The Rock Church

Lives are Different

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Can you believe it? Winter is over and spring is already upon us! It seems as if this time of year brings new and exciting opportunities for us to labor hard for Jesus (and for me to start preparing my garden).

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Long Shot

When my co-worker asked me if I’d be interested in helping him with electrical work for a church remodel, my first thought was that it was a long shot. Why? Because the church was in Hawaii! My co-worker (who is also a Christian) is good friends with the pastor of the Hawaiian church. 

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S.O.A.P.

Lately, I have had a real boost in my quiet times and it’s because I have been using S.O.A.P. Not the soap you use to wash with, however. It’s a Bible study plan — let me explain. 

S. – Scripture

O. – Observation

A. – Application

P. – Prayer

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God Cares

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

I know God cares for me and I know God cares for you. How do I know this? Well, it’s not because of what you or I have been through. It’s not even what we have done. Rather, it’s because of what God has done for us. I think, perhaps, we tend to look at the bad before the good (as we examine our lives). A change of perspective is necessary.

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Bless His Name

“Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever.” Psalm 113:2 (NLT)

Recently, I read this verse in my quiet time and one word stuck out to me more than any other. The word now.

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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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A Reason to Rejoice

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:19-20 (NIV)

This past year has been extremely challenging for most of us. We’ve struggled with hard things and suffered in many ways. We’ve needed encouragement. I’d like to remind you that if you are a Christian, you do have that encouragement — a reason to rejoice. You are going to heaven. Furthermore, He wants us to reach out to others with the Gospel. Consequently, you’ll be glad to hear that over the past few weeks, several people have gotten saved through the ministry of our church!

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Battle Ready

As Christians, we are commanded to prepare our minds for action, as a soldier prepares for battle. In light of this, here are a few simple, daily practices to help you be mentally “battle ready” for whatever arrows may fly your way.

Read God’s Word Daily.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

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Darkness

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” — Psalm 139:7-8

Years ago, I worked in an underground mine. When we were done with the job each day, my co-workers took the buggy (side by side) up to the surface and unloaded some of our tools — they needed to make room for me. So, for about half an hour, I was alone (with nearly a mile of earth above me). 

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Happy New Year!

“Happy New Year!” has never sounded so good before and Old Man 2020 leaving us seems like it couldn’t come fast enough. Most of us are happy to drop 2020 into the dumpster of experience; we eagerly anticipate the promise of something better in 2021.

Usually, I’m not one to make resolutions. I can have fear of failure. However, I am so excited about the idea of a fresh start this year, that I’m at least going to put some goals in place and I encourage you to do the same. Here is a great goal given by the Apostle Paul: 

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