The Right Grip of Righteousness Upon Our Eyes

Highland, as we look back over Sunday’s charge to allow the righteousness of Christ to maintain the right grip upon our eyes, I offer you what Jesus says about our eyes:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness — how deep is that darkness (Matthew 6:22-23, HCSB)!

Jesus says that out of the heart, the mouth speaks; meaning that the words that our tongues utter reveal whether we bear a sinful-nature (producing sinful-fruit) or a nature under the authority of the Holy Spirit - producing a renewed and, therefore, righteous nature within us.

If out of the heart the mouth speaks, then what our eyes choose to take in and fixate upon, reveal the appetite of our hearts - do we have an appetite for darkness or for the light? If we fix our eyes on the light, then our whole body will be consumed with light. For our eyes to engage the light is a choice made by our hearts, which is to hunger for the light; for our eyes to engage darkness, though, is also a choice our hearts make, revealing that our hearts have a hunger for darkness.

Highland, for righteousness to have the right grip upon our eyes, we must discipline our eyes through prayer and faithfulness to take in only what is agreeable in God’s eyes. I want us to enter into a heart-agreement with the Lord over what our eyes should gaze upon - that we, as His people, would direct our eyes to dwell upon and delight within the light of His presence.

Praying for Righteousness to Have the Right Grip Upon Our Eyes

1. We are praying, Highland, that our eyes would find no appeal in the worthless things of this world. Rather, that our eyes would be steadily set upon the eternal treasure of Jesus and His glory and riches.

2. That our eyes would find delight in dwelling within the light of Christ instead of sin and darkness.

3. That through prayer and faithfulness, we will discipline our eyes to continually share in agreement with the heart of the Lord.

Let us press on in the real work of the church, Highland, and that is prayer. “My house shall be called a house of prayer…” (Jesus).

I love you,

Rob

Plans for June 12th & 13th

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

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CHICKEN & RICE THIS SATURDAY

Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.

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TENT GATHERING AT 10AM THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, I look forward to seeing everyone at the Tent Gathering. As we gather this Sunday for our Tent Gathering, I wanted to go over the schedule with you. This Sunday, our schedule is as follows:

• 9am-10am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.

• 10am-11am: Tent Gathering Service. *At 10am, bring your camping chairs or blankets to make for yourself a place outside, underneath our tent. We will gather to worship as we set our eyes upon Jesus. Highland, I ask that we would be in prayer for the name of Jesus to be exalted in our corporate gathering; that those who wander, or are deceived throughout our streets, would hear that Jesus saves, and repent! We will conclude and dismiss following this service. So, breakfast will be offered but not lunch.

We are strongly encouraging social distancing and masks will be available for those who would feel most comfortable wearing one. If you have a mask, please bring one for yourself to use.  We ask that you stay home when you are sick. We also ask that you cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Finally, keeping your hands clean using sanitizer or by washing them with soap is vital. If you have a personal bottle of sanitizer, bring it and keep it on you for your personal use throughout gatherings.

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OTHER RELATED INFO

• Van route riding requirements: windows down, masks worn and no more than 10 on a van.

• Wednesday night studies, Pillow Party and prayer sessions have been canceled.

• Children’s Ministries, Life Class & Breakfast will not resume until a later date.

*All proposed plans remain contingent upon medical information available to us throughout the foreseeable future. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. I rejoice over you, Highland. I love forward to being with you Sunday.

I love you, Highland,

Rob

Thanks, Troy Clark!

Our church has been in need of steps for quite a while to assist us during our Tent Gatherings! Troy Clark took on the project and did a great job building us steps! Huge help! Thank you, Troy Clark.

That We Would Hunger for Righteousness

Highland, as we are praying that we will hunger for righteousness and be filled, I want to offer you a few pieces from yesterday’s service so that you know how to pray.

Our Theme’s Biblical Foundation:

Righteousness - sharing in a total heart-agreement with God (covenantal binding).

To share in this type of total heart-agreement (or covenant) with God is not possible through any form of human-effort. To be able to share in a total heart-agreement with God is solely possible because of what Jesus has done for us by overcoming sin and death and through the renewing counsel and conviction of the Holy Spirit; He gives us a new heart.

Below, you see a passage that was read as to show the heart-language of a righteous person; the psalmist simply expresses that he hopes to share within a heart-agreement with the Lord. May we hunger to understand and obey the Lord’s commands and take pleasure in walking, according to His commands.

“Teach me, LORD, the meaning of Your statutes,
and I will always keep them.
Help me understand Your instruction,
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart.
Help me stay on the path of Your commands,
for I take pleasure in it.
Turn my heart to Your decrees
and not to material gain.
Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;
give me life in Your ways.
Confirm what You said to Your servant,
for it produces reverence for You.
Turn away the disgrace I dread;
indeed, Your judgments are good.
How I long for Your precepts!
Give me life through Your righteousness.”

— Psalm 119:33-40, HCSB

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Here is how we are praying for revival, Highland:

Our foundation of prayer: May we be a people that hunger and thirst for righteousness (share in a heart-agreement with the Lord) and be filled.

1. Pray that Highland (individually and collectively) would seek to remain in heart agreement with our Lord, according to His holy Word and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us.

2. If anyone is entangled in sin and unrepentant, may the Holy Spirit bring upon us conviction through His kindness, leading us to repentance and deliverance from sin. First with our church-family, then our personal family and throughout our streets.

3. May we experience the filling of the Holy Spirit in our midst, as a church, in our families and in our streets. May His outpouring result in conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment, causing the filling of His presence to lead us to revival.

*Through the week, pray and read through: Psalm 119:33-40, which is heart-cry of the righteous.

Highland, let us commit to praying for revival! Let us realize that prayer is the real work of the church; that our obedience and worship would simply be an overflow of our prayer-life as His people!

I love you, Highland,

Rob

Plans for June 5th and 6th

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

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CHICKEN & RICE THIS SATURDAY

Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.

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TENT GATHERING AT 10AM THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, I look forward to seeing everyone at the Tent Gathering. As we gather this Sunday for our Tent Gathering, I wanted to go over the schedule with you. This Sunday, our schedule is as follows:

• 9am-10am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.

• 10am-11am: Tent Gathering Service. *At 10am, bring your camping chairs or blankets to make for yourself a place outside, underneath our tent. We will gather to worship as we set our eyes upon Jesus. Highland, I ask that we would be in prayer for the name of Jesus to be exalted in our corporate gathering; that those who wander, or are deceived throughout our streets, would hear that Jesus saves, and repent! We will conclude and dismiss following this service. So, breakfast will be offered but not lunch.

We are strongly encouraging social distancing and masks will be available for those who would feel most comfortable wearing one. If you have a mask, please bring one for yourself to use.  We ask that you stay home when you are sick. We also ask that you cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Finally, keeping your hands clean using sanitizer or by washing them with soap is vital. If you have a personal bottle of sanitizer, bring it and keep it on you for your personal use throughout gatherings.

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OTHER RELATED INFO

• Van route riding requirements: windows down, masks worn and no more than 10 on a van.

• Wednesday night studies, Pillow Party and prayer sessions have been canceled.

• Children’s Ministries, Life Class & Breakfast will not resume until a later date.

• Reminder: Member Meeting, 1pm, this Sunday.

*All proposed plans remain contingent upon medical information available to us throughout the foreseeable future. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. I rejoice over you, Highland. I love forward to being with you Sunday.

I love you, Highland,

Rob

Plans for May 29th 30th

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

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CHICKEN & RICE THIS SATURDAY

Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.

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TENT GATHERING AT 10AM THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, I look forward to seeing everyone at the Tent Gathering. As we gather this Sunday for our Tent Gathering, I wanted to go over the schedule with you. This Sunday, our schedule is as follows:

• 9am-10am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.

• 10am-11am: Tent Gathering Service. *At 10am, bring your camping chairs or blankets to make for yourself a place outside, underneath our tent. We will gather to worship as we set our eyes upon Jesus. Highland, I ask that we would be in prayer for the name of Jesus to be exalted in our corporate gathering; that those who wander, or are deceived throughout our streets, would hear that Jesus saves, and repent! We will conclude and dismiss following this service. So, breakfast will be offered but not lunch.

We are strongly encouraging social distancing and masks will be available for those who would feel most comfortable wearing one. If you have a mask, please bring one for yourself to use.  We ask that you stay home when you are sick. We also ask that you cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Finally, keeping your hands clean using sanitizer or by washing them with soap is vital. If you have a personal bottle of sanitizer, bring it and keep it on you for your personal use throughout gatherings.

---

OTHER RELATED INFO

• Van route riding requirements: windows down, masks worn and no more than 10 on a van.

• Wednesday night studies, Pillow Party and prayer sessions have been canceled.

• Children’s Ministries, Life Class & Breakfast will not resume until a later date.

*All proposed plans remain contingent upon medical information available to us throughout the foreseeable future. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. I rejoice over you, Highland. I love forward to being with you Sunday.

I love you, Highland,

Rob

Member Meeting Notice

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Highland members,

We will hold our meeting June 6th, 1pm, in our sanctuary. You may opt to come virtually. Please indicate here how you will attend. Also, please check your email for more details.

Oh, the Joy!

Congratulations, Melissa. Walk in the newness of life.

Photo: Katie Sturgeon

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Oh, the joy of encountering the forgiveness of our sin in the name of Jesus!

“What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that sin’s dominion over the body may be abolished, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin’s claims” (Romans 6:1-7, HCSB).

Plans for May 22nd and 23rd

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Casey Lynch, a member of our church, will be preaching this Sunday.

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CHICKEN & RICE THIS SATURDAY

Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.

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TENT GATHERING AT 10AM THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, I look forward to seeing everyone at the Tent Gathering. As we gather this Sunday for our Tent Gathering, I wanted to go over the schedule with you. This Sunday, our schedule is as follows:

• 9am-10am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.

• 10am-11am: Tent Gathering Service. *At 10am, bring your camping chairs or blankets to make for yourself a place outside, underneath our tent. We will gather to worship as we set our eyes upon Jesus. Highland, I ask that we would be in prayer for the name of Jesus to be exalted in our corporate gathering; that those who wander, or are deceived throughout our streets, would hear that Jesus saves, and repent! We will conclude and dismiss following this service. So, breakfast will be offered but not lunch.

We are strongly encouraging social distancing and masks will be available for those who would feel most comfortable wearing one. If you have a mask, please bring one for yourself to use.  We ask that you stay home when you are sick. We also ask that you cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Finally, keeping your hands clean using sanitizer or by washing them with soap is vital. If you have a personal bottle of sanitizer, bring it and keep it on you for your personal use throughout gatherings.

---

OTHER RELATED INFO

• Van route riding requirements: windows down, masks worn and no more than 10 on a van.

• Wednesday night studies, Pillow Party and prayer sessions have been canceled.

• Children’s Ministries, Life Class & Breakfast will not resume until a later date.

*All proposed plans remain contingent upon medical information available to us throughout the foreseeable future. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. I rejoice over you, Highland. I love forward to being with you Sunday.

I love you, Highland,

Rob

Plans for May 15th & 16th

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

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CHICKEN & RICE THIS SATURDAY

Each Saturday from 10:30am-1:00pm, we serve our streets a meal of Chicken & Rice, along with the Gospel. Volunteers are welcome to join us. Chicken & Rice Ministries is our flagship work. It serves as the invitation to all in our streets to come and know Christ. If you would like to come and serve, please contact us.

---

TENT GATHERING AT 10AM THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, I look forward to seeing everyone at the Tent Gathering. As we gather this Sunday for our Tent Gathering, I wanted to go over the schedule with you. This Sunday, our schedule is as follows:

• 9am-10am: Coffee and Conversation. As you arrive, grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Enjoy having conversation with one another and the chance to be together. Also, if you’re willing, some will be setting up for the 10 am service. We welcome your help, if you’re able.

• 10am-11am: Tent Gathering Service. *At 10am, bring your camping chairs or blankets to make for yourself a place outside, underneath our tent. We will gather to worship as we set our eyes upon Jesus. Highland, I ask that we would be in prayer for the name of Jesus to be exalted in our corporate gathering; that those who wander, or are deceived throughout our streets, would hear that Jesus saves, and repent! We will conclude and dismiss following this service. So, breakfast will be offered but not lunch.

We are strongly encouraging social distancing and masks will be available for those who would feel most comfortable wearing one. If you have a mask, please bring one for yourself to use.  We ask that you stay home when you are sick. We also ask that you cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Finally, keeping your hands clean using sanitizer or by washing them with soap is vital. If you have a personal bottle of sanitizer, bring it and keep it on you for your personal use throughout gatherings.

---

OTHER RELATED INFO

• Van route riding requirements: windows down, masks worn and no more than 10 on a van.

• Wednesday night studies, Pillow Party and prayer sessions have been canceled.

• Children’s Ministries, Life Class & Breakfast will not resume until a later date.

*All proposed plans remain contingent upon medical information available to us throughout the foreseeable future. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us. I rejoice over you, Highland. I love forward to being with you Sunday.

I love you, Highland,

Rob