Thanking My Lord Through the Trials of Life!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

As we again approach and celebrate our National Day of Thanksgiving, one of my favorite, often repeated Old Testament verses about thankfulness is Psalm 136:1, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”  Please notice what this verse does NOT say.  We are not called to give thanks because life is good, or because we are happy, or because all our troubles are over.  God calls us to thankful hearts because of HIS goodness.  God calls us to attitudes of thankfulness because HIS steadfast love endures forever.”

 

Children of God face trials in this world, just as everyone else does. We too face disappointments, loss, illness, injustice.  After all, we live in a sinful world, and we ourselves are sinful people.  To be honest, we don’t always feel thankful when facing life’s challenges.  Nevertheless, “the LORD, . . . is good, . . . his steadfast love endures forever.”

 

I have recently read discussions concerning the fact that our National Day of Thanksgiving is not based on a specific Biblical event, such as Jesus’ birth at Christmas, or Christ’s resurrection on Easter. Thanksgiving Day issues from a Presidential Proclamation.  George Washington made the first Presidential decree concerning this day.  President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day to be a national holiday.  Yet, our country faces many troubling issues at this time.  Is there really reason for thanks today?  Yes, there is reason for thankful hearts.  You see, “The LORD, . . . is good, . . . his steadfast love endures forever.”

 

The Holy Christian Church is a gift of the Lord to His children who live in a troubled world.  Christians experience this gift in local congregations where God’s word from Scripture is preached and studied, where His word creates faith and comforts.  Christians experience this gift from our Lord in local congregations where His sacraments bring His presence, His forgiveness, and salvation.  One would think that in Christ’s church there would always be peace and love and joy.  Right?  Yet, in the New Testament we see God’s Church facing many internal as well as external troubles.  God’s children still struggle with a multitude of church issues today.  Is there really reason for thanks in the church?  Yes, even in spite of church issues, “the LORD, . . . is good, . . . his steadfast love endures forever.”

 

Giving thanks is ultimately a matter of faith.  Christian faith trusts that, in spite of our sin - like that of Adam and Eve, God is good and righteous.  Christian faith believes that through troubles such as those faced by the Israelites in Egypt, God is present and He is good.  Christians possess faith that even in times of persecution, such as was endured by Jeremiah, or Daniel, or even the first apostles, our Lord is Good.  And we believe that in a world of sin and evil and suffering, God’s love endures.  We can count on this enduring love. In addition, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection His love does not just endure, His steadfast love endures forever.

 

For years I have included in my Thanksgiving worship bulletins the Thanksgiving proclamation of President George Washington.  "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection, aid and favors. . .Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country, and for all the great and various favors which H has been pleased to confer upon us."         Even this president of the United States is asserting that the reason for thanks is the goodness and the “benefits” of God.

 

I pray for you, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, that this National Day of Thanksgiving you can say with the Psalmist, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”  I pray that with this thankfulness you find joy and peace through the trials of life because of the love of God.

 

A Child of God, Thanking My Lord Through the Trials of Life!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       SPECIAL HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES:  In addition to regular Sunday worship at 10:00 each week, Our Redeemer has planned special worship services through the Holidays.  There are services every Wednesday, AND Christmas Day.  You might note these on your calendar

o   Thanksgiving Worship – Wednesday, November 26, at 6:30 p.m.

o   Mid-Week Advent 1 Worship - Wednesday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m.

o   Mid-Week Advent 2 Worship - Wednesday, December 10, at 6:30 p.m.

o   Mid-Week Advent 3 Worship - Wednesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m.

o   Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

§  Focus on Children – Wednesday, December 24, 5:00 p.m.

§  Christmas Eve for all – Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.

o   Christmas Day Worship – Thursday, December 25, 10:00 a.m.

o   New Year’s Eve Worship – Wednesday, December 31, at 6:30 p.m.

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis has compiled these survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed.  We have about 8 names.

The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

The last meeting was Friday evening, October 24.  The committee discussed questions to ask candidates when the congregation receives names from the Northwest District.

We are now waiting for the Northwest District to return names for possible future pastors for Our Redeemer.

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches an Elder Momentum Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on the first and third Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In December this takes place at Bobby’s Café..

 

• Youth Group meets after worship on one Sunday each month.  On November 30 Youth Group will be a cooking class.

 

·       A Memory Café for families dealing with the issues of dementia was held at Our Redeemer on Friday November 14.  There was good attendance, including some families from the community.  The next Memory Café is scheduled for Friday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m..

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class FINISHED studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We are now be enjoying Bible Study’s based on Garrison Keillor monologues, specifically for holiday issues.   Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School is held each Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m.!  This is a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on the first and third Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes began on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  We have 1 more class left this Fall on December 7.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Tuesday, November 125, we read 1 Peter 2.   

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!

 

P.P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing! 

 

·       This was my view as I drove home to Our Redeemer on Tuesday, November 25.  The sun had not yet risen above Pioneer Peak in the south.  However, the Talkeetna Mountains were lit up with early morning light.  God is good! https://photos.app.goo.gl/mYz3RKUK9oLVRt1Q8

 

·       Kathy and Mary were cleaning at our home on Monday, November 24, and found this hand-written document.  On this day in July 2005 I was transporting fish for family and friends.  Good memories!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/3xnTCNFfbhsyPdb9A These are the fish that 5 dip net permits and 3 fishermen took at China Poot Bay across from Homer on this day in July 2005.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/s44T4HhQM41HUbeA7

 

·       I DID go fishing twice

 

o   On Saturday, November 22, I took my daughter, Mary, and her boyfriend, Brandon, fishing.  We caught LOTS of fish, and a number over 16”.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/wgSnt24mbnVUJNjg8

 

o   On Monday, November 24, Pastor Craig Schultz and I fished on Irene Lake.  The ice is not 9-10” thick.  Here are some pictures.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/r8XGNMpkLhMfzMsm6

 

 

*******

 

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 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

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, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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)

 

Moving and Traveling with My Lord!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

My wife, Kathy, recently ran into a long time work-mate and friend. Kathy worked with this lady for MANY years at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.  The lady’s son was also one of the best friends of our son, Josh.  Josh and he were often together through their years in school.  They also continued spending time with one another as they got married and as they raised families.  Kathy’s friend shared that her son really misses Josh.  Josh and his family moved from Palmer in July.  He is now principal at a large Elementary School south of Seattle.

 

Kathy shared her encounter with Josh who replied, “I miss my friends too; AND I miss my family. But the move was the right thing for my family.”  I will affirm Josh’s opinion.  We do really miss our son, our daughter-in-law, and our grandchildren.  But Josh is right. The move was the right thing, a good thing for his family.

 

When we learned this spring and summer of the coming relocation of our son and his family, of their move away from where we live, we were all somewhat sad.  Their new location was not what we expected. However, I shared some family history with Kathy.  “How do you think my parents felt when you and I moved from Jacksonville, Florida, to Alaska in 1991?”  Kathy and I migrated from a location 85 miles from my parents’ home, to a place that is over 4,600 miles away.  My mother did tell us, somewhat angrily, “If you had become a missionary in Africa you would be closer to us than if you moved to Alaska!”  She was not happy.

 

I also shared with Kathy, “Guess what my dad did when he was the same age as I was when we moved to Alaska?  He moved his family 1200 miles south to Florida!”  I remember the sadness in my grandfather.  All 5 of his grandchildren were now living far away.  So, I guess that moving to a new location and home is now somewhat of a Rockey tradition. 

 

Do you know that many of our ‘fathers in the faith’ made large moves during their lifetimes?  Think of Abraham and his family.  Abraham moved from Ur of the Chaldeans (near present day Iraq), to Haran (what is part of present day Turkey), and then to Canaan (present day Israel). His grandson, Jacob, and family moved from Canaan to Egypt.  The Lord instructed the Israelites that, when they entered the Promised Land after the Exodus, “Then you shall declare before the LORD your God: "My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous.” (Deuteronomy 25:5)  When Moses’ wife gave birth to a child we are told, in the old King James Version, “And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a ‘stranger in a strange land.’”  (Exodus 2: 22)  It seems that moving from place to place may be a tradition for the people of God in Scripture also.

 

However, love and family are not destroyed by distance. Abraham and family did actually visit back and forth between Canaan and Haran.  Moses also traveled back to Egypt, and then led the Israelites to a new home in the Promised Land.  Likewise, since Kathy and I have moved to Alaska, we have continued to regularly travel back to Florida to spend time with family.  We also traveled in October and visited Josh and Erin and family in WA.  And, my experience is that most people who live in Alaska have family in another part of our country, and do visit from time to time, 

 

In the New Testament God shares part of the reason for all this movement.  We read more about Abraham, and other people of faith, in Hebrews 11.  “8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. . . . 13 All these people . . . admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.” (Hebrews 11:8-10, 13 b)  We are “aliens and strangers on earth”, because we are “looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Like the old hymn says, “Heaven is my Home.”

 

We do have earthly homes in this life, yet only for a while.  We find places we love with the people we love.  That is what makes it hard to leave one location and travel to another.  I know.  I have traveled to new places numerous times, often leaving friends and family. 

 

But, truly, not only is heaven our home, for children of God our home is where our Lord is.  Do you know the verse from the introduction of the Gospel of John?  “¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)  Jesus is God who became a man and dwelt with us as the Savior of the world.  Jesus is God who lives in us.  (Galatians 2:20) When God is with us, giving His forgiveness and life through Jesus, well . . . anywhere can be home.  Anywhere is home when Christ is there.  Let me repeat that: Anywhere is home when Christ is there.

 

We may long for a home, for a place where everyone stays around and loves one another.  However, not only does life change, but sin brings death.  Homes and families do change.  That is another reason the forgiveness and life which Jesus gives are so important.  That is also why it helps us to know that we look “forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Someday we WILL all be together, in the presence of our Lord, our Creator, our Savior.

 

How many places have you lived?  Do you miss former times and places?  Do you look forward with faith and hope “to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God?” 

 

A Child of God, Moving and Traveling with My Lord!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

• The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis has compiled these survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed.  We have about 8 names.

The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

The last meeting was Friday evening, October 24.  The committee discussed questions to ask candidates when the congregation receives names from the Northwest District.

We are now waiting for the Northwest District to return names for possible future pastors for Our Redeemer.  We HOPE to receive our list by the end of November.

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

• There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 
• Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

• Matt then teaches an Elder Momentum Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

• A “Mom’s Group” meets on the first and third Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

• An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In December this takes place at Bobby’s Café..

 

• Youth Group meets after worship on one Sunday each month.  On November 30 Youth Group will be a cooking class.

 

• There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

• Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class FINISHED studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We will now be enjoying Bible Study’s based on Garrison Keillor monologues, specifically for holiday issues.   Come and join us!

 

• Sunday School is held each Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m.!  This is a blessing for ALL children and adults.  

 

• “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on the first and third Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.

 

• Confirmation classes began on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  We have 2 more classes left this Fall, November 23 and December 7.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

• MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, November 19, we read James 2.  

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!

 

P.P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing! 

 

• This was my view as I drove home from church on Sunday, November 16, Mt. Foraker (L), and Denali / Mt. McKinley (R) https://photos.app.goo.gl/YfVLA5T32Jxa7Ana6

 

• Pastor Tony Schultz and I went golfing, “winter in Alaska style”, on Friday, November 14.  We are a team in a league. We shot 1 under par. Here is Tony hitting a shot. https://photos.app.goo.gl/h76P3CuGHxPe8afp7

 

• On Monday night, November 17, we had grandkids (and kids) over for supper. Here are some pictures. (Andy was also there but escaped the camera.)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QR1VL2g5wTBMUupy5

 

• I DID go fishing twice

 

• On Saturday, November 15, I found 12” of ice on Ravine Lake.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/1KGRq8NnB1wsoLBE8  

 

• On Monday, November 17, Kym Miller and I found some big fish on Irene Lake.  The ice was 6-8” thick.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XTzssL9CTJs7bAJU6

 

 

*******

 

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 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

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, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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)

 

Praying Saving Faith For All, Especially Those on My Heart!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I recently received a call from a Christian friend.  This lady and I caught up a little, and then she shared the real reason for her calling.  She was concerned for a young man we both know and care about.  He has faced some life challenges. But what really concerned her was that, when she talked and listened to him, this young man told her that he was no longer a Christian believer.  She asked me to pray for him.  I am praying.

 

Considering what Scripture teaches, lack of faith in Jesus is concerning.  Most people 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.”  Martin Luther called this verse “the Gospel in a nutshell,” teaching about the eternal love of God shown in the gift of His son, Jesus.  We receive eternal life ‘by faith’, through believing. However, many forget the next words of truth from Scripture in John 3:17-18.  “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. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”  God is so good and gracious and loving that, in order to save the world, He even sent His Son!  We are saved by grace, because of Jesus, as we believe in Him.  Yet, not believing rejects God’s gift of love, and can lose eternal life. 

 

Therefore, especially when we care about someone, we desire that they know God’s love for them, personally, in Jesus.  And, we are concerned when anyone, especially those whom we love, struggle with trusting our Lord.  That is one reason that my wife has often shared that her favorite Bible verse is 3 John 4.  “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  Kathy desires God’s eternal love for those whom she loves.

 

I have shared before through these devotions that in my daily prayer list I have different categories for my prayers.  I pray for those who are seriously ill now, for those with cancer, and for those who are chronically ill.  I also pray for those with troubles, for our country, for God’s church, for families and for my family.  In the midst of all those prayers I also have a list of people whom I pray for, praying that they return to faith, or come to faith.  I looked closer at this list today.  There are 16 names, and of those people, 9 have faced a major loss or tragedy in recent years.  I understand their hurt, and their questions, at least in part. 

 

I too wonder at times about where God is in the losses and the tragedies of this life.  However, what I read in Scripture, and what I trust, is that our Lord is wise when we are confused.  I believe that God acts in wisdom and in love, even when I don’t understand.  Our Heavenly Father has especially shown His love in Jesus, and in His cross and empty tomb.  But sometimes life so painful that people also doubt, or they can even lose faith in God.

 

In my devotional Bible readings we are currently in the book of Hebrews.  The editor of this devotional has mentioned in recent devotions that there are 5 warnings in this book about falling away from a life of faith.  This epistle warns those in God’s church about the danger of falling away from the grace of God.  The writer cared about these believers and desired their eternal salvation.  His final blessing is “²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹ equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)  He prays for their faith and their eternal welfare.

 

I also believe that the best witness to those who do not know our Lord’s grace, or who doubt the love of God, is not found in the correct words of a finely crafted argument.  My experience tells me that a life of faith and love may catch the attention of another person and lead them to ask the reason for the peace and hope a Christian has.  As Peter writes, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15) A gentle and respectful example and answer can help someone who is struggling with faith.

 

Along with Kathy, my daily prayer for my immediate family is for “active Christian faith,” faith that Jesus acts in love and wisdom, faith that the life and death and resurrection of Jesus are God’s answer to all our failures and all of life’s hurts.

 

You may may rejoice to know that there are quite a number of folks for whom I have prayed in the past for their faith, who are no longer unbelievers, but who have returned to trusting God’s love and saving grace.  Praise the Lord!

 

What are you struggling with?  For whom are you praying?

 

A Child of God,  Praying Saving Faith for All, Especially Those on My Heart!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  The 5 warnings of Hebrews - While the editor of my “Today’s Light Devotional Bible” has mentioned the 5 warnings of the book of Hebrews, I found a short summary on the internet (of all places).  “The five main warnings in the Book of Hebrews are: the danger of neglecting salvation (Hebrews 2:1–4), the danger of disobedience and unbelief (Hebrews 3:7–4:13), the danger of spiritual immaturity (Hebrews 5:11–6:20), the danger of deliberate, willful sin (Hebrews 10:19–31), and the danger of rejecting God's grace and discipline (Hebrews 12:25–29). These warnings are often summarized with the "D" words: Drifting, Doubting, Deformity (or immaturity), Despising, and Denying.”  

 

P.P.S.  I am now serving Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, AK, as part-time Vacancy Pastor. 

 

·       The Our Redeemer Call Committee includes Elder and chairman, Jerry Simpson, also Heidi Enlow, Ruth Keller, Theo Lee, Jacob Lewis, Scott Roelfs, and Martha Wilkins.  They have met numerous times. 

The first step in the call process has been to complete a congregational self-study.  The Northwest District has shared the study and tools to help in this study.  The committee has asked for and received input from ORLC for this study.  Jacob Lewis has compiled these survey to turn in to District.  Nomination forms for names for a new pastor have also been distributed.  We have about 8 names.

The self-study, and nominations for pastor, were indeed sent to the Northwest District by October 1, 2025. 

The last meeting was Friday evening, October 24.  The committee discussed questions to ask candidates when the congregation receives names from the Northwest District.

We are now waiting for the Northwest District to return names for possible future pastors for Our Redeemer.

 

OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT OUR REDEEMER:

 

·       There are two opportunities a week for exercise and wellness. 

o   Matt Keith leads Chayon Ryu Martial Arts Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Our Redeemer Fellowship Hall

 

o   Matt then teaches a Elder Momentum Class, attended mostly by seniors, at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

 

·       A “Mom’s Group” meets on the first and third Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer.

 

·       An Adult Fellowship Potluck is held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m.  In December this takes place at Bobby’s Café..

 

• Youth Group metes after worship on one Sunday each month.  On November 30 Youth Group will be a cooking class.

 

·       There are other events planned as well.  Watch the Our Redeemer calendar and newsletter for information.

 

Regular Bible Studies and Sunday School

 

·       Adult Bible Study continues on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.   The class FINISHED studying “Basic Christian Teachings.” We will now be enjoying Bible Study’s based on Garrison Keillor monologues, specifically for holiday issues.   Come and join us!

 

·       Sunday School is held each Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m.!  This is a blessing for ALL children and adults.   

 

·       “Deeply Rooted Small Group” Is held at Our Redeemer on the first and third Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.

 

·       Confirmation classes began on Sunday, October 12, after worship services.  Subsequent classes will be held on November 16 (this Sunday), 23, and December 7.  Watch for more information.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

 

·       MANY CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURES WITH ME IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, November 5, we read Hebrews 4.   

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!

 

P.P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!  - I tried to fish 3 times this past weekend.

 

·       On Friday, November 7, I drove north and looked for ice.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zo4hxCMVsibH5Wnw7

 

·       On Saturday, November 8, drover north, and actually tried fishing at Knob Lake.   However, I caught no fish. Here are some pictures of this trip. https://photos.app.goo.gl/3PSnfbrcHi2v17Wx7

 

·       On Monday, November 10, I did find a safe lake and actually fished and caught fish for the first time this fall.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6V3ZW4ZGAxbL7iuk7

 

·       We did see Northern Lights on Tuesday, November 11.  Somehow the I-phone camera makes the pictures even more spectacular.  But, here they are.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/F9PyScugYKFnaqFC6

 

 

 

*******

 

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 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, AK.)

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, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Chugiak, AK

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)