August 31, 2010

Ephesians 5
Pastor Paul Glenn

In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul urges us to be God-imitators by living lives of love. He teaches that we imitate Christ when we love selflessly. If we surrender to selfish desires, immoral and impure attitudes and actions will result.

Imitating Christ requires a healthy self-perspective. When we use obscenities, foolish talk and coarse jokes, we tear others down in an effort to build ourselves up.

Finally, we imitate God when we adapt to one another, especially our closest relationships. Husbands imitate Christ to their wives through their love, while wives imitate Christ to their husbands through their respect.

As Christ-followers, let’s commit to lives of love by guarding our attitudes, actions, conversations and relationships.

Did you know? Pastor Paul is ranked 271st in the world for shooting an exotic fallow deer.

August 30, 2010

Ephesians 4
Mike Schwiebert

In my ideal working situation, while I can appreciate my boss telling me what to do, I like to figure out the how on my own. When my ideas are on the line, it energizes my performance.

The one thing we don’t often talk about, but I believe is the crucial key to success, is the question: “Why are we doing this?”

For Christ-followers, Paul answers this question in Ephesians 4:12-13: “to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Do you see it? Unity and maturity happen when the people of God are serving each other!

God-gifted and properly functioning leadership does not produce unity or maturity. The people of God are required for that.

These verses don’t tell us how or where to serve. We get to figure that part out ourselves. Yet I find the why to be inspirational - our service ultimately leads to fullness in Christ…for everybody.

So, as a friend encouraged me recently, keep your stick on the ice. We’re all in this together.

Did you know? Mike, brother Tim, and Pastor Farrell were teammates on an undefeated flag football team in college.

August 27-29, 2010

Ephesians 3
Pastor Jason Yon

Before Jesus’ death on the cross, there were only a few select people with access to the presence of God in the temple. The Levite priests were the only ones allowed into the Holy of Holies in the temple of God. Yet when Jesus died on the cross and became the sacrifice for us, “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Mark 15:38).

In Ephesians 3, Paul explained this mystery of the gospel which made the presence and power of God accessible to all of us. It isn’t just the Jewish Levites with access to God and who share in His promises. Every believer on earth, Jew or Gentile, shares in the promise of our Creator: “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (verse 12).

That’s not all. He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” (verse 20)

So why would we not ask for His help? He is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than all we ask or can even IMAGINE! Why wait? We have access to Him and His power any time, anywhere and in any circumstance. Reach out to Him. Pray.

May we be able “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (verse 18) as we seek Him.

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

August 26, 2010

Ephesians 2
Pastor Sherli Morgan

As I read Ephesians 2, three things popped out at me (well really, about 50) but for the sake of space, we’ll only cover these: grace, mercy and workmanship.

I grew up in a church where we sang hymns. “Grace, grace. God’s grace. Grace that is greater than all my sin.” There was also the classic, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.” All of us understand that it was the grace of God that allowed Him to send Jesus as a sacrifice.

It was definitely “mercy” that was applied to our sins, because Jesus paid the price for us with His very life. What grace and mercy we experience!

Workmanship? That’s you and me. Now I have to tell you that – almost every time - I am a person who walks into a store and am drawn to the most expensive item. Why? It’s because I like quality, well-made items with good workmanship! Yet nothing makes me more excited than to see something of high quality (and usually a matching price) go on sale. A good buy on quality workmanship – wow! However, there have been a few times that I laid my eyes on something and had a complete crazy moment where I felt I had to have it….no matter the cost. I was drawn to it…it spoke to me!

All I can say is – praise God for the redeeming grace and unfailing mercy of our Lord, that He would take we who are unworthy, redeem us and cause us to become His “workmanship created in Christ Jesus”!

Go about your day repeating “I am the workmanship of Christ Jesus!” Say it louder and louder until you can’t stop yourself from smiling!

A native of Guymon, Oklahoma, Pastor Sherli joined Grace Covenant’s staff nearly six months ago to direct JumpSTART and Kids Construction Zone children’s ministries.

August 25, 2010

Ephesians 1
Pastor Farrell Lemings

If we do not know who we are as Christ-followers, we will live far below the blessing and destiny that God has for us. In other words, we will settle for less when God wants us to experience more.

It would be like being an heir to a massive estate, yet not knowing that you had a right to claim a portion of the estate as your own. If you did not know that you were a member of the family and had rights to millions of dollars, you would miss out on what was rightfully yours. What you could have claimed, experienced and enjoyed was missed…simply because you did no know.

I think the same thing is happening in the church and our lives. Because we do not fully know and understand who we are, we are settling for less, when God wants to give us more. We are settling for less when God wants to do greater things in our lives and has given us a great inheritance. Ephesians 1:3 says that God “has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

We must know who we are and what God has made available for us.

If we don’t, there is the possibility that we will live like Hetty Green. Mrs. Green has gone down in history as America’s Greatest Miser. When she died in 1916, she left an estate valued at over $100 million. Yet she ate cold oatmeal because it cost to heat it. Her son had to suffer a leg amputation, because she delayed so long in looking for a free clinic that his case became incurable. She was wealthy, but chose to live as a pauper. Eccentric? Certainly! Yet too many Christian believers live the same way. We have limitless wealth at our disposal, and yet we often live like paupers.

Pastor Farrell is a native of Crabtree, Arkansas and in his 15th year as Grace Covenant’s Lead Pastor.

August 24, 2010

Galatians 6
Cammie Wilson

Have you ever thought, “Will my good deeds ever be rewarded?” or “Is it ever going to be my turn?” I have to admit that I’ve had those thoughts during some of the more difficult seasons of my life.

You know what I’m talking about...you feel like you try the best you can, do the best you can and are being the best you can, but you’re still struggling! Things just aren’t going your way. You might call that having a “pity party,” but when you’re in one of those challenging seasons, it truly seems like your reality. You may wonder: “does anyone notice me and how hard I’m trying?” or “Does God see me, or am I forgotten?”

When I read Galatians 6:9, I am affirmed in knowing that others throughout history must have asked similar questions. The Apostle Paul made a point to tell the Galatians, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

When I think about our current world situation - specifically the recession and all the challenges that come along with it - the faces of many good, kind, generous, loving and godly people that are facing what seem to be insurmountable obstacles come to my mind. It can seem very unfair at times.

That’s when I realize that I have to pull back and look at the “bigger picture.” I know that God, the King of the Universe Who created us and loves us, knows everything about us and wants the very best for us…hasn’t forgotten any of us. No one is excluded! Through the Apostle Paul, He encourages each of us not to become tired and give up, because we will be rewarded at the proper time. I love that promise!

A Charlotte and Lake Norman-area native, Cammie directs Grace Covenant women’s ministries.

August 23, 2010

Galatians 5
Lynell McCrary

If you are anything like me, you could probably read Galatians 5 and always find daily application. In my Bible, this chapter is divided into two sections: “Freedom in Christ” and “Life by the Spirit.”

Regarding the first section, I embrace my freedom in Christ. His guidance gives me great freedom because not only do I know what God expects from me but I also know Who wins in the end.

However, since I am a rule follower, I struggle more with the second part of this chapter, “life by the Spirit.”

I like to see boundaries that are set clearly. If there is chaos and confusion in a situation, I am quick to set rules and guidelines. When I find my life out of balance and vulnerable to sinful desires, my tendency is to set some new “rules” for my life. However, this is the opposite of what God is asking me to do. Although I need to have accountability for my actions, I must call upon the One who will fight the fleshly battle with me…and for me.

Our flesh battles against the work of the Spirit within us, and vice versa. It is the right response to the Lord to call upon the Holy Spirit in battling against our flesh. If we try to do it on our own, we will lose. It is only by the power of the Spirit that we will experience true life.

When you find yourself confronted with a fleshly feeling or thought, will you choose to let the Holy Spirit win? How do the “fruits of the Spirit” shape your choices?

Lynell says that her favorite Bible character changes from time to time but for now it’s Esther, “because she was able to set aside her personal desires in pursuit of God’s agenda. She was patient, yet assertive.”

August 20-22, 2010

Galatians 4
Pastor Tina Wehner

Have you ever had a friend to confront you on something and your first response was to ask yourself, “would I be okay with one less friend?”

In Galatians 4:14-16, the believers found themselves in a similar predicament:

“Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?”

The truth that Paul preached is what brought the saving message of Jesus Christ to the Galatians. It also led them to receive him warmly and create a sense of fellowship between them. Isn’t it ironic that truth got in the way of their relationship?

Sometimes the pressure to resist the truth is strong. In fact, the opportunity to face the truth can quickly pass and become a faint memory (at best) before we know it.

Embrace God’s truth; whether it comes from reading His Word or from a dear friend. It will help you to become more like Christ and bring His truth to others, even the ones who don’t always want to believe it.

Pastor Tina’s favorite Bible character is Jonathan due to his “intensity of authentic friendship.”

August 19, 2010

Galatians 3
Pastor John Edwards

Back in 1998, I had it all figured out. Identify the desired amenities and affordable price range, search the housing market, analyze it, then bid on a house. I would make a sound business decision, providing the ideal home for my family.

After all, I knew how to do it. It was just a matter of time. As a Christian, God would be so pleased with my stewardship and wisdom.

Then the fateful day came…my family and I had seen the last home on the list. It wasn’t the right one either. Faced with no more options, my disappointment moved quickly to voiced frustration.

The next moment is etched indelibly in my spirit as, from the back of the van, I heard one of my children: “God knows the house that we’re supposed to live in,” said J.C., a 10-year-old who rarely spoke up in situations like that. “We’ll know it when we see it.”

This young sage had spoken a penetrating truth. The leader became the learner. My wife and I exchanged looks as I drove. In that moment, the pronouns “I” and “my” became “His.” Within a matter of days, our real estate agent called with some news…the price of another house had been reduced, and fell within our price range.

We’re still living there. God did it, I didn’t.

Galatians 3:3 takes me back to that personal life lesson: “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” While not usually given to visualizations, I can almost “see” the Apostle Paul’s piercing eyes as he throws down this spiritual gauntlet - calling believers to an unwavering faith-walk in Jesus Christ, opposed to a rules-and-regulations approach to their daily lives.

My Christian journey – and yours – began with the Spirit of God. He drew us to places of surrender. We had come to the end of our meager capacity, and we knew it. It was time to turn the “steering wheel” over to Jesus Christ, inviting Him to be Lord…beyond merely calling Him that.

As we move forward in our spiritual journey, a natural human tendency is to slowly and sometimes imperceptibly place some fingers back on the wheel. As we become busy “doing things for God” (especially true in the church), we can actually point to Jesus as our reason for doing things on our own. After all, we’re serving Him…right? It’s insidious, and the enemy of our souls loves it.

“Are you so foolish?” Paul’s question penetrates to the core.

Pastor John is inspired and challenged by three favorite Bible characters - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – for their “unwavering faith and bold action.”

August 18, 2010

Galatians 2
Pastor Wil Mouer

We all have seen someone acting in a way that we would view as hypocritical. This happens when we see someone acting in a way that is not consistent with whom they proclaim to be. Maybe you have heard some people say that they do not go to church because there are too many hypocrites there. It seems to be a big problem in Christian life and in the church.

In Galatians 2, we see that the Apostle Paul picked up on some hypocrisy in Peter’s life. Peter had pulled back from spending time with the Gentiles and this was viewed by Paul as hypocrisy. Paul responded in a good way by confronting Peter personally.

There are damaging side effects to hypocrisy, as verse 13 tells us, “The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.” Others can be influenced negatively when we’re not real.

However, I think there is a good chance that Peter was unintentionally hypocritical. I can see how he could just naturally drift back into hanging out with the Jews and subsequently ignore the Gentiles. It’s the subtlety of hypocrisy. We can do it and not even realize it. Wow! Does this ever challenge us to rely on the conviction of the Holy Spirit!

Take the challenge to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of hypocrisy in your life. When He does, you can take the next step to see collateral damage that is possibly affecting your spouse, children, friends, co-workers, relatives, etc. Another application is to do what Paul did - confronting someone in love that you see being hypocritical.

Let’s live our lives as genuine followers of Christ. This doesn’t mean that we need to be perfect, but that we should strive to be real. Living this way will have a positive impact on others.

Pastor Wil points to Peter as his favorite Bible character due to “his passion for life and willingness to go ‘full throttle,’ yet not afraid to make mistakes.”

August 17, 2010

Galatians 1
Pastor Jon Wehner

The Apostle Paul began his letter to the Galatians with a direct critique of their attitudes concerning his ministry. In defense of his theological integrity, he confesses boldly that the work of the gospel can only be accomplished through Christ.

Then in verse 7, he challenges their theological integrity by revealing that the gospel message being taught was not confused and distorted by outside influences, but by them - the newly converted Christian leaders of the region.

How true that can be in our own situations and environments. I believe that our natural tendency is to carefully filter what comes in to our heads, but not properly rely on the Holy Spirit to determine sincere instruction, actions and attitudes that will help in securing healthy Christian community.

Let’s stand united as we receive and exemplify the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Jon identifies the Apostle Paul as his favorite Bible character because he “was able to clearly communicate the Amazing Grace of God in his many writings.”

August 16, 2010

2 Corinthians 13
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

My stepfather was a surgeon, so we faithfully practiced annual physicals as I was growing up. My dad taught me that many serious illnesses can be caught early and avoided, if people schedule routine physical examinations.

The Apostle Paul wasn’t a medical physician, but a physician of the soul. He realized the importance of regularly examining the condition of the heart. That’s why 2 Corinthians 13:5 is so straightforward, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith, examine yourselves!” Each Christian needs to undergo periodic self-examinations as part of his/her spiritual walk to ensure maximum faith-health.

Here are a few questions to test your spiritual vital signs:

• Do I spend more time counting my blessings than my shortfalls?


• Would my faith-walk be best described as “religious” or “relational?”


• Am I moved when I come to the Lord’s Table?


• Do I enjoy spending time with the Lord, or has it become a duty?


• Is my conscience soft, as exhibited by routine repentance?


• Would the people closest to me say the love of God is naturally flowing through me?


• Am I sharing my faith with others?


• Do I live with expectancy to see God at work in my life?

If you are weak in any area of self-examination, you just have to go to the Great Physician, The Lord Jesus. He will point you to the best course of treatment that will bring spiritual vitality.

Pastor Michelle has two favorite Bible characters – Abigail in the Old Testament “because she was bold, wise, discerning, courageous and risked speaking the truth for the greater good” and Cornelius in the New Testament, “because his hunger for more of God was greater than his fear of moving into the unknown with the Lord.”

August 13-15, 2010

2 Corinthians 12
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

Strength in Weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

“…My power is made perfect in weakness.” (verse 9)

In these verses, Paul shares his little secret for staying humble: “… there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (verse 7) Have you ever felt as though you were being tormented by a “thorn”?

About this time last summer, I became mysteriously ill and stayed that way for the next six months. Six doctors across two states couldn’t find anything, yet I was still experiencing a host of symptoms. I was plagued with ongoing headaches and lost any stamina for physical labor, with long bouts of fatigue that kept me from exercise. There were sleepless nights, followed by days when I’d be in bed for 16-18 hours. I had trouble reading for comprehension. I was a mess!

Then, as mysteriously as this illness came, it dramatically left me. I don’t know if the illness was my “thorn,” or if it was planted after the illness. Now, seven months after the day I first felt better, I can’t exert myself like I used to – pacing myself and doing less. Gone are the days of working 12-14+ hours, and no more 300-pound bench presses. I also have to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Mentally, I can read with comprehension, but not for long time periods. I also have a much lower threshold for stress. Emotionally, I find myself more sensitive – becoming teary-eyed more easily than in the past.

These things frustrated me initially, because I felt that there was less of me. I had challenging thoughts about not being able to be as effective in ministry. Yet in my “weakened,” “less-than-before” state, I find that I am having wonderful days of ministry – growth in some areas, new elements being introduced, other areas maturing. I am more patient and relaxed about things, as long as I live balanced days. I am experiencing what Paul did when he penned the words of verse 10: “… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The mystery illness left a “thorn” in me, carrying a reminder that I can’t do it all like I used to…and that I have limits. When I push these limits, my body reminds me of the thorn. It reminds me that God’s grace is sufficient for me (verse 8). It offers a reminder that where I come up short - where I am weak - only Christ can make up the difference. I am not frustrated any longer with my new “normal,” but see it more as a gift than a thorn. It has me seeing that I continue to need more of Him in me…than more of “me” in me. It humbles me, and I am blessed to be able to do what takes place each day.

Be blessed, be good to yourself, and be sure to take good care of yourself. God has a lot of great things in store for you. If you have a “thorn”…of what is it reminding you?

When asked about his favorite Bible character, Pastor Paul identified the Apostle Paul as “a man who experienced a radical transformation and went from persecuting Christians to preaching the gospel.”

August 12, 2010

2 Corinthians 11
Pastor Stan Wilson

“When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.” (2 Corinthians 11:29 – The Message)

As we read these words of Paul, we see right through to the heart of the Apostle. Paul was a man of deep compassion. He felt a piercing, heartfelt pain when those who had become his spiritual children were overwhelmed and felt like they couldn’t hold on any longer. When they were caught in the enemy’s trap, giving way to the deception of sin, he was filled with righteous anger. It was obvious that he cared deeply about their spiritual welfare and was committed to their ongoing spiritual growth – despite the personal cost.

Can the same be said of you and me? How do we respond when those that we know and love are bombarded with the challenges of life and find themselves overcome with anxiety, worry and pain? Do we feel their pain and reach out? How do we respond when we see our neighbors’ wrong choices give way to the devastation brought by sin? Are we willing to intervene, even though it may cost us time and emotion?

Far too often, I am convinced that our pace is so accelerated that we become too busy with our own realities and routines to even notice the pain and destruction of others in our paths. As long as we keep this unintentional pace, we will fall short of the godly model seen in Paul.

Recently, I was given some great advice that may help us all. It was simply, “Walk slowly through the crowd.” Let’s make a decision to slow our pace and be ready to reach out to those around us that are hurting and lost.

When asked about his favorite Bible character, Pastor Stan chose Nehemiah due to “his willingness to persevere in order to repair something that the enemy had reduced to rubble and commitment to help others take part in the process of restoration as the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt.”

August 11, 2010

2 Corinthians 10
Pastor Luke Lang

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT)

I must confess that I’ve always had dreams of being a superhero with amazing super powers! As a kid, I overdosed on comic books and superhero movies. I wanted to have an advantage in the fight against evil! I wanted stupendous ability or strength. Sadly, I couldn’t leap over tall buildings (or even small animals). I couldn’t fly or do anything even semi-amazing.

In this super beefy little verse from 2 Corinthians, God offers us super powers…His mighty weapons! How exciting is that? We aren’t helpless. He has placed something at our disposal that helps in the battle against bad.

Yet notice what we are fighting against in this battle…human reasoning and false arguments. It’s not a crazed, evil archenemy bent on world domination, but a fight against human reasoning.

So…what kind of weapons can win a fight like that?

Maybe our equally thought-out, spiritual reasoning and intellect will do it. Naw! There is always going to be someone smarter than us, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. We argue, debate and present our carefully conceived counter-arguments, but our human arguments will never win the battle. Christians that insist on winning debates with non-believers are tragically missing the point, and keeping people from the Kingdom of God. They might have won the argument and proven that they are very smart and powerful…but they have lost a soul.

So what are our mighty weapons?

Love, grace and acceptance. There is no defense or argument that can stand against grace. Love says YOU are more important to me than proving that I am smarter than you. Love always wins!

You see, the Gospel of Christ has been debated for 2,000 years, but needs to be demonstrated.

Pastor Luke’s favorite Bible character is simply, “Zaccheaus, for fairly obvious reasons.”

August 10, 2010

2 Corinthians 9
Pastor Jeff Allen

When I was younger, I was jealous of my older brother. We didn’t grow up with much, and we both worked hard for what we had. However, he often found himself in situations where his money was multiplied dramatically. It took me several years to figure out that God was blessing him because he generously blessed others. He has always done that, and God continues to honor his generosity by providing for him abundantly.

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul wrote about giving, with two specific principles mentioned in verses 5 and 6:

• Willful giving - God doesn’t want us to give because we feel that we must do it. He doesn’t want us to give because we feel the pressure of others’ expectations. He wants us to give because we want to and find joy in blessing others.


• Sowing and reaping - If you plant a few seeds, you’ll get a few plants. If you plant a lot of seeds, you’ll get a lot of plants. It’s a simple principle, but not always easy to walk out. A farmer chooses carefully how much is planted, and the same should be true of us with respect to our finances.

As the years have gone by, I find myself following my brother’s example and becoming more generous. To be honest, it’s not always easy, but it’s a conscious decision that I continue to make. It’s not about being irresponsible with God’s provision, but avoids being overly concerned about the “what ifs” or “gotta have the latest, greatest thing.”

I’m sure that many of you are just like my brother. You love blessing others. However, if you are more like me, I would encourage you to make the conscious decision to enjoy blessing others as God has blessed you. I guarantee that He will take care of your needs and it will bring you joy as you see what it does in others’ lives.

When asked about his favorite Bible character, Pastor Jeff identified David, “because he was the runt-of-the-litter underdog who both won it all and failed miserably. Yet, he captured God's heart by the man he was on the inside.”

August 9, 2010

2 Corinthians 8
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

The definition of Christian love is written beautifully by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind…it is not rude…it is not easily angered…it keeps no record of wrongs…love never fails.”

In 2 Corinthians 8, we find the ultimate summary of this amazing love that God calls us to show one another. Simply, love gives. Financial generosity is described as grace learned and grace extended. Giving is an opportunity to “be like God.” It is this demonstration of love-in-action that serves as a witness to the work of Christ in us.

Paul notes that the Gentile Christians in Macedonia gave lavishly to the relief fund for the Jews in Jerusalem. Reading the text carefully, we see that they gave in the middle of their own severe trials, out of the overflow of their joy in the Lord and in spite of their own poverty. They gave what they could and then gave some more. In fact, their desire to ‘help the church be the church’ led them to actually insist upon giving.

Perhaps this is all that it would take for our own souls to be refreshed. Giving awakens spirit living. Like a fountain, it splashes an invigorating spray over every part of our lives. And before you know it, we just want to live there…alive, always giving and living in the flow of grace.

When asked about her favorite Bible character, Pastor JoAn selected Peter, “a man who lived life at full-throttle, refused to let his failures stop him, preached the gospel of Christ passionately and considered it an honor to be martyred for the Kingdom of God.”

August 6-8, 2010

2 Corinthians 7
Pastor Paul Glenn

I think that many people naturally hesitate to correct one another lovingly. They may be concerned about hurting the other individual or the relationship, but are most often concerned about looking bad or being disliked.

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he needed to correct several matters in love: church divisions, sexual immorality, lawsuits between believers, concerns about food sacrificed to idols, propriety in worship and even taking Communion.

In his second letter (2 Corinthians 7:8-11) we find that his loving correction brought Godly sorrow (conviction) rather than worldly sorrow (condemnation). The end results were healthy change within the church and thankfulness for the truth among everyone involved.

So how do we know if we are correcting other persons lovingly? Your motives are pure if your concern is for their welfare and the possible Godly sorrow that they may feel.

Be bold and encourage them back to the truth of God’s Word.

Pastor Paul points to Joseph and Nehemiah when asked about favorite Bible characters, noting that “…they were gifted leaders and administrators who were raised up by God to do miraculous works that brought hope and help to His people.”

August 5, 2010

2 Corinthians 6
Mike Schwiebert

In 2 Corinthians 6, we glimpse the extent of Paul’s efforts and drive for the Kingdom.

I am fascinated by the way that the Apostle Paul taught many lessons at once. For example, look at verse 9:“…known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed…”

The scriptures have a way of communicating just what we need at any given time. Besides communicating eternal truths and shaping theology, I always try to tune in to what the Apostle Paul is subtly communicating about being a disciple and being effective in ministry.

I have been around many driven people. Some of them weren’t tainted by selfish ambition. However, I have seen “famous” Christians promote and position themselves to gain more influence and popularity. These were not the hallmarks of Paul’s ministry. He did not seek popularity or worldly prosperity, yet was arguably the most effective Christian minister of all time.

• All of us are living letters, written by God to our generation.


• May we be regarded as unknown, so God will be known through us.


• May we die to selfish ambitions, so God’s life can live through us.


• May we be small, so God’s writing in our lives can be huge.

When asked about his favorite Bible character, Mike identified Jeremiah, who “…followed through with a tough assignment. I love the fact that he grieved for the people. Although he cared deeply for others, and regretted bringing bad news, he loved and obeyed God more.”

August 4, 2010

2 Corinthians 5
Pastor Jason Yon

Don’t get too comfortable “at home”

As I read 2 Corinthians 5, one verse really pressed me, along with the chapter’s theme: "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:6)

While it’s certainly true that Earth is not our home (since our true home is in heaven with the Lord), the part that really struck me is that if we are “at home” in our body here…we are away from the Lord. It would seem to me that “at home” might also translate as “comfortable.”

Especially within our fairly affluent community, we can become very comfortable with our lives. You might have a beautiful family, nice house on the lake, a couple of nice cars, an exciting boat or Jet Ski and a comfortable salary. Life’s pretty good, huh? Well, this verse advises, “don’t get used to it!” That’s not a threat, but a suggestion.

The Lord wants us to long for our heavenly dwelling and being close to Him, not living comfortably here. He wants us to have such a passionate relationship with Him on Earth that we are longing to get out of this body to be with Him in heaven.

As Christians, we should not be afraid of death. I understand that when we die, we will leave loved ones behind. Yet when believers in Christ die, we should be so excited for them, rather than sad or even depressed. They are in a much better place - a place where we should all be longing to join them.

So, let’s change things up a bit. Not to the point of complaining, but let’s be uncomfortable in this body and this life. Let’s long to be in the presence of the Lord…in our heavenly dwelling.

The Apostle Paul is Pastor Jason’s favorite Bible character, since “after his personal encounter with God, he was sold out to God and His plan for his life.”

August 3, 2010

2 Corinthians 4
Pastor Sherli Morgan

A “treasure in jars of clay” – what a visual!

As written in 2 Corinthians 4, the highly valuable message of salvation in Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and fallible human beings – jars of clay. Paul’s focus was not on the perishable container, but on its priceless contents: God’s power that dwells in us. While we all have weaknesses, God uses us to spread His Good News to this world and He gives us the power to do His work.

Paul reminds us that though we may feel we are at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of hope. Our bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Christ has won victory over death, hell and the grave, we have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations and trials are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and presence in and through us.

Our troubles should not diminish our faith. Paul reminds us that our troubles, in the real scheme of things, are light and momentary.

I’ve heard it said that our troubles should be viewed as opportunities. When we allow Christ to shine through us during times of trouble, we are showing others that there really is a “treasure” in this “jar of clay.”

When asked about her favorite Bible character, Pastor Sherli pointed to Nehemiah, who “willingly stepped into ‘unfamiliar territory’ as he took on the job of rebuilding the wall. He listened to God and followed the vision God had given him to complete the task.”

August 2, 2010

2 Corinthians 3
Pastor Farrell Lemings

As I read 2 Corinthians 3, I’m prompted to ask, when you think of who you are and all that you have accomplished in life…do you give glory to God, or pat yourself on the back?

The Apostle Paul was quick to give the glory to God. His confidence was in God, and his sufficiency came from God. Paul was a brilliant and well-educated man, yet did not depend on his own adequacy. He depended on the Lord.

What a great example for us to follow! In reality, we are not competent or able within ourselves. However, all things are possible through God. Every day, we need to find ourselves leaning into God and living surrendered to Him. As we come to Him humbled and available, He will accomplish great things through us.

I encourage you to take some time today and profess your great need of God. In my journey of faith, I have discovered that God is looking for people that are willing to allow Him to manifest His greatness in their lives.

When asked about his favorite character in the Bible, Pastor Farrell identified David “…because he was so real. He passionately loved God and tenaciously pursued Him, yet had his struggles and failures. However, in the midst of his questions and struggles, David never lost sight of the wonder and greatness of God.”