April 30-May 2, 2010

John 18
Pastor Jon Wehner

As we read what is considered to begin “The Passion Narrative” in John 18, I am reminded of a dramatic production that reflected Mel Gibson’s own passion in 2004. As you know, his movie depiction of the arrest, trial, crucifixion and burial of Jesus was surrounded by much controversy. It’s interesting that many persons in the film industry where doing all that they could to keep his work, “The Passion of the Christ,” out of movie theatres. I believe that the controversy revolved around the notion that the Jewish leaders of that time were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Now let’s fast forward to the book of Acts and expose the short-sighted thinking of the disgruntled film critics. Acts 2:23 reads, “This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”

The Passion Story needs to be at the forefront of our knowledge of God. It reminds us continually that God’s plan - however disturbing - was to restore our relationship with Him through the gruesome execution of Jesus. Yet that’s not the end of the story, as we read in Acts 2:24, “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”

Now that’s a story worth sharing!

Did you know that Pastor Jon grew up in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan? The city in which he lived covered two square miles, which served as home to 36,000 people.

April 29, 2010

John 17
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

“My prayer is not for them alone (referring to his disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message (eternal life through Christ).” - John 17:20

Regardless of age or season of life, we have all been on the receiving end of failures and disappointments from close friends and family. Often our gut reaction is to write them off and want nothing more of them in our lives…or at least for the rest of the day.

Jesus could have done the same, knowing that His disciples would deny Him. Instead He prayed for them (verses 6-19). Even when Peter denied Him, he was later reinstated (John 21:15-19). When He was called to be crucified by the same people who just days before had welcomed Him into the city, He prayed for them (verses 20-26).

Remember Job’s suffering and confusion - getting bad advice from family and friends? He never turned his back on God and he remembered his friends. Although Job could have broken relationship with everyone, he prayed for them. God rewarded him with twice as much as before (Job 42:10).

It’s easy to pray for loved ones needing provision or health. However, when people fail and disappoint you, it is usually challenging to be kind and compassionate. If you suffer hurts from others’ actions and words, follow Christ’s example and pray for them, even when…

Can you think of someone who wronged you? Stop what you are doing and pray for him/her. Prayer opens the pathway to the miraculous even when…

Did you know? Prior to ministry, Pastor Paul worked for many years in sports medicine, treating athletes from a variety of professional sports teams.

April 28, 2010

John 16
Pastor Stan Wilson

There is a famous parental proverb that has been passed down through the ages. As children, we heard it. As parents, we’ve spoken it. These familiar words of wisdom have been spoken before a necessary discipline or when a child is facing one of the hard blows of life, and goes something like this: “You may not fully understand this now, but one day you will. This is for your good.” I’ve often used these words with my own children, and each time they seem to invoke the same blank stare of disbelief. It was if I were speaking a foreign language.

We find a similar situation when reading John 16:7. Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away.” Notice how He stamped the words of His departure with, “It is for your good.” Because they were filled with grief, it becomes easy to conclude that there was some level of disbelief. Perhaps the disciples thought Jesus was speaking a foreign language. After all, how could it be good that His teaching and miracles would end? What good could come from His arrest and trial? What good could possibly come from being mocked and beaten? What good could come from His death? Even though the disciples didn’t understand, Jesus did. He had the perspective of seeing the bigger picture. He understood that His departure really was for their good and even though difficult to hear, the words must be spoken.

Is God doing something within and around you that you don't understand? Has grief filled your heart? If so, God isn't mad at you. He isn't punishing you. He wants to show you how all the situations that you are facing are for your good. Remember, He sees the bigger picture of your life.

Did you know? Pastor Stan and his wife Cammie recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. It all began with a summer camp romance at Camp Courtney in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

April 27, 2010

John 15
Pastor Luke Lang

At this time of year, I start thinking about home-grown tomatoes. I love them.

When I was growing up, my Dad was a serious gardener. Tomatoes were his favorite things to plant and grow. He would carefully till the rocky Oklahoma soil, then put out the tomato cages and plants. He carefully nurtured the plants – weeding, pruning and watering - literally spending hours each night making sure that he had a healthy garden. Then FINALLY, the day would come and there would be fresh, perfectly ripe tomatoes sliced up on the dinner table! You could put a little sugar on them and eat them with a fork or put a little mayonnaise on white bread and enjoy a tomato sandwich. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit my dad’s green thumb. Everything that I’ve ever try to grow has died an ugly death.

In John 15, we learn that our Heavenly Father is the Master Gardener! He is continually about the business of pruning and purifying us so that we will produce. He carefully tills the soil of our soul and nurtures us - trimming, pruning and cutting back. It is rarely fun or comfortable, but it’s always for our good because He knows what we need. He does His part, but we also have a part to play. The quality or productivity of our lives depends on ONE thing. It’s not our skill, talent, looks or luck. It depends on our relationship with Jesus! As long as we stay connected to Him, we produce fruit. The greater the connection, the greater the fruit.

What is your fruit factor? What is your life producing?

It’s something to think about as I fix myself a tomato sandwich.

Did you know that – right after high school – Pastor Luke considered applying to clown college?

April 26, 2010

John 14
Pastor Jeff Allen

To love or not to love…that is the question.

How would you describe love? Is it an emotion or a feeling? I hear it from our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders all the time, describing love for pizza the same way they describe love for their Dad and Mom. Is that the way it should be? One moment we love pizza and the next moment, it’s chocolate chip cookies. I wonder sometimes if we’ve distorted this thing called love.

In John 14, Jesus talked a lot about love. For example, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (verse 15, NLT) and “Those who obey my commands are the ones who love Me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them…” (verse 21, NLT)

Let’s think about this. What are Jesus’ commands? I can think of several, but let’s go with “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44, NLT) and “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important; ‘Love your neighbors as yourself.” All the other commandments and all the other demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NLT). Although these verses are worded a bit differently in some Bible versions, they say the same thing. They are commands to love God and people.

God created us and knows how we function. He knows that our feelings are up one moment and down the next. They are ever changing, depending on how we slept, the weather, how someone talked to us, traffic jams, not eating, etc. So why would He base our entire living on a command that incorporates a feeling into our daily lives? My sense is that Jesus knew that love isn’t just an emotion, but a choice. If it wasn’t a choice, He wouldn’t have commanded us to do it. There are times when I don’t feel like loving God or people (yes, I’m human) and maybe the same is true of you.

It’s worth repeating - love is not just a feeling, but a choice. Choose to love, even if you don’t feel like it.

Did you know that – if he could – Pastor Jeff would grill every meal?

April 23-25, 2010

John 13
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

When the night before Jesus’ death is described in the Gospel of John, it is interesting that there are no details about the Passover Meal and Holy Communion, as in other Gospels. Perhaps it’s because for John, THE event that night was the amazing demonstration of Christ serving out of love, as He washed their feet.

Notice how John introduced the scene in John 13:1 -“Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” Jesus was about to serve His disciples in an incredibly mundane way – by washing their feet - but this simple act of serving was rooted in deep love for them.

Have you ever noticed the difference between someone serving out of duty and another serving out of love? When a person serves out of love, life comes to the one being served and joy marks the servant. Serving in love has transforming power.

In the scene described in John 13, Christ showed us that serving is an expression of love. Loving one another can be as simple as serving in ordinary ways like folding the laundry…giving up the better parking space…letting someone with less items go ahead of you in line…or even washing someone’s feet.

When done out of love and not duty, who knows how a simple act of serving might transform a relationship, household, community or workplace?

Is there someone who needs to see your expression of love? Think of a way to serve.

Did you know that both of Pastor Michelle’s grandfathers were Foursquare pastors? One served for 65 years and is now 103 years old, still evangelizing in the nursing home.

April 22, 2010

John 12
Pastor Paul Glenn

When I read the story of Mary anointing Jesus (see John 12:3), I’m reminded of the three types of giving: tithes, offerings and extravagant offerings. Mary’s gift was equal to a year’s wages. That qualifies as extravagant! What would motivate an individual to give in such a way?

If we look back to the previous chapter, we read that Jesus had just raised Mary’s brother Lazarus from the dead. Simply saying “thank you” just didn’t seem adequate.

Moving forward to John 19:38-40, we notice that Jesus was buried so quickly that He was not anointed properly. In essence, Mary’s gift would be Jesus’ burial anointing. I think that Mary was moved by a profound sense of gratitude and a divinely inspired sense of timing.

In contrast, Judas was a greedy thief. Malachi 3 tells us that we rob God when we don’t give tithes and offerings. Judas was so impudent that he even stole from Jesus’ own wallet. He was motivated solely by his self-interests.

May we be like Mary – so inspired and moved with gratitude that we give our time, talents and resources extravagantly - rather than like Judas, chasing our own selfish endeavors.

Did you know that Pastor Paul proposed to his wife Susan on an airplane - standing in the middle aisle with the passengers as witnesses - and that they, along with the flight crew, stood in a congratulatory reception line for exiting passengers?

April 21, 2010

John 11
Mike Schwiebert

Some observations from the phenomenal story of Jesus raising Lazarus, as found in John 11:

• I am challenged by the fact that Jesus waited before responding (see verse 6). This is a great leadership lesson - not just responding to the need, but waiting until the Holy Spirit says, “Go!” Although I don’t want to turn this into a formula, this story shows that 77% of the time was spent waiting for Jesus to act.


• I am also comforted by His emotional response: “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) The meaning of those words can fill your heart with wonder. Yet that’s not the end! Sin, suffering and pain are around us, but the light of life has broken through. Dawn has come!


• I am reminded that following God comes with a price. What a contrast between Jesus giving life and those wanting to take life. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “…death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” (2 Corinthians 4:12) The Holy Spirit empowers us to give life, instead of taking it. As we are led by the Spirit and invite His empowering presence, He uses us as resurrection agents. This is our true vocation.
  

Did you know? Media Director Mike Schwiebert is number 4 of 8 siblings.

April 20, 2010

John 10
Pastor Jason Yon

In the first part of John 10, Jesus teaches us about our relationship with Him through the example of sheep and their shepherd. In particular, notice how the sheep know the shepherd’s voice (verses 3-4).

If we want to know our Shepherd’s voice, being able to hear it and respond to Him, we must KNOW Him first. We must practice hearing His voice.

The sheep know the shepherd’s voice because they spend so much time together in the fields. They have a relationship that is built upon spending time with each other.

In the same way, we must also spend time with Jesus, reading the Word and in prayer, so that we can build relationship with Him. We need to talk with Jesus in prayer, willing to “sit out in the fields” with Him and listen to what He wants to tell us. We cannot be in such a hurry to get in our “God time” for the day that we get it done, check it off on our “to-do list” and go about the rest of our day. Our entire day should be spent hanging out with Jesus, talking with Him.

As we make time to spend with Him, talking to Him and allowing Him to speak to us, we will know the Shepherd’s voice. It is then that we will be able to hear His voice when we need to hear it so desperately. It is then that we will be able to run from “the thief who comes to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10) because we will know that it is not our Shepherd’s voice.

Did you know? Pastor Jason received the Gold Medal of Achievement in Royal Rangers, a ministry to boys and young men that’s similar to Boy Scouts.

April 19, 2010

John 9
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

“As He (Jesus) went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.’” John 9:1-3

It is the “why question” that so many of us stumble with. “Why was I born this way?” “Why did this happen?” “Lord, why?” In this passage, the disciples see a man who is blind and wonder why. Coming from a theology of “if you live right, your life will be blessed,” they asked the One who knows everything to teach them something. “Who sinned?” “What went wrong?”

The answer Jesus gave was unexpected. Amazingly enough, this man’s blindness had something to do with the secret plans and purposes of God. He was a miracle about to happen. And looking for the miracle is much more meaningful than digging for the dirt.

Healing came when the man who had always lived in darkness, responded to the One who had come to bring Light. God’s grace reached out to man’s need. Man’s faith responded to God’s Word. In that moment, the miracle happened. And for the rest of eternity, this man’s life gives witness to an encounter with the compassionate, powerful, healing Savior.

And now we understand. We are all born blind. In desperate need of God’s miraculous touch. Jesus is passing by and He would like to take this moment and use it for eternity.

“Jesus, I welcome Your life-changing power to come into my life. Open my eyes to see You…your perspective…your purpose. I invite You to use the circumstances of my today-life for Your forever-glory. Amen” 


Did you know that Pastor JoAn grew up in northern Wisconsin and is an avid Green Bay Packers fan?

April 16-18, 2010

John 8
Pastor Farrell Lemings

Can you imagine the shame, guilt and fear the woman (see John 8:1-11) must have experienced as she was used as a pawn in the power play of the Pharisees? Obviously she was guilty, since she was caught in the very act of adultery. Yet rather than receiving judgment, she discovered forgiveness. Rather than experiencing death, she found life.

The Pharisees used this woman in an attempt to trap Jesus, but He turned a bad situation into a freeing one with these words: “Then neither do I condemn you.”

Jesus did not make light of the woman’s sin, because He challenged her to leave her life of sin. However, He extended forgiveness to her, along with the opportunity for a new beginning.

Jesus wants to do the same for you. In John 3:17, Jesus declared, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” No matter your past failures, Jesus wants to forgive them and set you free. He did not come to condemn you, but to bring freedom. It is the work of Satan to condemn, but it is the work of Jesus to set us free through forgiveness.

If you have failed, the good news is that your failure is not final. Our God is a God of second chances. This is not a license to live in your sin, but an opportunity to live free!

Did you know that Pastor Farrell can’t stand snakes? The way he sees it, the only good snake is one that isn’t alive.

April 15, 2010

John 7
Lynell McCrary

We have all experienced that intense feeling of being thirsty. I am not just talking about wanting something to drink, but the kind of thirst that drives you to quench it quickly.

As a runner, I know that it is very important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer, so that I can train and improve. Staying hydrated includes drinking water during the day, before exercising. If I don’t get fluids in my body before I exercise, my endurance is affected and I cannot perform at my best.

Our hearts should be even more thirsty for the Lord. As recorded in John 7:37, Jesus gives us the invitation to come and quench our thirst. By doing this throughout the day, we can endure challenges when they come our way.

How thirsty are you? Are you trying to quench your thirst with anything but Christ? You may find that the more you drink from (believe in) Christ, the more you desire His living water in your life.

Did you know? Connections Director Lynell McCrary had never traveled east of the Mississippi River until moving here from California five years ago.

April 14, 2010

John 6
Pastor Derek Floyd

Have you ever searched for a human solution to a problem (knowing that there was none?) Perhaps the mortgage is due tomorrow and you have only 10% of what is needed. The company is downsizing and you’re one of those chosen to help make it smaller. The doctor says there is absolutely no hope.

As recorded in John 6:5, Jesus tested Philip to strengthen his faith, asking “where shall we buy bread for all these people to eat?” The human solution would be the local market. Yet from where would the money come to buy food for so many?

There was another solution that speaks directly to the sovereignty of Almighty God. In verse 6 we read, “He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” I don’t know why you may have only 10% of what’s needed, but Psalm 37:25 says “…I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread”. I don’t know why you’re losing your job, but Jesus said “…do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). If your Heavenly Father takes care of the birds and flowers, He will most certainly take care of you.

He knows you, child of God! May you never forget that 5,000 hungry followers ate to their heart’s content (with leftovers…my favorite!), but not made possible through a human solution. Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (verse 63). It may look hopeless and dark but remember, it just looks that way.

God is still sovereign – no matter what!

Did you know that Pastor Derek has been blessed with two Dove award nominations in his Christian music career, including Male Vocalist of the Year?

April 13, 2010

John 5
Pastor John Edwards

It’s a sinister, full-frontal offensive. It’s relentless, with destruction as the goal. Yet it’s deceptively subtle. In fact, you’re experiencing it even as you read this.

This attack of the enemy takes place in what we often call the “pace of life” - somewhere to go, something to do - expectations, deadlines, demands.

In the midst of that daily, ruthless assault, it’s easy – tempting, in fact – to “compartmentalize” our relationship with Jesus Christ. Part of the enemy’s attack strategy would have you and I “park” our faith-focus until the next Sunday morning, Monday night, Wednesday night or some other designated time when we “go to church”.

In John 5, we read that the Jews confronting Jesus didn’t celebrate the miracle of a 38-year invalid walking among them. Instead, their focus was upon life’s calendar: “So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.” (verse 16). Yet Jesus’ response held potential to rescue them from that temptation to limit God: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” (verse 17)

Those words can rescue you and me too. In the midst of life’s distractions, a God-focus keeps these truths before us - He is ever-present, all-knowing, never-changing…always desiring relationship with us.

As we approach our daily life-priorities, the best defense against the enemy’s distractions is a good offense: “I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep. God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you - shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke. God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” (Psalm 121, The Message).

Did you know that Pastor John walks around with surgically-reconstructed Achilles tendons in both legs? Each happened while playing slow-pitch softball, six years apart.

April 12, 2010

John 4
Pastor Wil Mouer

True Worshipers

In John 4, we find that Jesus sat down at Jacob’s well in Samaria to get a drink after a long journey. A Samaritan woman approached the well to draw some water, and Jesus engaged her in a conversation. In this Christ-encounter, the woman came to an understanding of the “living water” that is only available through Jesus.

During the conversation, Jesus made a statement about true worshipers, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (verse 23)

In this statement, these truths are worth our consideration:

• The time has come for true worshipers to rise up


• True worshipers do so in spirit and truth


• The Father is seeking after true worshipers

Let’s unpack what this means for us. Due to the coming of Christ, we can now worship God at a new level that would not be possible otherwise. Jesus made a way for the Holy Spirit to come into the lives of believers, giving us the opportunity to worship God with our spirit. When we live up to being true worshipers, we are fulfilling God’s ultimate purpose for us.

Live in awareness today that you are a true worshiper!

Did you know that Pastor Wil attended two different colleges and signed up to join the Air Force before responding to God's call and going to Bible College?

April 9-11, 2010

John 3
Pastor Jon Wehner

In the third chapter of John, we can gain clear insight from how Jesus communicated the concept of being “born again” to Nicodemus. We were all born, from our mother’s womb and of the flesh. However, new life in Christ demands that we embrace life in the Spirit.

Why do we continue to act as though living in the flesh brings us to new life? We have the power to live beyond what our weak and failure-prone physical bodies can accomplish.

Time and time again, I am encouraged by those that are experiencing a walk led by their “New Birth Father.” That’s why I think it’s critical to share my life with other believers that can help me stay focused on things of the Spirit. In doing so, we can continue to communicate a clear understanding of an eternal relationship with our Heavenly Father – by being “born again.”

Did you know? Before joining the Grace Covenant staff, Pastor Jon was part of several stock car pit crews for the NASCAR Nationwide Series, serving as an Engine Tuner, Tire Changer and Fuel Man at various points in his career.

April 8, 2010

John 2
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

“His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’.” (John 2:17)

It is possible to get so jazzed about something that it gets your full attention, making you blind to the world around you. You’ll stop whatever you are doing and adjust your day to make it happen because it is so important that it seems to consume you.

My two-year-old grandson, Caeden, does that on Monday nights. His dad leads worship during Monday Night Church. During the band’s rehearsal, Caeden will put down his drink, stop eating a chicken nugget, drop a toy car and make his way to the stage to stand behind his Daddy and copy every move. It’s a precious sight to see a two-year-old move his feet just like his dad. He is so jazzed about seeing his dad, being with him and doing what he does that the rest of his world stops. He is in awe of his Daddy, consumed by being in his presence.

Jesus had the same passion to be in His Father’s house in Jerusalem (the temple), and went to extremes to make it known. The way that people had turned the temple into a market infuriated Jesus to the point that he turned over their tables and threw them out. His disciples remembered the words of the psalmist David, “zeal for your house consumes me.” At the time that the verse (Psalm 69:9) was written, people were getting too comfortable and complacent with their faith and rejecting David’s zeal for God’s temple and kingdom. Much the same was happening in Jerusalem during Jesus’ time. Jesus wanted to be with His Father in the temple, and nothing was going to stop him from doing so.

The next time that you stop the world around you to do that all-important thing or watch your favorite singer, sport or satire, I encourage you to check yourself with these questions:

• Do I get as jazzed to be with the Lord and walk out my faith?


• Am I willing to clean my “temple” to give the Father the honor that He is due?


• Am I consumed to be in the presence of the Lord?

My prayer is that you may have the zeal to be with Christ and be like Him with the same excitement that a two-year-old wants to be with - and be like - his Daddy.

Did you know that Pastor Paul’s hobbies are vegetable gardening and cooking?

April 7, 2010

John 1
Pastor Stan Wilson

What do you think about your name? Maybe you’re pleased or you may have asked, “What were my parents thinking?” Is your name too plain? Too old fashioned?

Maybe your name’s like tiles on a Scrabble board…adding one letter changes everything. I’ll never forget the day that my son, Adam, came home a bit distressed from school. He explained tearfully that someone had added the letter “M” to the front of his name so that instead of “Adam” he was called “Madam.” He was devastated.

Personally, I never liked my given name, “Stanley.” On my first day of college, I seized the opportunity to make a change. When asked by the professor what I’d like to be called, I dropped the “ley” and became known confidently as Stan. That name has followed me to this day.

In John chapter 1, we read about one of the great name changes reported in the Bible. Upon meeting Simon, Jesus saw much more in this fisherman than what was revealed in his given name. Jesus saw the man who would be a foundation of the Church and changed his name to Peter, the Rock (see verse 42).

It’s comforting to know that when Jesus looks at me, He sees much more than what is revealed in my given name. I have a sense of awe when I consider the great name change that He has bestowed on me. When I think about the fact that He changed my name from “lost” to “found,” from “dead in sin” to “alive in Him” and from “rejected” to “accepted” - a new confidence arises within me.

If you need a confidence boost, why not take some time to consider the name change that Jesus has bestowed on you? It will follow you all the days of your life.

Did you know? Pastor Stan and his wife Cammie share a heart for London, England. Since 1998, they have trained and led more than 200 high school and college-age students into the center of the city for evangelistic and discipleship outreaches.

April 6, 2010

Luke 24
Pastor Luke Lang

Tucked away in the 24th chapter of Luke is one of my favorite Bible stories. It’s the story of two heartbroken men, walking down a dusty road to Emmaus. Jesus had been crucified, and their dreams and expectations died along with Him. They were just trying to sort things out when suddenly they were joined by a third man whom they didn’t recognize. The stranger seemed to be clueless about everything that had happened, but then started giving them answers.

Then came recognition that…this is Jesus! He is very much ALIVE!!! "They asked each other, 'were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32 TNIV)

God gives us heartburn! When we spend time with Jesus, we are ignited. Sometimes we might not recognize Him, but the fire is ignited as we walk and talk with Jesus.

I also think that is the way that people are meant to find out about Christ. We walk alongside them…we talk …our hearts burn!

Walk and talk with Jesus. Let Him give you heartburn!

I love this story so much that it inspired me to do two things: get a tattoo, and write this poem:

I bear on my body the mark...the mark of the burning heart.
Engraved in my skin and engraved still deeper into my heart
is the symbol of the eternal flame.
I have joined the most sacred of orders, the fellowship of the burning heart.
It is made up of those who have felt their hearts strangely warmed and failures forgiven.
Those who have touched God and found themselves forever changed and consumed by an unexplainable fire.
The broken heart is transformed into the burning heart.
Though at first I didn't recognize Him, in time I came to know the Christ as the only one who could set my life aflame. I have felt the heat of his presence.
Fire is life...
I have been ignited...
I glow in the dark...
I bear on my body the mark...
The mark of the burning heart.

Did you know? Pastor Luke once stood next to former UNC basketball player Tyler Hansbrough and watched a snake try to eat a frog on a miniature golf course!

April 5, 2010

Luke 23
Pastor Jeff Allen

I enjoy both playing and watching sports. I especially enjoy this time of year, during the NCAA Basketball Tournament that’s often called “March Madness” and concludes tonight.

In many ways, the tournament is unpredictable. Games are often won within the final minute, and there seems to be one person who rises to the occasion. Under pressure and stress, this player does what many viewers hope that they could do in the same situation. He doesn’t allow pressure to change the way he plays normally.

In Luke 23, we read about the final minutes of Jesus’ earthly life and the extreme stress that must have taken place during the accusations of His trial, as well as physical and emotional pain.

Jesus’ words - or the lack of them - reveal the depth of a man who was wholly committed to God. His whole life was lived to serve others, demonstrating love in amazing ways. For example,

• “He [Herod] asked question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations.” (verses 9-10, NLT)


• “Jesus said, ‘Father forgive these people, because they don’t know what they are doing’.” (verse 34, NLT)


• His last words: “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands.” (verse 46)

During the most stressful time of His life, Jesus rose to the occasion and didn’t become bitter or resentful for the blatant lies said about Him. He responded with self-control, demonstrating amazing compassion - even to those who were killing Him - by asking God to forgive them. Finally, He put His faith in God and allowed God’s will to be done.

These responses and actions were typical for Jesus throughout His life. He was essentially preparing for the big moment and, in the most stressful time of His life, He did what others hope that they can do. He didn’t let stress change the way He functioned normally.

In your life, how does stress change the way that you respond?

Did you know? In addition to his love for sports, Pastor Jeff enjoys playing guitar.

April 2-4, 2010

Luke 22
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

What do you think when you hear the word “betrayal?” I think of a stampede across my heart. I’m not sure of an emotional wound as crushing as a betrayal.

It’s amazing that, within a span of hours, Jesus suffered the betrayal of two intimate friends and followers. Judas and Peter had seen Jesus - up close and personal – miraculously feed the 5,000, raise Lazarus back to life and restore sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. Yet they betrayed Him.

One thing about betrayal is that it never “just happens.” Judas had established a pattern of it. For his own personal gain, he had been using money that was supposed to go toward feeding the group and provide for the poor. Betraying Christ was just one more link in a long chain. For Peter, the cause of his betrayal was survival.

When we betray a spouse, co-worker or good friend, it doesn’t just happen. There are causes…weaknesses in our character that lead up to the act. Peter’s blind spots were pride and a sense of invincibility (see verses 24 and 33) while for Judas, it was greed.

One of the differences between Jesus and us is that he is incapable of betrayal. He calms our fears of ever being abandoned by Him when He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

What was done to Him, He will never do to you. However, just like Jesus, you and I must forgive the betrayers who have sold us out or abandoned us.

Is there anyone that you need to forgive for their betrayal of you?

Did you know that Pastor Michelle loves gardening - especially growing roses? Yellow is her favorite variety.

April 1, 2010

Luke 21
Pastor Paul Glenn

Maybe you read this chapter, then saw my picture and thought, “He is going to talk about the Widow’s Mite.” Wrong! I was much more captivated by the rest of the chapter.

Can’t you just see our current world as you read it?

• “…earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places…they will lay hands on you and persecute you.” (verses 11-12)


• “Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming…” (verse 26)

I know many people that are concerned by the topic of “End Times.” I know others that are even consumed by it. Am I concerned by the end-time signs being played out on the world’s stage? Not at all. In fact, my lack of concern may actually perturb a few people.

I think that the voice of the early church is only equaled in importance by the voice of the church at the end of the ages. Jesus gives us instructions in verses 14-15, “But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” In fact, Jesus also gives us a proper perspective on the matter in verse 28, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He does not permit us to sit and worry or obsess.

God has entrusted you and me with the Gospel in these last days. I don’t think that is a coincidence. He trusts us. What a privilege and responsibility! Let’s speak hope to those who need to hear it.

Did you know? One of Pastor Paul’s joys takes place 2-3 days each week, when he rides his motorcycle to work at Grace Covenant.