June 30, 2010

Romans 12
Pastor Stan Wilson

I remember as if it were just yesterday. It was the early 70’s and I was getting ready to enter the big-league world of sixth grade. It doesn’t seem so monumental now but, at the time, to be one of the privileged six graders at B.D. Lee Elementary School seemed as important as being among the first to step foot on the moon.

Without a doubt, the success of such an occasion was partially dependent on having a cool wardrobe. It was important that I wear what everyone else would be wearing. Of course, this meant bright Converse sneakers and big ribbed corduroys with square pockets on the front. Along with a few “groovy” shirts, these would secure complete happiness…or so I was led to believe.

Looking back, I find it easy to recognize what influenced my mindset as a sixth grader. I allowed the cultural trends of the 70’s to influence my heart and thought patterns. As I reminisce, I’m forced to ask, how much have things changed today? There are times when I find myself too comfortable following ungodly patterns and trends formed by a culture gone wild.

Since I’m confident that I’m not alone in this battle, I’d like to declare that there is a simple solution. Are you ready? Take your direction from God, not the culture. We may find it challenging sometimes, but never impossible.

Paul says it best in Romans 12:2…

“Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (The Message)

Together, let’s take his lead.

Did you know? Pastor Stan’s idea of a perfect vacation is a beach getaway with his wife, as well as their kids when schedules permit, along with a few good books and plenty of laughter.

June 29, 2010

Romans 11
Pastor Luke Lang

Okay, in order to fully grasp the raw power of the following Bible passage, I don’t want you to JUST read it. I want you to read out loud. BUT WAIT…I don’t want you to JUST read it out loud. I want you to scream it ….at the top of your lungs. Come on, do it! Don’t worry about what people think.

Take a deep breath and shout with me…

“Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 (New Living Translation)

Did you sense the power in the passage? Did you catch a glimpse of the majesty?

A while back, our family drove through the Great Smoky Mountains. The trees and mountains were incredible, and everything smelled a little like funnel cakes. We were overcome by the beauty! It was amazing! Several times we had to stop. We just stood there speechless, in awe of the raw, natural wonder. We just took it in…we didn’t try to explain it or figure out how a sunset could paint such a deep shade of purple. We just enjoyed it.

Most of us are somehow able to accept the breathtaking majesty of a mountain or a sunset without having to understand it fully. We just take a deep breath and enjoy the view! I wonder why we can’t savor the majesty of the Creator of the sunset in the same way?

We feel that we need to be able to explain God and figure out a formula for how He works in our lives. We spend time trying to define God by lines and limits. We try to fully understand Him. We try to contain and tame Him. We try to make Him safe, sanitized and somehow more acceptable. It ain’t gonna happen!

This passage makes it clear that we aren’t ever going to be able to put a fence around God. In “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” Lucy asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is safe. Mr. Beaver replies “Safe?...who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king, I tell you.”

We need to stop trying to contain and control the riches, wisdom and knowledge of our untamable God. Just take a deep breath and enjoy the view.

Did you know? For Pastor Luke, the ideal vacation is simply to take a trip to the beach with his family.

June 28, 2010

Romans 10
Pastor Jeff Allen

Picture this: You’re standing next to a four-year-old child when you turn and ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” An astronaut, ballerina, baseball player or rock star are some possible answers. However, to your surprise you hear, “When I grow up, I want to be a foot model!”

“Did I hear that right? A what? A foot model?” How fantastically peculiar!

Why would I think that’s so wonderful?

Romans 10:15 tells us, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" It’s incredible that God would specifically point out the feet of those that speak of His plan for redemption. In the days when people had no cars, buses, planes, motorcycles or any other form of modern transportation, people walked everywhere. They didn’t have the arch-supporting, air-cushioned state-of-the-art sneakers that are available to us today. Instead, they wore sandals. After a while, their feet would become blistered, calloused, dirty and…you get the point.

Yet God considers those feet beautiful because of sharing the gospel.

You’ve probably never looked at your feet and thought,”I want to be a foot model.” Yet I would ask you to consider: do you have beautiful feet? Do you want them? I hope and pray that my feet are beautiful. When I grow up, I want to be a foot model. How about you?

Did you know? A great vacation for Pastor Jeff would be a combination of Disney World and the Rocky Mountains. He loves having fun with his family and connecting with God in different ways.

June 25-27, 2010

Romans 9
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

Perhaps you have been somewhere and realized that only a panoramic photograph could capture the splendor of the moment. You might take three or four pictures carefully, then lay them side-by-side to depict the scene for family and friends.

Keep that in mind when reading Romans 9-11, since the Apostle Paul has painted a panoramic portrait of Israel over those three chapters - Israel’s privileged past, sad present and promising future.

In Romans 9, Paul reviewed many wonderful privileges that God gave Israel:

• Adoption, which was greater than physical birth


• How God came into their midst in the temple


• Covenants God made with the patriarchs


• Protection that came with the Law


• Blessings of obedience that God made evident

Yet why did Paul express a burdened heart for his people in verses 1-3? It may have been the same reason that Wayne Huizenga, Jr.’s mother was burdened for him.

Wayne Huizenga, Jr. was a man of amazing privilege, born into a family dynasty. His father founded such companies as Blockbuster and Waste Management. He owned the NFL Miami Dolphins and other national sports teams. Despite the privileges of private jets, yachts and the access gained through his name and money, Wayne shared that he had emptiness in his heart…until He decided to follow Jesus.

What does the history of Israel and Wayne Huizenga, Jr. have in common? Both reveal that, regardless of your privileges, you have nothing without a relationship with God.

Did you know? From Pastor Michelle’s perspective, a great vacation would have the ingredients of rest, art, architecture, different languages and different cuisines…all shared with her husband.

June 24, 2010

Romans 8
Pastor Paul Glenn

I grew up with four sisters. (Yes, you can feel sorry for me.) In those days, it was perfectly acceptable to give them grief, but I wasn’t going to let anyone else do that.

In healthy families, everyone closes ranks to help and protect when a member is persecuted, in danger, threatened, or even hungry without resources.

If through salvation we are adopted as God’s children and Jesus’ siblings, then we have to know that God’s love is not going to leave us in our most desperate circumstances. Romans 8:35 tells us that there is no situation - trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or threat - that can separate us from Christ’s love. Verses 38-39 add that there is no external force - death, terrestrial beings, authorities, time/space or any creation - that can separate us either.

In difficult situations, our greatest need is to know that we are not alone. Settle this matter once and for all: God loves you and will walk with you through all of life’s challenges.

Did you know? For Pastor Paul, the ideal vacation is to find a place to” un-tether” from distracting demands of life and focus on the joy of spending time with family. He reports that a cruise ship or an island helps to do that.

June 23, 2010

Romans 7
Mike Schwiebert

I am convinced that if you are struggling with sin as Paul explains in Romans 7, it is an effort to make yourself holy. Paul did not describe the Christian experience. He described the experience of a person trying to live out relationship with God through rules and regulations.

If you have been crucified with Christ, the law has no authority over you - because you died. You have also been raised with Christ to live “in the new way of the Spirit.” That is your reality!

What if you are trapped in a habitual sin? Do you give up? Do you pretend that you aren’t? No! Instead, live in the freedom of Romans 8:33: “Who can bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God Who justifies.”

God makes us right with Himself, and not your struggle. Only the Holy Spirit can produce Godly fruit.

If you find yourself in the Romans 7 pattern, repent for trying to be holy through your effort, receive God’s forgiveness and submit to His Spirit-work in your life. He will make you right with Himself.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Did you know? From Mike’s point of view, the greatest vacation would be to travel the world with his wife and daughter. From Paris to China - Easter Island to Machu Picchu and the Greek Isles – he would love to see these famous places and share them with his family.

June 22, 2010

Romans 6
Pastor Jason Yon

I had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home, with parents that brought me to church every Sunday and Wednesday night. Through that time, I learned many different things about my relationship with God. During my teenage years, I came to understand that my relationship with God did not hinge on works.

Early in life, I believed that God was only happy with me when I was making ‘A’s’ in school or my parents were pleased with my obedience. I believed that God was not happy when I wasn’t perfect. As a teenager, I realized that God loves me - no matter what I do. His main desire is that I have relationship with Him and am doing my best to live for Him.

During that time, I began to dig into the Word myself, and participated in many different Bible studies. I even led a Bible Study group at my high school. Yet one of the things that really challenged me is the theological concept that Paul addressed in Romans 6.

I had a hard time grasping why it even made a difference if I sinned, because I knew that God would just forgive me if I prayed and asked for forgiveness. What was the big deal if I cheated on a test, used bad language or forged my parent’s name on a progress report? I could just ask for forgiveness and everything would be cool, right?

In Romans 6, Paul tells us that God will continue to forgive us, but He expects more - a heart of obedience. That’s about dying to the old life of sin and living for Him. He expects a changed heart, so that we would want to live for Him and not just excuse ourselves with “So what if I do it? God will forgive me anyway.”

He asks for a loving relationship with you and me. That means that we wouldn’t want to sin, since we know that it would disappoint the God Whom we love.

Did you know? In this season of life, Pastor Jason’s idea of a great vacation would be a Disney cruise with his family.

June 21, 2010

Romans 5
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

Peace. Access. Grace. Joy. Hope. People spend fortunes and entire lifetimes hoping to secure any one of these treasures, but the Apostle Paul reminds us that they are gifts granted to each of us who place faith in Jesus Christ.

We have peace because we have been “made right” with God. No more brokenness and separation. No more hostility and chaos from the sin in our life. When we say “yes” to Jesus, we come into the river flow of God’s purpose and delight for us. We become positioned for who we were created to be; we stand in Christ, the Prince of Peace.

We have access to God because the work of Christ brings relationship. We are adopted as children into this spiritual family whose Father is defined by one word: love. And He has given us that same love: “…God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5:5) We are sons and daughters who are filled with our Father’s love and have the privilege of taking His name, sitting at His table, representing Him in our business, and inheriting the fortune!

We receive the abundance of God’s grace through Jesus Christ because there is no other way for us to come to Him. Sin reigned in our life. Sin abounds in our world. “But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more”(verse 20). Grace is God’s way. Grace is God going the distance saying “I know, and I still love you.”

Joy comes because of our hope in God. We live joyfully because we have the peace of God within us. We have joy in our sufferings because it builds in us the very character of God within us. We rejoice because of our new family and the amazingly easy access to a holy and wonderful God. And we are filled with an almost uncontainable joy because this one death of one Man, Jesus, has secured eternal life for everyone who believes!

Give thanks for these five indescribable treasures that we have because of the work of Christ—peace, access to God, grace, joy and hope! And then get out there and share it with somebody!

Did you know? For Pastor JoAn, an ideal vacation would be to take her family on a Scandinavian cruise to see the beautiful Norwegian fiords & coastline, visiting the countries of Norway and Sweden that were home to her ancestors.

June 18-20, 2010

Romans 4
Pastor Farrell Lemings

I grew up in a home where hard work was valued. One of the many things for which I am grateful to my parents is that they taught me the values of hard work and responsibility. This gift has been a great blessing in my life.

Yet good works alone are not enough to satisfy God’s requirement. We can never work our way into salvation. Although acts of service and hard work are honorable, respectable and should be parts of our lives, they cannot save us.

In his writing to the believers in Romans 4, Paul wanted them (and us) to understand that we are not saved by works alone, but by faith. It is interesting that God chose the means to salvation as accessible by every human being, yet no one could boast that it was earned through their achievements.

If God had established a system of works, there would have been some that would have been eliminated because they could not have achieved whatever level was necessary. Then there would have been over-achievers that would become proud because of their works. In His wisdom and foresight, God chose the way to salvation as to simply believe. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

May we be those that work hard, stewarding well the gifts that God has placed in our lives, yet find ourselves giving thanks to God daily for the wonder of His salvation that is available to us simply by believing.

Did you know? For Pastor Farrell, a great vacation is when he’s spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors.

June 17, 2010

Romans 3
Lynell McCrary

Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of God’s faithfulness. It seems like it’s all around us, but we must recognize it. Over and over again, I am reminded of Pastor Farrell’s teaching on May 2-3, which included this topic.

It is easy to see the circumstances that are difficult or that we would like to escape. In those times, we may turn to God for help, while at the same time feeling guilty that we didn’t turn to Him when things were better than our current circumstances.

Does our unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Romans 3:4 says, “Not at all! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: ‘So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge’.” There isn’t even the slightest chance that we could avoid or change God’s faithfulness. His character and His Word remain steadfast. He is always faithful.

Do not try to amputate your past and present from your future. God is faithful and wants you to see that. I would challenge you to consider: what have you already noticed today that proves God’s faithfulness in your life?

Did you know? Growing up in Texas, Connections Director Lynell’s favorite memory is crawdad fishing with her friends.

June 16, 2010

Romans 2
Pastor Derek Floyd

My wife and I wrote a song a few years ago and the chorus went as follows: “The ground is level at the foot of the cross, pride and position I humbly lay down, worldly possessions I count them but loss, for the ground is level at the foot of the cross.”

I thought about this song – especially the words “pride and position I humbly lay down” - when I read Paul’s stinging rebuke in Romans 2 of those who wanted to see others punished for their sins, yet were doing the same things in secret. Who are we to judge others? There’s an old saying that when we point a finger in condemnation, there are three more pointing directly back at us.

Whenever we find ourselves feeling justifiably angry over someone’s failure, we should be very careful. A child of God has been given the authority to speak out against that which would grieve the Holy Spirit but we must do so in a spirit of humility. We are God’s agents of love, compassion, forgiveness and mercy. In some cases, we are led to rebuke and correct for the purposes of renewed wholeness and restoration.

If we claim to be God’s people, our lives should reflect what God is like. What do people think about God as they watch your life? I love verse 4 (NLT): “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” There you have it: our blueprint for helping and encouraging one another.

Judgment and vengeance belong to the Lord. His Word says so. His are truly the best hands to handle that.

Did you know? Pastor Derek was asked to try out for the Gaither Vocal Band upon Mark Lowry’s departure…but he never departed!

June 15, 2010

Romans 1
Pastor John Edwards

Some years ago, the Holy Spirit rocked my world with a study of “cultural” vs. authentic Christianity. I’m taken there again as I read the first chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, especially verses 18-32.

The topic of “righteousness” (authentic Christianity) is woven throughout the Book of Romans, contrasting:

• A personal sense of being “good enough” vs. obedience to the absolute standard of God’s Word


• Reliance upon our own “wise” response to circumstances vs. asking God for His wisdom


• Holding enough contact with the things of God to feel satisfied vs. pursuing God through His Word for daily meaning and purpose

Paul wrote about it this way (verses 21-23a); “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images…”

“Images” scream for attention in our lives too. No carved animals are objects of worship…that would be too obvious. Instead, the images appear as an ever-growing list of must-do or must-have “priorities.” Under their daily attraction, a book called the “Holy Bible” remains in a briefcase, on a shelf or coffee table. “Demands” replace prayer. It’s a form of Christianity that is subjected to (and watered down by) a culture that encourages us to believe that we are “OK” - righteous in ourselves. That’s a dangerous way to live.

By contrast, authentic Christianity subjects our daily lives to the first priority – vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Since He is the One who is truly righteous, He invites us to exchange what Author Charles Hummel calls “The Tyranny of the Urgent” for freedom in Him.

Now that’s real life!


Did you know? Pastor John has been a public address announcer in six sports, including 12 years of UNC Charlotte basketball and the first two seasons of the former NBA Charlotte Hornets.

June 14, 2010

Acts 28
Pastor Wil Mouer

“Boldly and without hindrance…”

The book of Acts is really a continuation of the gospel of Luke. This book was written by Luke, who was not one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus, yet played a huge role in recording the early Church’s birth. It is a great resource for returning to - and being reminded of - the Church’s true DNA. This should be a book with which all believers are very familiar, so we can make sure that we are not deviating too far from our foundation.

The last two verses of this final chapter give us an idea of how the “Acts of the Apostles” should continue. It is Luke’s last statement about the Apostle Paul (verse 31) that concludes the book, and describes how the church should continue until the second coming of Christ: “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” There is a lot in this sentence to unpack, but what I want to bring to attention is described in this devotional’s title. The Apostle Paul gave us a great example of how to live the gospel with passion and commitment. As believers, we should be challenged by the events recorded in Acts. The last sentence really sums it up.

My “takeaway” is that we are to be bold witnesses of Jesus Christ, living with the assurance that nothing can hinder us when we have this approach. Are you living boldly for Christ? What does that mean in your everyday life?

I leave you with these words from Jesus in Matthew 16:18, “on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.”

Did you know? Pastor Wil was a golf caddy at Bel Air Country Club, known as "the club of the stars" in Beverly Hills, California.

June 11-13, 2010

Acts 27
Pastor Jon Wehner

We’re reading in chapter 27 of a Bible book referred to commonly as The Acts of the Apostles. Yet as I reflect back on our readings, I am tempted to campaign for a new and more descriptive title. How about “The Acts of God through His Apostles”?

Take Paul for instance – another man imprisoned for his zeal to spread the Gospel of Christ. Paul had an appointment to plead his case in Rome. The journey should have been a typical first-century prisoner transfer, but the ensuing winter weather proved to be the ship’s demise. However, as recorded in previous books, God acted through the availability of His apostle.

Paul faced a major challenge to him and his shipmates. I’m encouraged to know that God used the acts of one man (on this occasion) to provide supernatural deliverance to 276 men.

I hope that you’re currently penning your own book – describing ways in which He is using you to illustrate the mighty acts of our King. By the way, I have the perfect title: The Acts of God through Me, authored by (your name goes here).

Did you know? Pastor Jon enjoys playing darts in some of his free time - recreationally as well as competitively.

June 10, 2010

Acts 26
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

Acts 26:9-20 - A Change of Mind, A Change of Heart

We all have personal stories about how we came to Christ. Some, like Timothy, have been in the church since “infancy” (2 Tim.3:14-15), nurtured over the years before coming to a moment of decision in accepting Christ as Savior. In fact, my story is much like that.

Others, like the Apostle Paul, came to Christ through a personal crisis (Acts 26:12-18) or a challenging lifestyle (addiction, abandonment, abuse, etc.). Paul’s “day job” before coming to Christ was to persecute Christians. He had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus that radically changed his life.

No two faith journeys are the same, but all have a common denominator. At some point, there was a change of mind and turning to the Lord to be saved from sin and receive a new heart.

We know that sin is birthed in our minds through our thoughts. Those wrong thoughts and beliefs lead to wrong behaviors. The Greek definition of “repent” is to “change one’s mind.” Paul went from a persecutor of Christians to being one of their greatest promoters (I told you it was a radical change!). His repentant heart led to new thoughts and beliefs that resulted in righteous behaviors and actions.

Being saved through repentance is more than acknowledging your sin – it involves having a change of mind and heart that is reflected in how you live your life on a daily basis. Being willing to admit that you are wrong is the first step in being right with God. The next step is to allow the change to be seen in all that you do (Acts 26:20). This is one time when changing your mind is both a good thing and a “God thing.” Look at what it did for Paul and how that personal change helped a multitude of others come to Christ - even to this present day!

Know your story, be willing to share it and most importantly, may your life reflect Christ as your Savior.

Did you know? Pastor Paul played rugby for 15 years before being retired by his wife, Desiree. She gave him a fishing pole and asked that he not play any more!

June 9, 2010

Acts 25
Pastor Stan Wilson

More than likely - in the near future and possibly even today - someone will assault your faith. It would seem most likely that such an assault would come from a critic or co-worker. However, don’t be caught off guard if it comes from a close friend. Brace yourself, because it could even come from someone that you love dearly. While it may not be intentional, it is highly probable that words will be spoken that will challenge the Christ-centered belief system upon which you have built and continue to build your life.

In Acts 25, Festus assaulted the core of Paul’s spiritual foundation. As he spoke to King Agrippa about the charges that had been brought against Paul (verse 19), he referred to “…a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” Can you believe it? He called Jesus a dead man! Because of our own faith in and love for Jesus, we find this statement ludicrous and unnerving. Such an attack calls for a response. Don’t you agree?

If you, like Paul, find someone challenging your faith today or in the near future, how will you respond? I believe that Paul has provided us with a great example. Although we don’t see where he had a direct opportunity to respond to the words spoken by Festus, we see a pattern throughout the book of Acts. When placed on trial for his faith, Paul never lashed out. He never became defensive or wasted his words. Instead, Paul told and retold the story of how Jesus changed his life.

I’ll never forget the wise words a Bible college professor once spoke to our class, “My experience will always outweigh your argument.” This was Paul’s approach, and a good one for each of us.

When your faith is on trial, simply tell your story.

Did you know? Pastor Stan is a Food Network junkie and wanna-be chef who believes that good relationship is built and strengthened over a good meal.

June 8, 2010

Acts 24
Pastor Luke Lang

Acts 24 is an action-packed story, full of betrayal and political espionage! (sorry, but I’ve seen too many movie trailers for summer blockbusters).

Paul was on trial for “disturbing the peace,” but actually he was offering peace…true peace. He was disturbing the status quo, which is never a popular thing to do!

Paul defended himself by serving up the facts with a little sarcasm (you’ve gotta love that). He was talking to Felix, a stereotypical corrupt politician who was immoral, afraid to take a stand and always looking for a bribe (think “Boss Hogg” in a toga). Felix hoped for a little payola as he listened to Paul. Like many people, he was comfortable talking about God as long as he didn’t have to change. Then he got convicted. Truth hit too close to home and he flaked out!

Many times, I approach God the same way. I’m curious as long as I’m comfortable, or I try to see “what’s in it for me?” When I realize that God wants me to change, I can get a little flakey! (Am I the only one?)

Jesus didn’t come to disturb the peace, but to bring it. In the process, he disturbs our status quo, comfort level and selfish ambition.

Let’s get disturbed…so that we can experience true peace!

Did you know? When Pastor Luke was a little kid, he wanted to grow up and marry Wilma Flintstone!

June 7, 2010

Acts 23
Pastor Jeff Allen

Have you ever had a bad day that left you reeling? One day you’re living life to the fullest, and the next you find yourself in what my wife and I like to call “the pit of despair”. One day you get your tax return and there’s great celebration, then the next day you find your air conditioning is broken, a car needs tires, your child needs to go to the doctor, you don’t have your favorite comfort food in the pantry and you suddenly have the urge to crawl in bed with your childhood blanket and hide. Okay…maybe the last part was an exaggeration but nonetheless, I’m sure you’ve experienced it as I have.

In Acts 23, we read about Paul, who stood before the High Priest and High Council and heard a battery of accusations being hurled at him. Paul’s accusers were the Jewish leaders of the first century church, who held great authority and passion for their beliefs. There was a time when Paul stood with men like these as an ally. In this moment, he tried reasoning with them. He tried speaking the truth of what happened to change his life. Finally, he tried to identify himself as one of them. Yet, in all of it there was a group of these men that formed a plot to kill him. Talk about a bad day…

In Acts 23:11, it is recorded that God gave Paul a motivational shot in the arm. His words were simple and to the point. First, He told Paul to “be encouraged…” In other words, it was going to be okay. Calm down, collect yourself and though you may be afraid, don’t crawl under a rock and die. Stand up and face the moment with courage, because I’m with you. Secondly, God told Paul that he “…must preach the Good News in Rome.” He was saying that Paul was not going to die, because He had plans for Paul’s future.

So when you have a tough day, remember this: be encouraged, because God is with you and He has plans for your future. It’s all going to be okay.

Did you know? Pastor Jeff’s favorite places are Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado and Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

June 4-6, 2010

Acts 22
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

Acts 22 reminds me that one of the most encouraging phrases in the English language is, “it’s never too late.”

It’s interesting that as the Apostle Paul received an opportunity to speak before an unruly mob of angry Jewish leaders, his opening statement was strikingly similar to the words that He heard Stephen use many years before (see Acts 7:2).

Just years before, then known as Saul, Paul stood with an angry group condemning Stephen of heresy. This heresy would one day come to be known as “Christianity.” Saul became known as a zealous Jewish leader with strong convictions, a well-educated persecutor of Christians. When confronted with what he took to be heresy to Judaism, he worked with all his might to quell it including, “going from house to house, he dragged out the believers, both men and women and threw them into jail.” (Acts 8:3)

If anyone was labeled a “write-off” for ever giving his/her life to Christ, it would have been Saul.

Yet with God, “it’s never too late” for anyone. In Acts 22, Paul shares with us his profound life-changing experience on the road to Damascus. This man - once a destroyer of those who put their trust in Christ - stood boldly before a crowd to declare himself a follower of Christ.

Is there anyone in your life that looks too hardened to ever embrace Christ as Savior? Let me encourage you that God will go to great lengths to bring a person into His family. As long as someone still has breath, it’s never too late for a Damascus Road moment.

Did you know that Pastor Michelle was the Volunteer Coordinator for President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration, coordinating over 3,000 volunteers on Inaugural Day?

June 3, 2010

Acts 21
Pastor Paul Glenn

In school, I was consistently one of the shortest people in my grade. I learned to avoid dangerous situations and fights that I was certain to lose.

The apostle Paul was given a prophecy outlining his future, which included prison. Rather than run, he chose to face it and was even willing to go to his death for the sake of the gospel. How was his perspective so different from his friends?

Paul’s mindset is revealed in 1 Corinthians 14:3 as he explains that all prophecies are designed to strengthen, encourage and comfort. I believe that he heard his future and was:

• strengthened so that he could embrace the challenge


• encouraged that God’s will for him had Kingdom significance


• comforted in knowing that God was walking with him and working through him

I encourage you to view your difficulties as opportunities…opportunities from God that will refine you - as well as others.

Did you know that Pastor Paul learned to snow ski during July on an artificial mountain of wire brushes at Texas A&M University?

June 2, 2010

Acts 20
Mike Schwiebert

You may be familiar with the climactic scene in the movie Schindler’s List, where Oskar Schindler is presented with a letter and ring by the 1,100 Jews that he helped to save. Deeply ashamed, he begins to weep, feeling that he could have done so much more. In heart-wrenching desperation, he considers his gold pin and the life it represents, then breaks down while saying, “I could have got one more person and I didn’t. I didn’t...”

This scene resonates with us, because people matter. We have been created to be our “brother’s keeper.” We have been commanded to love each other as Jesus loved us.

Paul has a similar climactic scene with the Ephesian elders, as recorded in Acts 20. His words also serve to help recalibrate our focus. Our life’s work was not meant to end in the pursuit of things like cars and gold trinkets. The target of our hard work should be to help the weak (20:35). All of us can work hard in our own way with the talents that God has given us.

I am challenged by these great men. They are examples that the goal of work is not our own consumption, but to help those around us.

Did you know that Mike's Myers-Briggs personality assessment (INTP) occurs in only 2% of the population?

June 1, 2010

Acts 19
Pastor Jason Yon

In Acts 19:1-4, we read that Paul asked the disciples at Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed. This suggests that Paul knew that they already believed in Jesus as their Savior. They responded that they had received the baptism of John, which Paul then called a “baptism of repentance.”

In Matthew 3:11, it’s recorded that John the Baptist himself said that “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Two Bible commentators suggest differing opinions about this:

1. These disciples were disciples of John the Baptist and had repented of their sin as preached by John, but had not yet believed in Jesus or even heard of Jesus as the Messiah.


2. These disciples truly were disciples of Jesus who had heard of Him and believed in Him, but they had not yet been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

I believe that these men were disciples of Jesus, since Paul recognized them as “believers.” Paul gave these believers further instruction that they needed to be baptized in the name of Jesus. In verses 5-6, we read that when they did, Paul laid hands on them and they were also filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and prophesying.

Maybe you believe in Jesus and have been baptized, but have not yet been baptized in the Holy Spirit. I hope that as you are reading the Book of Acts, you are seeing the power of the Holy Spirit for every believer and what the Holy Spirit can do in your life. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, and I believe that He will.

Did you know? Before coming to Grace Covenant Church, Pastor Jason made balloon animals in Orlando, Florida-area restaurants.