The Rock Church

Speaking Without Thinking

“There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” Proverbs 29:20 (NLT)

Speaking without thinking can get people into quite a mess, can’t it? We definitely see this in our world every day. Especially with social media. People post almost everything they say and do online. Not just in the form of videos but also in the comment sections. And too often this ends up negatively.

This is certainly not a recent problem. People did not just discover this phenomenon with the World Wide Web. In fact, Solomon recognized this danger in the 10th century B.C. when he penned the book of Proverbs. Today, access to seeing everyone’s words and thoughts online has only increased their visibility. 

Carefree Comments

I’ll be honest, my loose tongue can get me into hot water from time to time. It’s easy for me to sink into making jokes or being carefree with my comments. To my shame, this is often at someone else’s expense. I don’t always consider how my words may affect someone else. Even the most innocent of my nonchalant quips has offended someone. Or at least made them uncomfortable. 

Of course, I’m not saying God has no sense of humor. And I’m not saying joking around is always wrong. However, I am convicted to consider, “Am I thinking before I speak?”

Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”

Downright Hurtful

I can also be thoughtless in my speech when I am frustrated or angry. Sadly, when walking in my flesh, it can be so easy to sink back into heedless comments. My speech can be cold, dismissive, or thoughtless. Sometimes, even downright hurtful. Unfortunately, those closest to me are the ones who catch a good deal of those reckless words. 

And what does the verse above in Proverbs 29 say? In those moments when I speak without thinking, I am worse off than a fool. And if you know Proverbs, Solomon already has a low view of fools. Truly, to have less hope than a fool is pretty hopeless. 

Mercy

However, praise Jesus for His mercy that is new every day. Hallelujah for His patient, loving kindness for a fool like me. Along the way, He sanctifies me by His grace to be more like Him in my speech. And at the same time, more thoughtful before I speak. 

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Lord help us (help me) to think before we speak. To be self-controlled with our tongues. Equally important, to be considerate of others and what honors You. Help us to always “speak life” to those around us. 

Grace and peace,

Caleb

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

The Roads We Would Rather Avoid

In my previous posts, I have written about the passing of my father and my journey with Jesus through grief. This is my latest entry into that collection. Maybe one day you will find these posts a source of comfort, too.

October 23 marked five years since the day my father went into cardiac arrest while driving us home from work. It was a moment that not only changed my life but also rerouted how my brain navigates grief, pain, and loss.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

The Beauty in the Slow Work of God

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an artist with a canvas or a parent raising kids. Maybe you’re a teacher shaping young minds or simply someone trying to live faithfully day by day? No matter what scenario you’re in, creation takes time. Beauty rarely happens all at once. It’s slow. Also, it’s layered. Along with that, it takes shaping, waiting, and sometimes starting over.

God models that same rhythm in Creation. In Genesis, He doesn’t rush. Each day always has a purpose. Light comes first. Then sky. And then land. Each stage builds upon the last. Finally, He steps back and calls it good. Without a doubt, there’s something profoundly intentional about that process. He shows us that the best work unfolds in time.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Tony D'Amico

Providence

Lately, on my drive home from work, I’ve been intentionally quiet. Off goes the radio, and I sit in the silence. I think about how glorious God is and how near He is to me. I don’t ask anything in prayer, or even pray out loud. In the same way, my thoughts are about Him, and I quietly praise Him. Along with that, I enjoy the indwelling of His Spirit in me.

More recently, on one of these quiet drives home, God’s providence overwhelmed me. How incredibly detailed He must be to be truly providential in everything. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Lord, Have Mercy

At times, our world can certainly seem like an unending cloudy day. We long to catch a glimpse of the sun, or at the very least, a silver lining in the clouds. Evil lurks everywhere, and the news of it is like unwelcome rain. The world leaves us outside with no shelter in sight. Then comes the thunder and lightning, maybe even hail. Typically, we react in one of two ways to the evil around us. I think a couple of biblical examples will help me explain.

The first is found in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. The prophet Habakkuk sees confusion and suffering. Specifically, the problem of evil in the world around him. He grapples with why wicked people prosper while the righteous suffer. “Been there, done that” in my own walk of faith. So I appreciate how honest Habakkuk is with God.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Unbreakable

“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” — Isaiah 43:13 (NLT)

In this verse, God reminds His people of His eternal power and sovereignty. From before time began and until long after it ends, He is unchanging. No one can thwart His purposes. At the same time, no one can undo His promises. For those of us who belong to Christ, this is the ultimate assurance. To put it simply, nothing and no one can separate us from His love.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

God’s Sovereignty

Does life ever surprise you with the joys and sufferings that happen, sometimes simultaneously? There are so many encouraging things happening in and around our church. People are meeting Jesus. God is saving people as well as transforming lives. 

At the exact same time, however, a brief review of my prayer journal reveals people are suffering through job loss, death, and grief. Along with that, there are hospitalizations, accidents, sicknesses, and several other challenging circumstances. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

A Message From the Pastors

As a nation, we have endured many seasons marked by fear, uncertainty, and injustice. Yet, for us as a church, few moments have struck closer to home than the tragic and senseless murder of Charlie Kirk. His assassination has left us shaken. This is not only because of the deep loss we feel, but also because it happened so close to where we live and worship. This heartbreaking event has stirred fear, confusion, and sorrow in many of our hearts. 

We wanted to share a few thoughts to help us respond as followers of Jesus:

1) Be people of prayer.
Pray for the Kirk family as they grieve. Pray for our country, for revival, and for those who are hurting will find the Lord in their pain. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

2) Remember the sanctity of life.
As Steele mentioned this past weekend, every human life is precious in God’s sight—full of value and worth. That’s part of what makes this so shocking and jarring. As Christians, we trust that God will judge all things and right every wrong. We rest in that hope. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

3) Rest in God’s sovereignty.
We serve a God who is able to bring good even from terrible evil. Remind yourself again and again: God is sovereign and in complete control. We don’t understand all that is happening, but we can trust His faithfulness. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)

4) Guard your heart and mind.
As Bryan said this last weekend, there is wisdom in who we listen to and what we consume. Listening to foolish or inflammatory voices does our hearts no good. Ask: What fruit is this content producing in me—peace or agitation, love or enmity? Choose what leads you closer to Christ. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

5) Be courageous—and loving—with the Truth.
Share the Gospel. Stand for biblical Truth with humility and love. Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life and spoke Truth in love. Be courageous. Share the Truth. Love your enemies. “Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)

If you need prayer (or someone to talk with), your pastors and church leaders are here for you.

With heavy but hopeful hearts,

The Pastors of The Rock

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

We All Need a Hushai

One little verse tucked away in the Old Testament has been rolling around in my heart lately:

“…Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”— 1 Chronicles 27:33b

Isn’t that description beautiful? Not a big title. No grand exploits mentioned. Just “the king’s friend.” And not just any king. But King David, the man after God’s own heart. Out of all the military leaders, advisors, and warriors surrounding David, Scripture makes a point to name Hushai for one thing: friendship.

Let’s be honest—we all need a Hushai in our lives. Someone who shows up not because they need anything. But, simply because they care. A friend who stands with you in the palace and the wilderness. One who brings joy and tells the truth. Also, one who reminds you of who you are when you start to forget.

David knew the pain of betrayal (remember Ahithophel?). However, he also knew the strength of real friendship. Hushai stuck by him when others turned away (2 Samuel 15). Additionally, his loyalty helped preserve the kingdom.

Friendship is not a bonus—it’s a lifeline. In Proverbs 17:17, we read: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” And the greatest friend of all? Of course, it’s always Jesus.

Your Friend Jesus

Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants… instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15). He doesn’t just save us. On the contrary, He walks with us and listens to us. Along with that, He rejoices and weeps with us. That’s the kind of friend He is. And He invites us to be that kind of friend to others.

So, let me ask you something. “Who’s your Hushai? And who are you being a Hushai to?”

Let’s be intentional today. Text a friend. Invite someone for coffee. Open up. Listen well. Laugh hard. Cry if you need to. Pray together. Don’t do life alone.

Without question, we were made for friendship. Even kings need them. And so do we.

Your friend,

Pastor Bill

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Live Like Jesus

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” — Ephesians 5:1-2

These are certainly some marvelous verses! The Apostle Paul is instructing Believers to live like Jesus — the image of the invisible God.

I have always been a fan of biographical TV shows or movies. It’s an amazing experience to watch an actor transform into a historical figure, like Winston Churchill or Johnny Cash. If done well, the viewers feel transported into the room. Additionally, it’s as if we are actually sitting with the real-life person. After watching, we may also feel as if we even know them. And ultimately, we may want to learn more about them.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton