March 31, 2010

Luke 20
Mike Schwiebert

As you have been reading through Luke’s Gospel, you probably saw this coming. Eventually, Jesus and the Jewish leaders were going to have it out.

Jesus’ response to their subterfuge is instructive. He answered them.

Wow! Before thinking about how He responded, just consider the simple fact that He gave an answer. Many of today’s leaders seem to have turned not answering critics into an art form, with some actually taking classes and studying film to perfect non-answers.

Yet The Creator of the Universe - who didn’t have to answer to anyone for anything - answered these contentious, backbiting (hold on…I’ll tell you how I really feel in a moment), self-seeking, scheming and pompous hypocrites.

Sometimes I’m not gracious to my critics, with thoughts like, “Who do they think they are? I’ve forgotten more than they’ll ever know!” or “I don’t have to answer to you!” Oops… it’s possible that we can dismiss others when we believe they are insignificant.

Jesus wasn’t passive, but He was magnanimous toward critics. What if we applied that principle to our roles as spouse, parent, friend, leader or coworker?

Did you know? Media Director Mike Schwiebert once served as a middle school youth pastor, and loved it.

March 30, 2010

Luke 19
Pastor Jason Yon

As a full-time pastor, a great majority of my time is spent with Christians. In fact, until recently all of my friends and everyone that I knew in this area attend Grace Covenant Church. As a result, I do not usually have a lot of interaction with unbelievers or “sinners” like Zacchaeus - other than an occasional server at a restaurant or cashier at a grocery store.

Like other tax collectors in Jesus’ time, Zacchaeus took more of people’s money than he should, and kept the extra for himself. People hated tax collectors, which caused them to be disgusted when Jesus said he was going to stay with Zacchaeus. Why would Jesus want to hang out with such a lowlife? His perspective on it was revealed a few chapters earlier when he recruited Levi, a tax collector, to be one of his disciples: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:31-32)

I do not normally have opportunities to spend a lot of time with “sinners”. Yet as a Christian commissioned by God to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15), I need to spend time with people that do not have a relationship with the Lord so that I might have the opportunity to witness to them about what He has done in my life. Recently I committed to look for opportunities to step outside of my everyday “church bubble” and spend time with people who do not know Jesus and share the love of Christ with them.

In your everyday life, I would challenge you to look for opportunities to share your faith with people who do not know the Lord. Live your life as a positive example for others to follow, and be available to step outside of your comfort zone to share the love of Christ with someone who needs it.

Did you know? Pastor Jason enjoys racing slot cars for a hobby…not only for the fun of racing, but spending time with other guys in the community beyond Grace Covenant.

March 29, 2010

Luke 18
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

As a kid, one of my favorite things was running into the strong arms of my Dad. As a mom, I have to say that having my small kids and now my grandkids run towards me at full throttle so they can jump into my open arms still ranks way up there. Kids show no hesitancy. No fear. No worry about how you’ll receive them. For that moment, you are the absolute center of your child’s world and they are completely confident that whatever their need is, whatever the reason for their approach, once they are in your arms, everything will be taken care of.

Running to the One who loves us, cares for us, and can help us with whatever needs we have is exactly what this chapter in Luke is about. In a series of stories, Jesus teaches his followers how to approach God:

• Persistently without giving up


• Humbly, just crying out for mercy


• Like a child, simply desiring to be with Him


• Focused completely on God, making everything else secondary


• Confident in faith, directly expressing our need

It’s amazing that the God of the Universe would invite us to come to Him in such personal ways. And more amazing still - when we do run towards Him, He reaches down, lifts us up and wraps His strong arms around us. And suddenly we know that everything will be taken care of.

Did you know? Pastor JoAn’s hobbies include gardening, reading, and playing with her (very active) grandsons.

March 26-28, 2010

Luke 17
Pastor Farrell Lemings

Beginning in Luke 17:11, we read that Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem when he was encountered by ten men who had leprosy. Leprosy is a horrendous disease that attacks the body, causing the flesh to literally rot away. Beyond the pain of the disease, there was the challenge of isolation. Anyone who had leprosy was declared “unclean” and had to live separately from community.

As a result, the ten men that approached Jesus were in a painful, desperate place in their lives. As they cried out for mercy, Jesus directed them to go and show themselves to the priest. They were healed as they went on their way, yet only one returned to give thanks. Where were the other nine? Why did they not return to give thanks for the miracle that had taken place?

Often in the busyness of life, we can be like the nine lepers that did not return to give thanks for their healing. We can take for granted the blessings that God has given us.

As Christ-followers, our lives should be marked by thanksgiving. We have been saved from our sin, blessed in many ways spiritually and physically and we have the promise of heaven. Don’t allow complacency or busyness to rob you of the opportunity to give thanks.

Two of Lead Pastor Farrell Lemings’ favorite scriptures are: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) and “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

March 25, 2010

Luke 16
Lynell McCrary

Through Jesus’ parables and teachings recorded in Luke 16, we learn that God is saying to be generous and responsible with our resources. Being generous and responsible with what God has entrusted to us may look different for each person, but is built upon the same foundation - Jesus Christ.

He was willing to give up His life for us. His generosity knows no limits and His responsibility is Kingdom-minded.

Does our generosity have limits? Do we exercise responsibility in extending our resources? To know how to truly balance generosity and responsibility, we must seek the face of Christ - not asking for specific answers to these questions, but simply seeking the heart of God. As we become more like Him, His nature is reflected in us.

Heavenly generosity and responsibility become byproducts of our focus and desire to become more like Christ.

Jeremiah 29:11 is Connections Director Lynell McCrary’s favorite verse of scripture: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you; plans for a hope and a future’.”

March 24, 2010

Luke 15
Pastor Derek Floyd

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound….” So begins one of the most beloved hymns of all time. The author was John Newton, a self-proclaimed wretch who once was lost but then was found, saved by amazing grace. What John experienced was a grace that knows no limits when seeking to rescue the lost and bring them home.

Jesus associated with certain classes of people that were identified by the Pharisees as being sinners. His actions infuriated the religious leaders, yet Christ continued to go to those who needed him, whoever they were. How are you and I following his example?

As recorded in Luke 15, each of Jesus’ three parables concluded with rejoicing and the lost being found. In verse 6, “’Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep’” Verse 9: “’Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin’.” Verse 32: “…celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’.”

It’s my conclusion that God has a thing about the “lost and found department” of heaven. The greatest of all Christ-followers began their journey in the “lost” department before finding themselves “found.” As a result, their lives and mission would never be the same. Like the father in the parable, we accept repentant sinners wholeheartedly. It’s what Jesus did, what others did, and the reason you and I are living in the hope of heaven.

Amazing grace. Now that is music to my ears!

Pastor Derek’s favorite scripture passage is found in Psalm 19:12-14 – “Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

March 23, 2010

Luke 14
Pastor John Edwards

Life must be understood backwards, but…it must be lived forward.

The older I get, I’ve found myself living that quote from Soren Kierkegaard. Maybe that’s why I was transported in my heart and mind to the Pharisee’s house, as recorded in Luke 14. Like others around the meal table, I’m watching carefully and listening intently as Jesus’ parable identifies honor-seeking guests at a wedding feast with a heart condition called pride.

It’s a painful-yet-valuable reminder of a certain Friday morning when, one by one, each of the 11 members of WSOC Radio’s news and sports staff met with the station’s general manager and program director. One of them was a recent college graduate, full of himself as a broadcast journalist in his hometown, who learned during the brief conversation that the all-news station’s format would change to “adult standards” music at midnight on Sunday. His (my) services were needed no longer.

It wasn’t clear at the time, but “20/20 hindsight” makes me grateful for that moment. It’s been nearly three decades ago, yet remains a powerful character-building lesson that Jesus described in Luke 14:11, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

These days, it must still be an intentional pursuit for less of me…and more of Him. Skirmishes of pride vs. humility take place multiple times each day, yet the battle’s worth fighting “…because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

No “seat of honor” here can compare with a seat at the “Wedding Supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:6-9). So…let’s live forward!

The scripture verse that’s most compelling in Pastor John’s life is I Corinthians 4:2 – “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

March 22, 2010

Luke 13
Pastor Wil Mouer

True Repentance

Many people in the church get confused about the real meaning of repentance. I used to think that it meant to be sorry or to feel regret. These feelings are associated with repentance, but this is not what Christ truly wants us to understand about this subject. Sometimes we can feel sorry for sin and regret, yet find ourselves going back to the same sin time and time again. This is not true repentance.

In the early part of Luke 13, we see that Jesus addressed repentance multiple times. He then told a parable. Parables were not designed to state things simpler, but to give a different perspective on a topic in order to challenge the listeners to pay attention and look for the deeper meaning. In this case, Jesus described the true nature of repentance by sharing the parable of the fig tree (verses 6-8). In the context of this chapter, repentance is a clear 180-degree turn from sin, followed by a consistent new direction that bears lasting fruit.

As the Holy Spirit reveals sin in our lives, it is our responsibility not only to feel sorrow but to turn from it and forge a new path of fruitfulness. This is God’s desire for us. Take the opportunity to really analyze your life and seek the Lord about any area of sin, then take the necessary steps to truly repent.

Know this…God loves you greatly just the way you are, yet He loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to stay the same.

From the New Living Translation, Galatians 6:9 is Pastor Wil’s favorite passage of scripture: "So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."

March 19-21, 2010

Luke 12
Pastor Jon Wehner

Do you have a “worry tank”? You know…an imaginary container that causes you anxiety?

If so, God wants to help you empty that burdensome vessel. There just happens to be a delightful passage of scripture that can move you to a place of peace and serenity as relate to the basic necessities of life.

In Luke 12:31, God’s Word says: “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” His desire is that we live in this basic principle, making His Kingdom our primary focus. In doing so, we are promised that He will meet our everyday human concerns.

That’s good news, and the first step in making our imaginary container much easier to eliminate.

Pastor Jon’s favorite scripture is found in 2 Timothy 2:1 – “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

March 18, 2010

Luke 11
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

Luke 11:1-5 (Matthew 6:5-13)

These two passages relate to the scene where the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. They had heard the temple leaders and scholars pray in public with grand eloquence and verbosity. They also saw how John the Baptist taught his disciples how to pray. They recognized that God knew the desires of their heart even before a word is spoken (Psalm 139:4). Yet the question remained, and Jesus responded with what we refer to today as “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Understanding the flow of this prayer can be most helpful as we enter into times of daily prayer, crisis for ourselves or loved ones, uncertainty, needed provision, etc., Jesus’ instructions:

• Worship God: “hallowed be your name” (Luke 11:2; Matt.6:9).


• Submit to His will and purpose, bridging heaven and earth: “your kingdom come, (Luke 11:2) your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt.6:10).


• Petition the Lord for life’s necessary provisions (not desires. but the basic needs that allow us to serve Him): “give us this day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3, Matt.6:11).


• Receive God’s unconditional love and ask for His grace for us and others: “forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Luke 11:4, Matt.6:12), asking God to pardon us as we do the same to others who have crossed us.


• Offer a plea for protection: “And lead us not into temptation (Luke 11:4), but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt.6:13).

In the midst of penning this devotion at an early hour in the morning, I received a call from my mother. My father went into the hospital the day before for a routine monthly procedure. Yet this time he experienced a tragic turn of events, causing the doctor to call in our family. My mother’s request from a hospital room 600 miles away was simple - to pray. That is just what I did, reading the words of these passages and personalizing them to my dad’s situation.

Days later my dad passed into Eternity, and at his memorial service this prayer was prayed by all in attendance. Today, he sits in the palm of God’s Hand.

As you pray, do not concern yourself with eloquence, wordiness, posture or appearance. Come to God in prayer with sincere earnestness and a heart after Him. Draw close to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8)

Pastor Paul’s favorite scripture passage is Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

March 17, 2010

Luke 10
Pastor Stan Wilson

From the moment the alarm goes off, we are inundated with an oversized menu of thoughts, choices and decisions about our day. When our feet hit the floor, we are forced into a race of preparation, hoping to feel some sense of accomplishment at the finish line.

The finish line is marked when darkness makes its way into night. Upon its arrival, we crawl into bed to sleep, only to start the race over again too soon. It’s a proven fact that finding success in this daily regimen depends upon the ability to identify the important things, choosing to place them first.

We find a great example of this in Luke 10, an account of two sisters who invited Jesus into their home. Martha is to be commended, since she is the one who extended the invitation. However, we read that she chose preparation over His presence. Martha allowed herself to become overwhelmed with her perception of necessary details and was unable to experience the refreshment and joy that His visit was intended to bring.

While her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, intently listening to His every word, Martha reached her boiling point. In a display of frustration, she complained. I would imagine that Martha expected Jesus to offer a word of correction to her sister and excuse her to the kitchen. However, it became clear that this was not the case as he said, “Mary has chosen what is better.”

What will you choose today? Will you place your preparation over His presence, or will you invite Him in, sit at His feet and experience the refreshment and joy His presence promises to bring?

Pastor Stan’s favorite scripture is found in Ephesians 3:16-19 - "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

March 16, 2010

Luke 9
Pastor Luke Lang

In your lifetime, you will answer thousands of questions. Some will be small (Paper or plastic? You want fries with that? Is this seat taken?), while others are big ones (Will you marry me? What did the doctor say?) So…what is the most important question ever asked?

Luke chapter 9 is action-packed! Jesus fed over 5-thousand people with a sack lunch. He healed some people, spent some quality time with Moses and Elijah, and predicted His own death. All in a day’s work!

In the midst of all the action, Jesus spent a quiet moment with his posse. He was alone with His disciples and it became the ultimate teachable moment.

He asked them a question…not just any question, but THE question - THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION EVER!!!! It wasn’t just a question for the disciples, but was a question that each of us has to answer: “Who do you say that I am?”

At some point, every person who has ever lived has to answer that question. Our entire existence depends on our response. Our answer will forever define us. It’s completely personal. No one else can answer for us. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, because Jesus looks at us with eyes that lock into our soul and asks, “Who do YOU say that I am?”

Who is Jesus to YOU? Is He a historical figure, “good” teacher, religious lunatic, crutch for the weak…or is He your Savior, Lord, King, Only Hope, Refuge, Provider and Friend?

In the midst of all the actions of life, Jesus asks each of us the same simple question: ”Who do You say that I am?”

Your answer?

Pastor Luke’s favorite scripture is found in Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

March 15, 2010

Luke 8
Pastor Jeff Allen

Marked for life

Some time ago, I found myself standing before a leader, overwhelmed by feelings that I wasn’t good enough. I felt like who I was as a person wasn’t what people liked or wanted. From the leader’s perspective, there were a number of possible responses. Yet - sensing a prompting from the Holy Spirit - he simply said, “Let’s take a moment to pray and let’s talk tomorrow.”

I will never forget that moment. It was just the beginning of a God-encounter that would mark me for life. During that time, I experienced healing, peace, perspective, self-awareness and essentially…new life.

In Luke chapter 8, we read about several people who experienced God-encounters. Each one was unique to the individual and specific to his or her need. The disciples received spiritual insight, as well as peace, in the midst of a storm. A man was freed from oppression. A woman was healed from an incurable medical problem. A girl received new life.

Some of the encounters reported in this chapter were just moments in time, while others lasted much longer. Yet all were changed.

How about you? Does something need to change? Do you need spiritual insight? I pray that you will open yourself to experience encounters with God that will meet you at your point of need…and leave you marked for life.

Psalm 16:11 is Pastor Jeff’s favorite verse from God’s Word: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

March 12-14, 2010

Luke 7
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

Luke 7:36-50

One of my favorite Christian songs is CeCe Winans’ recording of “The Alabaster Box.” I’m moved to the edge of tears every time I hear it, in part because the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the scene at the Pharisees’ dinner party when the uninvited woman entered, approached the banquet table and lavished her love upon Jesus. You can just feel the tension as religion and relationship collide in the same room.

The other thing that I love about the song is how it captures beautifully the moment Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon and the other dinner guests, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.” (vs. 44) Simon, the religious leader, failed to extend Jesus the common courtesy of cleansing his sandaled feet, anointing his head with oil or offering him the traditional kiss of greeting. Perhaps Simon thought that he was too good to treat Jesus as an equal. On the other hand, the sinful woman lavished Jesus with tears of gratitude, anointed Him with expensive perfume and kissed on her Savior.

Overflowing love is a heartfelt response to forgiveness and mercy. However, only those who realize the depth of their sin can appreciate God’s complete forgiveness and grace.

Do you appreciate the wideness of God’s mercy for you? Why don’t you take a few minutes and shower your Savior with expressions of thanksgiving and gratitude?

Jeremiah 17:7 is Pastor Michelle’s favorite scripture verse: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”

March 11, 2010

Luke 6
Pastor Paul Glenn

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)

This may be one of the most commonly misused verses in the Bible. Most Christians quote this scripture as it relates to their finances. Yet a careful reading of the preceding verse reveals a relationship to judging, condemning and/or forgiving others. In fact, the 10 verses that lead into this topic address the proper treatment of our enemies.

If I am honest, there have been many times when the way I treated others was far too judgmental and condemning. I would not want a “running over” portion of that treatment given back to me.

Let’s ask God to remind us daily of the way Jesus was treated, persecuted and crucified so that we can accurately mirror His response of love.

Pastor Paul’s favorite scripture is found in Proverbs 3:1-6 - "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

March 10, 2010

Luke 5
Mike Schwiebert

The amygdala, or “lizard brain” as some call it, is the brain’s region that controls our base motivation and emotional behavior. Scientists say that the amygdala acts as a resistor, often through fear. It keeps us quiet when we disagree, or from finishing projects that make us vulnerable to criticism.

The people that I admire have silenced this resistor, moved into uncharted, creative territory…and changed the world.

In Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, Seth Godin challenges us to overcome “lizard brain” resistance by:

• Being impatient with the status quo


• Not copying someone else’s tactics


• Doing something new

Resistance to change could be holding us back from experiencing more of God!

Don’t miss this revelation from the wineskin parable: inexperience is a prerequisite for fresh wine. If you want a fresh outpouring, you must be a new wineskin - a novice. (see Jesus’ parable in verses 36-39)

My encouragement:

• Be adventurous in your pursuit of Jesus.


• Drop your nets and follow Him.


• You don’t have to have it figured out. In fact, it only works if you don’t.


• Step out in faith and try something new. Only then, when you are lacking experience and completely out of your depth, have you met the conditions for new wine.

Media Director Mike Schwiebert’s favorite scripture passage is Ephesians 1:18-19 - “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

March 9, 2010

Luke 4
Pastor Jason Yon

In Luke 4, we find Jesus being led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to fast for forty days. The devil tempted Jesus three times, trying to get him to sin. Each time, Jesus responded with scripture.

From this reading, I believe that we should glean these major things:

• In the beginning of the passage, Luke wrote “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit…” I believe that it is important for every believer to be full of the Holy Spirit. We face temptations and challenges every day and it is the Holy Spirit who gives us the encouragement, strength, and power to say “NO” to the devil and his temptations.

• Just as Jesus used scripture to combat the devil’s temptations, we must also know the Word of God so that we can recall it at any time and resist temptation. The devil is very sneaky and will attack you when you least expect it. You need to have God’s Word so engrained in your heart that when the devil tempts you with something, you can slam God’s Word back in his face! Verseoftheday.com is just one of many resources on the internet where you can receive a different verse each day, reminding you to memorize God’s Word. We also have a “Verse of the Day” on the right side of the gracecovenantfamily.org website.

Know this: you will be tempted. Jesus tells us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The devil wants you to fail. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy your full life in Christ. You are in warfare with the enemy and must be fully armored and ready to fight (Ephesians 6).

So grab your Sword of the Spirit, and ATTACK!

Pastor Jason’s favorite scripture is found in Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

March 8, 2010

Luke 3
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

Luke used this chapter to give us a snapshot of the life and times of John the Baptist. He meticulously named the current political and religious leaders to verify this particular date in history. He quoted from the words of Isaiah, written centuries earlier, to show that John was the man fulfilling Scriptural prophecy through his unique preaching ministry summarized by calling everyone to a ‘baptism of repentance.’ It is clear from the text that the witness of this man’s life, the truthful ring of his words, and the urgency of his call to action created a feeling of expectancy and a desire for personal change in those around him. Large crowds followed him, asking if he was the Savior for whom they were looking.

John the Baptist was quick to correct their thinking. “I baptize you with water. But One more powerful than I will come, the thongs of Whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16) John’s mission was to prepare them to receive Christ. If any glory, attention, or hope for rescue was being focused on him, they would be disappointed. How could there be any comparison between the messenger and the Message? How could one confuse the symbolism of water immersion with the spiritual saturation of the Spirit?

Could this fiery preacher himself possibly accomplish any eternal work?

Only this—he lived out God’s plan for his life. He stayed true to mission. He was uncompromising in his lifestyle. He was radical in his faith. And this---he knew the only really important thing was to prepare people to meet the Savior.

One of Pastor JoAn’s favorite scriptures: “But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.” Acts 20:24 (NLT)

March 5-7, 2010

Luke 2
Pastor Farrell Lemings

To say that the shepherds were scared is an understatement. As recorded in Luke 2, they were out in the fields watching their flocks, just taking care of business, when the heavens exploded with angelic activity. The angels brought the announcement that the promised Messiah had been born in Bethlehem.

After the shepherds got beyond the shock of the moment, they responded in a way that should be a pattern for us every day of our lives. First they decided that they would go and see this wonder about which the angels had told them. We should start our day in pursuit of Jesus. As the shepherds sought Jesus, so we should seek Him.

As they arrived at the stable in Bethlehem, they were amazed at the miracle of God having come in the flesh. The scripture says that they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. They actually became the first evangelists. Following their pattern, we should tell everyone that will listen about the miracle of God’s plan of salvation that is available through Jesus Christ.

Then the Scripture says that they returned, glorifying and praising God. Even as the shepherds worshiped, so our lives should be overflowing with worship of God for His provision for our lives.

The shepherds sought Jesus, told others about Jesus and worshiped the living God. What a model for us to emulate.

Farrell Lemings served as a Grace Covenant associate pastor and senior pastor in Texas before returning to become GCC’s Lead Pastor in 1995.

March 4, 2010

Luke 1
Lynell McCrary

Many of us are familiar with Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story and how God blessed them with their son, John, later in their faithful lives. Yet I invite you to join me in pondering the prophecy reflected in verses 16 and 17. Any one of the items about which the angel spoke could have been enough for John’s entire lifetime!

My thoughts are turned toward the prophecy that God spoke through the heavenly angels over my life, when I was being knit together. I was not there to hear the words, yet I am challenged to seek after the pursuit of my heavenly assignment.

So the question becomes, “If I didn’t hear the exact words spoken over me, how will I know what they are?” I am finding that the more I press into Christ, truly getting to know Him and becoming more like Him, my life starts to be reflective of those heavenly words. My life should become a reflection of Christ which in turn becomes a fulfillment of His plan for my life.

What are you and I doing that reflect Christ in our lives? Is it our heavenly assignment?

Lynell McCrary taught middle school physical education in Los Angeles, coached women’s college basketball and served as part of Grace Covenant’s Connections staff before becoming the ministry’s director.

March 3, 2010

Mark 16
Pastor Derek Floyd

There’s a story about the late blind singer and musician, Ray Charles, sitting on an airplane during an intermediate stop. When asked if he’d like to leave the plane to stretch his legs, he declined but asked if someone would take his seeing-eye dog for a walk. The pilot proceeded to walk the dog around the plane. Everyone who saw this in the terminal would not get on the plane.

Oh we of little faith! We shout toward heaven, “God, don’t You see what’s happening to me?”

As recorded in Mark 16, Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith to believe that He had risen. He said that He would rise in three days and kept His promise. As a result, we can believe that He will keep all of His other promises. According to Hebrews 1:11, faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, and it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Christ is risen, and He is alive!!

OK, this is your boarding call.

Music has always been an integral part of Derek Floyd’s life, including television, touring, singing, recording, writing/arranging and serving as a music minister before joining the Grace Covenant pastoral staff.

March 2, 2010

Mark 15
Pastor John Edwards

He was accused falsely…ridiculed publicly…mocked…beaten…spit upon. His physical body was broken and His blood flowed. Yet...join me in a fresh look at Jesus Christ’s response.

The Mark 15 account of our Lord's “trial,” unimaginable punishment and horrific crucifixion is such a familiar story. However, its impact on our lives must remain alive. You and I must feel the weight, responding with nothing less than gratitude...and a willingness to learn something about resolve.

He knew His purpose, and didn’t waver. That example should mark our lives too.

In recent years, Pastor Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life has been one of the best-selling books of all time. At the risk of over-simplifying his excellent challenge, it’s essentially a book about resolve. “Living on purpose is the only way to really live,” wrote Warren. “Everything else is just existing.”

He goes on to offer “life’s five greatest questions.” How would you answer them?

• What will be the center of my life? (the resolve to “worship in everything”)


• What will be the character of my life (the resolve to “grow in faith”)


• What will be the contribution of my life? (the resolve to “serve in ministry”)


• What will be the communication of my life? (the resolve to be – and speak - a “living testimony” that will touch the hearts of unbelievers)


• What will be the community of my life? (the resolve to “connect in community”)

The resolve begins with you and me, but we don’t have to do it in our own strength. Instead, we have the hope from God’s Word, described in 2 Chronicles 16:9: “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Jesus Christ's response was not determined by the religious leaders' accusations, the jeering crowd, Pilate’s actions, abusive soldiers or mocking onlookers. His resolve – His sense of unwavering purpose - challenges me to the core.

As Christians called by His name, we must be people of resolve. He deserves that kind of response, and so much more.

Before joining the Grace Covenant pastoral staff, John Edwards served in broadcast and print journalism, public information, marketing, community relations, non-profit program development and strategic planning.

March 1, 2010

Mark 14
Pastor Wil Mouer

Outrageous Worship

In the routine of Christianity, we can get into the rut of making worship too ordinary.

Worship is much more than our corporate song service on Sunday mornings, Monday nights or other times. Unfortunately, many Christians get into this mindset. How can we avoid this from happening and keep our worship to God genuine, pure and even outrageous?

I think that one of the greatest examples of true worship - not just ordinary, but extraordinary - is found in Mark 14:3-9. This has become known as the story of the woman with the alabaster box. This woman broke a jar of expensive perfume and poured it over Jesus’ head. The disciples were upset because they knew the jar’s contents to be of much value, but Jesus rebuked them for thinking that way. He knew that her heart was to display an outrageous form of worship unto Him. The example is a great model for us.

We must find ways to show outrageous worship to our Savior. In what ways can you radically display your love for your Lord and Savior? Think of some new and fresh ways to worship God. Let’s make our expressions of worship to Him outrageous!

Wil Mouer planned to pursue a professional golf career when the Lord called him to full-time youth ministry, then led two effective student ministries before joining the Grace Covenant pastoral staff.