Dear Fellow Children of God,
One of my favorite privileges as pastor is to visit
people in their homes. On Tuesday and
Wednesday, October 13 and 14 I tried to visit 6 families in their homes.
However, for various reason I only visited 4.
Often, visiting homebound people is a visit to elderly. Perhaps not surprising, the conversation this
week was on the rapid changes in our world.
On Tuesday, Keith Struempler discussed changes in the
return of salmon these days compared to years ago. As you might expect, I showed Keith and
Florence some pictures of a recent fishing trip. I also had first hand information
to add to the conversation. And, in
addition to the information, I also shared a few opinions. Life has changed for Keith and Florence. Fishing has changed in Alaska. But, as fellow followers of Jesus, we were
there for one another.
On Wednesday Arnie Stoltenberg brought up changes in his
world. Arnie talked about growing up in the
farming culture of southern Minnesota in the 40’s and 50’s. He mentioned that he and Cynthia were married
September 4, 1954. I was 1 year old at
that time! “Life is different,” Arnie
told me.
Talking of other changes in the world Arnie asked me if I
had tried “A-One.” Well, we did then
talk about A-I (artificial intelligence), and rapid change all around us. I told Arnie about college students once
suggesting I should let A-I write a sermon, which I have not done. I have seen this new tool used well, but it
is new to me. I asked Keith, “Do you
remember the movie ‘Frankenstein.’ The
scientist created the monster, but the monster killed the scientist. Perhaps our technology is dangerous to
us.” I have heard it said that, other
than death and taxes. the only constant in life is change. Perhaps uniquely, today change seems to be
happening more quickly than ever.
When life makes us uncomfortable, or even afraid, because
of unexpected changes, there are things we can count on, things which do remain
constant. God Himself, and His grace do
not change. Our Lord speaks through the
prophet Malachi asserting, “6 For I the LORD do not change;
therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6) God’s person, and His grace are sure.
The writer to the Hebrews teaches us, “8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not
be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to
be strengthened by grace,” (Hebrews
13:8-9) God is constant in His
righteousness and mercy. When the new
comes into our world, we are wise not to forget our Lord, nor His constant
grace.
In a changing, confusing world, not only our Lord, but the
word of God stands sure. Isaiah
teaches, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will
stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) Talking about the last times Jesus Himself
teaches His disciples, “35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but
my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) We can look to the unchanging
Word of God in a world of constant change.
There is something else which is sure. Nothing can take away the love God gives in
Jesus, through His life and death and resurrection. Romans 8 teaches, “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.” (Romans 8:38-39) In a world
where nothing seems sure, God’s love in Jesus is the rock on which we can and
do build our lives.
Please do not think I am speaking against the use of new knowledge,
or tools, or technology. I am thankful
for advances in medicine, in technology, and other areas. Our minds are gifts of God to be used to
serve him and others. My computer(s),
for example, are very helpful tools, even if there is frustration at
times. However, I have learned that when
life perplexes me, I trust the Lord.
When new teachings confuse me, I begin with the Word of God. Then I try to use the gifts which God gives.
Are you confused, frightened, overwhelmed by the rapid
changes in our world? There is a
constant in this changing world. We can
trust in the Lord, and in His Word.
A Child of God, Finding Security in a Changing World from
Our Unchanging Lord, in His Word, and His Love in Jesus,
Pastor Rockey
P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage
Lutheran Church in Anchorage.
·
Call Committee – The Executive Leadership
Team (ELT) of Anchorage Lutheran has re-started the call process. This
committee consists of Lynn Boots, Danielle Bowman, Caleb Fluege, Tim and Genae
Meerstein, Alexa Mix, Joel Mix, Joe Pollock, and Karen Quintieri. Also attending meetings will be ELT
President, Steve Fibranz, DCE Matthew Murphy, Vacancy Pastor Jonathan Rockey,
and Circuit Visitor Tony Schultz. The
committee met on September 10 for a beginning meeting, and again on Sunday,
September 27 after worship to evaluate our self-study.
BEGINNING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, ANCHORAGE LUTHERAN MEMBERS ARE AGAIN BEING ASKED TO GIVE
INPUT TO THE COMMITTEE ABOUT OUR CONGREGATION, AND ABOUT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF
A PASTOR WE BELIEVE WOULD BE SERVE GOD’S WORK IN THIS PLACE. For 3 Sundays, October 4-18, people will have
an opportunity to fill out a questionnaire.
PLEASE PRAY
FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS ON THE CALL PROCESS AT ALC!
·
Consecration (Stewardship) Sunday – The
ELT also voted to conduct a Stewardship Emphasis which will provide education
on God’s plans for Christian Stewardship, and will give ALC members an
opportunity to consider and plan ways to respond to God’s grace in their
lives. In November worship we will
consider a) God’s many blessings in our lives, and b) consider God’s plan for
Stewardship. In worship on November 15,
ALC members will have an opportunity in worship to respond to God’s love, and
we will celebrate with a special meal after worship: apple pork loin, au
gratin potatoes, garlic parmesan green beans, salad, rolls, and and apple crisp
ala mode!
Please plan now
to be part of this growth opportunity.
Bible classes –
·
On Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. we have been
studying the book of Ephesians downstairs in the fellowship hall, using
the CPH “Lifelight” Bible Study. Class begins at 9:00 a.m. downstairs in the
Fellowship Hall. On October 18 we should
finish Ephesians 6 and discuss‘the armor of God.’
PLEASE
FEEL FREE TO JOIN US!.
·
In coming weeks, beginning October 25, we will
study prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer.
·
New Member Class? –On October 4, I began teaching
an Adult Membership Class after late worship.
The class is being held in my office.
So far we have studied creation, and we have also studied sin. On October 18 we will study about Jesus and
God’s plan for salvation.
This class is not
only a way for non-members to join Anchorage Lutheran, but also a good
refresher for current members.
Other Activities of Faith:
·
I am again taking a two-year journey with my
Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional
Bible.” On Wednesday, October 14, I read
Esther 3 and 4, when Mordecai tells his adopted daughter’, Esther, “who knows
whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther
4:14)
You are welcome
to join in this journey of reading God’s Word.
You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about
these readings. Or send an e-mail
question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I
have received questions and comments about the readings. 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.S. Family Fun, Friends, and Fishing!
·
Hiking – I took my dog, Mat, on a hike in
Hatcher Pass on Friday, October 9. Here
are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/FyQXdeVZFuxZ2tKF6
·
FISHING - I did go fishing from the bank
at Sheep Creek on Monday, October 12. As
I was finding my way into a fishing spot, Mat was chasing another fisherman up
the hill. I stopped fishing to go rescue
Mat. However, here are a couple more
pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/B9MmiVYpJb1tKGZp8
P.P.P.S. Travel
to Lutherland? – I mentioned in a previous devotion that I have been asked
again to serve with Wittenberg English Ministry, leading English worship
services in Wittenberg, Germany, where Martin Luther did much of his
ministry. This time Kathy and I will
serve from June 15-29, 2027.
When I mentioned our plans, a
number of people asked if we would be leading a tour. Actually, we had NOT planned to do that. But we consulted with our friends at Luther
Tours, and Donna Taylor worked up 2 tours beginning at the end of our service
and going for about another week. IF we
have 15 or more people, Kathy and I would consider leading a tour. Here is a brochure in case you are interested
in going. (I can
send an attachment. However, I hope this
link works.) 11-Day
Germany 11 day June 2027 Proposal .pdf
*******
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. (I finished for
now serving as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in
Gainesville, FL. I am now serving Anchorage Lutheran Church as Vacancy Pastor.)
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, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, 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)
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