Highrock Church

What we wear (like a uniform, business casual, or a wedding ring) can powerfully shape our actions and attitudes, and even how we view ourselves. Paul uses this image of clothing to describe our new identity in Christ. We are called to take off the old clothing -- our old ways of thinking and living -- and to put on Christ, our new identity.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul highlights what are sometimes called the A.P.E.S.T. gifts -- Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers. People sometimes mistakenly think that these people are supposed to do ministry while the rest of us support and cheer them on. Not at all! Instead, the role of these five gifts is to help ALL of us identify and activate our own gifts so that we all find our place in Christ's body.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul reminds us that we are called to unity by reminding us of seven "ones" that unite us: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. We are one but not the same. God gives us each different gifts so we might all have an essential place in Christ's body!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 fall series, "Imago: Relationships that Reflect Our Maker" from Acts 2:1-8, 12 (CEB)

Paul finally concludes the prayer he began in 1:15 and briefly resumed in 3:1. With all those thoughts in mind, Paul's desire is that we would have the power to understand and embrace God's love. We need power to even receive God's love, a love that will, in turn, give us even more spiritual power to live and love like Jesus.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Many would like to dismiss the Church as an institution that serves little purpose in the world. One of history's greatest critics of the Church would disagree -- that is the Apostle Paul himself. Paul hunted down Christians before becoming one himself! Here he shares some of the reasons for that 180-degree turnabout.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Have you ever watched a story unfold in one direction, only to see it take a dramatic twist? In the best stories, that twist is shocking when revealed yet, looking back, the signs were all there. So it is with God's story. Paul reveals to us the mystery, hidden throughout the ages, that is now revealed in the Gospel!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

The old temple was made of large stones that held together through great tension. God is likewise binding us all together into a new temple where God might take up residence! How might God be inviting you to lean into others so that we together would be built together as a fitting home for God's Spirit?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Building on the previous verses, Paul builds an even greater case for our common humanity. Not only do we start from a place where none of us can claim a place of pride over others, but Jesus himself destroyed the wall of hostility that separates us. What is this wall? And how do we stop from rebuilding it?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 fall series, "Imago: Relationships that Reflect Our Maker" from Mark 3:20-35 NIV

You're not better than anyone because of how you behave, and not even because of how you are made. Your significance comes from being carefully chosen and formed by God, just as every word in a poem is necessary and no word stands alone. We are, all together, God's "poema" (v10) -- God's poem, God's masterpiece to express and embody God's goodness!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

As Paul writes to the Ephesians about our unity in Christ, he starts with one thing we all have in common -- that is, we were all spiritually dead before Christ entered our lives. We were all helpless. We were all going the wrong way! None of us has any reason for pride or looking down on others. Instead, we have reasons only for gratitude!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

In light of the divine plan to bring all things into unity in Christ (v10), Paul prays for us, the Church. God's divine plan and purpose is not only for us but meant to be worked out through us! Let us make it our prayer as well.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

God is bringing all things together in Christ (v10) and the Spirit is the guarantee both that it will happen and that we are part of that plan. In other words, the Spirit is like a down payment that assures us that what God has begun will surely be brought to completion. But how do we know if we have the Spirit?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

The theme of Paul's letter to Ephesus, and one of the greatest themes of Scripture, is that all of the world's brokenness is being mended in Christ. All things are being brought together! We are invited to join in as part of God's great family, and it is God's great pleasure to do so -- though many may have heard differently!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 fall series, "Imago: Relationships that Reflect Our Maker" from Psalm 149:1-5 NIV

God desires to fulfill our needs in ways that lead to flourishing. Too often, we choose to take shortcuts and attempt to fulfill those needs with easier substitutes that end up harming or controlling us. The secret to true freedom and saying "no" to these false substitutes is to say "yes" to the Spirit.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

The Corinthians were well-acquainted with Olympic-style games; their city held similar games every two years. Paul uses these athletics as a metaphor for the Christian life, especially the need to say "no" to our appetites in order to achieve goals with a far greater value!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Speaking to the Corinthian church, Paul counsels them to be humble in their approach to temptation. They should not think too much of themselves nor too little, especially because God is faithful and will be with them!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

People often start their faith journey with a desire for answers. Paul says here that we must first learn to walk with God daily, as living sacrifices -- an exercise of self-control through God's Spirit. That relationship of daily, true worship will not only transform us but lead us to the answers we seek!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #9 (and final) of Highrock's summer sermon series ("Flavor: Taste of the Fruit of the Spirit") from Matthew 21:1-15 NIV

In our final Summer 2024 Flashback Friday, we return to June 2, 2022 where we see Jesus being led into the desert. While there, he is approached by the devil and tempted in three different ways. These three temptations form the basis for all the temptations we also face.After the Labor Day holiday this Monday, September 2, we will return to our normal Monday-through-Friday scheduling.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

A good high priest is able to be gentle with wayward people because he shares their weaknesses and struggles -- and Jesus is our perfect high priest. When we fail to be gentle with others, could it be because we forget or deny our own weaknesses?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Paul writes to Timothy, his young protégé in Ephesus. That city had been quite difficult and even hostile to their early believer, even violently running Paul out of town! Still, Paul counsels Timothy to be gentle and kind, and that it will be God, not Timothy, who wins them over to the truth.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

As well as being a way to harness teams of oxen, a "yoke" was an image of discipleship under a rabbi. Unlike many of the other teachers of his day, Jesus was gentle and humble, not wishing to overburden his followers. Yes, there was work to do, but Jesus would help us to carry any burden placed upon us!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

What's so blessed about being meek? Should we aspire to be passive pushovers? And if not, is there a way to use our power and influence that is truly a fruit of the Spirit?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #8 of Highrock's summer sermon series ("Flavor: Taste of the Fruit of the Spirit") from 1 Samuel 24: 1-12, 16-20 NIV

In this flashback to June 21, 2022, we explore what Jesus teaches about generosity in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells us both to let our lights (good deeds) shine but also to do them in secret. How do we do both?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Jesus says that the way we treat others, especially those who cannot give back to us, reveals a lot about our hearts. It's easy to be generous with those in higher positions as they can reward us, or hurt us. But what about the lowest of people?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

In the midst of speaking about generosity, Jesus speaks about the need to have a good eye rather than an evil eye. What is Jesus talking about?! Tapping into a metaphor that continues even today, Jesus reveals the importance of seeing the world rightly, the way that God sees it!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

We often pray for God to grant our request but what if Jesus had already revealed the secret of tapping into God's generosity? What if there was something that you could do that would guarantee God's generosity to you?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

In a tear-filled good-bye to his brothers and sisters in Ephesus, Paul reminds them that it is more blessed to give than to receive. These words of Jesus were lived out in front of them. Generosity is nothing less than full life in Christ. Failing to be generous is missing the opportunity to truly live! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Sermon #7 of Highrock's summer sermon series ("Flavor: Taste of the Fruit of the Spirit") from Mark 10:17-27 NIV

In this flashback to May 22, 2023, Peter tells us that the path to happiness and peace is to love one another like family and to repay insults with blessings. This Peter is so unlike the immature and impulsive person we saw in the Gospels. Peter is passing on what he learned from Jesus, that we must move from being peace lovers to peacemakers.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

When the peace of Christ rules in our hearts, we will finally live at peace with others and experience the feeling of peace we so often desire. What does it look like to move toward that peace? The apostle Paul shares several steps that we can all take together today.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://bit.ly/hrdailydevos

We are instructed to do all we can to make peace, which might feel like quite a burden. This command feels considerably lighter when we remember that it is not all up to us. We can do only what we can, and must leave the rest up to God. There is great peace in knowing our limits and trusting God for the rest in this broken world!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://bit.ly/hrdailydevos

Jesus desires to give us peace and to give in a way that is so different than the way the world gives. This peace of Christ differs in at least three important ways from the supposed peace offered by the world, and this difference can utterly transform how we live, pray, and love one another!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

So many of us eagerly desire peace but so few of us truly understand how to lay hold of the peace that God desires for us. Rejoicing, being gentle toward others, praying, and giving thanks are all expressions of being at peace with God. It is this peace that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Guest preacher Richard Lee (International Justice Mission) shares sermon #6 of Highrock's summer sermon series ("Flavor: Taste of the Fruit of the Spirit") from Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV)

In this flashback to November 14, 2022, we see Mary Magdalene and another female follower of Jesus encountering a fiery angel at Jesus' empty tomb. The guards had fainted as if dead but the women experienced the assurance of the angel saying, "Don't be afraid!" They left that place still afraid but also filled with joy, which serves as a powerful picture of the life of faith to which Jesus calls us all.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://bit.ly/hrdailydevos

Joy can be a tremendously vulnerable emotion, opening us up to all kinds of disappointments and heartache. Perhaps that is why Peter reminds us of the absolutely security of our joy, founded in the ironclad promises of God. We can have joy now because we know that our future joy is guaranteed by the almighty God!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

In this Olympic moment, it is appropriate to consider the champion of the ultimate race who, because of the joy before him, overcame all obstacles. What can Jesus teach us about staying connected to that joy? What joy has God promised that might give you strength even now? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples about the secret to complete joy! And that secret is obedience to his instructions. We often imagine that obedience mean giving up our own joy by doing what God wants rather than what we want, so why did Jesus so strongly connect joy with obedience?Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

In rapid-fire succession, Paul instructs us to be continually joyful, and prayerful, and thankful. These are not separate commands. Rather, they are like a 3-legged stool that cannot hold us without all three legs. God deeply cares about our joy, and our joy is possible only when partnered with continual prayer and gratitude!Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Guest Preacher Tammy Swanson-Draheim shares sermon #5 of Highrock's summer sermon series ("Flavor: Taste of the Fruit of the Spirit") from Galatians 5:19-23 NRSV

In this flashback to October 7, 2022, we Jesus offers a dark prediction about the impending failure of the disciples. Despite their promises, they would abandon Jesus. Even so, Jesus promises that he will be waiting for them on the other side. No matter what you have done or will do, Jesus will be waiting for you on the other side.Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Daily Devo | Where the Rubber Meets the Road (Fruit of the Spirit. Patience, Romans 12:9-21)In today's Devo Pastor Dave and Pastor Taylor explore the extremely challenging dynamic of patiently pursuing justice in the face of evil while not simultaneously losing sight of the humanity of evil-doers.

Daily Devo | How Sure Are We? (Fruit of the Spirit - Patience. Romans 8:22-25)In this Devo Pastor Taylor and Pastor Dave discuss the relationship between patience and confidence. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals

Daily Devo | Testing Your Patience (Fruit of the Spirit - Patience. Psalm 37:1-9)In this Devo Pastor Dave and Pastor Taylor discuss why it is that God allows evil and suffering to continue in the world. This episode experienced some technical difficulties, the quality dips intermittently in the second half. Our apologies. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

In the first of four conversations this week about patience Pastor Taylor and Pastor Dave dive into why it is that the same theme keeps coming up over and over again in the scriptures. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/