The Rock Church

Guess What? I Love You!

I think it was about a year or so ago, I playfully asked my three-year-old granddaughter, “Guess what?” And she wholeheartedly said, “What?” Then I laid it on her, “I love you!” It was a fun grandpa moment.

Next, I added this part. “Guess what?” To which she excitedly responded, “What?” And I gleefully said, “Jesus loves you, too!” I didn’t realize at the time how endearing these little exchanges would become. However, I began to hear her play the “Guess What?“ game with others. First, I heard her asking her Dad. Then came her Mom and her little sister. On top of that came her cousins and even aunts and uncles. Who knows, maybe even the kids in the Toddlers’ Room at church? 

Life Is Hard

Like many of you, I have had my share of challenges. I can sometimes feel isolated and alone, even in a crowded room filled with people I love. Genesis reveals that humans would truly struggle. The Bible certainly shows us examples of this time and time again.

Fast forward to the present. Sometimes, we can feel like the main characters in a tragic play that has no ending. That alone is tragic! Over the years, I have heard of countless difficulties that people have faced. These stories made my life seem like a fairy tale. Some of you and your loved ones are in it right now. It’s undoubtedly excruciating, and maybe even blinding. You’re facing health issues, loss of loved ones, debt, difficult marriages, job challenges, and on and on. This also makes us vulnerable to the devil. He loves to kick us when we feel down. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us that the enemy is looking for someone to devour. I think he fiendishly attacks our minds. It makes us feel helpless and as if we cannot escape. I often talk with people who are struggling. Life is indeed hard.

Tell People You Love Them

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” — John 13:34 (NLT)

Tell people you love them — it’s such a simple gesture. I’ve noticed this in our church. I often hear people saying “I love you” to each other. It’s wonderful. And of course, we bless our family and friends when we share this sentiment.

When was the last time you told your spouse you loved them? Say it to them when you’re alone together. Also, say it in front of your kids all the time. Equally important, tell your kids you love them all the time. Even in the most frustrating of times, expressing this can diffuse conflict. It also helps grow you closer. I very rarely, if ever, heard my father tell me he loved me. There were so many lost opportunities. Don’t miss yours. Tell people you love them today.

Guess What? Jesus Loves You!

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Tell people Jesus loves them! Jesus told us this and then demonstrated His love fully on the Cross as He submitted Himself to die for us. People absolutely need to hear Jesus loves them over and over again. I know I do! Like a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. Or, better yet, it’s like a dive into a sparkling pool of water at just the right temperature. Perhaps it’s like Jesus throwing us a lifebuoy when we’re desperate for Him.

Sometimes, turning to my Bible and hearing from Jesus feels as if He is right there. Always holding me close while I weep, tremble, and doubt. He is with me. And that’s all I really need. Along with that, He has also promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Did you hear that? NEVER! (Deuteronomy 31:6) And NO ONE can snatch us from His hand! (John 10:28) Oh, please, Lord, tell me again. Because I really need to hear that right now. How about you?

“Guess what?” Jesus and I love you!

Mac

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Proven Character

“But you know that Timothy has proved himself… he has served with me in the work of the gospel.” — Philippians 2:22 (NIV 1984)

A few years ago, I sat across from a young couple I was counseling. They had been married just three months—and were already talking about divorce. As we talked, the wife said something that stuck with me: “I just can’t handle him… he’s so untidy. He always leaves his socks on the floor. I didn’t know he was like this.”

I remember thinking… socks?

But it wasn’t really about socks. It was deeper. They had unmet expectations, felt frustrated, and didn’t endure when things got hard. Sadly, they divorced. And it reminded me: many people want the blessings of commitment. But far fewer are willing to pay the price to build the kind of character that sustains commitment.

That’s what Paul highlights about Timothy. In what looks like simple travel plans (in the verses), we discover something powerful. Timothy had proven character. Not flashy talent or temporary passion. Instead, he had steady, tested, reliable faithfulness.

Here’s the truth: you don’t build character in moments—you reveal it over time.

Anyone can be kind for a day. They can certainly serve for a season. But proven character shows up again and again. And so it shows up when it’s inconvenient, unnoticed, and frustrating.

Timothy stood out because he cared deeply for people and put Christ first. Equally important, he stayed consistent and remained loyal. Because of that, Paul trusted him completely.

The Long Haul

So, here’s the question: “Are we becoming people who others—and God—can trust?”

In a world of quick results and easy exits (like a microwave), God does something different. He doesn’t instantly form lives; instead, He slowly forms them over time.

Microwaves are fast… but shallow. Crock pots take time… but produce something rich and lasting. Without a doubt, that’s how God builds character.

He’s looking for people who don’t bail when it’s hard or quit when it’s inconvenient. They don’t walk away when life gets messy (even if there are socks on the floor 😉).

The Lord is looking for people who stay. Who grow. And who also endure. People who are in it for the long haul. Because in the end, it won’t matter how gifted you were. It will matter how faithful you were.

Don’t just aim for success this week. Aim for proven character.

In it for the long haul,

Bill

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church