ROCC Devotion

Fasting

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:28:47 +0000

River Oaks Community Church has begun a 14 day fast as we seek the Lord for direction and wisdom. I really believe that this discipline is one that needs to be reestablished in the western culture. Matthew 6:16-18 shows us that Jesus expected Christians to fast just as much as He expects us to give and to pray. Now all across tis great nation you will find no shortage of messages on giving and praying…yet how often do we discuss the spiritual discipline of fasting. In the Message Translation it calls fasting an appetite denying discipline. That really got me thinking…what appetite do we need to deny so we can concentrate more on God? Well, if you are up for the journey then tag along on this time of consecration and turn some meals aside. We will have the church open each evening from 7pm - 9pm for a time of prayer as we make this journey together. Also, I plan on updating this blog daily during this time as the Lord gives new illumination.

The Love of God

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:39:53 +0000

Ok…so tonight I did something that I rarely suggest to do. While spending time in prayer I picked up the bible and just let it fall open and began reading.

2 Chronicles 33:12-13 “But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God”

So, I saw a few things that really jumped off the page at me.

1. Verse 6 tells us that Manasseh had done things that had aroused the Lord’s anger and that he was more evil than all the kings before him…yet when he prayed the Lord listened and was moved! Even though he had not lived in a way that honored God yet when he sincerely humbled himself and prayed God still heard him and even had compassion!

2. Manasseh was praying but it is obvious that he did not really believe in the one he was praying to…only after God brought him back to Jerusalem did he really believe that the Lord alone was God! God moved even when He knew that Manasseh still did not really believe in Him.

This great love is the same love that found a way to pull us out of our sin even when we don’t really know God! God allows us to learn more about Him and grow in Him while He works in and through us! That is amazing love if I have ever seen it.

2008 in Review

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:34:58 +0000

The essence of prophecy

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:02:21 +0000

“…Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.” (Revelation 19:10 NLT)

When Israel became a nation in 1948 it was probably the single greatest event in declaring the truth of Jesus Christ. This event showed that the word of God would and will come to pass. As we live in these desperate times we are seeing more of God’s word jump off the pages of the past into the reality of the present and it is in this revelation of Prophecy that the true image of Jesus is becoming clear to the world we live in. Let us dedicate the New Year to a year of understanding and searching biblical prophecy so that we can use the prophetic words of God to help our dying world see the Living Savior! In the fulfillment of prophecy the true and undeniable essence of Jesus is revealed!

Back Home

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:23:03 +0000

After spending a few great days hanging with Camille in Galena we are now back at home and ready to get back into the swing of things. I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to have time to simply get away with a special person and enjoy just being with each other. I am blessed to have a great wife and blessed to be able to take this kind of sabbath rest!

Pictures

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:23:31 +0000

: The cast of our play on stage at the end!

: The star of the play!

The sheep in the field! This is so CUTE!!!

Our new Choir Robes!

Kids just love Santa!

: More Kids during our outreach events!

: These kids are so filled with joy!

: This is what Camille and I saw when we woke up this morning! I think we are going to have a white Christmas!!

Christmas Reflections

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:14:02 +0000

Sunday was a wonderful cap to an incredible year. We had our debut for the choir robes and a very special presentation by our youth as they performed to an original song written by Jason Williams, then our children did a wonderful job of telling the story about the birth of Jesus. I tell you I could not be more filled with pride over what this ministry has been able to do over the last year.

Here are a few hightlights from this year:

First Ski Trip
Couples Valentine Banquet
Largest Easter service with great results as people received Jesus as their personal Savior
Appreciation Lunch for teachers and staff of General George Patton School
Built a playground for General George Patton School (We were able to assemble over 300 volunteers with the help of Shine 89.7FM)
Moved into a new facility with over 32,000 square feet of ministry space
Large and energetic Vacation Bible School
Largest Kids Camp attendance
Backpack Giveaway (over 300 children received school supplies and individual prayer)
Largest Youth Convention attendance (53 young people experienced a truly moving time in the presence of the Lord)
Incredible Fall Fest with well over 350 children
Thanksgiving food basket give-away with over 50 baskets being distributed through the community
Several large Christmas events

All of this has led to a truly unforgettable year! We have seen a 13% growth primarily made up of new young Christians! Thank you for your prayers and support.

We owe many special thanks to Children’s Hunger Fund, CSX Transportation, Wal-Mart, Shine.FM, Excel Electric, Tri Excellence Transportation and the Village of South Holland!

Christmas Gift Give-Away 2008

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 01:04:00 +0000

This year ROCC out did itself! We were well stocked with bikes and toys thanks to the generous donations from our church family and local organizations. Even the weather worked out as we had a warmer than normal day! I know that we had over 300 children that received toys and all together unofficially we had over 500 people hear the Good News as they watched a group of youngsters dance and listened attentively to the words from our associate Pastor, Dexter Harris. Now we have one last event in Englewood and then we are done with outreach for the year! Praise God for such an incredible year of serving the community!!

The final count…421 people came through and 313 children all received gifts! We had 70 volunteers all together!

Christmas Presence

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:50:09 +0000

Last night Camille and I had the opportunity to attend Christian Life Center’s production of the Christmas Presence. This production was an incredible showcase of talent along with a compelling message of the true reason for Christmas. Not sure if they have any more tickets but I highly recommend this if you get the chance to make one of their performances!

Inspiration

Pastor Troy O'Quin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:42:59 +0000

Today, I had an opportunity to meet up with a friend and mentor in ministry. Pastor Jerry from Christian Life Center has always been a blessing to me as he offers years of wisdom and experience to help me face the challenges of ministry. There are times when we all get discouraged yet it is refreshing to know that this too shall pass.

Friends and mentors are great to have in any profession!