Our Weekly Update

Sign Installed this Wednesday.

Reflecting back & looking forward

Closing Psalm 15; Entering Daniel Chapter Nine

Good morning, Highland! Update’s a little later than usual this week. Took a little more time to write this one. Over the last two Sundays, we have had Carrie and Casey do such a wonderful job of leading us through Communal Prayer. This Psalm has been our “script” as we have started 2024. These attributes have highlighted fruits of a people who have yielded to the holy name the Almighty God! May these fruits abound in us, Highland. This Sunday, we bring this heart-study of Psalm 15 to a close – “He who does these things shall not be moved.” As we begin chapter nine of Daniel, we see a man who prays, entrusting the Lord in a way that makes him immovable! Though he’s uncertain about so many circumstances, his faithfulness to seek the Lord causes his heart to rest confidently in the Lord, in spite of any set of circumstances! How I love to see this immovabie heart the Lord’s Spirit has formed in Daniel, Highland! It’s his prayer life that is his source of strength.

Our Sermon-Study

Drawing From Daniel

Finding Our Hope in the Holiness of God

Our church services (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning at 10am in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). All are welcome to attend. There is no climate control, so dress suitably for the weather conditions. Also, you may want to bring a camping chair, as we do not always have enough seats available.

We covered the eighth chapter of Daniel last Sunday. We covered the vision and the interpretation. Then, we took the time to draw from Daniel about how he responded to the overwhelming vision. He was grief-stricken! We then were able to pull these three points from the text for our application:

 

  1. Hope in the Lord is an Eternal Hope; Even Richer Than Hope For our Future

We all have hope that the future will get better. That’s good, right and healthy. We should! Yet, this vision Daniel receives from the Lord is riddled with the reality that the world is only going to get darker. Days ahead are continually plagued with evil, as we live.

Daniel’s hope, now, is not in knowing that one day things will get better. In a more profound way than ever before, Daniel’s only hope is in the holiness of God. Not, in the holiness of God and – ‘things get better’, ‘this will end’ — (fill in the blank). Instead, he has resigned to be found solely in being held up by the holiness of God, eternally. In short, it’s the presence of the Lord that even makes all the bad days better.

Daniel’s faithfulness results in a freedom from worry over what’s to come or a sense of desperation over getting to the next season. What we draw from Daniel is that the Spirit of God sets our hearts free to abide in the Lord, taking what comes in stride with His Spirit’s leading. The end-goal is Him. Being fully at rest, made whole, in His presence. In light of this, striving for “better” is seen as frivolous, in comparison to the daily and simple pursuit of the Lord, who is our all in all. The outcome is that we enjoy the fullness of His presence, come what may, because, in the end, we are His forevermore.

Daniel resonates now with David who writes in Psalm 16:

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

 

2. Hope in the Lord is Beyond a Hope for Better Circumstances

(For us & For Daniel)

Furthermore, Daniel’s vision was from the Lord – so, how does Daniel pray for the circumstances in his life? How does he ask that the Lord to take it all the bad circumstances away and, yet, relate to the Creator of heaven and earth when the very vision Daniel’s received from heaven has haunted him? Daniels realizes that his life belongs to Him.

We draw from Daniel that, whatever comes, as long as He is with us, we are secure because He, alone, is good and is faithful. Moses resonates with this statement: And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And Moses said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:14-15). Hope is found in the presence of the Lord.

 

3. Daniel Experienced Anxiety & Grief

(But didn’t take up identity there)

Finally, as Daniel is so resolved in walking with the Lord, notice he speaks to his own anxiety and grief so transparently. Part of our Christian-culture today does not offer permission to experience grief and anxiety, as we walk with the Lord. It can be considered contradictory to being Christian. Daniel experiences it and writes about it, too. So, that notion is debunked here in God’s Word.

Now, notice that it’s the eruption of evil and depravity of mankind that has the wind knocked out of him. He also notes that he does not take up his identity in his anxiety, but that he remained still before the Lord, as he was sick, then kept on with his work. He entrusted the Lord to fortify his heart and mind, as he continued in his work – and the Lord proved faithful! He will do the same for us, Highland!

Daniel enjoyed the fruitfulness of being dedicated to the Lord and to his work, resting in the fact that he was secure in the love of His Lord through it all! Again, we break open chapter nine this week. We get to be in the room with Daniel, as he prays! What a treasure this portion of Scripture is to us! See you tomorrow, Highland.

I love you,

Rob

(See weekly announcements below)

weekly announcements

Our Weekly Update

Our Sermon-Study

Drawing From Daniel

Finding Our Hope in the Holiness of God

Our church services (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning at 10am in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). All are welcome to attend. There is no climate control, so dress suitably for the weather conditions. Also, you may want to bring a camping chair, as we do not always have enough seats available. This Sunday, we will pick the ball back with our Daniel Series – Drawing From Daniel:Finding Hope in the Holiness of God. We will be in chapter eight.

Sunday’s Communal PRayer

Our Heart-Study

Psalm 15

For Communal Prayer, we continue through Psalm 15 this Sunday. Casey Strickland will be facilitating this week’s attribute: “Does not seek sordid gain.” Casey is a member of Highland and is really very familiar with our streets, as he grew up in North Highland. Casey is married to Crystal (who is so nice) and they have a son named Elijah. I am grateful that we all have the opportunity to gather and grow together, in Christ. Speaking of Elijah, shoutout to all who serve in our childcare ministry! Thank you for loving all of our littles ones in such a dedicated manner! It means a lot to me, to all of us.

missions Conference at st. andrews

This weekend, St. Andrews Presbyterian holds their Missions Conference. MercyMed, Truth Spring and Living Water will be participating. Please ask the Lord, Highland, to cultivate relationships that forge bonds in the name of Christ. Furthermore, it is their hope to come to Highland Community Church for Renew – their Summer Mission’s Emphasis. It should be exciting, as they will be able to use our new facility this summer.

building update

Speaking of the building, I talked with the Contractor, who said that we should plan on being ready to move in during the month of March. I know we have missed several earlier move-in dates. We may miss another – these plans remain in the hands of the Lord. Even still, we will use February as the time to prepare for the move. We will get a Town Hall Session scheduled and get a moving plan together. Make sure to read that Transition Plan. You can find it on our website.

I love you,

Rob

(See weekly announcements below)

weekly announcements

Our Weekly Update

Some of the Lynch Family During our Tent Gathering Season

Highland, how I rejoice over you! How I celebrate the Lord’s goodness in calling us together, that we might be light and salt throughout our streets. May the name of Jesus continue to be celebrated in our heart, as Highland Community Church, in one accord. May He move in all power in our midst, changing hearts, drawing us even deeper into His loving arms.

May the Holy Spirit wash throughout our streets, cleansing them with His righteousness, drawing sinners to repentance. Highland, let us ask for more His presence – that the conviction of the Holy Spirit might fill us to the point that we abound in fruitfulness.

To all who serve, thank you! Highland could NOT function without your dedication and your kindness. I wish you knew the depth of my gratitude for you. From those who pick up trash, to those who drive the van, to those who clean toilets – thank you! Please know your contribution does not go unnoticed.

Our Sermon-Study

Drawing From Daniel

Finding Our Hope in the Holiness of God

Our church services (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning at 10am in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). All are welcome to attend. There is no climate control, so dress suitably for the weather conditions. Also, you may want to bring a camping chair, as we do not always have enough seats available.

This Sunday, we will be tackling the all-intriguing personal vision that Daniel receives from the Lord. We delve into chapter eight. This chapter reaches back and correlates with chapter five. Eight begins with the insight that Belshazzar, the Babylonian king we learn about in chapter five, will lose the throne. Under the reign of Cyrus, The Medes & The Persians will overtake his throne.

In the vision, we are transported with Daniel to a lesser known province of Babylon called Susa. This city will become the central stage of Cyrus’s empire, once He marches in with the Mede & Persian army, overtaking the Babylonians. Come, journey with us through this adventurous piece of Scripture!

Sunday’s Communal PRayer

Our Heart-Study

Psalm 15

We continue praying through Psalm 15 this Sunday. We will highlight and pray through the fifth one this Sunday: Swears to their own hurt. The gist here is that we maintain our word, even if it costs us. When we commit, let’s keep true to our word, even when it’s costly. More to come this Sunday on this, as we pray.

It’s important to not see these attributes as rules or standards, Highland. That’s not the nature of this list. These qualities are simply attributes — elements that are the result of a given nature. The nature of an apple tree will thereby produce apples — there’s no performance or striving from the apple tree in its production of apples — it’s just being an apple tree. When our hearts are submissive to the holy name of Jesus, then saturated by the Holy Spirit, our nature cannot help but to change, yielding Holy-Spirit-flavored fruits. Oh, how I long for us to yield these fruits as His people! In closing, I look forward to seeing you Sunday, Highland. Hope you’re having a great week.

I love you,

Rob

(See weekly announcements below)

weekly announcements

Our Weekly Update

Highland,

I enjoyed being together so very much last Sunday. Seeing correlations in Psalm 15 being brought to life in Daniel has blessed me tremendously in my personal study. It is my hope you’ve found these connections meaningful as well.

Our Sermon-Study

Drawing From Daniel

Finding Our Hope in the Holiness of God

This Sunday, we will see how Daniel maintains an immovable resolve, as his hope is yielded to the holiness of God to the utmost! Daniel becomes the victim of a political assault. His enemies are so vicious that their hatred of his prestige results in his death-sentence being issued. Daniel’s fearlessness, emboldened by the Lord, does not cower – even facing death! It would be helpful to read ahead, as we will be in the latter half of chapter six this Sunday.

Speaking of reading, please – open those Bibles and read them. Our hearts are calmed by the refreshing waters of God’s Word. As we continue to pray through Psalm 15, this would be a great place to mediate over God’s Word. Write the Psalm. Reflect on how the Lord has, perhaps, taught you through Psalm 15 lately. Another idea might be to write down these attributes and recall a time when you have seen them play out in your life.

Our Heart-Study

Psalm 15

Be prepared that we also will highlight and pray through: ‘Honors those who fear the Lord’, from Psalm 15. This Psalm lays out for us the fruits one who’s submitted to the name of Jesus, maintaining repentance. How might you have seen someone honor those who fear the Lord in your life? Has there been a specific moment in your life when you have done so? We have certainly seen Daniel do so, when he requested for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to serve alongside him when he was promoted to serve in the royal court throughout the Babylonian era (Daniel 2:49).

Know that I love you, Highland. I am looking forward to gathering once again this Sunday. Also, dress warmly. It will be cold. Finally, it’s also helpful to bring a camping chair, if you have one. We seem to be running a little short these days on chairs. This is a good problem! Stay warm. See you Sunday! — Rob

weekly announcements

Highland, here’s the latest. Also, here’s chances to get plugged in and serve throughout the week.

  • HW: Read Church Transition Plan

  • Fill out ‘Filling the Rooms’ on site.

  • Men’s Bible Study, Sundays @ 9AM

  • Mondays at M2540. 6:30—7:30PM

  • Wednesdays: Prayer Gathering, 9 AM (from homes this week; it’s cold!)

  • Saturdays: Chicken & Rice, 10AM @ cafe *(cancelled this Saturday due to weather)

Our Weekly Update

Highland, 2010

Highland,

As Sunday nears, I look forward to seeing you! It thrills me to know we get to gather, celebrating Jesus! He saves sinners! May we come, ready to rejoice over salvation being found in His Name!

As you know, we have been unpacking Psalm 15 over the last few Sundays. Last week, we walked through the first two verses, honing in on what it means to sojourn, to dwell within His holy presence. We then looked at one of the fruits David notes as evidence of sharing in His holy nature, that being: To not slander others. That sermon is available online, through our audio page. Altogether, there are seven “fruits” David mentions in Psalm 15.

As we open God’s Word together this Sunday, we will be merging these fruits found in Psalm 15 with our series through Daniel. I suggest to you that, as Daniel remained yielded to the Lord’s Holy Name, Daniel brought these fruits into being. As we return to Daniel, we will be in chapter six. In this saga, he was entrapped, back-stabbed, falsely accused and sentenced to death, yet, there was no slander found on his lips! His tongue was consumed with his prayer-life, Highland — blessing His holy God!! May THIS characterize us! May our lips be so saturated His praises, Highland, that slanderous-language finds no place to land upon them!

As far as the remaining attributes found in Psalm 15, we will pray through those together, through a weekly Communal Prayer. If you are looking over the list we’ve covered and feel compelled to speak briefly to how the Lord is teaching you through this Psalm and these truths, then please consider leading our church in a Communal Prayer. Get with me. We have completed the first two. We are on the third one listed this upcoming Sunday.

For your reference, here’s the list:

1. Does not slander others

2. Does no evil toward their neighbor.

*3. Does not take up reproach against his friend (*Reproach - address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment).

4. Honors those who fear the Lord.

5. Maintains their word, even if it costs them.

6. Does not seek sordid gain.

7. Does not bear false witness, even for gain.

weekly announcements

Highland, here’s the latest. Also, here’s chances to get plugged in and serve throughout the week.

I love you, Highland.

See you Sunday,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

Highland,

Happy New Year! Let us hold fast to the Lord’s faithfulness, Highland! As we continue to endure together these viscous attacks from satan, let us continue to fix our eyes upon Jesus! He offers us hope that results in victory. Highland, may we see the resiliency that is being produced within us, as we fortify our confidence in the Lord’s faithfulness unto us. For in His presence alone, our hearts find security and rest.

This Saturday, we will hold Beverly’s Memorial Service. It will be held at the Firehouse, at 2pm. All are invited and welcome to attend.

There will be no Chicken & Rice this Saturday. We will be taking time to pray through and discuss how to reconsider doing Chicken & Rice, as Alan is no longer with us. Seek the Lord with our team, Highland. We meet this Saturday, at 10am.

We will hold services this Sunday. Our Sunday will begin at 9am, with Coffee & Conversation, along with Robert’s Bible Study. We will then hold our 10am service. Childcare will be offered this Sunday for children 4 and under. Kids’ Sunday will not be resuming at this time. Once we get into the new facility, we will revisit how to minister to our children on Sundays.

This Sunday, we will continue to reflect on Psalm 15. Please make this Psalm part of your time in God’s Word, Highland. Here are the attributes this passage reflects, which we will cultivate through the prayer-life of our church:

  1. Does not slander others (*Slander - make false and damaging statements about someone).

2. Does no evil toward their neighbor.

3. Does not take up reproach against his friend (*Reproach - address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment).

4. Honors those who fear the Lord.

5. Maintains their word, even if it costs them.

6. Does not seek sordid gain.

7. Does not bear false witness, even for gain.

Finally, Alan Lisenby’s Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, January 10th, at 4pm. It will be held in our red-brick sanctuary on fifth avenue. All are welcome to attend.

I look forward to seeing you, Highland!

I love you,

Rob

Alan Lisenby's Obituary

Perry “Alan” Lisenby

7/30/1963-12/27/2023

A beloved member of our community passed away on December 27th, 2023.

Alan will always be remembered by his hard work and his heart to serve; he never turned down an opportunity to help someone day or night. He was respected by many in the North Highland Community as he took care of the sick and encouraged many on the streets. He was an active and cherished member of Highland Community Church. He served as part of the Chicken and Rice Team every Saturday morning bringing food to the poor, and he was known to go into unreached areas that no one else would go.

He had a joy as he worked that came from his faith in the Lord that enabled him to serve his neighbors and community in many ways that cannot be replaced. His last years here with us can be summed up in the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31). He will be deeply missed, and his memory will always be treasured.

Alan is survived by his mother, Joyce Monfort, sister, Silena Thomas, and brother Brian Lisenby. His daughter, Alana Maria Lisenby, along with his three sons Emanuel, John, and Kraig Lisenby are also with us, cherishing the memory of their father. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Lisenby, and his eldest brother, Larry Lisenby.

A memorial service will be held for Alan at Highland Community Church (3408 5th Avenue Columbus, Ga 31904), on Wednesday, January 10th at 4:00 pm. Alan’s desire was to leave money to help support his young daughter, Alana. Donations may be made out to Highland Community Church, and any money collected will be put into a savings account for her. Thank you for helping us honor his memory.

Our Weekly Update

David and Joshua during our Tent Gathering Season

Supporting living Water

Highland, your generosity supporting kingdom pioneers in a war zone on the other side of the world has been a testimony to how the blood of Jesus unites us. If any of you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, one-time and recurring donations can be done online here:

Or make checks payable to "Underground Network" with "Living Water Myanmar" in the memo, and send to: Underground Network, PO Box 75157, Tampa, FL 33675. Checks must be postmarked by Dec. 31st to count toward 2023 charitable contributions.

Boaz & Alan

Alan Lisenby Has passed

Highland, our friend, Alan, passed away Wednesday morning. His battle with sin and death is now swallowed up in the victory of Christ Jesus. Alan served the deepest gallows of our neighborhood with the love of Christ through our Chicken & Rice ministry. He vigorously dove back into the woods with trays of warm food and the message of God’s salvation every Satruday. He will be sorely missed by our church and by this neighborhood.

In this picture above, he is assisting the Jordan family with a project. Boaz is clearly calling the shots and Alan is awaiting his next assignment. Justin and Julie not only had Alan as their neighbor but very much considered him a friend. Their friendship ran deep, even through his last days.

Seeing Alan come to know Christ years ago now means so much more, knowing that he is at rest in Christ today. Highland, seeing you all rally around him in these last weeks has been such a bold display of the love of Christ. Alan loved Highland so much! Thank you for loving him in a time of his greatest need.

Beverly (Ms. Cookie) & Cynthia

Beverly is now with the Lord

Beverly Thornton is now with the Lord. As she came to know Christ, we had the privilege of walking alongside her for many years. May we rejoice knowing that she is now made whole in the presence of our Lord.

Throughout the Weekend

NO Chicken & Rice this Saturday

Due to the Holiday Season, Chicken & Rice will not take place this Saturday.

Coffee & Conversation Sunday Mornings at 9am

Join us over a warm cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich this Sunday, as we gather. Coffee & Conversation allows us time to be together in song and in the Word. You are welcome.

Service is held Sunday Mornings at 10am

No Childcare this Sunday.

Our church service (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). All are welcome to attend. We will actually have a family-style service. No childcare this Sunday. To all who serve in caring for our children, thank you! Thank you for making our children feel welcome and wanted. As we all gather this Sunday, we will continue to open God’s Word and seek His face, in prayer. I will be gleaning from Psalm 15, so feel free to read ahead.

Psalm 15

“O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?

Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right

and speaks truth in his heart;

who does not slander with his tongue

and does no evil to his neighbor,

nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

in whose eyes a vile person is despised,

but who honors those who fear the LORD;

who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

who does not put out his money at interest

and does not take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.”

Let’s Get Ready to Move

Highland, this is important. We are preparing to transition into our home, Highland. I suspect it will be early 2024. By clicking below, you will find our Transition Plan. Please read over it. We will go over it together soon. Click button below to read:

Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Come and join the tremendous team of people who love the Lord and reach out to love our neighbors. Each Monday, 6:30-7:30pm, you are invited to be part of this wonderful time of community at M2540. All Bibles have been collected for the children! To anyone who helped, thank you!

prayer Gathering — Wednesdays, 9am

Join Patti who leads our Prayer Team, Highland. This is the work of the people of God! Let us continue to be fashioned as a people of prayer.

Congratulations to Mr. Shelby for being awarded the Golden Apple!

Way to fill our rooms with good teaching, Jesse!

Filling the Rooms

Highland, our plan to make our house a home is called: Filling the Rooms. Now that we’ve gone over the plan, let’s carry out the plan together. Please click on the link below and sign up to be part of filling the rooms. You can also ask questions or make recommendations, too.

I look forward to seeing you, Highland!

I love you,

Rob

Our Weekly Update

Reflecting Upon Last Sunday

Highland, Last Sunday’s service was a breath of fresh air for all of us! So many conveyed that they were battling trials right now! As we gathered to pray and worship, I could actually feel the Holy Spirit fortifying us. It was reviving! Let us continue to hold our ground, as we turn our faces toward the Lord! Highland, I love you. I rejoice in all the Lord is doing in and through us, as His people. I am grateful we get to journey together.

David, Kimberly & Joshua in Myanmar

Supporting living Water

Highland, your generosity supporting kingdom pioneers in a war zone on the other side of the world has been a testimony to how the blood of Jesus unites us. If any of you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, one-time and recurring donations can be done online here:

Or make checks payable to "Underground Network" with "Living Water Myanmar" in the memo, and send to: Underground Network, PO Box 75157, Tampa, FL 33675. Checks must be postmarked by Dec. 31st to count toward 2023 charitable contributions.

Throughout the Weekend

NO Chicken & Rice this Saturday

Due to the Christmas Season, Chicken & Rice will not take place this Saturday. We hope everyone enjoys being with their families, as we all pause to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Boxes of Love, 2023

Thank you for helping with boxes of love

To everyone who helped make Boxes of Love happen, thank you! So many families were able to be blessed in the name of Jesus! From those who bought a bottle of dish soap, to those who packed and delivered boxes and to all of who served in between, we appreciate you! Thank you for helping make Christmas even brighter for so many of our neighbors.

Sunday Mornings at 9am

Come and join the conversation over a warm cup of coffee this Sunday morning, 9am, at the Firehouse. All are welcome to worship and serve, together. Additionally, Robert’s leading our Men’s Bible Study. All men are welcome to attend. It is held at 9am, in the educaitonal wing of our facility.

Sunday Mornings at 10am

Our church service (we call services “Firehouse Gatherings”) are held each Sunday morning in the Firehouse (3402 6th Ave). All are welcome to attend. This Sunday, our service will center upon the brith of Jesus. We will spend time celebrating advent, singing together and taking a look the account of Jesus’ birth in Scripture.

Please read our Transition Plan.

Let’s Get Ready to Move

Highland, this is important. We are preparing to transition into our home, Highland. I suspect it will be early 2024. By clicking below, you will find our Transition Plan. Please read over it. We will go over it together soon. Click button below to read:

Throughout the Week

Mondays @ M2540, 6:30pm

Come and join the tremendous team of people who love the Lord and reach out to love our neighbors. Each Monday, 6:30-7:30pm, you are invited to be part of this wonderful time of community at M2540. All Bibles have been collected for the children! To anyone who helped, thank you!

prayer Gathering — Wednesdays, 9am

Join Patti who leads our Prayer Team, Highland. This is the work of the people of God! Let us continue to be fashioned as a people of prayer.

We had the chance to walk Randall and his family through the building this week.

Filling the Rooms

Highland, our plan to make our house a home is called: Filling the Rooms. Now that we’ve gone over the plan, let’s carry out the plan together. Please click on the link below and sign up to be part of filling the rooms. You can also ask questions or make recommendations, too.

Merry Christmas, Highland!

I love you,

Rob

Location & Mailing address

3408 5th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31904

phone Number — (706)249-9424