Thankful in All Circumstance Because, 'The Lord is Good, and His Steadfast Love Endures Forever!'

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

It is somewhat a tradition in the Rockey household to go around the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day and to share our personal reasons for thanks.  People share from their hearts.  Sometimes I am surprised.  Yet, often the reasons given for thanks are somewhat predictable.  Many are thankful for family, or for health.  Often people share they are thankful for accomplishments, or a job.  Many often share that in addition to other blessings, they are thankful for the eternal blessings from our Lord.  Do you know Psalm 118:1?  “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”  People are naturally thankful when things go well in their lives. 

 

However, our Lord gives other instructions, instructions which might surprise us.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 God instructs His people through St. Paul, ^“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse calls on us to give thanks “in ALL circumstance.”  It is natural to thank God when life is going well.  But how about when we have an illness?  How do we give thanks when there are family troubles?  When a loved one dies, are we able to give thanks?  When our country is in trouble do you find reason for thanks?  Do words of thanks leave your mouth when we have an auto accident, or make a bad golf shot?

 

However, 1 Thessalonians 5 is not the only verse in Scripture which calls for thanks in all of life.  In Ephesians we read, “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:18-21)  Paul also writes, ^“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.” (Colossians 3:17)

 

The reason we face trouble in life is that our world is in rebellion against its Creator and Lord.  The world’s sin, and our sin, causes chaos which we have all experienced.  Sometimes that chaos leads to expressions which are not words of thanks.

 

But, did you notice that each of those verses of God’s Word which call God’s people to give thanks, also mention Jesus?  In a world of suffering, pain and death, Jesus promises eternal life.  When our personal faults and failures cause trouble, Jesus is the Son of God who took the punishment for our sin.  Jesus forgives.  When life seems too much, Jesus is with us in His love.  When life brings pain and suffering, Jesus helps us to deal with these troubles.

 

When we face illness, Jesus is with us.  We pray to Him.  We know that Jesus healed people in His day, and that Jesus hears our prayers.  Because Jesus hears our prayers, because we trust His wisdom, we can give thanks even through illness.

 

When there are family troubles, we know that the Son of God took on human form.  Because Jesus is God who became a man, He is our brother.  We can love our family, even in times of struggle and trouble, the way that Jesus loves us.  Jesus gives us reason for thanks, even in time of family trouble.

 

If a loved one dies believing in Jesus, we know that Jesus did not just die to pay for our sins, but He also rose from the dead and offers eternal life.  In truth, life in heaven “is not worth comparing” to life in this world.  (Romans 8:18)  Even though we grieve the loss of a loved one in this life, even though we face loneliness and emptiness, the hope of eternal life gives us reason for thanks.

 

Even though Psalm 118 does not mention Jesus by name, we are called to give thanks BECAUSE God “is good, and His love endures forever.”  We receive God’s eternal blessings through our Savior, Jesus.  It is natural to give thanks when life goes well.  But God gives us the ability to be thankful even when life is difficult because “the LORD . . . is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!””

 

If your Thanksgiving celebration gives you the opportunity to share the reason you are thankful, will you be able to be thankful even through your times of trial?

 

A Child of God, Thankful in All Circumstance Because, 'The Lord is Good, and His Steadfast Love Endures Forever!'  

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.   I continue to serve as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until First Lutheran receives a permanent full-time pastor.   

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

·       FIRST LUTHERAN WILL HAVE A CALL MEETING AFTER WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1.  The Call Committee hosted Pastor Chris Kollman and his wife, Steph, for a visit at First Lutheran recently.  They are recommending First Lutheran Vote on calling Pastor Kollmann. There is a call meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 1. 

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

 

·       THANK YOU  to all who prepared and served our Oktoberfest last Sunday, November 24, after worship, The food was great.  We had wonderful fellowship. The meal also gave us an opportunity to also hold a Wills / Estate Planning Seminar.  THANK YOU to all who served the meal.  THANK YOU to all who served on the panel of “Experts”  This was a good event for FLC.

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m..  Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack.  Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

 

·       In Sunday Bible Class we are now studying the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.   Come and Join Us!!!!!

 

·       COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m.  Come and join us! They are studying “The Case for Christianity.”

 

·       WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  On Tuesday, November 26, we read through Psalms 125.

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!

 

·       EXTRA HOLIDA SERVICES  In addition to Sunday Worship, we now have mid-week worship for 6 weeks

o   November 27, 6:30 -Thanksgiving Eve

o   December 4, 6:00 – Advent 1, Preschool Children.

o   December 11, 6:30 p.m. – Advent 2

o   December 18, 6:30 p.m. – Advent 3

o   December 24, 5 and 7, Christmas Eve Candlelight

December 25, 10 a.m. – Christmas Day

o   December 31 – New Year’s Eve.

P.P.S. I went fishing 3 times in the last week.

·       On Saturday, November 23, I fished in a lake near Palatka.  I only got to fish for about an hour and a half, but I did have a number of bites.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/CkEzn6m3oasJVHzc9

 

·       On Sunday, November 24, after worship and the Wills / Estate Planning Seminar, I went fishing in Orange Lake.  This lake had been severely clogged with weeds, but the rains and recent cold weather have raised the water levels.  I had no bites, but was glad to be able to fish the lake again.  Here is a picture of an eagle on its nest.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/odYpUSkC4TswCo3g9

 

·       On Monday, November 25, I returned to Orange Lake.  I learned more about where I can fish.  I did catch one 12” bass which I released. Here is a  picture.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/7L6Q6CrorKYL2wKB7

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

 

Ready for Judgement Day Because, 'Jesus is in the Business of Redemption, NOT Condemnation!'

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Kathy and I have pretty much recovered from jet lag and we are back in our routines.  For me, that means serving as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.  But, my regular schedule also includes golfing and fishing.  On Monday morning, November 18, I golfed with one of the groups I am part of, the “Turkey Creek Mafia.”  One of my partners in my golf game on Monday was a friendly man nicknamed “Pizza Bill.” (Before retirement, Bill owned a number of Pizza Huts.)  Bill knows I am a pastor, and at times he says things which might, and which do, get a reaction from me.  Monday morning, as we approached the tee box on hole 5, Bill told me he had seen a number of ‘Christian’ and religious groups the previous Saturday when he attended the Florida Gators football game.  Bill shared with me that some who identified themselves as Christians were protesting against the way some people voted.  He also indicated he saw another group demonstrating in order to condemn the way many college students dress.  (Bill’s words were a little stronger.)

 

My friend’s words saddened me.  I told Bill, “They have a different understanding of Jesus than I do.  The religious leaders in Jesus’ day looked down on those whose lives were not perfect.  But Jesus ate with these people.”  I mentioned Luke 15 to Bill.  In this section of Scripture we read about Jesus, “1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him [Jesus]. ² And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’"  (Luke 15:1-2)  Jesus is in the business of redemption, NOT condemnation.

 

If those people outside the stadium were protesting in the way which my friend said, I wonder if they have ever read the account of Jesus in John 8.  The religious leaders targeted a woman caught in the act of adultery.  They brought this woman to Jesus and wanted Him to condemn her.  These leaders wanted Jesus to condone their stoning her.  Instead, Jesus responded to these religious leaders, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."  (John 8:7) The result was, “when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.”  Jesus asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"  Then Jesus lovingly told the woman, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." (John 8:9-10) Jesus’ mission was redemption, not condemnation.

 

Many people, even non-Christians, know John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  But, do you know the Scripture verse which follows? Do know John 3:17?  ^“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” The mission of Jesus is saving, not condemning.

 

This coming week in worship we will hear Jesus encourage us to be ready when He returns.  "³² But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.”  (Mark 13:32-33)  In a very real way Jesus’ words are a warning.  But, none of us are prepared for Jesus’ coming because of our own good works.  We have all sinned against God.  We have hurt others.  We deserve our Lord’s condemnation.  Therefore, we keep on guard, we are awake, when we trust Jesus who died to forgive our sins and who rose to give us eternal life.  We keep on guard, we are awake through the forgiveness of Jesus.  We keep on guard, we are awake when we know that ^“ . . . God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

 

I wonder if those people demonstrating at the football game know what our Lord teaches in the Old Testament, in Psalm 130, “³ If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? ⁴ But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” (Psalm 130:3-4)  Or, I wonder if those people who called themselves followers of Jesus knew the comfort of God in Psalm 103 “¹⁰ He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; ¹² as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. ¹³ As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.”  (Psalm 103:10-13) The desire of our heavenly Father is redemption, is forgiving, not condemnation.

 

If I had to trust myself to face my Lord when He comes as Judge, I am lost.  But, I trust Jesus.  Jesus came to offer redemption, to offer forgiveness, not condemnation. I trust Jesus as my Savior!

 

A Child of God, Ready for Judgement Day Because, 'Jesus is in the Business of Redemption, NOT Condemnation!'

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.   I continue to serve as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until First Lutheran receives a permanent full-time pastor.   

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

·       THIS Sunday, November 24, after worship, We will have an OKTOBERFEST MEAL, and a Wills / Estate planning seminar.  Diana Raasch from Lutheran Church Extension Fund will be working with local First Lutheran people to teach opportunities of faithful Christian Stewardship in our wills and estates.  There will also be opportunities to talk with Diana privately, if a person wishes to do so.

PLAN NOW to attend this festive meal and informative seminar!

 

·       FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS.  This week Pastor Chris Kollman and his wife, Steph, visited First Lutheran and met with leaders and the call committee. There is a call meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 1. 

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

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m..  Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack.  Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

 

·       In Sunday Bible Class we are now studying the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.   On November 24 we will start with Isaiah 11.  Come and Join Us!!!!!

 

·       COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m.  Come and join us! They are studying “The Case for Christianity.”

 

·       WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  On Wednesday, November 20, we read through Psalms 101.

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 “RAISE THE ROOF FUND,” for roof replacement and air-conditioning repairs. 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.  So the Congregation has begun a “Raise the Roof” campaign.  Our goal to accomplish these combined repairs is $500,000!

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future. (While serving in Gainesville, I will be donating from each of my checks.)

 

P.P.S. I did go fishing once since I have been home.  On Sunday, afternoon, November 17, after worship.  I fished in the Suwannee River for the first time in many months.  I did not have any bites, but . . . it was a beautiful day! https://photos.app.goo.gl/aE9Y8K9zZdvRkrGo7     

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

 

Finding Joy in Unexpected Opportunities to Share God’s Love in Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Kathy and I are now home from 3 weeks of traveling in Germany and Europe.  Though we did visit various places we had not previously been, our main reason for travel was so that I could serve with Wittenberg English Ministry.  This pan-Lutheran ministry primarily offers worship services in the English language for those traveling to this historic Lutheran city.  I led 7 worship services in churches where Martin Luther himself preached.  And, I was available for pastoral care if needed.

 

However, what I did not expect as I served with WEM, were the opportunities for personal witness concerning Jesus, opportunities above and beyond the public proclamation in worship.  Time and again Kathy and I encountered people who willingly shared with us their struggle with the Christian faith.  Also surprising to us, almost all these people were willing to discuss matters of the Lordship of God and of salvation.  They were willing to engage in conversation without being defensive, or rude.  We tried to listen and to talk from our heart about the faith God has created in us.  But, unlike such opportunities in America, people who shared their doubts with us were also willing to listen to our thoughts.  We were continually surprised.

 

On Wednesday morning, November 6, at breakfast in Munich, a middle-aged woman saw me reading my devotional bible.  This lady walked over to my table and asked me about the Bible.  She shared that she was interested as a retired middle school history teacher. (Grades levels are different in Germany.) We talked about teaching.  Our daughter, Mary, a teacher herself, was traveling with us.  This woman talked history. She specialized in studies of the holocaust.  I shared my bottom line.  “God has created all of us.  But, we humans have rebelled and sinned in horrible ways.  We need a Savior.  I believe God sent Jesus!”  We parted as she went about her morning chores.

 

Two German men spoke with us on separate occasions about their personal doubts concerning God and Christian faith.  One man had a sincere conversation with Kathy.  Another spoke with me.  What these two men had in common is that they spent much of their lives in communist East Germany.  One told me, “I was a member of the Socialist Party.”  Both had learned to doubt the church and trust the state.  Both also saw the travesties human beings commit against one another, and the failings of Christ’s Church.  Responding to the man with whom I talked, I simply said, “Yes, this world is a mess.  That is why God sent Jesus.”

 

Another delightful encounter happened at an evening meal on October 30.  We had been told of one restaurant, “The food is good, but the people are weird!”  Well we went, and the food was good.  There were also a lot of people, primarily men, drinking beer and talking loudly.  One of those men saw Kathy and Mary and me at our table finishing our meal.  He walked over to visit with us.  I know only a little German.  This man knew less English.  (There is a wonderful “Google Translate” app which I often used.)  However, as I tried to explain in my less than stellar German why we were in Wittenberg, we somehow mentioned fishing.  Well, I got out my phone and started showing pictures of salmon, and pictures of halibut, and pictures of trout, and pictures of bass.  You get the idea.  This man had a phone too, and he also had fish pictures.  Many of my pictures include Mary, who often fishes with me.  We talked for about a half hour sharing fish pictures, even though our language skills were wanting.  But, I was able to share that I was in Wittenberg to serve with Wittenberg English Ministry, to lead worship and provide pastoral care.  He was not offended, but seemed impressed that a fisherman would be serving the Lord.  I believe there was a witness in this exchange, and I really enjoyed our conversation, or lack of it.

 

A Scripture verse which often directs my witnessing to Jesus is 1 Peter 3:15. “ . . . but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”  In other words, witnessing is often a personal sharing of God’s love in our lives, love which gives hope.  My reason for hope is Jesus.  His death on the cross for my sins, and His resurrection defeating death and winning eternal life for his disciples, forgive me and save me.  Jesus is the one who strengthens me in life’s trials and delivers me to eternal life in heaven.  I believe I am prepared to share this hope, because I have experienced God’s love and forgiveness in my life.

 

However, this Sunday, the Second Last Sunday of the Church year, we will read in in worship from Mark 13, “And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11).  This verse says to me that witnessing concerning Jesus is not just my preparation.  The Holy Spirit lives in me.  God’s Spirit prepares me.  The Spirit leads me into situations where people may ask, and I can hare Jesus.

 

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy sharing good news with others.  The best Good News I know is that Jesus, the Son of God, died and rose to save me.  Do you enjoy sharing Jesus with others?

 

A Child of God, Finding Joy in Unexpected Opportunities to Share God’s Love in Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.     We flew back to the US on Thursday, November 7, and we arrived in Gainesville on Friday, November 8.  We are thankful for a wonderful trip.  Here is a shirt I bought.  J  https://photos.app.goo.gl/a4D4VudRS    HPKBVXR7

 

P.P.S.  I continue to serve as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until First Lutheran receives a permanent full-time pastor.   

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

·       On Sunday, November 24, after worship, We will have an OKTOBERFEST MEAL, and a Wills / Estate planning seminar.  Diana Raasch from LCEF will be working with local First Lutheran people to teach opportunities of faithful Christian Stewardship in our wills and estates.  There will be opportunities to talk with Diana privately, if a person wishes to do so.

PLAN NOW to attend this festive meal and informative seminar!

 

·       FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS.  We have sought nominations and names of pastors who would serve the Lord and His people well at First Lutheran in Gainesville.  The Florida-Georgia District has sent information on the candidates.  We received 21 names.  The First Lutheran Call Committee conducted Zoom interviews of 5 of these pastors, and will soon have at least one of those pastors visit. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE FIRST LUTHERAN CALL PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m..  Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack.  Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

 

·       In Sunday Bible Class we are now studying the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.   Come and Join Us!!!!!

 

·       COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m.  Come and join us! They are studying “The Case for Christianity.”

 

·       WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  On Wednesday, November 13, we read through Psalms 60.

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 “RAISE THE ROOF FUND,” for roof replacement and air-conditioning repairs. 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.  So the Congregation has begun a “Raise the Roof” campaign.  Our goal to accomplish these combined repairs is $500,000!

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future. (While serving in Gainesville, I will be donating from each of my checks.)

 

P.P.S. I did go fishing once since I have been home.  On Sunday, afternoon, November 10, after worship, I tried things out.  With early darkness I only fished for about 2 hours, starting in the rain.  I only had one bite, but did catch a nice fish.  Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9bSAjfWKCffhHZdH6

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

 

Trusting the Wisdom, the Love, the Rule of God Through Current Elections!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

As I write this devotion it is election day in the US, but I am on a train in Germany from Munich to Wittenberg.  Nevertheless Kathy and I did vote on October 16 before leaving the country.  Personally, I am not sure that in my 71 years I have ever experienced a US election which is so bitter and divisive.  However, I believe this election reflects the different directions which people are taking in our culture and our country.

 

In fact, I had to laugh, somewhat sadly, at a daily email which I receive from the Washington Post, which mentioned the election.  “Some voters are taking extreme measures to avoid Election Day Stress.  Like what? Fleeing to the woods, locking away their phones, trying hypnosis and stocking up on cannabis. One woman even strategically timed a colonoscopy.” That’s a lot of stress and anxiety over the election!

 

In my daily devotions, as I am reading through Scriptures with a group of other Christians, we recently finished Job.  This can be a difficult book to understad, because it tackles some difficult questions. “Why is there evil in the world?”  “Why do bad things happen to God’s (good) people?”  Job is a child of God, active in his faith, who is attacked by Satan.  He struggles with his suffering and wonders why God is doing this to him.  The real answer we can see is that this is not God’s doing, but the work of God’s enemy and our enemy, the devil.  Yet, Job still questions God.

 

What makes Job’s struggle more complicated is that three, then a fourth, of his friends come to comfort him.  Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar try to help Job, but they just cause more confusion and trouble.  Their basic reasoning is that God does not punish the good, but only the evil.  Therefore, “You, Job, must have done something wrong.  Repent!”  Job responds, but he is also confused.  So, through much of the book of Job we have words which God later counts as being incorrect and untrue.  According to the Lord, the thoughts and words of Job’s friends require repentance. 

 

These words and the reasoning of Job’s friends do not take 3 truths into account.  First, everyone has sinned.  Second, we live in a broken world where Satan is active.  And, third, all of us need the help and the deliverance of God.  So, between words of faith (For example, Job 19:25-27) and doubt, Job continues to suffer.  Later Job’s friend Elihu also comes and speaks. 

 

Finally, however, the Lord Himself appears and gives answers to Job and his friends, sort of.  The Lord’s basic words to Job and his friends are “Who are YOU to question ME?  Were you there when I created the world? Can you explain how this world works?  If so, then you know the answers to your other questions.”  In some ways God’s answer can seem like a non-answer.  But God’s answer is actually a dose of reality concerning who we are, and what shape our world is in.  Perhaps we need this dose of reality as God’s children work through another election cycle!   

 

The questions of Job and his friends, and the response of God, help us when we face a world of sin and suffering.  Ultimately, in this life, God is our hope, our deliverer, our Savior!  In the middle of our election division and anxiety, there are some truths which God has shared in His word, truths of our Lord which might also help to ground us all through the coming days as ballots are counted.

 

·       God has established governments to give peace and order to the world and to His people. (Romans 13:1-7, see also 1 Timothy 2:1-4)

·       Rulers, like all people, are sinful.  (Romans 3:10-24) Righteousness comes FROM God, Through Jesus!

·       We are to trust in God, not rulers. (Psalm 20:6-7)

·       God calls us to pray for our rulers so that they may provide opportunity for peaceful and quiet lives. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

·       God still calls His people to love Him and to love others. (Mark 12:28-31)

·       Jesus is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  (Revelation 17:14 and 19:16)

·       Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world.  (John 18:36)

·       Jesus still rules over this world for the good of His church.  (Ephesians 1:18-23)

·       Our help and hope are in THE LORD, the maker of heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2)         

 

Perhaps the current election cycle has you wondering what Job wondered.  “Where is God in all this?”  God’s answers may seem confusing. Yet, the Lord calls His people to know that He is God.  The Lord calls us to find peace and comfort in His wisdom and grace and rule.  When we allow the Lord to rule our hearts, through faith in Jesus, we can have that peace, even when life is confusing and troublesome.

 

A Child of God, Trusting the Wisdom, the Love, the Rule of God Through Current Elections!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I have copied out the verses I referenced above at the end of this devotion.

 

P.P.S.  We are in Wittenberg from October 22-31, to serve with Wittenberg English Ministry.  But we traveled to Germany early to enjoy some new (to us) places.  From October 23 to 31 I led worship 7 times and preached on 3 different texts, all pointing to the Reformation theme of God’s grace in Jesus.  Then with our daughter, Mary, we have visited Salzburg, Austria, and Munich, Germany.  Here are some pictures of our daily travels so far.  J 

·       Wednesday, October 30, we climbed the tower of the Castle church, we conducted worship in the afternoon, and attended an English Reformation Service in the Castle Church in the evening.  We also had an interesting conversation with a local man at supper . . . about FISHING!   https://photos.app.goo.gl/JyrHTAkW9yRC1YxL6

 

·       On Thursday, October 31, Reformation Day, We had a large group for worship, including the surprise of a long time acquaintance and friend.  That evening we attended a concert of Handel’s Messiah in the Town Church.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pfJeePQ4i5FAyQqC6

 

·       On Friday, November 1, we traveled to Salzburg.  We visited a castle, and took a Sound of Music Tour on Saturday, and went to a Salt Mine Tour on Sunday.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/GFTDZAYuRUM96PRG7            

 

·       Sunday, November 3, we traveled to Munich.  We took a tour of the New Schwanstein Castle on Monday, November 4, and did some shopping on November 5 as we traveled back to Wittenberg.  We also ate at a couple of nice restaurants. https://photos.app.goo.gl/wMaMJwNvtz7tvYKk9

 

·       Wednesday, November 6, we will travel to Leipzig.  We fly back to the US on Thursday, November 7, and arrive in Gainesville on Friday, November 8.

 

P.P.P.S.  I also continue serving as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until First Lutheran receives a permanent full-time pastor.   

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

o   While I was in Germany, October 20, 27, and November 3, Pastor Stephen Lane will be leading worship and teaching Bible Class.  THANK YOU, Pastor Lane!

 

o   On Sunday, November 24, after worship, We will have an OKTOBERFEST MEAL, and a Wills / Estate planning seminar.  Diana Raasch from LCEF will be working with local First Lutheran people to teach opportunities of faithful Christian Stewardship in our wills and estates.  There will be opportunities to talk with Diana privately, if a person wishes to do so.

PLAN NOW to attend this festive meal and informative seminar!

 

o       FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS.  We have sought nominations and names of pastors who would serve the Lord and His people well at First Lutheran in Gainesville.  The Florida-Georgia District has sent information on the candidates.  We received 21 names and have made contact with 20 of those pastors.  The Call Committee met again Tuesday, October 15.  Zoom interviews with these pastors wre conducted beginning on October 28. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE FIRST LUTHERAN CALL PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

o   SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m..  Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack.  Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

 

o   WE FINISHED STUDYING THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.   

Our next study will be the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah.

 

o   COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m.  Come and join us! They are studying “The Case for Christianity.”

 

o   WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  On Wednesday, November 5, we read through Psalms 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  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!

 

o   FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A “RAISE THE ROOF FUND,” for roof replacement and air-conditioning repairs. 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.  So the Congregation has begun a “Raise the Roof” campaign.  Our goal to accomplish these combined repairs is $500,000!

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future. (While serving in Gainesville, I will be donating from each of my checks.)

 

P.P.P.P.S. Here are the Scripture lessons I referenced in this devotion.

 

o   God has established governments to give peace and order to the world and to His people (Romans 13:1-7, see also 1 Timothy 2:1-4 below) 

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.  ³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,  ⁴ for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.  ⁵ Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.  ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.  ⁷ Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

 

o   Rulers, like all people are sinful.  (Romans 3:10-24) Righteousness comes FROM God, Through Jesus!

¹⁰ as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one;  ¹¹ no one understands; no one seeks for God. ¹² All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." ¹³ "Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." ¹⁴ "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." ¹⁵ "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ¹⁶ in their paths are ruin and misery,  ¹⁷ and the way of peace they have not known."  ¹⁸ "There is no fear of God before their eyes." ¹⁹ Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. ²⁰ For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. ²¹ But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- ²² the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

 

o   We are to trust in God, not rulers. (Psalm 20:6-7) 

“Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.  ⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

 

o   God calls us to pray for our rulers so that they may provide opportunity for peaceful and quiet lives. (1 Timothy 2:1-5, especially 1-2)

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ³ This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

 

o   God still calls His people to love Him and to love others. (Mark 12:28-31)

²⁸ And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?" ²⁹ Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' ³¹ The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

 

o   Jesus is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  (Revelation 17:14 and 19:16)

¹⁴ They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."  . . . ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

o   Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world.  (John 18:36)

³⁶ Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."

 

o   Jesus is ruling over this world for the good of His church.  (Ephesians 1:16-23)

¹⁶ I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might ²⁰ that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²² And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

 

o   Our help and hope are in THE LORD, the maker of heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2)         

1  I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? ² My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

 

 

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (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)