January 29-31, 2010

Matthew 21
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

How’s Your Temple?

While reading Matthew chapter 21, one can’t help but think of the phrase, “what a difference a day makes.”

One minute Jesus was the center of an amazing parade with perhaps 2.5 million people crowding the narrow streets at Passover time. They filled the air with shouts of “Hosanna,” which means “O-save!” or save us now and continue to save and sustain us.

In the next moment, Jesus dramatically cleansed the temple of those that were using it for self gain, exploiting the poor and preventing true worship.

In your walk with Christ, you may have noticed that after crying out to King Jesus to save you, change a situation or alter your circumstances, He often responds first to cleanse you from something. Maybe it’s a wrong attitude, resentment or point of pride.

Scripture tells us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and dwelling place of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Our hearts are to be full of God’s values, worship, prayer and holiness. The sign over our temples should read, “zero tolerance for sin.” Whenever an unholy activity or thought attempts to take residence in our temple, we must take swift action (as Christ did) and eliminate it.

As you meditate on this chapter, ask the Lord about the condition of your temple. Whatever the answer, be encouraged! If your temple needs cleansing, Jesus can provide it.

Michelle Hoverson is a Des Moines, Iowa native who just began her eighth year of service on the Grace Covenant pastoral staff.

January 28, 2010

Matthew 20
Pastor Paul Glenn

As recorded in Matthew 20:26, Jesus told His disciples that whoever wants to be a great leader must be a great servant first. While teaching the “parable of the vineyard workers” (verses 1-16), Jesus addressed important principles of serving and leading.

He demonstrated that great servants answer the call to work, rather than stand around. They will be content, realizing that His gift of salvation is more than they deserve already. Wealth, health, fame and comfort in this life are only temporary, and we can exist without all of them.

Likewise, great leaders will:

• Be diligent in their marketplace responsibilities, while engaging others in Kingdom work (remember, many people are simply waiting to be asked!)


• Be fair in their dealings


• Be generous when possible


• Not be swayed by the opinions of others with impure motives

May I encourage you today to serve faithfully and lead diligently?

A native of Houston, Texas, Paul Glenn will celebrate a decade of service as a Grace Covenant staff pastor this October.

January 27, 2010

Matthew 19
Mike Schwiebert

Sometimes I have thought that Jesus’ conversation with the “rich young ruler” was unfair. Here was a guy wanting to do the right thing, yet Jesus questioned him and pushed him away. Even the disciples seemed to be surprised at this rude and harsh behavior.

I like this guy and his initial tenacity. Many people would have walked away after Jesus’ first response – but not him.

After Jesus’ second response? The guy hangs in there: “Right. Got it. What else?”

Following Jesus’ third response? He walks away.

Had I been there, I wonder how many questions Jesus would have asked me until I walked away?

Yet I am there, and so are you. Scripture, sermons and circumstances probe us with questions that reveal our heart and demand a deeper level of commitment to Christ. Are we following or walking away?

I choose to follow and not hold anything back. What about you?

A native of Carrolton County, Missouri, Mike Schwiebert is in his third year as Grace Covenant’s Media Director.

January 26, 2010

Matthew 18
Pastor Jason Yon

Seriously…how could a children's pastor pass up an opportunity to talk about kids in a devotional on Matthew 18?

At different times in scripture, we see that the disciples were a little prideful. How could the men that walked the most closely and learned from the most humble man on Earth be so concerned about their position? They seemed to want to be the one recognized as closest to Jesus, to know who would sit next to Him on the throne in Heaven and in this narrative, they wanted to know who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord had to correct the heart behind their question, saying that they needed to “…change and become like little children.” (Matthew 18:3b)

Pride separates us from the Lord and the perfect plan He has for our lives. 1 Peter 5:5 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Jesus calls us to be humble like a child.

Little children are like sponges. I love that. They are in a learning stage, and don’t know everything (as some adults think they do). Yet they soak up and learn everything they can because they are so humble, wanting to learn and grow.

Even though the disciples were closest to Jesus and knew more about Him and His teaching than anyone else, they still struggled with pride. Let’s learn from their example, becoming like little children – humble, always willing and ready to learn, grow and “soak up” what the Lord has for us.

Jason Yon is a Sanford, Florida native and just began his eighth year of service on the Grace Covenant pastoral staff.

January 25, 2010

Matthew 17
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

Ever since they committed themselves to Jesus, life for Peter, James and John had become an adventure. On this day, Jesus invited them to come with Him and they began a long walk up a mountain. Since they were well aware of Jesus’ habit of finding a private place to pray, I’m sure that they expected this trip would culminate in a conversation with God.

That’s exactly what happened, but in a way they would NEVER forget. Right before their eyes, this man, Jesus, transformed from man to God: “His appearance changed from the inside out…Sunlight poured from His face. His clothes were filled with light.” Matthew 17:2b (The Message). Unbelievable, but true!

Peter’s mind hadn’t yet understood exactly what was happening, but his mouth was already in motion. He commented and rashly proclaimed plans for what he and his friends would do as a result of what they had just experienced, only to be interrupted magnificently by the VOICE OF GOD.

As I think about that, I am reminded that moments on the mountaintop are not for the purpose of adding something to my “to do” list. They are given by an Awesome God who wants to take our breath away. Sometimes it is just this simple - He wants to be Himself around us.

It is enough for us to just be there.

A native of Barron, Wisconsin, JoAn Blackmon is in her 12th year of service on the Grace Covenant pastoral staff.

January 22-24, 2010

Matthew 16
Pastor Farrell Lemings

It is interesting that Peter goes from making the great confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” to being rebuked by Jesus for being a tool used by Satan. It all happened in a few minutes of time, involving one of Jesus’ key disciples.

This scripture passage reminds me that we have to be on constant guard against Satan’s deceptions. As Peter wrote later in one of his letters, perhaps thinking back to this interaction, “Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

As Christ-followers, we need to focus upon and seek Jesus consistently, while being alert to Satan’s deception. Otherwise - like Peter - we can be deceived easily, finding ourselves saying and doing the wrong things.

The best ways to avoid Satan’s deception are to be established in God’s Word, active in worship and live out the faith humbly.

Farrell Lemings serves as Lead Pastor.

January 21, 2010

Matthew 15
Lynell McCrary

Do you ever find your faith challenged - not necessarily from outside circumstances, but the kind that wells up from the inside?

Just when you begin to doubt whether you should continue to pursue God’s miraculous hand, you may begin to ask questions. Yet I am reminded of pure faith when I read in Matthew 15 about the Canaanite woman’s pursuit of Christ’s healing for her daughter. At that time, she could have easily gone to a magician, but her faith kept her grounded in pursuit of Christ as the only true Healer. She was persistent and courageous.

Is there an area where you could use renewed faith? Go to Him. He is waiting eagerly for you.

Lynell McCrary oversees various aspects of “Connections,” helping us connect relationally within the Grace Covenant family, as well as discover opportunities for ministry involvement.

January 20, 2010

Matthew 14
Pastor Derek Floyd

John the Baptist was called to prepare the way of the Lord. He was also sentenced to prison and put to death by a tyrannical king.

What do you do when you’ve served with full commitment, but now you’re struggling through life-altering circumstances?

When Jesus heard the news of John’s death, he went out on a boat to be alone and grieve. Yet the crowds followed, and He had compassion on them. He fed the multitudes, and all were healed that touched the hem of His garment. The tragedy of John’s death mobilized Him for great ministry.

I believe that there is victory and power awaiting us if, through faith and unyielding prayer, we allow God to use our circumstances for His glory.

Let God strengthen your resolve and position you to walk in His favor. Like Peter, may we step out of the boat and experience miracles like we have never known before.

Derek Floyd facilitates corporate worship in collaboration with musicians in our bands, vocal praise teams and Worship Choir.

January 19, 2010

Matthew 13
Pastor John Edwards

At every springtime visit to a local garden center, the baby vegetable plants cower in fear. “Don’t pick me! I’ll die!” No matter how many times I repeat, “I DO believe in Miracle-Gro,” my thumb is anything but green.

Maybe that’s why the Lord provided a simple, clear contrast (much like His series of parables recorded in Matthew 13) to remind me about a vital growth principle for my life. Maybe it’s a good reminder for you too.

Our would-be home “garden” has a dusting of good soil, an additive mix that only a chemist could create and manure that I shoveled in a few years ago (now that was a day of much-needed humility!).

Yet it was the few plants in a former patio fire pit that exploded out of their roots. The difference? They got more attention because they were closer to the house, evidenced by sown-in nutrients, water and diligently plucked weeds.

Diligent attention is a key to preparing the “soil” of our lives for dynamic fruit-bearing potential. In Matthew 13:23 (The Message), Jesus said, “…seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”

Through ongoing prayer and daily reading with reflection upon God’s Word, let’s live in spiritual disciplines that result in “good earth” – a close relationship to the Lord that’s filled with daily harvest potential!

John Edwards facilitates the church’s strategic planning and public information, while serving in collaborative oversight of “Grace Leadership Network” development.

January 18, 2010

Matthew 12
Pastor Wil Mouer

Matthew 12:34-35
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of your heart the mouth speaks.”

Speaking to the religious leaders of the day, Jesus rebuked those who taught in the synagogue and stood in places of spiritual authority. He challenged their inward motives, and that’s why He pointed to what was in their hearts.

Jesus is always interested in what is really going on inside us. While He wants us to do good works, it must come from a pure desire to please Him. At times, we can be like the people to whom Jesus was speaking in this passage.

Maybe God wants to do heart surgery in you today. Take some time to think about your motives and other areas of your thought-life. Jesus wants you and me to take a daily heart inventory, asking for His cleansing touch on some of those areas that are not pleasing to Him.

Wil Mouer directs “NextGen” (6th-12th grade and college-age) ministries, developed the “defy” curricula for middle and high students and serves periodically on the weekend teaching team.

January 15-17, 2010

Matthew 11
Pastor Jon Wehner

Matthew 11:2-3
“When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

John the Baptist asked the question that is quite possibly the greatest ever. He wanted to know if Jesus was the Messiah – the Savior of the World. It’s a similar question with which we wrestled while coming to an understanding of Jesus as our Savior, in Whom we have eternal life.

Hopefully, it’s the question with which we challenge our unsaved friends and family on a regular basis. The answer, of course, is – YES – Jesus is the One sent by God to secure our relationship with Him.

We need not look any further for someone else since, as He says, “I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Jon Wehner is the venue pastor for “Monday Night Church” and oversees “Fusion” (single adult ministries).

January 14, 2010

Matthew 10
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

Matthew 10:1-42

Have you ever been challenged to do something for which you weren’t fully prepared, yet do it anyway, fumbling and bumbling your way into failure? If you are like me, it’s happened a time or two!

As Jesus prepared to return to the Father, He selected his “top 12” to carry on His teachings. He spent time mentoring, instructing, teaching, and modeling just what He wanted them to do in the days ahead. He did not want them to go out into the world without a clue.

In this chapter, we read that Jesus didn’t send them out blindly or unprepared, but with…
…authority (vs.1)
…instructions about what to do (vs.1, 7-8)
…directions about where and where not to go (vs. 5-6), what to take and not take (vs. 9-10) and how to behave (vs.12-15)
…specific instruction about what to do when they ran into trouble (vs.17-24)
…encouragement (vs. 26-31)
…reaffirmation of His purpose (vs.34-36) and what should be our commitment as followers (vs. 40-42)

As believers, let us be prepared as we “go out” too. God designed each of us with spiritual gifts, talents, skills and passions. Take time to realize and use them in serving the Lord.

Prepare yourself well for the good works already prepared in advance for you to do!

Paul Turbedsky oversees visitation, benevolence and other aspects of congregational care, along with “Senior Saints” (senior adult ministries) and “Men of Grace” (men’s ministries).

January 13, 2010

Matthew 9
Pastor Stan Wilson

Although I have read and studied Matthew 9 on countless occasions, never before had one phrase consisting of two small words caught my attention as during this particular reading. The words formed a directive spoken by Jesus - first to a paralytic and then to a mother grieving the loss of her daughter. The phrase simply says, “Take Heart.”

Perhaps my curiosity was stirred because I recognized that I wasn’t quite sure what it meant. How does someone “take heart?” It seemed a bit odd. After a few minutes of comparing various Bible translations and paraphrases, accompanied with a prayer asking God to speak through His Word, it became quite clear.

As Jesus spoke to the great need of these two individuals, He spoke words of strength and provision. It was as if He was saying, “Be encouraged. Take your heart from that place of weakness, fear and doubt to a place of complete trust, confidence, comfort and hope. Let your heart be lifted up.”

Those words are not limited to those whom Jesus addressed in Matthew 9. He has a directive for you too. Regardless of your situation or circumstance, you can “take heart” because of the strength found through Jesus. Lift up your heart from that place of uncertainty to a place of complete confidence, comfort and hope found only through His provision for you.

Stan Wilson manages worship and community teams, directs Sunday morning worship services/communications and serves on the weekend and midweek teaching teams.

January 12, 2010

Matthew 8
Pastor Luke Lang

Matthew 8:1-3
“When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean’."

Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.

"I am willing," He said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.

Here’s a man who, because of his disease, was unclean - a social outcast. He hadn’t known the warmth of human touch for years. He spent his time in the shadows, dreaming of what once was. Then the Miracle Worker came to town and the leper was willing to risk it all. Illegally, he pushed through the crowd.

In response to his risky faith, Jesus did two things - touched him and healed him. He didn’t have to touch him, but when He did He demonstrated that not only is He willing to heal, but is willing to touch the untouchable!

So…how about you? Do you have dreams that have died? Are there areas of your life that have become “untouchable” because of failure or loss?

The Living and Loving God is willing! He is willing to heal, restore AND touch you! Take a step of risky faith and reach out to Him!

Luke Lang oversees “The Tribe” ministry to 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

January 11, 2010

Matthew 7
Pastor Jeff Allen

I remember asking my parents for all kinds of things when I was a child, from a bicycle for Christmas to candy almost every day. Maybe you remember asking a parent for something as well.

These days, I hear my daughters ask for things too. While I learned as a child that persistence could be very helpful in identifying the true desire of my heart, I’ve figured out what my daughters really want also. They don’t beg, but when I see something that I think is a good gift and hear them mention it several times - I know it’s the one.

In Matthew 7:7-11, we read Jesus’ teaching about asking God persistently, and how He gives good gifts. The bottom line is that God is good and loves blessing us with good gifts, just as parents enjoy blessing their children. I’m not talking about begging God, since there is a distinct difference between asking God persistently with the correct attitude and begging Him like a spoiled brat.

Yet I wonder - if we were more persistent in asking God for our desires instead of asking one time and being discouraged, what would happen to our faith and the quality of our relationship with Him? We wouldn’t get everything we want, because not everything is good for us. However, I think that it may help to recognize that God loves us enough to give us the desires of our hearts.

So keep asking. You never know how God may want to demonstrate His love for you!

Jeff Allen oversees “The Studio” ministry to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.

January 8-10, 2010

Matthew 6
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

“Prayer - When and Where” - Matthew 6:5-6

For 6 days each week and spanning two years, 8 hours of daily practice produced a new level of sailing excellence for the New Zealand America’s Cup team. When people are serious about something, they seem to make room for it as a scheduling priority.

When the disciples asked Jesus about prayer, He began by saying “when you pray.” Jesus assumed that His followers would have regular times of prayer. Could He rightly assume that about you?

Jesus goes on to say, “When you pray, go into your room, close the doors.” Jesus wasn’t prohibiting public prayer, but why did He emphasize private prayer?

• When praying in a group, it’s easy to lose focus. Jesus knew it was important to get away from distractions and talk to our Heavenly Father without interruption.


• When praying in a private place, we aren’t tempted to impress another person. We don’t want to be like a New England church minister of whom it was said, "Reverend Jones presented the most beautiful prayer ever offered before a Boston audience."


• When Jesus said that we should meet with God in our room, the same word was used for a storehouse where treasures were kept. In other words, there are treasures waiting for you in your private place of prayer.

Whether you choose a room, closet, recliner or porch rocker - establish a private place to meet regularly with the Lord. Watch it become one of the most special places in your life!

Michelle Hoverson manages care and reach teams, oversees “Global Impact” (missions) and “Community Impact” (outreach) ministries and serves on the weekend and midweek teaching teams.

January 7, 2010

Matthew 5
Pastor Paul Glenn

It seems that our culture is constantly asking “doing”-type questions, such as “what should I do?,” “whom should I marry?” or “where should I live?”

Yet the Bible answers questions of a different type.
For example:

• What is God’s plan?


• Who does God want me to become?


• How will He use my life?

In Matthew 5:1-11, Christ gives instructions for our “being attitudes,” not our doing ones. He instructs us to be open, humble, broken, merciful, pure, content, peaceful and patient in affliction. It is then that He will use our lives.

Focusing on who God wants me to become brings continuous personal growth and spiritual transformation. I actually become salt (vs. 13) that flavors every situation with Christ. I also become light (vs.14) that dispels darkness and allows Christ to be seen easily.

Ask God to show you who He wants you to become. Then He will be able to DO what He wants with your life.

Paul Glenn oversees financial, property, personnel and other church business-related operations.

January 6, 2010

Matthew 4
Mike Schwiebert

Matthew 4:16
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

Matthew 4 marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Matthew gives us a beautiful word picture from Isaiah 9 to describe that this literally means, "light has sprung up!"

Think of your family, neighbors or co-workers. In many ways, we are all living in the land of the shadow of death. That is as true today as it was then. Yet here is the really cool part - because we are the light of the world and God's love is alive in our hearts, these words can be said about you and me.

So live today with an awareness that wherever you go, "light has sprung up!"

Every day, allow God's light to shine through you to touch a dark world.

Mike Schwiebert serves as Media Director, including oversight of video, audio, duplication and in-service graphic support functions.

January 5, 2010

Matthew 3
Pastor Jason Yon

One of my favorite things as a pastor is to baptize children. I love to listen to their use of words as they tell us about their new relationship with Jesus or share a scripture verse.

In Matthew 3, we see the report of Jesus’ baptism, done so that he could identify with us and set an example for us to follow. He did not need to be baptized because of any sin that required repentance, but it took place so that he could validate John’s ministry and set an example for every believer.

When we are baptized, we declare to the world the change that has happened in our spiritual lives - we have died to sin, and have new life in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Baptism is an outward symbol of what has happened already in our hearts.

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and have never been baptized, I encourage you to be obedient to God’s direction and follow Jesus’ lead.

Jason Yon oversees birth-5th grade children’s ministries and directs the “Winner’s Circle” ministry to kindergarten-2nd graders.

January 4, 2010

Matthew 2
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

I have to say that the Wise Men were pretty impressive.

They…
…understood the significance of the star signaling the Savior’s birth
…made plans for a home visit
…prepared stunningly appropriate gifts that would not only fund the young family’s safety during their travels, but symbolize perfectly the mission of this child who was born King, High Priest, and Lamb of God

These were guys who stopped and asked for directions! They expressed great emotion without apology, quick to drop to their knees and worship God openly. Yes, these were very wise men.

I hope that you will take a lesson from their example. Make a decision in 2010 to look up! Live discerning, thoughtful, intentional lives. Go where you find God. Present your gifts to Him. If you aren’t sure that you’re going in the right direction, stop and ask the King. Every day, rejoice in the good news of Jesus Christ! Kneel (bend your will) before Him and worship Jesus with all that is in you.

Today, all these years later, those are still the habits of the wise, and the marks of those rich in understanding.

JoAn Blackmon manages equipping and discipleship teams, oversees “Women of Grace” (women’s ministries) and serves on the weekend and midweek teaching teams.

January 1-3, 2010

Matthew 1
Pastor Farrell Lemings

As you read the first chapter of the New Testament, if you are like me, you have a tendency to quickly skip the names in the genealogy of Jesus. We have no idea how to pronounce some of them, and they just seem to be part of the past with no present-day significance.

Yet buried in this list of names are some great discoveries that bring encouragement:

• Jacob was a deceiver.
• Rahab was a prostitute.
• David was an adulterer.
• Rehoboam was a prideful, failed leader.

The list goes on and on, naming individuals that God chose to include in His plan of redemption.

The good news for you and me is that God uses people that have messed up for His purposes. Our past failures do not disqualify us. If we respond properly, our failures can actually shape us to embrace the future God has designed.

So - since all of us have failures - take heart! We are not eliminated, or damaged goods. God can use each of us for His redemptive purposes.

Farrell Lemings serves as Lead Pastor.