Viewing WORK as a Privilege and Opportunity to Serve My Lord and Love Others!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What do you think, how do you feel, when someone tells you to “Get to work!?”  I expect most have a negative reaction at being told “to work”.  “Who are YOU to tell ME what to do?”  “Are you telling me I’m lazy?” 

 

However, in my daily devotions for August 28, in 1 Chronicles 22, I read King David’s instructions to his son, Solomon, concerning the construction of a temple for the Lord.  First, David has a conversation with his son relating God’s instructions to David concerning the temple, and concerning Solomon.  Second, David encourages Solomon, reminding him of the Lord’s presence and help.  “¹¹ Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. ¹² Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God.  ¹³ Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.” (1 Chronicles 22:11-13)  David’s encouragement to Solomon remind me of God’s assurance to Joshua he led the people of Israel into The Promised Land. (Joshua 1:9)

 

But, after these words of promise and assurance, David gets down to business.  He tells Solomon how he has provided many of the materials and workers Solomon will need to accomplish the building of a temple for the Lord.  Finally, David minces no words.  “ . . .Arise and work! The LORD be with you!" (1 Chronicles 22:16, see all of vv. 15-16)  Don’t just sit there! ARISE!!  Don’t just think! WORK!! 

 

So, what are your feelings about work?  I know that many hate the idea of labor to earn wages in order to be able to live.  They do not like work.  However, for the child of God, work can be a gift and a blessing from the Lord!  Work gives identity.  Work fulfills a purpose.  Work provides dignity. 

 

David wanted Solomon to see that the Lord had been gracious to him, and to all of Israel.  The building of the temple was a response and was worship of the God of Israel.  “¹⁸ Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and his people. ¹⁹ Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD."  (1 Chronicles 22:18-19)  When Solomon built the temple, with skill and faith and precision, he was living as one blessed by God, and as one whose life was to serve and to worship the Lord.

 

We studied “spiritual worship, or service”, we also discussed vocation in the Adult Bible Class on Romans 12 at St. John Lutheran on Sunday, August 25.  Martin Luther taught that whatever we do with faith in God and with love for others is a calling, a vocation.  Any legal work or job which uses our God-given talents to serve God and others is “spiritual worship, or service.”  (Romans 12:1)  Luther taught that when a mother trusts the Lord and, in love, changes the dirty diaper of her baby, that is a calling of God.  The mother is living her calling and purpose. She has dignity because of her faithful, loving, service.  Of course, the New Testament has much to say about our work.  “²³ Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) (See also 1 Corinthians 15:58)

 

So, if work gives identity and purpose and dignity, if work is the service of a child of God for the Lord Himself, what is the best work we can do?  Jesus was asked that question after feeding the 5000 in John 6.  The people asked Jesus, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" (John 6:28) He responded, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."  (John 6: 29)  You see, Solomon’s response to God’s blessings for the nation of Israel was to “Arise and work,” and to build a temple for the Lord.  Today, we look at history and see all the evil and the failures of human beings.  We see all the failures of God’s own children. Yet the Father sent His Son.  In spite of our failure and sin, Jesus gave His life to forgive us.  He rose to save us.  That is why Jesus teaches us, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."  Jesus is our Savior!  And any work done believing in Jesus, is WORSHIP!

 

How do you feel about work?  Maybe someone has told you, or even ordered you, “Get up and get to work!”  Possibly, they did not have in mind the idea of you using your efforts to serve the Lord and to love others when they said that.  Or . . . maybe they did, and you just weren’t listening.

 

I am thankful that whether I am preaching God’s Word, or mowing the grass at my house, I can use the blessings and the gifts of God. I can serve Him and love others.  As a child of God, in Jesus, I really do see work as a blessing!  Go figure!

A Child of God, Viewing WORK as a Privilege and Opportunity to Serve My Lord and Love Others!

Pastor Rockey

 

 

P.S.  I am in Alaska for 6 weeks.   But I can still share some news of happenings at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, where I am still vacancy pastor.

 

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

 

FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS.  We are receiving nominations and names of pastors who would serve the Lord and His people well at First Lutheran in Gainesville.

            PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE FIRST LUTHERAN CALL PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

WHILE I AM IN ALASKA

·       Pastor Stephen Lane has led worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 4 and 11. He will also be leading worship on September 1 and 8.

 

·       Pastor Doug Bock led worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 18 and 25.

THANKYOU PASTORS LANE AND BOCK!!

 

THE WELCOME BACK BARBEQUE WAS AUGUST 25.  I have a report that 45 people signed up, and 105 people attended the barbeque.  😊 WELCOME BACK to our school year schedule, to classes at the University, and to worship and service of our Lord at First Lutheran!

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  Pastors Lane and Bock have been teaching.

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We have finished reading the book of 2 Kings, and have started the book of 1 Chronicles.  Today’s devotion from 1 Chronicles 22 is based on the reading for Wednesday, August 28.

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  I have recently received questions and comments.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND, and an AIR CONDITIONER FUND. The roofs are still in relatively 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, our Air Conditioners are old and need replacing.   The combined amount for repairs will total a significant sum.

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

 

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

 

·       This past week we picked raspberries again from our bushes / vines.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/sEXTNqJjXrpF6uSKA

 

·       I went Rock Fish fishing on Wednesday, August 21, out of Seward AK with friends from St. John and Palmer.  JD Jeffers rented a boat because his wife, Dena, had not been fishing all their time in AK. (In Georgia yes.  In AK, no!)  Dave Witte has experience in Seward.  Eric Wyatt has experience fishing for rock fish.  I had equipment and poles at my cabin.  So we went fishing.  We saw eagles, puffins, whales, and caught a bunch of fish!  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/u6ioE8h6K9Lj8FN28

 

·       I peached in Sterling and Homer, AK, Sunday, August 18.  Then . . . DOCTORS! GRRRRRR!! I ended up with a toothache, starting on Monday, August 19.  After fishing on the 21^st, I saw my dentist on the 22^nd, and I had a root canal in Anchorage on August 23.  Sigh!  Kathy and I have been trying to get in our doctor visits while home.  But, we are seeing them more than we wanted to.  Next weeks devotion MAY BE about things wearing out . . .

 

*******

 

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 or 47 Years of God’s Love and Blessings - in Marriage

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I recently watched an older movie, “The Wedding Planner.”  In that movie the Jennifer Lopez character tells a future bride, the client of the wedding planning business where she works, “He said he can’t believe you chose him.”  Similarly, I recently told some people, “When both the husband and wife think they are the lucky one, then a marriage works.” 

 

Marriage between one man and one woman is God’s plan for the world He made, God’s plan for families.  “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)  Actually, Scriptures tells us that the relationship between a husband and wife teaches us about the relationship between Jesus and His bride, the Church.  “²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of his body.³¹ "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." ³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. ³³ However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”  (Ephesians 5:29-33)  Our loving Lord intends that the unity, the bond, the sacrifice and the love between a husband and wife reflect the greater love between Jesus and His Church.

 

Unfortunately, in a world of selfishness, of pride, of greed and lust and covetousness, in a world of sin, no marriage is perfect.  Many fail completely.  We should not be surprised that our sin disrupts one of the greatest blessings God gave His children.  Divorce is a reality which breaks hearts, in Scripture, in our world, and in my own extended family.  I know some, at least, of the heartaches and struggles of my loved ones.  I am sad for those I know whose hearts have been broken, and I hope I bring comfort and love to their lives.

 

But, marriage is still a gift from God, meant to bless men and women, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren.  In Proverbs 31, King Lemuel sums up a song on the virtues of his own wife,  “¹⁰ An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. . . 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.” (Proverbs 31:29-31) 

 

I write this because I feel like I understand King Lemuel.  On Tuesday, August 20, my wife Kathy and I will have been married for 47 years.  Forty-seven years is not a seemingly special number, like 25 years, or 30 or 40, or 50, or 60 years.  I pray and hope we celebrated MANY more anniversaries.  My own parents were married for over 58 years before my mom passed.  But, Kathy’s parents only made 28 years before her dad died. 

 

The bottom line is that I am thankful for God’s gift of marriage, for the blessing of my wife, Kathy, and for our many years of love and faith, of family and friends, of disappointments and joys.  I do believe that I am the lucky one.  Surprisingly, Kathy also tells me the same thing.  But, then she also tells me that her job is to . . . keep me humble.  😊 (I guess that’s a big job!)

 

On Sunday, August 18, I had the privilege of bringing God’s word to Faith Lutheran Church in Homer, AK.  Before worship I was talking with Ron and Marilyn Hess.  I first met them in 1991, over 33 years ago.  As we were talking Ron and Marilyn shared with me that they have been married for 62 years, and that Ron’s parents were married for over 70 years.  Imagine, 70 years!  Imagine the love, the sacrifice, the perseverance.  That sounds like Jesus’ love for His church, doesn’t it?

 

“ . . . 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.”  Thank you, Lord, for the GIFT of marriage and family!  Thank you, Lord, for my wife, Kathy!

 

A Child of God, Thankful for 47 Years of God’s Love and Blessings - in Marriage,

Pastor Rockey

 

 

P.S.  I am in Alaska for 6 weeks.   But I can still share some news of happenings at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, where I am still vacancy pastor.

 

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

 

FIRST LUTHERAN VOTED TO CALL PASTOR JAY WINTERS on Sunday, July 28, in a congregational meeting after worship. However, on Friday, August 16 Pastor Winters informed us that He has been led by the Lord to remain at University Lutheran Church in Tallahassee.

            PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE FIRST LUTHERAN CALL PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

WHILE I AM IN ALASKA

·       Pastor Stephen Lane will lead worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 4 and 11, and September 1 and 8.

 

·       Pastor Doug Bock will lead worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 18 and 25.

 

THE WELCOME BACK BACK BARBEQUE IS THIS COMING SUNDAY, AUGUST 25~

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  Pastors Lane and Bock will continue teaching.

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We have finished reading the book of 2 Kings, and have started the book of 1 Chronicles.  The first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles contain long  lists of genealogies of God’s people.

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. The roofs are still in relatively 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, our Air Conditioners are old and need replacing.   The combined amount for repairs will total a significant sum.

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

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

 

·       Here is a link to SOME pictures from our marriage, many newer pictures, some older ones.   I will keep adding to this online album.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rVCggpLpqaDjMhhA9

 

·       Our raspberries are coming in.  Here is a picture of our youngest granddaughter, Annie with some raspberries she picked,   😊  https://photos.app.goo.gl/uEFDGmKZdsb23oTS9

 

·       I went halibut fishing on Wednesday, August 14, with friend and halibut fisherman Fred Vasilie, along with friends Gerry Zellar, Pastor Tony Schultz, and Pastor Scott Shields.  We did well.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/x3f5SdPRU8YfKmYE6

 

·       I visited someone in Mat-Su Regional on Monday, August 11.  I saw this vehicle in the parking lot.  I expect they were disappointed when they came out of the hospital.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rSb8gnGa2wShMAUNA

 

·       Also . . . I have now seen 4 different doctors and been to the veterinarian twice.  Kathy has also seen the dentist, and the eye doctor, twice, and is having secondary cataract surgery on Tuesday, August 20 (Our 47^th anniversary).  Things are hopping in the Rockey household!

 

*******

 

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)

Full of Questions – BUT, Trusting GOD for the Answers – in Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What causes you to doubt God’s love?  What causes you to doubt there is even a God who is the Loving Lord of all?

 

Last Sunday the assigned Gospel Reading for the twelfth Sunday after Pentecost was John 6:35-51.  In this reading Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”  (John 6:35) From the perspective of a Christian believer in the 21^st century, we can understand that assertion of Jesus, in part at least.  After all, Jesus gives life because He is The Creator. (John 1:3) After all, Jesus gives life through forgiveness won in His agony and death on the cross, and won in His rising from the dead.  In addition, for many Christians, we hear Jesus’ words on the night He was betrayed as He taught, “Take and eat.  This is my body.” We know in this sacrament, Jesus is “The Bread of Life!” In many ways, as Christian believers, we can start to understand that Jesus is the bread of life.  Life is fuller in this world because of Him.  Eternal life comes from Him.  We want Jesus.

 

But, Jesus’ words in John 6 also led to misunderstanding, to doubt, and to rejection by the religious leaders of His day.  Jesus had further explained, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me,” (John 6:38) Listen to the reaction of those leaders. "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?" (John 6:42).  These people did not understand Jesus, and they doubted that Jesus could be the bread of life.  “How can someone we know say ‘He came down from heaven!!” So, sadly, lack of understanding led to doubt and rejection.

 

I have recently encountered a number of situations where people question God’s teaching, or His wisdom, because they cannot understand, because life doesn’t make sense.

 

Two people I know questioned the wisdom, or the love, or even the existence of God because of the evil around us.  “How can there be so much evil in the world with so many problems?”  Others I know questioned God’s and law and His guidance.  “How can God know what is right for our world, today?”  These questions led to doubt for those who asked them.

 

But, in the last few weeks I have known of two tragedies which took lives.  Children of God were involved, and died!  “HOW can there be a loving God if such tragedies happen?!”  Actually, I once read a quote from an evangelism book which put this mystery into a kind of poetry.  In the play “JB” (think Job), Archibald MacLeish writes the verse

            “If God is good, He is not God.

            If God is God, He is not good”

This is the question which the book of Job examines, “Why is there evil in the world?” Such question have and continue to cause people to doubt God’s love and goodness.

 

So, I have a few suggestions which might help when the trials of life cause us to doubt, or might possibly even lead us to reject God.  First, asking “WHY” did this happen? or “WHY is there evil?” is actually the wrong question.  Scripture is plain in sharing that the Lord created a good and righteous world, and that Satan is the source of evil, and pain, and death.  Our sin has, unfortunately, also contributed to the troubles in our world.  A better question is “How can I face the evils of life as a Child of God with the love and help of my Creator and Savior?”

 

Second, God wants us to know that when trials come, He has not abandoned us.  Psalm 46:1 teaches us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” In other words, in times of trouble, when we really need God, He has not left us, He is really there for us. He is “a very present help IN TIMES OF TROUBLE!!”  We may not understand how God is working, but He promises that in trouble He is VERY present to help us.  Or, as God assures us in Romans 8, “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

 

Finally, I encourage you to take comfort in the fact that God understands our pain and loss.  St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer recently lost a faithful young member, Luke Peltier. This 20 year old child of God was tragically killed in an automobile accident.  I personally do not understand why this happened! (But that is not the right question.)  I wonder where God’s love and wisdom is, though I do trust that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) I trust that He is wisdom.” (Proverbs 9)  But, please consider with me the most well-known verse in Scripture, John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” If anyone knows what it is like to lose a son, it is God Himself.  “He gave His only begotten Son.”  He understands our struggle with trouble, with loss, our trouble with pain, and our trouble with death.  Actually, in 2018 Luke wrote His Confirmation Essay on John 3:16. Imagine! I might not understand life or God.  But He loves us so much He gives His Son so that we might have life.  God understands when we hurt!

 

So, “What causes you to doubt God’s love?  What causes you to doubt there is even a God who is the Loving Lord of all?” Please know that God understands our pain.  He has defeated Satan and overcome evil and conquered death in the life and the death AND the resurrection of Jesus.  THAT is ‘Why’ God gave His Son.  He is there in our times of questioning.  Jesus was right when He taught, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” 

 

A Child of God, Full of Questions – BUT, Trusting GOD for the Answers – in Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

 

P.S.  I am in Alaska for 6 weeks.   But I can still share some news of happenings at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, where I am still vacancy pastor.

 

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

 

FIRST LUTHERAN VOTED TO CALL PASTOR JAY WINTERS on Sunday,, July 28, in a congregational meeting after worship. We are awaiting word from Pastor Winters as He seeks God’s guidance as to where he should serve.

            PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

WHILE I AM IN ALASKA

·       Pastor Stephen Lane will lead worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 4 and 11, and September 1 and 8.

 

·       Pastor Doug Bock will lead worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 18 and 25.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  Pastors Lane and Bock will continue teaching.

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We are currently reading about Elijah and Elisha in the book of 2 Kings 18-20 about King Hezekiah.

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.

Here are some pictures. 

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

 

·       Kathy and I are enjoying family time in Alaska.  Our 4 children and their families, including our 6 grandchildren, all live close to us here.  Here are some pictures from a family gathering on Saturday, August 10.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRk8Us8va7yHR9US7

 

·       I went trout fishing on a local lake with family and church friend, Kym Miller.  I caught 4 trout on dry flies, and 4 on eggs/bait.  I had bites on lures (Panther Martin) but did not hook any fish.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/5tTici174CfjKUPM7

 

·       On Wednesday, August 14, friend Fred Vasilie is taking me halibut fishing along with St. John member Gerry Zellar, and Pastor Tony Schultz and Pastor Scott Shields.  (Can 3 pastors get along in one boat?)  Picture next week.

 

·       Also . . . I have now seen 4 different doctors and been to the veterinarian twice.  Kathy has also seen the dentist, and the eye doctor, and is having secondary cataract surgery on Tuesday, August 20 (Our 47^th anniversary).  Things are hopping in the Rockey household!

 

*******

 

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 for the Real, Sacrificing Friendship of Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I have written previously about friends.  However, last Saturday I was blessed in a way which deserves recognition.  I also believe we can all learn more about the parable of the Good Samaritan, and about Jesus, from the kind, giving help I received from my new ‘friend.’

 

I have been back in Alaska about 10 days.  But, last week my son, Tim, wanted to fish for red salmon on the Kenai River.  I have been doing some work on my boats, so I had not taken my Kenai boat on an actual fishing trip.  Nevertheless, in order to take Tim fishing I arose at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, and drove to the Kenai Peninsula to fish.  My truck pulled back into my driveway in Palmer at 1:20 a.m. Sunday morning. 

 

Partly because I was hurrying to make the fishing trip happen, I did not have everything totally in order.  I had tested the boat and knew it ran.  I was loaded with fishing gear, and life jackets, and full on fuel.  However, I had moved items around in my storage compartments and was not 100% sure where everything was.  Also, I had charged the battery in the boat for about 2-3 hours on Tuesday.  But, the boat has been idle since the 2023 fishing season.  As you will see, I should have charged my battery longer.  I just did not yet realize that fact. 

 

We pulled into the Bings Landing Boat Ramp on the Kenai to launch the boat.  Tim has developed skills with trailers, and he helped me launch the boat.  With my vessel in the water on the trailer, the motor fired right up, I backed off, and Tim drove the trailer about a half mile away to find a parking space.  When he arrived at the dock, I turned the key.  This time, the motor did not start right away.  Then it did not crank as well as before.  Finally, when I turned the key, nothing happened to my outboard. 

 

What does a person do in a situation like this?  We had left Palmer and Anchorage early in order to fish.  The drive was about 185 miles from my house one way.  I wanted to spend time with my son, and he wanted time with a pole in his hand.  But I also did not want to be unsafe!  I was actually thinking of giving up on the trip.

 

Perhaps surprisingly, a man in the boat in front of us on the dock asked if we were having battery troubles and needed help. I later learned his name was Doug.  Doug’s boat also had a 50 HP Yamaha outboard, and he had a pull cord.  However, the boat battery needs to be charged enough for the pull cord to work.  Well, the next option Doug came up with was to jump my motor from his battery.  Our jumper cables were in our truck.  So Tim ran ½ mile to the truck, and a half mile back to the boat.  Yup!  Our motor started right up on the first turn of my key.  But, did I want to go upstream wondering if my boat would die, or if it would not start after fishing?  Doug gave me his phone number, and suggested I follow him to his place on the river.  He said, if need be, he had a volt meter, and a charger, and could help me out.  So, I followed Doug to his family cabin and the boat was running well (if not the boat driver – but that is another story). Tim and I went upstream and fished for about 7 hours.  Yes, the motor did start later when I fired the ignition and we made it home safely with 2 nice sockeye salmon.

 

Through all this ordeal I felt like the helpless man in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.  In that account, a man was beaten and left beside the road, in need, to possibly die.  Thankfully, a Samaritan, a man who was considered an outcast – almost an enemy- stopped to help the injured Jewish man.  The Samaritan put his life in danger in an area where robbers worked.  The Samaritan showed concern and care, nursing the wounds of the wounded man. The Samaritan paid for the injured man’s care.  The Samaritan did not even know the wounded man, except that he was a fellow human being.  Yet this nameless Samaritan man gave of his time and concern and resources for the wounded Jewish man.  By the way, Jesus taught this parable to a Jewish religious leader who had asked Jesus whom he was required to love.  “Who is my neighbor?”  (Luke 10:29)  After relating the parable, Jesus’ answer to the religious leader was, “You, go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

 

When Christians hear God’s law, what we are supposed to do, the law always reveals our failings.  As St. Paul writes, “ . . . through the law comes knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20) When we know our sin and short-comings, we also learn that we need a savior.  Remember Jesus’ instructions from the parable. “You, go and do likewise.”  Have you ever failed to love another or to help a stranger?  But, do you also remember the words of Jesus in John 15?  “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”  (John 15:13) Jesus is our ultimate friend, our best friend forever!  Though we willingly reject His love, His guidance, His wisdom, and His truth, Jesus did come to earth and lay down His life for us.  The Good Samaritan put his life in danger. But Jesus GAVE His life to save us.  He calls us friends.  What a GIFT!

 

When I think of my new friend, Doug, I realize he went above and beyond.  He did not know me.  I was just a stranger in need.  Doug did not have to take his time to help me.  But he did help, and offered more help if I needed it.

 

Have you considered God’s love for us through Jesus in this way.  We want to be able to take care of ourselves – silly us!  But when we weren’t asking for help, God the Father sent His Son.  When we didn’t want to admit our need and sin, Jesus lived for us and, more surprisingly, Jesus died to pay for our sins.  For people who are totally helpless on their own – like we are - Jesus rose and won eternal life for people who truly have no hope in themselves.  Jesus is The Friend we may wish we did not need, but The Friend who went beyond anything we would do, so that He could save us.

 

Since Jesus has been THE Friend who lays down His life for us, with whom can you share friendship and love, even if you do not know the person? With whom can you share Jesus’ love?

 

A Child of God, Thankful for the Real, Sacrificing Friendship of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

 

P.S.  I am in Alaska for 6 weeks.   But I can still share some news of happenings at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, where I am still vacancy pastor.

 

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

 

THANK YOU TO Stephanie Smith for the concert at First Lutheran last Saturday, August 3!

 

FIRST LUTHERAN VOTED TO CALL PASTOR JAY WINTERS on Sunday,, July 28, in a congregational meeting after worship. We are awaiting word from Pastor Winters as He seeks God’s guidance as to where he should serve.

            PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

WHILE I AM IN ALASKA

·       Pastor Stephen Lane will lead worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 4 and 11, and September 1 and 8.

 

·       Pastor Doug Bock will lead worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 18 and 25.

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  Pastors Lane and Bock will continue teaching.

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We are currently reading about Elijah and Elisha in the book of 2 Kings.

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

 

·       Kathy and I are enjoying the beauty of Alaska.  Here are a couple of pictures from our front porch and front yard.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LeZec6hXBo3AJfke6

 

·       While I did not plant a garden in Alaska this year, THE BERRIES ARE STILL BEARING FRUIT!  Here are some pictures of the end of our strawberries and the beginning of our raspberries.  Yum!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ejRbY1HXnybAD3Qd7

 

·       I did help organize the 29^th Palmer Kiwanis Golf Tournament on Friday, August 2.  Can you believe that Ned Entwistle won this statue???? (The club raised about $4,000.00 to help children in our community.  😊  https://photos.app.goo.gl/cyWX3q4d3EJWd8pJ6

 

·       I did get my Kenai boat up and running.  Here are some pictures from Wednesday, Tuesday, July 31.  The boat has a new floor, and a newer outboard.  😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/PHCbMUJjpj1QeQEV9

 

·       I did take Tim fishing on the Kenai even though salmon fishing is slow in our area.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ndwbBFY8veFgbFhn9

 

·       When our family moved to Palmer in 1991, the Snodgrass family were very active.  I ran into Tyler and Travis Snodgrass on the bank of the river on Saturday and we caught up.  😊 They both now live in Anchorage.

 

·       Pastor Tony Schultz and I went golfing on a cloudy Tuesday.  BUT, the view is breath-taking.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nYT1dedBF6SLsB7HA

 

·       In addition . . . Kathy and I are visiting our doctors while in town.  I have seen 3 doctors, with one more coming.  Kathy has seen two, with more fun to come.  AND, we now have a new “on demand water heater.”  No sitting around in the Rockey house!

 

*******

 

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)