Sharing What's Really Important: April 2025

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Blessed Because my Lord Keeps Me in all the Goings and Comings of Life!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

One of my all-time favorite sections of Scripture is Psalm 121. I often read these verses to homebound people I visit, or to those in the hospital. Psalm 121 promises that the Lord is our keeper physically and spiritually, night and day, now and eternally. When I was first pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, Alaska, I visited Karl Kopperud’s dad, Herb Kopperud, in his home. I read this section of God’s word. After I read this Psalm, before I made any comments or prayed with and for Herb, Claire Kopperud, Herb’s wife and Karl’s mom responded, “Oh, the Palmer Psalm.” Perhaps you know the well-known first two verses of Psalm 121. “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.” Claire called Psalm 121 ‘The Palmer Psalm’ because Palmer is beautifully surrounded by mountains. So, God’s children in Palmer can look to the mountains surrounding our town, and think of our Lord’s loving help.

However, the last verse of this short Psalm also speaks to my heart. In fact, I find verse 8 especially helpful in my life right now. “The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore” The Lord keeps us in our comings and goings. In the next few days Kathy and I have full lives. We are not complaining. All our ‘adventures’ promise possible blessings. Nevertheless, it is helpful to know the Lord keeps us in all these goings and comings.

We are preparing for the end of my time serving as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL, to return home to our family in Palmer. We have been here 20 months. Pastor Chris Kollman has been installed and is now serving First Lutheran with wisdom and faith and energy. Yet, during our time at First Lutheran Kathy and I have connected with God’s people in this place with bonds of faith and love. Sunday, May 4 will be my last Sunday to preach at my childhood home congregation for at least 5 months. There will be lots of good bye’s before we drive to Tampa for our plane. It is good that the Lord keeps us in all our goings and comings!

After 20 months, preparation for our return trip will take a little more than just packing. What do we take? What do we leave? Thankfully, the Lord keeps us in all our goings and comings.

On Tuesday, April 29, I finally got my car back from the body shop after I was hit at a stoplight on Saturday, April 5. Now, to check it out and make sure everything is working. And, I need to move all the tools and supplies which I had taken out back into my vehicle. Praise God no one was hurt in the accident. Thankfully, the Lord keeps us in all our goings and comings.

We have a Rockey family celebration on Saturday, May 3, for brother James’ daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is marrying Peter Robbins in a ceremony at New Smyrna Beach. We will be there for the festivities. I am comforted to know for Peter and Elizabeth that the Lord keeps us in all our goings and comings.

I received a surprise on Sunday night, April 13, which caused Kathy to exclaim, “Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor?” After preaching at the morning Palm Sunday worship service, and after fishing in the afternoon, I received a text from Forrest Wacker, head Elder at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK. This congregation is 20 miles south of our home in Palmer. Forrest inquired if I might be available to help in their coming vacancy. I truly respect their shepherd, Pastor James Baumgartner. I did not know he had a call. But, he will soon be in St. Louis working with Jesus’ larger church supporting missionaries for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. James’ leaving will be a BIG loss. Yet, Kathy and I had planned to stay in Alaska at least into October. So, I have agreed to help Our Redeemer during this time. It is truly good that the Lord keeps us in all our goings and comings.

On Sunday, April 27, I attended the Mission and Ministry Council meeting at First Lutheran after worship. However, after making my report I left to help a man in need of a bus ticket. That was a bigger chore than it looked at first. On Tuesday, April 29, First Lutheran Pastor, Chris Kollmann, informed me that after I left the meeting the Council had voted to put my one quarter time salary into the 2025-2026 budget for 6 months. While I knew the meeting included budget discussion, I did not realize this was up for consideration. I am truly thankful that the Lord keeps us in all our goings and comings.

When life is full I seek to remember the ‘journey’ my savior took. Do you know 2 Corinthians 8:9? God inspired the Apostle Paul to write, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” Jesus’ journey took him from the riches of heaven, to the sin, to the suffering, to the death and poverty of this world. Jesus traveled from heaven to earth so that by His suffering and death and rising we can receive the riches and the joys of heaven. THANK YOU, JESUS!! We are so blessed that the Lord keeps us in all our goings and comings.

What do you face in your life? I pray that you find strength in God’s truth from Psalm 121 that “The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore!”

A Child of God, Blessed Because my Lord Keeps Me in all the Goings and Comings of Life!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Here is the full text of Psalm 121 – The Palmer Psalm.

Psalm 121 A Song of Ascents.

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.

³ He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

⁴ Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

⁸ The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

P.P.S I am concluding my service as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann.

Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

· THANK YOU!!!! Kathy and I are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve First Lutheran during the recent vacancy. This is the church where I grew up and my family made our home. This is the church where Kathy and I worship when visiting Gainesville. This is the congregation which encouraged me for ministry and sent me away to study to become a pastor. First Lutheran has nurtured me and my family. We are thankful God gave us the opportunity to serve in this special congregation for the last 20 months! Again, THANK YOU, and God’s continued blessings!

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Tuesday, April 29, we read Amos 9.

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!

· SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May, and it is GROWING! Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m.. Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a Sunday School 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!

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

· We held the ‘annual’ Florida Rockey Fish fry and invited family, church friends, neighbors, golf friends, to this April 26 gathering. We count that a total of 51 people attended. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/RCCjekAM4WbjDdkeA

· Fishing – I went fishing with golf friend, Mike Abernathy on Friday, April 25. We caught fish for the fish fry the next day! 😊 Here are some pictures! https://photos.app.goo.gl/eX3324E2QGnnPCkZ7

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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.

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Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Is Jesus' Easter Victory PERSONAL For You?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

As I was preparing for a golf tournament on Monday morning, April 21, the day after Easter, a friend told me, “Hey Rock, the Catholic Church will be calling you. Pope Francis died.” His words were obviously meant jokingly. Sometimes we humans use humor to deal with loss and grief. Yet, I had not yet heard about the pope passing. In truth, I pray every morning that God strengthens the ‘Holy Christian Church’ on earth to ‘boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus’ (Ephesians 6:18b-20). Even though I am a Lutheran Christian, I will be praying for the Roman Catholic Church to find a faithful and effective new leader. Shepherds and leaders are important for our Lord’s church as it works to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus.

As I was thinking about this news, it seemed appropriate to me that the day after Easter was the day Pope Francis died. Death is almost always bad news. But, because of Easter, Christians do not face death as the end of life. Christians instead see death as the beginning of eternity with our Lord. There is a way in which the pope’s death can communicate and even celebrate Jesus’ Easter victory in the pope’s life, and also proclaim Jesus’ Easter victory for our lives.

Then I began thinking about my prayer list. I revised my current list on December 9, 2024. Since that time TEN people for whom I was praying were taken to heaven. That is a LOT! I have never before had so many people for whom I was praying die in so short a time. My list includes friends and church members in Alaska, and also Florida, people I know and care about.

Among those whom the Lord has called home since December 9 are Jody Kolberg Fenton. Jody grew up at St. John in Palmer, but when she married Murray, they moved to Soldotna. I baptized their daughters. God also called Karen Nystrom Sorenson home. Karen is the sister of Mike Nystrom, a very active member of St. John. Another victim of cancer is Gary Reaves, my brother-in-law Mark’s brother, I hunted moose with Tom Anderson, Tom and his wife Marilyn lived in Kenai, but both had cancer. I visited them in their home and brought communion. Both Tom and Marilyn passed away in the past couple of months. Last summer good friend Paul Scott asked me to pray for his almost 4 year old granddaughter, Rylee Chavez. Rylee made it longer than the doctors expected, but she died in January of brain cancer. Kathy and I also received word in January that long-time friend, Carolyn Dwight, succumbed to dementia. I visited with Carolyn’s husband, Rick, after her death. I first visited Guillermo Luna-Victoria in September of 2023 in the ICU in Gainesville, FL. Guillermo, or Billy, died this month on April 3 of multiple health issues after almost 20 months in the hospital. Steve Brown was a good friend I knew from my Palmer Kiwanis Club. Steve died unexpectedly, and his memorial service is being held in Palmer on May 10., Finally, Pastor Phil Kuehnert served in Fairbanks, Alaska, during my time in Palmer. Even after he retired and moved to Virginia, we kept in touch. We even communicated in the last month or so. But Phil died from heart failure during holy week, 2025. That list doesn’t even include three other families whom I pray for because they have lost loved ones in the past twelve months, the family of Luke Peltier, and Sandra Garley, and Jeff Overstreet!

Perhaps you can tell from my sharing that I knew all these people, or their families, quite well. I cared for them. This IS personal. And, like the pope, those are people I prayed for who are now experiencing Jesus’ Easter victory in heaven.

Is Easter personal for you? Jesus did much to prepare His disciples for His coming crucifixion and death. He knew His cross would shock and overwhelm those he cared about. However, Jesus’ suffering and death had a purpose. We have rebelled and sinned against the Creator and Lord of our universe. Our waywardness separates us from the God of life and love. That is why Jesus, the Son of God, died. Hebrews 2:17 teaches us, “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Jesus became human, He suffered and died to pay the debt which our sin against God demands.

Thankfully, God’s eternal plan was that sin would not win through death. Instead, God planned that as Jesus died, He would defeat sin and death through His resurrection. Listen to what Jesus taught His disciples the night when He was betrayed. “Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

Again I ask, “Is Easter personal for you?” Sadly, that long list of my friends and former church members passed away. I cared about them. I care about them. But I believe the words of Jesus. Because I live, you also will live. Easter brings God’s good news which is personal for me.

If the death of Pope Francis the day after Easter was a good opportunity to communicate and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection victory, Easter brings good news for me too. My friends and fellow Christians may have died, but they are NOT dead. Jesus rose. Because he lives, THEY LIVE!

Easter is not just a religious story. Easter is not just an historic event. Jesus’ resurrection is real, and it affects us. Easter blesses us personally as we live through the struggles and losses of this life. I grieve the loss of friends and loved ones, but I celebrate their life in heaven. As Jesus proclaimed, “Because I live, you also will live!”

A Child of God, THANKFUL that Jesus’ Easter Resurrection Brings PERSONAL Good News!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Other versions of John 14:19

· KJV John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

· NIV John 14:19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

· NAS John 14:19 "After a little while the world will behold Me no more; but you will behold Me; because I live, you shall live also.

· NKJ John 14:19 " A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.

P.P.S. I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann.

Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

· HOLY WEEK AT FLC

o Here are some pictures from the Passover meal preparation and celebration. https://photos.app.goo.gl/wvjQ1pLUVJZ5KAq1A

o Here is a picture of the FLC bell choir practicing at 7:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday morning. https://photos.app.goo.gl/rJnVhwpweeupGvCz7

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Tuesday, April 2, we finished the book of Joel.

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

· COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS met for their final study last Tuesday night, April 22, in the student house at 7:00 p.m. We have been studying “The Case for Christ” and discussing defending our Christian faith in a world of doubt. On Tuesday, April 22, we will watch a movie based on this book. Come and join us!

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

· The Florida Rockeys Gathered for Easter on Saturday, April 19. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/4QxkAcsbnJZrUehr6

· Fishing – With Holy Week I was busy and did not fish many times. HOWEVER, when I did fish, it was productive! I think God turned on the switch for the big bass to bite. I have caught big bass before. But, I have over 300 trips in my Florida boat. When I have caught a 5 lb. bass, or bigger, I have only ever caught one per trip. On Easter Sunday afternoon the Lord blessed me with 2 - 5 lb. bass and 2 6- bass.

The only problem is by law a person can only keep one fish a day 16” or over. I caught 4 fish over 20”. I kept the first for an upcoming fish fry, and released the other 3. I wanted some smaller fish, but only caught 2 of those. Here are some pictures.

o I went fishing at Rodman Reservoir and put in around 3:30 p.m. I caught this 21” fish after about 5 or 10 minutes of fishing. 😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/eP6HNTpfKaat8GUZ9

o I caught a couple more smaller fish, and then crossed to the other side of the reservoir. I was surprised to bring in this 20 ½” bass. This one was fatter, probably full of eggs. https://photos.app.goo.gl/WPBvcFLRSVJy9RMZ8

o The sun was behind me when I caught this fish. It measured 22” on my ruler on the side of the boat. The picture is not great, but you get the idea. This was also a ‘fatter’ fish. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xJ277Bc4s97nSwun9

o As I was pulling in I had a few more bites. I caught the last one which, when I was measuring it, was a little over 22”. However, I dropped it into the water while measuring. But I could not have kept it. No picture for the fourth large fish. ☹

o This is a scale I use to determine how much a fish weighs. It is an estimate, but helps. I have a scale on the rail of the boat. I measure the fish and determine it’s weight from the scale. 😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/A7UVdj4s4vieZbAT8

o On Monday, April 14, after a game of golf, I went fishing for the first time on Lake Wauburg. Here is the only picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/pubZ9Fm78ijgjQdj9

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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)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Amazed at the Price Jesus Paid to Save a Sinner Like Me!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you know the TV show, “The Price is Right?” I did some research. This game show first aired from 1956 to 1965, and was then brought back again in 1972. It is still running today, over 50 years later. The Price is Right is one of the longest running shows on television. That may be a surprising way to start a devotion. However, please consider how the contest works. Contestants have to figure out the retail price of an item and compete against other contestants to see whose guess is the closest. Or in other words, “What is that item worth?” So, . . . I have a question for you, “What is our forgiveness, our salvation worth?”

We are in the midst of Holy Week for 2025. It began with Palm Sunday on April 13. During Holy Week the Christian Church will observe Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and then Easter Sunday this coming Sunday, April 20. If you participate in Holy Week worship services, and I encourage you to do so for the benefit of your faith, you will walk with Jesus through His Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem, and through His disputations in the temple with the religious leaders. If you participate in Holy Week worship, you will watch Jesus as He celebrates Passover and institutes the Lord’s Supper. You will again observe as Jesus prays in agony in the garden of Gethsemane, as Judas betrays Him, as Jesus is arrested, and as His disciples dessert Him and run away. Perhaps you will again be shocked as Jesus is put through a sham trial, as He is beaten and whipped, as He is nailed to the cross and dies in agony.

In the game show, The Price is Right, contestants try to figure out the value of an item. But, how much are you worth? What is the cost of our forgiveness? What Jesus endured during Holy Week shows us how much God values each of us. Jesus willingly accepted this Holy Week gauntlet of suffering in order to pay the debt and the punishment for the sin of the world, and to pay for our sin. That is how much God values us!

Scripture also gives us more insight concerning the price God paid to save us. Consider the words of St. Peter. “ . . . you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19) The price which God paid for the debt of our sin is the blood of Christ, is the suffering and death of the promised Messiah!

God moved St. Paul to write in Romans 5, “⁶ For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- ⁸ but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8) The death of Jesus reveals the depths of God’s love, even for sinners who actually deserve punishment and death. Yet, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:16 also teaches the price our Heavenly Father paid for our forgiveness and salvation. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The Father gave HIS SON! That is the price our Father paid to save us!

I am praying that the depth of God’s love, the love we see especially during Holy Week, travels from your head into your hearts. In Ephesians 3 Paul prays “¹⁴ . . . I bow my knees before the Father,^{. . .}that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians. 3:14, 17-19) Paul’s prayer moves me. I also pray that my family, my friends, and the members of churches I have served, know the “breadth and length and height and depth” of the love of Christ.

How much does God love you? What are you worth to our Heavenly Father? I encourage you to participate in worship this Holy Week. You will be amazed at the depth of God’s love for you, at what you are worth to our Creator, and Lord, and Savior.

A Child of God, Amazed at the Price Jesus Paid to Save a Sinner Like Me!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann.

Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

· HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday

10:00am with Communion

(Gather in the courtyard at 9:45am with your Palms.

Palms will be available at the Welcome Table located by the main door under the breezeway)

Open Arms Children will have a special message during the Children’s Message

Maundy Thursday

Noon and 7:30pm Worship (both services with Communion)

Passover Dinner at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall

Good Friday

Noon and 6:30pm Worship (no Communion either service)

(No dinner this evening.)

Easter Morning Worship

8:30am Worship with Holy Communion

9:30am Easter Morning Breakfast

10:00am Easter Egg Hunt

11:00am Worship with Holy Communion

· Our the Adult Membership Class on the Basic Teachings of the Bible concluded this past Saturday, April 12. Four people from this class will join First Lutheran on Easter Sunday, April 20. They are Merlyn Dungey, Madeline Franklin, Yusheng He, and Susan Lucas. Here is a picture of all who attended the class. https://photos.app.goo.gl/H3NzNdhB9QdLTmoZ8

In addition, we will be receiving Sunny Vickers, her daughters Lynley and Emma, and her dad, Cecil Anderson on Easter Sunday as well. 😊

· Jonathan Albertin, Patrick Bier, and Will Starr left on April 5 to drive to St. Louis, MO, to attend the “Vocatio” Retreat for prospective seminarians at Concordia Seminary. They arrived home on Tuesday, April 8. Here are a couple of pictures of these young men at the seminary. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ixB78PAEiZ4qm7qa7

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

· COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m. We are studying “The Case for Christ” and discussing defending our Christian faith in a world of doubt. On Tuesday, April 22, we will watch a movie based on this book. Come and join us!

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, April 16, we read through Hosea 12.

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

· Fishing –

o Because of my auto accident, I had to use my rental truck to tow my boat for fishing. However, my trailer ball bar was too small for the receiver on the truck. Here are pictures of the insert which allowed me to tow my boat. 😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/949qkYpXBLEZEHPM6

o I went fishing on Thursday, April 10, at George’s Lake, and I caught 7 fish, and kept a limit of small fish. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/BUxUkdQ91bTSFbZAA

o On Sunday, April 13, I went fishing at Orange Lake after worship. It was a beautiful day and I caught 2 nice fish. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/1Nu79Mbd5QYqEFUAA

o On Monday, April 14, after a game of golf, I went fishing for the first time on Lake Wauburg. Here is the only picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/pubZ9Fm78ijgjQdj9

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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)

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Trusting the Lord When Life Changes!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

As Kathy and I finish our time serving in Florida, and as we prepare to return home to Alaska, there are lots of things we want to accomplish. We are working on observing Holy Week and celebrating Easter. There is a lot to do for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Such celebration is important! For example, Kathy purchased food on April 7 for the Passover Meal on April 17 because . . . she is cooking! We have a family Easter celebration planned. And there is a family wedding on May 3. And please don’t forget, we have our “annual fish fry” planned for Saturday, April 26. Those are just some of the jobs and activities we plan to accomplish before leaving Florida. We know what we have to do, and we are ready to accomplish those tasks.

However, maybe you have seen the oft-quoted saying. “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” That is not a verse from Scripture. But, let me share with you a few verses from the Bible about how God deals with our plans.

Do you know Proverbs 16:9? “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Or, have you read God’s wisdom from Provers 19:21? “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” In other words, we may have plans for what we want to do. But we are not Lord – He is! God has a say in our lives.

The book of James also shares similar thoughts. “¹³ Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- ¹⁴ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15) In other words, we may have plans, but God is LORD of all things. He is Lord of our lives. Humble acknowledgment that “God is Lord” is wise!

Part of the plans I have for our fish fry is that I want about 20 more fish for this occasion. We have hosted between 35-60 people. I am looking forward to catching those fish. Therefore, it was not in my plans to have someone drive into the back of my vehicle when I was stopped at a traffic light on Saturday afternoon, April 5. The other driver and I are both fine, and I drove my vehicle home thinking about fishing that afternoon. However, because of damage I did not see, I should not have driven the car home. It is now truly undrivable with my rear driver’s side wheel bent in, and my brakes leaking fluid. On Monday a tow truck brought my car to the shop for repairs. And who knows how long that will take! In addition, Kathy left Tuesday morning for her yearly quilting conference. Have you tried to work with an insurance company to get a vehicle which will tow a boat? If I shared everything about my conversations with insurance, this devotion would take many more pages!

Now, I know that my home was not destroyed by war. No tornado took away family members. I do not have a terminal diagnosis for cancer. The accident did not take my life, nor that of a loved one. But, I did have plans, as did Kathy! The accident was not our mistake. Our plans must change. How do we deal with life when life changes our plans? I do hear my Lord speaking from Scripture.

First, our plans may change, but God does not. Please consider Hebrews 13:8. ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (See also Malachi 3:6 a)

Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted out of context, but the Lord promises His love in these verses to people whose lives are different than they desire. ^“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

What are those plans which our Lord has for His children? Listen to Romans 8:38-39. “³⁸ For I am sure that 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.” Did you hear that promise? Nothing “in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!”

Therefore, knowing that our Lord and His love for us does not change, the wisdom of Proverbs 3 speaks to my heart. “⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) When life changes, I can trust the Lord who does not change. I can trust in the Lord who loves me eternally in Jesus. I can trust in my Lord, and He will guide me through unexpected changes in life.

Yes, life is unsure. Such uncertainty can mean life, or death. Such uncertainty can even affect fishing plans. 😊 Nevertheless, the Lord and His love for us in Jesus are sure. In a world of uncertainty, when life and plans do change, we can we can count on the Lord and His love. “⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

A Child of God, Trusting the Lord When Life Changes!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann. Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

· LENTEN SERVICES 2025 conclude on Wednesday evening April 9^th. Our Mid-Week Lenten Sermon series this year was “Conventional Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom. The Sermon for Lent 6, April 9 is “God=s Wisdom Concerning Death”

· MID WEEK LENTEN MEALS - Each Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 p.m. First Lutheran families will serve meals before our mid-week Lenten worship. These meals provide an opportunity for fellowship and make it easier for people to attend Wednesday Lenten Worship, since we don=t have to bring anything after work for a potluck meal, and there is no cost. Come and enjoy the meals and the time with God’s people! Sayer Kahlaf is serving on April 9. THANKS to all who have prepared these meals for God’s children at FLC.

· HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Palm Sunday

10:00am with Communion

(Gather in the courtyard at 9:45am with your Palms.

Palms will be available at the Welcome Table located by the main door under the breezeway)

Open Arms Children will have a special message during the Children’s Message

Maundy Thursday

Noon and 7:30pm Worship (both services with Communion)

Passover Dinner at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall

Good Friday

Noon and 6:30pm Worship (no Communion either service)

(No dinner this evening.)

Easter Morning Worship

8:30am Worship with Holy Communion

9:30am Easter Morning Breakfast

10:00am Easter Egg Hunt

11:00am Worship with Holy Communion

· A ‘Basic Teachings of the Bible’ / ‘New Member Class began at First Lutheran on March 2 Seven people have attended, but others can join us. ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 9:00, WE WILL CONDUCT AN ALL DAY MAKE UP / STUDY AHEAD class. If someone wants to learn more, or to refresh their knowledge, come and join us. There is no commitment to join FLC just because a person attends the class.

· First Lutheran is re-activating the Stephen Ministry program! - Stephen Ministry is an organized and supervised plan for Christian caring. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to bring Jesus to people’s troubles. They are trained to walk alongside others as Christian friends, bringing the saving love of God.

Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas have been trained as leaders. We commissioned our leadership team in worship on April 6!

· SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May, and GROWING! 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!

ALSO, FLC serves College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship each Sunday of the school year.

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, April 9, we read through Daniel 12.

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

· Friends – Some members of our former church in Jacksonville, where I served 1983-1991, came to visit on Friday, April 4. Here is a picture of Kathy and me with Everett and Edie Conaway and Mary Herrera Jones. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Xf5TmtxxVqsSPGbP9

· Automobile Damage – Here are some pictures of my vehicle after I was hit while stopped at a traffic light. https://photos.app.goo.gl/3aHH5T62Xzhq5iKQ7

· Fishing –

o I went fishing on Thursday, April 3, and caught a few bass for the fish fry. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/32RX7k7avQpkjdVr8

o On Sunday, April 6, I took Pastor Chris Kollmann and his oldest two boys fishing. We had one bite. We caught no fish. But, from the smiles, I think the boys enjoyed the trip. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/BzKWwpoZsKmoHucG8

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My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

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Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)