR47

 

I LEFT FOR 6 WEEKS OF VACATION, TO SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY, TO FISH AND HUNT IN ALASKA, ON THE EVENING OF JULY 28, AFTER WORSHIP.

 

 

BIBLE VERSES

ROCK

Genesis 49:24 But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,”  God is The Rock on which Joseph would build.

 

Deuteronomy 32: 4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

 

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

 

Psalm 19 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

 

Psalm 31:2-3  2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

 

Psalm 62:2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

 

Psalm 78:35 They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

 

Psalm 89:26 He will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.'

 

Psalm 94:22 But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

 

Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

 

Isaiah 30:4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

 

ANCHOR

Hebrews 6:17-20 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

 

FOUNDATION

Ephesians 2 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

 

1 Corinthians 3: 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

*******

 

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.  (However, I am currently 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)

Thankful that Jesus Brings Rest and Peace to His Children

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

For the last 10 plus months I have had the joy and privilege of serving as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida.  Their previous pastor took a call elsewhere last summer.  Kathy and I arrived in Gainesville September  11.  One of the joys of my work is that this is the congregation where I grew up, and the congregation which sent me away to study to be a pastor.  So, I am serving a place I know, and serving people I care about. What a privilege! What a joy!

 

However, as I prepare to leave for 6 weeks of time at home in Alaska, I’m trying to get a lot done, in addition to my regular weekly tasks.  I stayed in Florida until the end of July so I could help with Vacation Bible School.  This Monday through Friday children are running around at night, and adults are studying and sharing, during this time of growth and fellowship.  I’m supposed to be half-time in my position, so I often do not come to the office on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, or even half a day Wednesday.  But this week . . . I’m here every day.

 

Recently, I have been visiting a long-time church member whom I remember from over 50 years ago.  Over the last few weeks she declined rapidly and passed away last Friday.  I now have the privilege of bringing Jesus to the celebration of her life this coming Saturday afternoon.

 

In addition, the reason I have served First Lutheran is to help get them through their time without a permanent, settled pastor, and to shepherd them until a new man arrives.  This past Sunday night and Monday we hosted and visited with our prime pastoral candidate, Rev. Jay Winters of Tallahassee.  Therefore, First Lutheran has scheduled a congregational meeting for this Sunday, July 28, after worship.  The purpose of this meeting is to pray and then to vote on calling Pastor Winters to First Lutheran.  If God works this gift of grace, I will personally feel joy that the Lord used me in the task to which I was called.  I am encouraged.  I am hoping.  I am praying.

 

But, I am older than I once was.  This is a BUSY WEEK.  I confess to being a little weary.  😊

 

If you worshiped in a liturgical Christian congregational last Sunday you heard the assigned Gospel lesson from Mark 6, which shared the account of Jesus feeding the 5000.  What an amazing miracle!  However, perhaps you missed what came earlier in the reading.  Jesus had previously sent His disciples out two by two to proclaim the gospel and to heal.  The disciples had returned.  As they shared with Jesus all their stories, this was His response, according to Mark 6:31 (NIV).  “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’"

 

It should not be a surprise that the disciples needed rest. Our Lord gave a commandment, for our own good, based on the rhythms with which He created, a commandment which calls for rest.  “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)  I personally understand the part in Sunday’s Gospel lesson about “they did not even have a chance to eat.” We all need time to stop the work and the craziness, in order to rest in body, soul, and mind.

 

I also believe people may miss THE source of such rest to which this Bible reading points.  Jesus says, “‘Come with ME.”  JESUS is the source of rest.  When we are weary from work, the Sabbath reminds us that GOD provides! When we are troubled with life troubles ‘nothing can separate us from the Love of God.’ (Romans 8:31-39).  When we have failed and sinned and are burdened with guilt, “The blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)  As Jesus taught and encouraged His followers during His time on earth, "Come to ME, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)  JESUS is the source of rest!

 

Interestingly, last Sunday’s Epistle lesson taught the same truth, as we are reminded that JESUS is our peace!  ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵ by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,  (Ephesians 2:13-15)

 

Kathy, my wife, has pointed out to me once or twice 😊 that I make my own decisions about time and work.  I love serving my Lord as a shepherd for His people, and I love the people I serve.  I think about work as I think of a dinner.  I don’t want to run out of food! I’d rather have a little too much than too little.  When serving as pastor, I would rather do a little too much, rather than hold back on bringing faith and love from Jesus.

 

This Sunday in worship, we will hear that, in the midst of trials, in the midst of chaos, in the midst of busy-ness, Jesus continues to love us as Lord and Savior.  I pray that you hear and know Jesus who calls us to peace and to rest.  “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

 

A Child of God, Thankful that Jesus Brings Rest and Peace to His Children,

Pastor Rockey

 

 

P.S.  I also appreciate Psalm 127:2.  ² It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

 

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

 

DANIEL GOLDENBERG was confirmed and received into membership at First Lutheran on July 21.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/TnGU5fY5LH5gDPan9

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – The First Lutheran Call Committee has worked through a lot of names submitted by the District and by First Lutheran members.  After interviews and prayerful deliberation, the call committee brought Pastor Jay Winters from University Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, FL, to First Lutheran Gainesville for a visit with congregational leaders the week of July 21.  The Call Committee and Church Council have asked for and scheduled a Voters’ meeting after worship on Sunday, July 28 to vote on calling Pastor Winters to First Lutheran.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

VBS IS HAPPENING AT FIRST LUTHERAN JULY 22-26!  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/V4aspXKLSphV8ZGu7

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND, and an AIR CONDITIONER 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 roofs are 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 are old and will need replacing.  

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  On Sunday, July 28, we will continue in Acts 19.  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 Tuesday, July 16, we finished reading 2 Samuel.  We are reading 2 Kings. On Tuesday, July 23 we finished reading about Solomon. 

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

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

 

 

I GOLFED ON THURSDAY, JULY 18 with long-time friend, Pastor Rick Armstrong – Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7VWEADt7PkXZA216

 

AS I PREPARE FOR TRAVELING TO AK, FOR THE VISIT OF PASTOR WINTERS, AND FOR VBS, I HAVE BEEN MORE BUSY THAN NORMAL.  I DID NOT GO FISHING THIS LAST WEEK.  ☹

 

I LEAVE FOR 6 WEEKS OF VACATION, TO SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY, TO FISH AND HUNT IN ALASKA, ON THE EVENING OF JULY 28, AFTER WORSHIP.

 

 

 

 

*******

 

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.  (However, I am currently 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)

 

 

 

Who's in Charge? Thankful That the God of Wisdom and Love Is In Charge, AND Loves Us!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I have been frustrated recently with the weather.  It’s not so much the Florida heat. Nor even the rain.  But the lightning has kept me from fishing and golfing.

 

I have been trying to honor the many requests I’ve had to take people fishing.  So, on Sunday, July 7, I took my nephew, Jayden Pruim, fishing in a favorite lake on Sunday afternoon after worship.  We were doing really well.  He caught a nice bass on his second cast.  I had a number of bites and caught a fish myself.  The weather report had predicted a small chance of rain, followed by a nice evening.  However, the clouds built as we fished.  The sky grew darker, and we started to hear thunder as the clouds approached us.  I told Jayden we should get off the water for safety and maybe the storm would pass.  Instead, we saw lightning as we reached shore and the storm simply settled in place and grew larger.  Then, as we pulled the boat out, the thunderstorms were now supposed to last for 2 ½ hours more, almost to dark.  Unfortunately, even though the fish were biting, we were on the water less than an hour.  Frustrating!

 

I tried again the following Sunday.  Originally the forecast had predicted rain for the afternoon of July 14.  But, as I drove home my weather app now predicted clouds, but no rain.  I stopped for lunch and ran into Chuck Brabham and family.  Way back last fall Chuck and I had talked about fishing together.  I told Chuck, “I’m going fishing this afternoon, if you want to come with me.”  Well, on the way the forecast changed, again!  Nevertheless, we got onto the lake and the fish started to bite right away.  I caught a couple of fish, and Chuck missed some.  But the sky quickly grew threatening.  We heard some rumbles.  We took out the rain gear.  Unfortunately, we soon saw a flash of light, followed by a loud crash. We packed up quickly and got off the lake.  When we docked, we saw a bolt of lightning.  Earlier, as we had launched the boat, the water was glassy as I have seen it.  The wind picked up and the waves lapped against the shore.  We had been out of the water less than an hour, even though the fish were biting.  Frustrating!!

 

I had better hopes for Monday, July 15.  I had a regular noon tee time for golf with friends.  Yes, storms were forecast to start after 4:00 p.m., but we figured we would be finished by then.  However, around the second hole, dark clouds started to build.  On the third hole I told the guys, “I can golf in the rain, but if I see lightning I’m gone.”  I am not a great golfer, but on Monday I was playing well.  I had two pars and two bogeys through the first 4 holes.  I missed a short putt for a par on hole 5, but was still 2 strokes under bogey golf.  That’s good for me.  Yet, the rumbles grew more frequent. Then, standing on the tee for the parr 5 number 6 hole, a bolt of lightning flashed at the end of the fairway.  We quickly drove our carts back to the parking lot.  Just as soon as I had put my gear in my car, returned the golf cart, and shut my door, the heavens opened up.  It was only a little after 1:00, not 4:00 p.m.  Nevertheless, the rain lasted most of the afternoon, and with the lightning, we were blessed with a couple of inches of rain.  I thought I would get my golf game in on Monday, but lightning again spoiled my plans.  It was extremely frustrating!!!

 

Just before we saw the lightning on the golf course, my friend Greg Winkler sort of joked, “Come on, Rock!  You’ve got an in with the Big Guy.  Can’t you do something about the weather?”  (Truthfully, I related these 3 long stories about lightning in order to get to Greg’s words.)  I’ve had people ask me that kind of question before.  It is worth considering how a child of God answers such questions. 

 

In all honesty, I do pray each day, often many times.  But, in my prayers I am not telling the Lord what to do.  I ask for His wisdom and grace and love, and then I wait on His answer.  I am not God.  HE is.  I’m not in charge.  The Lord God is Ruler of all!

 

When I pray I trust that God hears all my prayers, and that He always answers.  I also trust that my Lord is wiser than I am.  I trust He loves me.  Among many other words of Scripture, I believe my Lord’s words in Romans. “³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)  God has lovingly taken care of my eternity at the cost of Jesus’ life.  THAT is why I trust Him. That is why I trust HIM to answer my prayers.  I trust my Lord’s wisdom and love, to care for me in this life, as well as eternally. 

 

In truth, I did pray Monday on the golf course.  I prayed silently that the Lord would keep us safe. And He answered that prayer.  Thankfully, God is Lord.  Thankfully, HE is in charge.  He is wiser and more powerful than I am.  He gave His Son in love.  He answers prayers in grace and wisdom. 

 

“Come on, Rock!  You’ve got an in with the Big Guy.  Can’t you do something about the weather?”  I am trusting My Lord’s wisdom, and power, and love.

 

A Child of God, Thankful That the God of Wisdom and Love Is In Charge, AND Loves Us!

 

 

 

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

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – The First Lutheran Call Committee has worked through a lot of names submitted by the District and by First Lutheran members.  After interviews and prayerful deliberation, the call committee is bringing Pastor Jay Winters from University Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, FL, to First Lutheran Gainesville for a visit with congregational leaders the week of July 21.  Because the Call Committee and Church Council expect Pastor Winters’ visit to be a good one, they have asked for and scheduled a Voters’ meeting after worship on Sunday, July 28 to possibly consider calling Pastor Winters to First Lutheran.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

VBS TAKES PLACE AT FIRST LUTHERAN JULY 22-26!  Please 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/

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND, and an AIR CONDITIONER 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 roofs are 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 are old and will need replacing.  

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  On Sunday, July 21, we will make it into Acts 19.  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 Tuesday, July 16, we finished reading 2 Samuel.  We began reading 1 Kings on Wednesday, July 17. 

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

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

 

 

VISIT WITH MY NEIGHBORS – On Monday, July 15 I cooked for some of my neighbors.  Here is a picture of Doris Beazell, Linda Allen, and Doris’ sister Paula Forsyth as we ate bass and the “fixins.” After all, I did have fresh bass from Sunday afternoon! https://photos.app.goo.gl/yVXLyP7gNrR4Et199

 

I WENT FISHING THREE TIMES THIS LAST WEEK. 

·       On Friday, June 12, after a morning of golf, I enjoyed an afternoon and evening of fishing on Rodman Reservoir.  It was hot and the fish were not biting well, but I saw a beautiful sunset, and LOTS of gators.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/86AdQPHFTVZWCVR66

 

·       On Saturday, July 13, I went fishing early at Little Orange Lake.  It was hotter on Saturday than on Friday night.  Again, in the heat, the fish were sluggish.  But it is always good to be on the water.  Here are pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/8pY7cX8T3iJ2k4fv8

 

·       On Sunday, July 14, Chuck Brabham and I went fishing after worship services.  As you heard above, we encountered a thunderstorm.  But we did get out and the fish were biting.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/J63o62UvSCsU6jJ49

 

 

 

*******

 

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.  (However, I am currently 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 to Worship the Lord from My Heart, Because He is Gracious to Me!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What does true worship look like?  The Almighty Lord has given us a commandment about worship.   "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)  There is a sense in which worship of the Lord of all is the law.  Christians seek to follow this direction for healthy lives through weekly gatherings with God’s people for thanks and praise and fellowship. 

 

But the Lord teaches that real worship is not primarily done in outward actions in order to obey.  God seeks worship from the heart.  For example, consider David’s words in Psalm 51. “¹⁶ For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. ¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17)  Or, as Jesus teaches the woman at the well in John 4, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24)

 

I ask you to consider our relationship with the Lord through worship because I recently read a verse in daily devotions which struck me as worship from the heart.  I have previously read this verse many times.  But this time, as I was reading 2 Samuel, it caught my attention.  In 2 Samuel 7 David calls the prophet Nathan into his presence and shares that he wants to build a house for the Lord.  However, the Lord turns the tables on David.  “ . . . the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.” (2 Samuel 7:11)  The Lord promises to establish His kingdom through David and His family.  And the Lord will not just establish His kingdom through the lineage of David in this world, but eternally . . . through Jesus!

 

As he should have been, David was overwhelmed.  As I read David’s response, I sensed worship from his heart.  David responds to God’s grace with these words. “And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.”

(2 Samuel 7:28)

 

I was once taught that worship and prayer begins with PRAISE, honoring God for who He is.  That is what David does.  “And now, O Lord GOD, you are God”  The Lord who saved Israel in the Exodus, who has called David to be king, this Lord is GOD.  He is almighty.  He rules everything.  David issues this praise to the One who has seen David through Goliath, and Saul, and other trials.  “YOU ARE GOD!”

 

David also acknowledges the CHARACTER of the Lord.  “ . . . you are God, and your words are true.”  In a world of falsehood and half-truths, God’s words are true.  We can trust the reliable word of God to bring truth to our lives.  So, in response to God’s promise, David declares that The Lord is God.  David proclaims the Lord speaks truth.

 

I was then taught that true worship begins with PRAISE for Who God is, and then follows with THANKS for what He has done, for God’s acts of grace and goodness in our lives. So, David offers thanks.   “ . . . and you have promised this good thing to your servant.”

 

So, with a heart of thanks for God’s love, David had desired to build an earthly temple for His Lord.  But the Lord and Ruler of all instead establishes a heavenly kingdom through David.  Overwhelmed, from the heart, David praises God, acknowledges Him, and thanks Him for His goodness and His grace.  That is worship which our Lord desires – worship from the heart!

 

Have you been surprised at God’s gifts and actions of love and grace for you?  Have you experienced the surprise of God’s love in your life through Jesus?   As rebellious and disobedient children, we do not deserve our Lord’s love.  We do deserve His punishment, death, and condemnation.  Yet, knowing our failings, God nevertheless sent His Son. Jesus lovingly sacrificed His life for us and offers us forgiveness.  Jesus powerfully rose from the dead and invites us into the heavenly kingdom of God.  Have you acknowledged WHO the Lord is?  Have you recognized His character of grace and truth? Have you thanked him, from your heart? That is true worship which our Lord desires.

 

The Lord and Maker of all created the Sabbath because we need the truth of God’s Word.  We need the assurance of His grace and love. And as people who stray we need the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.  When we realize the Lord’s overwhelming grace for our sinful lives, how can we do anything other than worship Him from our hearts? God’s plan is that we worship with other believers.

 

Worship does not just happen by sitting in a pew on Sunday mornings.  True worship is a lifelong response to the Lord of love.  Do David’s words echo your heart? “And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.”  After all, through faith you are part of God’s eternal kingdom. 

 

A Child of God, Desiring to Worship the Lord from My Heart, Because He is Gracious to Me!

Pastor Jonathan 

 

 

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

 

CALL COMMITTEE NEWS – The First Lutheran Call Committee has worked through a lot of names submitted by the District and by First Lutheran members.  After interviews and prayerful deliberation, the call committee is bringing Pastor Jay Winters from Tallahassee to First Lutheran for a visit with congregational leaders the week of July 21.  After this visit the call committee will then decide if it should recommend this man to First Lutheran to consider calling as pastor.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

NEW MEMBERS AT FIRST LUTHERAN – First Lutheran received 3 new members in worship on Sunday, July 7.  Keith Barnett was received by adult confirmation.  Wil Droege and Marilyn Jaquette were received by transfer.  Welcome to God’s family at First Lutheran!  Here is a picture of our new members after worship on Sunday.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/YuBJhqUaUe1MgaF2A

 

VBS TAKES PLACE AT FIRST LUTHERAN JULY 22-26!  Please 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/

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND, and an AIR CONDITIONER 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 are old will need replacing.  

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs 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 are now studying chapter 18 and learning of Paul’s work in Corinth.  On July 7^th we made it through 2 whole questions!  😊  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 in 2 Samuel and reading about the reign of King David.  On Monday, July 8, we read 2 Samuel 11 and 12.  In previous chapters we had read about David’s stellar character and faith.  But, beginning in these chapters, we learn of David’s weaknesses, his failings, and His need for the promised Savior.

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

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

 

 

I WENT FISHING THREE TIMES THIS LAST WEEK and . . . caught fish. 

·       On Thursday morning, July 4, I tried to fish in Lake Geneva in Keystone Heights.  However, the lake is low and the boat ramp does not connect to the lake.  I did get out into the water and try out some reels I had cleaned and greased and oiled.  They all worked well.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ByDPaP81YHYmaoER7

 

·       On Saturday, July 6, I fished on the Suwannee River.  It was a HOT day, but I caught fish for the first time in a while.  The one keeper, a 14” bass, I released where I caught it.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/iBrBHuew7YsY1cXCA

 

·       On Sunday, July 7, after worship I took nephew, Jayden Pruim, fishing.  The weather report LOOKED promising.  But the reality was different.  We fished for about 45 minutes.  We had 5 bites and caught 3 fish.  But the big cloud that developed caused us to flee for shelter.  We took the boat out of the water just as the rain and thunder and lightening were starting.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/DeLCFbQV7WzJ8ptx5

 

 

 

*******

 

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.  (However, I am currently 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)