My Heart Overflows With Thanks at the Goodness of God!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I once purchased a book containing statements of faith by the leaders of our country.  From that book I copied The First Proclamation of Thanksgiving by President George Washington in 1789

"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 He   has been pleased to confer upon us."   - George Washington, 1789

Next Thursday, November 23, our country will observe Thanksgiving Day.  Though, these days when people speak of Thanksgiving I hear more about turkeys, and parades, and football, and Black Friday. I hear very little, in public speech at least, about Almighty God.

 

Yet, as people of faith, we know that our Lord calls us to give thanks.  In Psalm 136 the Psalmist repeats again and again, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1) God is good.  Therefore, we give thanks!

 

Jesus spoke to the one leper who returned to him after he had healed 10 lepers, “"Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?  ¹⁸ Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"  (Luke 17:17-18)  Jesus indicated that all who had been blessed by healing should give God thanks and praise.

 

Our Heavenly Father reminds us through St. Paul, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)  Did you hear that?  For believers in Jesus we are called to be thankful “in all circumstances!:

 

But, do you ever have difficulty giving thanks?  Do you ever wonder, “What is there to give thanks for?”  George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other presidents called the nation to thank God.  But today a person in public life can get in trouble for even talking about God.

 

Recently in the congregation where I am serving as pastor I asked people in the church to fill out a “Counting God’s Blessings in My Life” page.  I asked God’s people to consider and to write down His Spiritual Blessings, His People and Family Blessings, His Opportunity and Career Blessings, and His Material Blessings.  Even though I allowed 5 lines for each category, I confess to you I counted many more blessings from my Lord than I had lines on which to count them.  Let me share just some of the reasons I have for thanking my Heavenly Father, in spite of the disappointments of life.  I am thankful for:

·       My Savior, Jesus, who loves me, forgives me, and saves me, in spite of my rebellious and selfish heart!

·       God’s Church, and the congregations where I have belonged and served, and the faithful children of God who have served alongside me.

·       The Scriptures, to give true guidance when my faulty guidance system would lead me astray.

·       My family – I am so blessed to have had Christian parents, grandparents, and relatives.  I am so blessed to have a faithful and loving wife.  My children and my grandchildren bring joy to my heart!

·       For faithful Christian mentors, a ‘cloud of witnesses’ – So many have helped me in my walk with Jesus!

·       The opportunity to travel, to fish, to hunt, to golf, to read, and to experience the world which God has made.

·       That God keeps His promise and provides – Early in our married lives Kathy and I did not believe we would ever afford a house, and we were fine with that.  But our cup overflows with the material blessings which God gives.

·       My friends – My only regret is that I have friends in Alaska, in Florida, in New England, and around the country and I cannot be in all those place at one time.

·       And I could go on, and on, and on . . .

 

As I quoted Psalm 23 above, “My cup Overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)  God is so Good and loving!  Ultimately, that goodness comes to us through Jesus.  Do you know Romans 8:32? “³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” God gives us all things we need.  Thank you, Lord!

 

George Washington wrote, “. . .  it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God.”  It may indeed be our duty.  God Himself calls us to give Him Thanks.  But, when I count MY blessings, thanking God is a JOY!

 

For what are YOU thankful?

 

A Child of God, My Heart Overflows with Thanks at the Goodness of God!

Pastor Jonathan

 

ESPECIALLY FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH.

 

P.S.  The Service of “Remembering God’s Blessings in the Life of Robert Besalski” will be held at First Lutheran on Saturday, November 18.  There is visitation at 1:00 p.m., followed y the service at 2:00, and then a reception in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  Please plan to attend and celebrate God’s blessings in your life!

 

P.P.S. CONSECRATION SUNDAY is coming to First Lutheran on Sunday, November 19.  In worship on this day we will have an opportunity to respond to the love of God in our lives by placing a commitment on the altar.  Then, after worship, we have a wonderful meal prepared by Christa Vigil and helpers.  The menu includes stuffed pork loin, roasted smashed potatoes, Fall vegetables, Winter salad greens, and dessert, including cookies, cake, and apple galette!  Over 100 people have made reservations. PLEASE plnn to attend!  P.S. I will provide below the document “Counting God’s Blessings in My Life.”

 

FISHING - J

P.P.P.S.  I only went fishing once this past week, but I played golf 3 times.  Here are some pictures from a fishing trip with UF college student, and First Lutheran attendee, Alex Walenjus.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RcGSh7jRqbAaL8LU9

 

*******

 

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.  (Currently I am serving 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

        

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTING God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in

all things at all times, having all that you need, you will

abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

 

    

    

                              God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

I                             I am Thankful for the following People and Family Blessings which                                                         God has given me in my life. (Parents? Spouse? Children? Friends?  Other?)

                         1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

I am Thankful for the following Spiritual Blessings which God has given me in                                                    my life. (Faith? Forgiveness? Church? Other?)

 

1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

 

COUNTING God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

                              God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 I                             I am Thankful for the following Opportunity and Career Blessings which God

                              has given me in my life. (Education? Jobs? Travel? Recreation?)

 

1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

 

                              God’s BLESSINGS in My Life!

 

I                             I am Thankful for the following Material Blessings which God has given                                                 me in my life. (Homes? Finances? Transportation? Hobbies?)

1.  ________________________________________

 

2  ________________________________________

 

3. ________________________________________

 

4.  ________________________________________                                      

 

5.  ________________________________________

 

 

 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in

all things at all times, having all that you need, you will

abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

 

Enduring the Pain of Loss With the Sure Hope of the Rescue of Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Have you ever meditated upon Psalm 22?  That Psalm was part of my daily devotions on Tuesday, November 7.  Perhaps you know this Psalm prophesies the suffering of Jesus on the cross.

 

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?”  (Psalm 22:1) Do you recognize this prayer of Jesus from the cross. (Matthew 27:46). 

 

^“6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. ⁷ All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; ⁸ ‘He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!’" (Psalm 22:6-8) Perhaps you hear the scorn and ridicule Jesus endured from the religious leaders of the day in these verses of Psalm 22. (Matthew 27:39-43) 

 

^“15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. ¹⁶ For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet-- ¹⁷ I can count all my bones-- they stare and gloat over me; ¹⁸ they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:15-18) First, I personally hear the prophecy of Jesus’ thirst. (John 19:28) Did you also catch the prophecy of the piercing of Jesus’ hands and feet in His crucifixion?  Or, did you take note of the casting of lots by the Roman soldiers for Jesus’ clothes? (Matthew 27:35)

 

The suffering Jesus’ endured for us was agonizing.  Amazingly, Jesus knew this suffering and the cross were coming.  He warned His disciples about His betrayal and crucifixion 4 separate times.  Many scholars believe that Jesus spoke the entirety of Psalm 22 from memory on the cross.

 

But, in focusing on the prophecy of Jesus’ suffering in Psalm 22, we might miss His prayer and His praise at the end of the Psalm.   :²¹ Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! ²² I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: . . ³⁰ Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; ³¹ they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”  (Psalm 22:21-23, 30-31)  The Psalm also prophesies that after our Lord endured His suffering on the cross, His Father DID save and rescue Him.  When God raised Jesus from the dead, He Lord also saved and rescued us!

 

When we face the trials, the suffering, the losses of life today, God is there to rescue us, to provide salvation, and hope.  God’s people endure the pain, yet we also have reason to to hope, to trust, and to speak praise.

 

This week my eyes brimmed full of tears at the loss and pain suffered by God’s people.  In addition to illnesses and hospitalizations, we suffered the expected, yet sudden death of Pastor Bob Besalski.  He was pastor and mentor to many.  He has been my pastor since 1965, a beloved mentor, father figure, and friend.  However, in and through the grief of loss, we can praise the Lord.  Through faith in Jesus our Lord saves and rescues those we love. He saves and rescues us.

 

The trials of this world may lead us to question our Heavenly Father with the words of Jesus, “ 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?”  But, in the saving love of God, which conquers sin and death in Jesus, we can also speak these words of praise, from our hearts. “You have rescued me . . .  ²² I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

 

A Child of God, Enduring the Pain of Loss With the Sure Hope of the Rescue of Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan

 

ESPECIALLY FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH.

 

P.S.  Today, November 7, our Lord called home long-time First Lutheran Pastor, Pastor Bob Besalski.  Thankfully, First Lutheran member, Barbara Hughes, was with Elaine.  When they checked on him at 12:15, he had passed peacefully in his sleep.  The plans are that Pastor Bob’s service will be held on Saturday, November 18.  Visitation will take place at 1:00 p.m., the service at 2:00, with a reception to follow.

 

P.P.S. CONSECRATION SUNDAY is coming to First Lutheran on Sunday, November 19. 

We have had an opportunity to consider God’s blessings in our lives during worship on November 5.  This Sunday, November 12 will hear about God’s plan for the gifts He gives to us.

Then, in worship on November 19 we will have an opportunity to respond to the love of God in our lives by placing a commitment on the altar. 

After worship we have a wonderful meal prepared by Christa Vigil and helpers.  The menu sounds DELICIOUS: It includes stuffed pork loin, roasted smashed potatoes, Fall vegetables, Winter salad greens, and dessert, including cookies, cake, and apple galette! PLEASE make reservations for the meal.  Reservation cards are in the bulletin on Sunday!

 

FISHING - 

P.P.P.S.  I went fishing twice this past week.

·       On Sunday, November 6, I went fishing after church in a new place, Lake Hampton, north of Waldo, FL.  I was only able to fish for about an hour and a half before darkness fell.  I had no bites, but the beauty of our Lord’s creation shone in the sunset. As God inspired David to write in Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Here it is.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/TymEoC4wsy2bDqeA7

 

·       On Monday, November 6, I fished at Orange Lake.  I had some equipment struggles, and came in early.  But, I did catch 2 bass.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/S81GS4BzdixFFPyL9

 

 

*******

 

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.  (Currently I am serving 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

           

 

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

Reaction" Dr. Steven Gundry, The Longevity Paradox

 

The Longevity Paradox

 

My Reactions: Questions

 

1.     My first reaction as I read The Longevity Paradox was skepticism because of his views on our existence, Gundry talks about life coming out of the slime.  I believe God created.  I don’t totally understand how that happened.  When someone puts down that belief, it raises a red flag.

 

2.     I also wonder where he got the idea that our bodies are programed for a summer/winter – feast/fast 12 month cycle.  That is the world we live in, but I have not heard that from anyone else, at least regarding how we should eat.  I have also always been told that fruit is good.  He doesn’t much like fruit as part of this cycle.

 

3.     A question I had was, ‘if all the foods he mentions are bad, why do they not harm us in our youth?’  I can understand that our bodies change.  I have experienced that.  But, his list of bad foods is long.  Again, my frame of reference is Biblical.  Bread is not bad in that world.

 

4.     It seems to me that Gundry talks over the head of many, me at least.  He talks about different chemicals and elements very quickly, like we should just believe what he says because we can’t understand it.  I like it when someone can bring things down to my level, though I am willing to admit there is much about science I do not know.

 

5.     I was sharing the book with my wife as we drove the Alaska Highway in September.  Some made sense.  She looked it up on the internet and found a review of the book.  The review was not very flattering.  Here is the link. https://www.truehealthinitiative.org/news/eat-your-beans-but-skip-reading-dr-steven-gundrys-the-longevity-paradox-flaws-and-fruits/

 

6.     Many of the foods he suggests are foods I have not eaten, and I have eaten a lot of different foods.  Not only would I need to find the food, but then cook them.  The recipes would take quite a while too.  It seems more complicated than the South Beach Diet, which usually worked for me, for a while, and then it would stop working.

 

7.     Finally, it surprises me that, even if someone eats with his diet and fasting schedule, and the recommended food, people would still need all the supplements he recommends.  That is a big number of extra pills.

 

8.     Overall the diet seems complicated.  It seems to me it would take a big calendar on the wall to tell me / someone, when to eat, when to fast, which foods today, which supplements to take.  This diet takes a LOT of attention.

 

My Reaction: Some Agreement:

1.     Many of the good foods he like, I also like.  I like greens, avocados, nuts, red wine, olive oil, coffee, sardines, herring, and anchovies.

 

2.     I am already taking many of the supplements he likes, vitamin C, D3, Fish Oil, Glucosamine, magnesium, and Niacin (B).

 

3.     I do like his idea on exercise.  When I do a whole routine of exercises it takes me about 1 ½ hours.  With travel that is at least a 2 hour commitment.  It is hard to fit that in 3-4 times a week, though I was doing it.  So, 5 simple one minute exercises at home makes sense.  I have tried that and like it.

 

CONCLUSION:

It does seem that some of his diet is similar to most other diets.  Eat well, exercise, get your sleep.  What I need to do is find  way to get in my exercises again, and to be more strict in my diet.  I am working on more sleep, better eating, and regular exercise

.