The Rock Church

The Best Ending

(In previous posts I have shared my journey through grief and the many ways the Lord has walked with me. This is my latest entry in that collection. These posts have been helpful for me to write and look back on. When intense waves of sadness come, I read them. In the same way, I hope that in your times of sorrow, they can help you as well.)

Over the last year, I’ve read a book series I’ve fallen in love with. But recently, I’ve had to take a break from it. You see, as much as I love the story, I am equally dreading what will happen next. Without giving away any spoilers, I will just say this….the story is not ending how I want it to.

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Don’t Put This Light Away!

Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year! But, the day after Christmas… not so much. Admittedly, all the excitement that went into putting up the Christmas lights is now nonexistent. The time has finally come to take them down.

But certainly, don’t let December 26th be the day you put all of the excitement of Christmas away until next year. Instead, ponder the incarnation of God in the Lord Jesus Christ. It means He has come to illuminate our lives today and forevermore.

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Refreshing

We’re wrapping up our “Delighting in God’s Word” series at church, and I get the privilege of preaching our last teaching. As I’ve read and reflected on the verses, one thing comes up repeatedly. The author has such a refreshing relationship with the Lord that it literally changes every aspect of his life. This is equally true for each of us and is unique to the Christian faith. 

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Reminder

Thanks to my iPhone, I am constantly reminded about what’s going on in my life. My calendar reminds me about meetings I need to attend and bills that need to be paid. Facebook reminds me about memories from five years ago. And countless sports apps notify me on player injuries, game times, and the latest trade rumors. Better still is that I don’t really have to think to be reminded; they just ‘POP-UP’ on my phone. Instant reminder.

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The Grip of Love

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” — John 10:28

That verse is like a treasure box full of incredible love! The promised assurance and safety coming from the mouth of Jesus grips my heart every time I read it! And it’s these specific words that have really struck me: “no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus is saying that we are so secure in His hands, that nothing can loosen His grip.

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Identified

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” — John 1:29

What an amazing declaration we read in the Gospel of John! A Savior has come into the world and has the ability to take away all of our sins! Then, in Matthew 3:13 we read, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.” Wait, what? Why does Jesus need to get baptized? He is the Messiah. He has no sins to repent of!? This very thought confused even John the baptizer! In verse 14 he says, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

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Better Together

Can I be honest with you about something? I really love our CHURCH! I recently read an on-line comment about our church (from a new Believer) and it encouraged me so much. It read:

“Today as I was looking around (the church) there were people from all walks of life here and it just amazed me! Families of all races, people in dresses, tank tops, Harley jackets. People with tattoos, some just getting off work, and people who had obviously been sleeping all day! This church is so diverse yet we all connect through an amazing God who has brought us all together.”

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Jesus Is God With Us

Christmas — the most wonderful time of the year!

When I think of Christmas, there are so many wonderful and exciting things that come to my mind I don’t even know where to begin. A few of my favorite things are: picking out the perfect tree, hanging up the Christmas lights, and sipping hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows) while Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby sing in the background.

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Be Quiet

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”— Psalm 1:1-2

We live in day and age where we have access to innumerable amounts of input, self-help tips, tricks, and secrets that offer help to improve our life and circumstances. On top of that, when you add the pressure and influence from unbelievers in our fallen world, it can cloud or confuse our thinking as to what is actually true.

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Guilt – That Awful Neighbor

What do you do with your guilt? How do you deal with the feelings of remorse over sin? How do you manage the lingering thoughts of sorrow and shame? Guilt is like that awful neighbor who’s always poking his head up over the fence to tell us how terrible our garden looks.

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