The Rock Church

Radio Silence

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” — Hebrews 2:1

What’s the opposite of paying attention? It’s being distracted. It’s not listening carefully. When I’m working on an important project, I turn off distractions. I need to pay attention.

Admittedly, we live in an age of distractions. They make it difficult to connect with the people in front of us and also the Lord! Because of that, I made a decision ten months ago, to stop listening to the radio.

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Drought, Rain and Prayer

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” — James 5:16b-18

Utah is experiencing a severe drought. In fact, 88% of our state is under extreme drought conditions. Due to this, back in June, Governor Cox said, “Because there is power in prayer, we are asking all of you and your congregations to join us in a weekend of prayer this coming weekend, June 4-6.” (On a side note, when I mentioned the governor’s prayer request to pastors in other states, they found it remarkable.) 

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250 Years of Marriage

“Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us”— Philippians 3:17b

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to celebrate Krista’s (my wife) parent’s 50^th wedding anniversary. There were siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, visitors, well-wishers and distant relations. Naturally, we had a blast! As we celebrated their anniversary, we talked about fond memories, laughed and honored what the Lord had done in their marriage.

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God’s Great Mercy

“O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.” — Daniel 9:18

In Daniel’s wonderful prayer in Chapter 9, he prays based on God’s character and God’s interests. Daniel petitions God, not because of the Israelite’s righteousness, but because of God’s great mercy.

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God’s Truth

We need God’s truth.

“We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.” — Daniel 9:6

Last week, while shopping, I noticed the clerk wore a shirt that had “Love is Love” printed on it. I have seen that saying everywhere. If time had allowed, I might have respectfully asked, “What do you mean by love is love?” However, there was a long line of customers waiting to check out and it wasn’t the right time. I can guess, though, he would have said something about the “freedom to love who you want to love, including sexually.”

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Impeccable Manners

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” — Philippians 2:14

A few weeks ago, my wife had a great idea. As an end of the year “thank you” gift, she baked a plate of cookies for our older son’s school bus driver. She sent the cookies with Kael and Aiden in the morning. Later that afternoon, they came home with a note from their bus driver:

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“You’re already dead.”

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” — John 12:24-26

Recently, I watched a World War II movie which had the following dialogue between two characters:

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Prepare for Suffering

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10

Last year, at a pastor’s conference, we watched the Tortured for Christ movie. This powerful film told the story of pastor Richard Wurmbrand (1909-2001). He was a Romanian pastor who endured 14 years of Communist imprisonment and suffering for his faith. The torture scenes made the movie difficult to watch. However, his courage and example were astonishing.

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Suddenly

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:2

My son, Aiden, has his learner’s permit; we go driving most weekends to get his required 40 hours of experience. It rained at our house a couple weekends ago. I thought we could get some practice driving in “bad weather.” There was only light rain when we started out.  

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Good News

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas, Rock Church! As your pastors, we sure love and appreciate you all so much! You know, this time of year is special for many reasons…family, decorations and gifts just to name a few. However, the most important reason of all is that our Savior came to the earth. In Luke 2 (when the angel appeared to the shepherds) he said (paraphrasing), “Don’t be afraid! I have good news; the Savior has arrived!” 

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