Highrock Church

John the Baptist had an important role to play, but he understood who he was and who he was not. He was not the Messiah. Instead, he was one who was to help people connect with Jesus, the only one who truly had the power to rescue people from their own darkness. There is a tremendous temptation for us to play messiah but tremendous freedom when we remember who we are, and who we are not!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:John the Baptist knew his role. It was an important role, but he was not the Messiah - and neither are any of us.- How would you characterize some of the spiritual authority figures (parents, pastors, mentors, etc.) in your life? Were they healthy and humble, or did they tend to think of themselves like messiahs? How did their understanding or misunderstanding of their role affect you?- Are there some ways that you need to be reminded that you are not the messiah? Try to think through a specific temptation or example.

Sermon #1 of Highrock's winter series, "Witness: John's Firsthand Faith," by Pastor Dave Swaim from John 1:1-14

Happy New Year, and welcome to the start of our journey through the Gospel of John. In the beginning, God created us, hoping for the image of God to be revealed in us. Our sin made a mess of those plans. This time, God enters into our humanity as Jesus. Like light entering into our darkness, God the Son reveals to us who God is and what God is truly like. Jesus is truly God with us!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:John's gospel opens up like a new Genesis, "In the beginning...." John wants us to see Jesus as the one who is God and reveals God most clearly to us!- Think back to your spiritual beginnings. Who or what formed your initial understanding of God? In what ways was that image helpful? In what ways was it misleading?- John says in v18 that Jesus is uniquely qualified to reveal God to us. How has your earlier view of God been corrected, transformed or fulfilled in Jesus?

In this replay from July 10th of 2024, we were exploring love as a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus loves us unconditionally, so why does he say that we must obey his commands? Is God's grace conditional? Or is the demand that we hear is actually more of an invitation? An opportunity more than an obligation?Tomorrow, we will begin exploring John's Gospel in tandem with the upcoming sermon series!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Jesus calls us to obey his commandments. And what is his command? To love one another as he has loved us.- If God's love is a grace, a free gift, then why does it require obedience? What did you hear in our exploration of this passage today? How would you answer this question from your own understanding or experience?- What are some of the ways that you have been motivated to greater love for others? How has Gd's love for you given you a greater desire or ability to love?

Struggling to find peace in the chaos of the holidays? In this sermon, Pastor Ryan Marshall dives into Psalm 131 to show us how to embrace contentment in the present moment, despite the pressures of past regrets or future anxieties. Tune in for a powerful message on trusting God's love and finding real rest - right here, right now.

In this replay from May 20, 2022, we conclude our walk through the Lord's Prayer. This prayer closes with a request for God to guide us and protect us. We may think of our lives as small and of no consequence but the God who created the universe is deeply invested in each step of our journey!Happy New Year! We look forward to returning this Friday with new devotionals on the Gospel of John to accompany our new sermon series.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/N.B.: Questions for reflection were not included in devotionals from this date

In this replay from May 19, 2022, we continue our verse-by-verse exploration of the Lord's Prayer. In today's verse, we ask for forgiveness. It should be no surprise that Jesus taught us to ask for forgiveness. What might be surprising is that he instructed us to ask God to forgive us only to the extent that we forgive others!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/N.B.: Questions for reflection were not included in devotionals from this date

In this replay from May 18, 2002, we consider the third verse in the Lord's Prayer. When Jesus instructs us to pray for our "daily bread," he's encouraging us to turn to God every day with our needs -- and not just for food. It is a prayer for enough to satisfy but not so much that we can stop depending on God. The prayer for daily bread is an invitation to a sustained relationship of gratitude, and to share with one another so that all have enough.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/N.B.: Questions for reflection were not included in devotionals from this date

In this replay from May 17, 2022, we consider the second verse of the Lord's Prayer. When do you feel the need to pray? Jesus taught his disciples to pray for God's will to be done, not ours. Do we pray more when we see that God's will is not being done, or when our will and desires are not being carried out? Jesus lived a life in service to God's will, not his own, and he calls us to join him!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/N.B.: Questions for reflection were not included in devotionals from this date

In this replay from May 16, 2022, we consider the Lord's Prayer. Jesus' prayer was so revolutionary that it has been repeated across the world for two-thousand years, and people are still being challenged and transformed. We'll look at this prayer throughout this week, one verse at a time. Today we consider why Jesus teaches us to start by approaching God as beloved children in whom God delights.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/N.B.: Questions for reflection were not included in devotionals from this date

Signs are the not the destination. A sign is valuable inasmuch as it point us to the right destination, and even then, we have to go where it leads. There are many signs that might point us to Jesus but do we follow through with them? The sheperds were given a sign -- a baby lying in a manger, and so they went to see what the angels had told them about. This Christmas, let's not just admire all the signs; let's follow the signs to where they lead, to an encounter with Jesus!Note: we will be posting replays until we return in the new year with devotionals that track with our new series on the Gospel of John.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Signs are valuable only if they point us in the right direction, and if we follow them to the intended destination.- A baby in a manger was a sign that would assure the shepherds that they had arrived in the right place, with the right child (v12). What are some of the signs that God has used to point you in the right direction in your faith journey?- The Bible, prayer, fellowship, or other good things are sometimes mistaken for the destination. The true destination is to encounter Jesus and be transformed. Take some time to consider and pray about how God is leading you today.

Joseph faced a difficult choice -- the woman he loved was pregnant and the child was not his. What should he do? Though he likely felt betrayed, he chose a path that would spare Mary of any additional shame, even at great cost to himself. God gave Jesus parents who would raise Jesus in the path of true righteousness, a path of faith, mercy, and self-sacrificial love.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Jesus was raised by two parents -- Joseph and Mary. Today we see some of the character that made Joseph a fitting parent for God the Son.- However we picture Joseph's understanding of "righteousness," we see that he was willing to pay a high cost to spare Mary any additional shame. If you had to guess, why do you think Joseph might have made such a choice?- Any calling of God will involve sacrifice because it is a call to love something or someone more than we love ourselves. What or whom has God called you to love sacrificially?

Zechariah's mouth is unsealed and he offers a prophetic word about his newborn son John. But this word about John the Baptist is actually much more about Jesus and how John will point others to him. Truly, this word is meant for us all -- to see our stories in light of the role we might play in the larger story of God!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:- John will have a message to share, the core of which is highlighted by his father Zechariah in this prophetic word. How are you like John? To what extent is the message about Jesus the core message of your life?- John would spend the early part of his life in the wildnerness, away from attention until he was ready for his public ministry. Are there any practices of solitude which have helped or might help you in your walk with Jesus?

Sermon #4 of Highrock's Advent series, "Expecting: Awaiting the Birth of Jesus," by Pastor John Mury from Luke 1:46-56 NIV

The angel Gabriel twice addresses Mary as the "favored one" or the one who has found favor with God. The second half of Gabriel's word to Mary explains the way in which she has found favor or grace -- the Lord is with her! Truly that is the ultimate grace that is offered to all of us, that they Lord would be with us. And, of course, that truth is the very heart of Christmas! The Lord is with you!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Gabriel tells Mary to not be afraid. Why? Because she has found favor with God and the Lord is with her.- Finding favor (grace) with God gives gives Mary the ultimate reason to not be afraid. How has your awareness of God's presence in your life affected the way you react to fear? Can you think of a specific example?- The temptation to take control of our own needs rather than trusting God and one another (independence vs. interdependence) paradoxically exposes us to more fear. Is that true? What has been your experience?

As a priest, Zechariah speaks for the people to God and for God to the people. However, Zechariah is silenced when he fails to listen to the voice of the angel of the Lord. Still, God is able to speak through Zechariah even in his silence, perhaps even moreso through his temporary disability. How might God give you a voice and what might God have you say, and to whom?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:Zechariah is silenced but God is able to speak through him. Mary has little voice, but God is able to magnify hers.- Sometimes God impacts us through people we might expect such as parents, teachers, pastors, wise friends, etc.. Who are some of the voices God has used to impact you? Who are some of the unexpected voices God has used?- Later on, God gives Zechariah his voice once again (vv67-79). As much as God might give you an opportunity to speak, what might you want others to know about you and about God?

How far would you go to know and love someone? "Incarnation" refers to God becoming flesh (v14), just like us. God goes for the full human experience, as far as one could possibly go. And in so doing, Jesus becomes the one being in the universe with first-hand, full understanding of both God and humanity. He is the ultimate Christmas gift -- one who understands and empathizes with us (grace) and is able to also reveal the fullness of God to us (truth).Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:John proclaims, but never fully explains, the paradox that Jesus is the eternal Word that took on flesh. In other words, Jesus is both truly God and truly human!- At Christmas, God becomes flesh (v14), embracing the full human experience. What does that tell you about God? What does it mean to you to know that God now has first-hand knowledge of the ups-and-downs of our human struggles?- Jesus is also the image of a God we cannot see (v18). What do you see in Jesus about God that might be difficult to know or believe without the Incarnation?

In this replay from December 13, 2023, we hear the apostle Paul remind us that our generosity is brought to life out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us. Jesus became poor to make us rich (v.9)! And in so doing, he shows us the path to true life — that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/For Reflection:"Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." - 2 Cor 8:9- There is an old saying that we should "count our blessings." It's not always easy to feel grateful, but what are some of the reasons you have to be thankful?- It can be helpful to practice gratitude until the feeling begins to take hold. For example, some people write down moments of gratitude in a journal. Is there a practice that might help you? Perhaps there is someone to whom you could express your thanks today?

In this replay from December 6, 2023, Jesus tells a story about farmers who rent their land but decide to fight the owner in order to keep what does not belong to them. The parable illustrates how many will not look forward to the return of the Son, denying anything we might owe to God. This Advent, let us prepare to receive the Lord with gladness, giving back to God with a spirit of gratitude!We are replaying past Advent devos today and tomorrow due to scheduling challenges that come from wrapping up our Christmas Benefit Concert. We will return with original content this Wednesday!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #3 of Highrock's Advent series, "Expecting: Awaiting the Birth of Jesus," by Pastor Meghan DeJong from Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 4:16-21 (NIV)

John's Gospel opens much like Genesis, "In the beginning...." But through John, we see that the Creator God in Genesis was actually God the Father working with and through God the Son. And instead of the "let there be light" of Genesis, God the Son becomes the light that shines in our darkness. We are not the light; we are not anyone's savior. Instead, like John the Baptist, our honored role is to point others to the light that is coming into our world!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

The prophet Isaiah foretells many details about the Messiah who would come centuries later, including details about his eventual impact in Galilee. This Messiah would come to be known as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace -- one who will bring justice, peace, and an end to war itself. All of this will be one day be accomplished not by might, power, or even politics, but through the passionate commitment of the Lord!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For anyone who seeks to discover their family roots, the images of a branch, a stump, and a root might not seem so strange. What is undeniably strange is that the promised messiah would be a descendant (a branch) of Jesse (king David's father) and also somehow the origin (the root) of that same Jesse. Once again, we see the promised messiah would be human yet something far more! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

The prophet Micah made a curious and very specific prediction about the promised messiah -- that he would be born in Bethlehem. This promise was pregnant with paradox. This king would be born in humble circumstances yet have origins in ancient days. This birthplace would place the shepherd of Israel amongst the lambs raised for sacrifice in the Temple. And centuries later, its fulfillment would require the unknowing cooperation of a pregnant peasant girl and Rome's first emperor!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Waiting is especially challenging when you are waiting for the fulfillment of a broken promise. God had promised that a descendant of King David would sit on the throne forever, so what had happened? Israel waited for centuries without any such king in sight. Had God forgotten the promise? Today, many might feel similarly forgotten. What are we to do in such times?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #2 of Highrock's Advent series, "Expecting: Awaiting the Birth of Jesus," by Pastor Dave Swaim from Isaiah 40:1-11 (NIV)

Advent is a season of anticipating, waiting, and trusting in God's promise -- but what if we grow weary of waiting? Abraham is called the "father of our faith" but here we see him also expressing resignation and doubt. When we also grow weary of waiting for God to show up in our lives, can we learn from Abraham a more faithful way to doubt?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Advent is a season of waiting. Like those who waited for God to show up in Jesus that first Christmas, we once again wait for the return of Jesus. But there is someone who has been waiting far longer. When Adam and Eve went into hiding, God called out, "Where are you?" and God has been waiting for us to stop hiding ever since.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Earlier in Isaiah, God exhorted us to comfort one another with the truth. In today's passage, we are encouraged to remember the truth that our God reigns. We must remember that this message was spoken to and by a people who were in the deep darkness of defeat and captivity. It is in the darkest moments that we must remember and wait for the light of God's promise -- the true spirit of Advent!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Three times, we are told to tell and even shout the good news that "God is coming!" More than that, there are two things we are encouraged to know about the God for whom we wait. First, our God is a mighty ruler who has power to rescue and bless. Second, our God is a gentle and good shepherd who is gentle and tender toward us lambs. Who is this mighty king who is also a gentle and good shepherd? It is Jesus for whom we shout the good news as we wait!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

During Advent, we look forward to the return of Jesus and the final rescue he will bring. We identify with captive Israel in waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise long ago. Israel had to wait patiently for her deliverer. In the meantime, God instructs them (and us!) to comfort and encourage one another. This Advent, let us comfort one another with the promises of God!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #1 of Highrock's Advent series, "Expecting: Awaiting the Birth of Jesus," by Pastor Taylor Burgoyne from Isaiah 64:1-9 (NLT)

Happy Thanksgiving! In this flashback to January 23, 2024, Jesus calls for a radical love, one that does good to those who hate us! How is such love even possible? The truth is that we do not know how to love this way until we first receive this kind of love from God. What we receive from Jesus, we can then give to others through the power of the Spirit.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Happy Thanksgiving! In this flashback to March 18, 2022, we looked at Paul's close to his letter. Paul draws attention to many others who serve, often in ways that are easy to miss or forget. These people are examples of all that Paul has been teaching and encouraging the Corinthians (and us) to do. Who has God used to serve and bless you? Have you told them about how God has worked through them? Love grows best in the soil of gratitude!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

"Double predestination" is the doctrine held by some that God both chooses some to be saved and some to be damned. Just as a potter uses the same clay to create pottery for noble or vulgar purposes, God can similarly deal with the people God creates. But is that what God does? Is that even what Paul suggests? Or is Paul posing a hypothetical that addresses the worst possibilities before leading us to the surprising truth about our redeeming God?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

In the world before GPS, if you were to follow a map on a journey and found yourself at the wrong destination, you would have to backtrack. Where did you take a wrong turn? Paul take us back to the beginning as we consider how his people waited for the Messiah for centuries yet largely missed him when he showed up. God often takes us in unexpected directions and shows up in surprising ways which we might miss if we're not paying attention.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Throughout this letter, Paul has been arguing that we are all on equal footing, that we all come to God through the grace of Jesus Christ. But in that case, is there anything special about Israel? Paul begins this lengthy discussion with a brokenheartedness that invites us to consider whether we ourselves have a similar heart for those who seem far from God.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #7 (and final) of Highrock's fall series, "Behind the Curtain: Secrets of the Seven Churches of Revelation" by Pastor John Mury from Revelation 3:14-22 (NLT)

Most people seem to imagine that there is something that might cause God to give up on them. Perhaps there is a secret sin, a dark past, or a feeling of inadequacy. Perhaps we have no idea what has displeased God but the troubles in our lives seem to be proof that God is unhappy with us. In a grand conclusion to the first half of his letter, Paul argues over and over again that, "No!", there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Our best efforts could never earn what God so freely gives. We might struggle to pray, but the Spirit is literally praying with us and for us. Not only that, God is with us in every struggle, promising to make all things work for our good -- perhaps especially the worst things. We can trust God with this incredible promise because God already took the worst imaginable thing, the crucifixion of God the Son, and turned it into the greatest blessing imaginable! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Is the world an ugly place or a beautiful place? Obviously it is both, but why? Paul reminds us that sin didn't just corrupt us, it twisted the entire created order. But Jesus changes all things. Creation now groans like in childbirth -- there is pain, but with a purpose, and only for a time. The world suffers with us, waiting for God's purposes to be fully restored in us and in the world. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Why should we do as God says? A lowly servant might obey out of fear. An employee might obey for hope of reward or fear of punishment. Those motivations reveal the nature of our relationship. For those who are in Christ, Paul says, our obligation is that of adopted children. We respond to God's generosity, not to gain something positive or avoid something negative, but purely out of joyful gratitude!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Pouring gas into an electric car would be disastrous -- an engine needs proper fuel. It would be similarly disastrous if those who are in the Spirit turn to the old fuel of the sinful nature, which leads to death rather than life. This most basic choice opens or closes the door to so many other important choices in our lives. Let's choose the right fuel!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #6 of Highrock's fall series, "Behind the Curtain: Secrets of the Seven Churches of Revelation" by Pastor Richard Lee from Revelation 3:7-13 (NIV)

Finally turning the corner on sin, Paul highlights how God, through Jesus Christ, accomplishes what the Law could not do! All that dark language about sin was not about condemnation. Rather, it was a diagnosis that leads to the healing found in Jesus. The Law, as good as it is, leads to death while the Spirit leads to life -- life for us with God!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul concludes his deep dive into our sinful condition by calling it slavery. In our inner being, we desire to do what is right and pleasing to God, but the sin within eventually compels us to do the opposite. We are not in control, but are we without hope?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul continues to develop a deeper picture of how sin affects us. Sin is like a disease or a parasite that is able to make us do even the evil things we hate! But that dark diagnosis hides some hope because in some sense, it is sin itself that is at fault! Rather than condemnation, Paul's picture exonerates us in many ways, even though it still leaves us in a state in which we are helpless to escape our bonds. We are going to need help!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul feels the need to be clear that God's Law itself is a good thing! However, there is a corrupting force in us that turns that good thing to destructive ends. Paul will soon explain how God resolves this problem but in the meantime, we focus on the importance of not acting out of the fear that leads to sin. Rather, we embrace the love of God that leads to full life!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/Dr. Scott P. Rice's recent book, "Trinity and History"https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-History-God-World-Pannenberg-Theological/dp/1532668120https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/order/ (one of Scott's favorite bookshops)

Sermon #5 of Highrock's fall series, "Behind the Curtain: Secrets of the Seven Churches of Revelation" by Pastor Taylor Burgoyne from Revelation 2:18-29 (NIV)

The Law of Moses was a good thing, even a very good thing. However, this good thing was causing harm in several ways. Rather than lead people into right relationship with God and with one another, it was leading to division and self-righteousness. In response, Paul points out that when we were buried with Christ in baptism, we died to the Law and were united with Christ.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/