The Rock Church

The Paths We Pave

Proverbs 5:21-23 gives us a sober reminder: “For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.”

Think about the truth of that verse for a second. Without a doubt, we live in a world where it’s all too easy to curate a perfect image on social media. An absolutely perfect outward appearance. In fact, we edit our feeds and filter our photos. Along with that, we keep a smile on our faces and make our lives look picture-perfect. It happens not only online but also in real life. But, even if we fool our followers and neighbors, God isn’t deceived. He sees everything. Because of this, no filter, highlight reel, or act we put on for others can hide the truth from Him. We’ve exposed our motivations, mistakes, and struggles to the One who examines every step we take.

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

Gratitude and Hope

Ephesians 1:15-21 is a set of verses that really encourages me. We glimpse Paul’s heart and his thankfulness for the church in Ephesus! He speaks with gratitude and hope. On top of that, he deeply desires the saints to continue their spiritual growth.

First, Paul starts by expressing his gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith in Jesus. At the same time, he also expresses thanks for their love for the saints.

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

Look Ahead!

I’ve always had a passion for all things boards. From the freedom of skateboarding through city parks to carving fresh powder on snow-capped mountains. Not to mention the rhythm of surfing ocean waves. Without a doubt, it’s a thrill like no other. I love feeling the wind rushing against my face. Strangely, times like this are also when I find myself in deep prayer. Yes, you read that right; I absolutely connect with God profoundly while gliding on a board!

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

Seek Wisdom

As we continue in our spiritual walks, Proverbs (Chapter 2) provides lessons for us on the value of wisdom. At the same time, it reveals that wisdom protects us and guides us away from wrong decisions and people who want to lead us astray. Wisdom isn’t merely intellectual. We can certainly read, know, and even teach about it. However, it has to be applied to our actions as well to affect our lives.

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

The Cup of Blessing

^“Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” — Psalm 16:5-6

Have you ever wondered where your life might be apart from knowing Jesus as your Savior? If not, spend a moment pondering what that might have looked like.

It certainly doesn’t take long to realize how richly blessed we are to be His children. It always goes far beyond the material blessing of His provision. We no doubt find that in our homes or aligning with our interests. Looking deeper, however, we also see a life filled with grace, forgiveness, purpose, hope, and beauty.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

“Radical Parenting” Conference

It’s critical that we get radical in our parenting approaches if we are going to raise godly kids in this broken world. An incredible amount of time, money, and energy goes into raising them and we want to do it right. But, we live in a world that doesn’t really know how to help. Fortunately for us, God’s Word has a number of key principles for radical/godly parenting.

Posted in Events, Parenting by The Rock Church

Matter of Honor Series

A Look Into Biblical Principles of Financial Stewardship.

Jesus warned us about the danger of putting money in place of God in our lives. He said in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both God and money.” In this three-part series, we’ll look at biblical principles which focus on the importance of financial stewardship. These practical teachings will help you understand (and implement) the basic biblical concepts of honoring God with your finances. Matter of Honor series runs April 15-30.

Posted in News, Series by The Rock Church

Pocket Gopher and Proverbs

Last fall, I had a pocket gopher problem. This pest somehow got into my backyard and started tunneling everywhere. It created dozens of mounds around my garden. Then it started moving toward my trees, which could kill them! So I declared war on the gopher. After watching various YouTube videos, I tried flooding, poison, and traps. Unfortunately, none of it worked; the gopher kept digging. Fortunately, the YouTube algorithm suggested a video for a particularly effective trap. I ordered it, and the gopher was dead within five minutes of setting it.

I thought of my gopher problem when I read these verses in my quiet time last week:

“Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.” — Proverbs 6:28-29

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Owner’s Manual

“Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.” — Psalm 119:98-100

The clock radio alarm went off at 5:40 a.m.; I turned it off and got out of bed. My wife said, “What was the rest of that commercial? The one that was just on?” I said, “I didn’t hear.” (A statement to my auto-piloting when I get up.) She replied, “The commercial said, ‘If only there were an owner’s manual for relationships?’” However, since I turned it off, we will never know. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Seek in Faith

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all of his ways.” — James 1:5-8

How often we have opposition or trials in our lives and try to handle them on our own. It’s easy to do because we love to fix our own problems and help others fix theirs. But, we need to remember not to rely on our own wisdom in doing this; we need the wisdom of God. When we’re faced with troubles, He will help us generously, without hesitation.

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