Dear Rock Family,
- Reminder Church Picnic –BBQ sandwiches & hot dogs will be provided. If you can, bring your favorite “temperature stable” dish to share with others. . We kindly ask that you bring a dish to share! Last names A-R: Please bring a side dish. Last names S-Z: Please bring a dessert. *We ask that you bring temperature stable items and enough to serve at least 12 people.
- The church office will be closed on Monday, July 5.
- Eat lots of food on Sunday, because we will be going into 3 days of Prayer & Fasting Monday-Wednesday (July 5-7). Although the church will technically be closed, I will be in the Chapel Monday July 5th from 9-11am if anyone would like to join me.
The other day Kristi was leading our dog Winston to the open space just out our back fence so he could play and run, but he was stopped in his tracks as he thought he heard a squirrel in the treetops. It so distracted him that he totally missed the opportunity. He didn’t hear her calls or notice the open fence to wide-open spaces, but was frozen in a position of starring at the trees because he was so caught up by a squirrel (which wasn’t even there).
I want to encourage you not to get preoccupied with squirrels! What do I mean? Squirrels can be offenses, unforgiveness, people who come against you, situations that seem unfair, and the list goes on and on, but these squirrels basically comes down to worldly self-love.
We are in a time where “love” in this world looks nothing like the Love described in the Bible. 1 John 3:16 paraphrased says, “This is the definition of love: Jesus gave up His life for us to show us love and now we are under obligation and commanded by Jesus to do the same for others.” Another great definition of this Love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. I challenge you to read these verses and ask yourself if your everyday responses to situations and people match up with these descriptions of Love. I have found a strength in not being preoccupied with the ‘squirrels’ of this world when I take the time to meditate on Jesus and His Word and allow the Spirit to convict my heart. Jesus requires a wholehearted devotion to Him. In the world we live in today, we must be very aware of the ‘squirrels’ that can so easily distract us and give us a divided heart.
These ‘squirrels’ come in when we become self-concerned and self-seeking. 2 Timothy 3:1-4 describes this well… “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure…” We are in a time where these conditions are considered normal and accepted by the world. When we, as followers of Jesus, allow our mind or focus to go towards these conditions, we are getting preoccupied in things that will take us off-track!
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 and Hebrews 12:1-2 give us clear direction how to not allow these ‘squirrels’ to affect our gaze when we face trials and troubles in this world. We are to keep our eyes (our heart) fixed on Jesus and to not lose heart (or having a divided heart)! The ‘squirrels’ of this world, when we respond rightly, are what give us a Christ-like perseverance to complete the race and an eternal glory that far outweighs any troubles of this world.
I leave you with these commands to help keep us from looking at squirrels!
- Col 3:13 “Endure and have patience with each other and forgive one another if you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.”
- Eph 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, having a persistent endurance of Godly love with one another.”
IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERVICE (6/30) 6:45pm * In-Person & On-Line
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream: https://www.therock.org/live/
YOUTH ~BASE CAMP (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT (6/30) – 7:00pm
Join us outside the Student Auditorium for an outdoor service! Also, Summer Camp is July 22-24 and is open for registration! CLICK HERE. Contact Pastor Kristi at kristi@therock.org with any questions.
1st Thursday of the Month (7/1) Hot Meals & Saturday Morning (7/3) Food Bank Distribution
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
SUNDAY MORNING (7/4) PRE-SERVICE PRAYER 8:15-9:15am – *In-Person & On-line*
ZOOM Direct Video Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340164797?pwd=V0lmWFRRL0R6Tm56QTdRUHNoMWI3QT09
ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4016 4797
Passcode: 1 (NOTE: The Passcode was added for security,
but is not needed if you click on the ZOOM link above.)
ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#
SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE (7/4) 9:45am *In-Person & On-line* With BBQ Picnic Following
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream: https://www.therock.org/live/
May the Lord direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance! (2 Thess 3:5)
We love you!
Pastors Mike & Kristi and your Rock Staff family
OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE If you would like to give to The Rock, here are some convenient ways you can partner with us as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, COVID help, and our compassion/food bank. Click on the following link or graphic. www.therock.org/give
Need Prayer, Help, Feel Alone, or Disconnected?
Please email us at family@therock.org and put PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email. |
