The Rock Weekly – January 4, 2023

  • Wednesday Night Worship/Prayer Service RESUMES tonight at 7pm!
  • Financial Peace (Jan 20th at 6:30pm)  – Register by Clicking Here
  • Converge 2023 – Regional Gathering with Leif Hetland, Heidi Baker, Lou Engle & Regional Leaders- Feb 8-11. www.therock/converge/

 

Prepare For The Squeeze

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”  Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”  Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”   John 13:36-38

I begin this with a few questions from last Sunday’s service:  When you squeeze an orange, what do you get?…And when you squeeze a follower of Jesus, what do you get?…And when you get squeezed, what does the world get?  If we are honest with ourselves, we all have room to grow…a lot!

Peter had walked closely with Jesus for three years. He had heard His teachings, seen thousands of miracles and healings, been given divine revelation of who Jesus was, walked on water, was on the mountain of transfiguration with Jesus, had his feet washed by Jesus, and countless other amazing events that were never recorded. Yet even after all this, we see this zealous man Peter, thinking he is prepared to lay down his life for Jesus, and yet fail in the moment of squeezing!  Even with the warning from Jesus just days before, Peter still denied Jesus three times!  He was not as prepared as he thought he was. I believe this story was included in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John for our benefit and as a warning for us. One of my favorite ‘warning’ verses in the Bible is 1 Cor 10:12 “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”

Although I am always sad for Peter when I read this story, I am also encouraged because Peter is much like us!  This helps us to realize how weak the flesh can be and that we can often think we are ready for the squeezing and the battles ahead, when in reality we are not. It is not our strength or courage that will get us through the difficult times. It is our enduring and maturing faith, which positions our hearts and minds to be completely dependent on Jesus (humility). And this only forms through the trials we face.  

Lord, may we face the trials of life with a spiritual joy, because we can be certain that our Jesus is faithful and will never allow us to go through anything we can’t endure. (1 Cor 10:13)  Holy Spirit, would you guide us, lead us, teach us, and form us in the times of shaking and squeezing so that Jesus will be revealed in us and through us!  May we establish our foundation and our confidence in Christ alone regardless of the storms around us.  And may we persevere daily as we walk by faith in doing the will of God, with a calm, confident assurance in Christ, that we may receive what God has promised! (Heb 10:35-36)  Amen!

May we squeeze well in this coming season! 😊

I love you and am honored to be with you in the storms ahead.
Pastors Mike & Kristi and your Rock Staff

 

 

 

IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE  7:00pm * 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 – 7:00pm
Invite a friend and come have a great time. If you have any questions, email jaden@therock.org

 

EMBER – Young Adults (Ages 18-29) – Friday Nights at 6:30pm
https://www.therock.org/ember/
Meet in the Chapel for a time of worship, prayer, teaching, and connection.

 

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

 

SUNDAY MORNING 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
          ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#

 

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 9:45am  *In-Person & On-line*
           Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE  Here are some ways you can partner with The Rock as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, compassion help, missions, and our food bank.  Click on the following link or graphic.  www.therock.org/give

 

Have a Question, Need Prayer, Help, Feel Alone, or Disconnected?

Please email us at family@therock.org and put QUESTION, PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email.