September 30, 2010

1 Timothy 5
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

As we read 1 Timothy 5, we find Timothy in his 30's, a young man in ministry charged with leading the church at Ephesus. Paul was nearing the end of his life, having experienced prison, shipwreck and a number of physical beatings. The books of Timothy and Titus are grouped into what is known as "The Pastoral Letters," written by Paul with explicit instructions on how the church should operate and deal with life’s challenges.

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He responded with a “Part A and B” - love God and love others. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 speak to loving others: "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." They speak to believers on how to live in community. If each of us were to really work at getting this right, our lives - and the lives of those around us - would be different.

Outside of your immediate family, how do you treat the older men and women in your life? How about the younger men and women? Maybe we should also examine how we exhort our elders and have brotherly/sisterly love for the young ones in our families.

Take some time to reflect on these questions. To what degree are you experiencing authentic community in your family, as well as non-family relationships? If you have identified relationships that need improvement, go to the Lord and ask for guidance, wisdom, and instruction on how to proceed.

You and I make up the church, and we are the church. It is not solely the pastor's job to promote and model community. It is the call of every believer. What I model and teach as a pastor doesn't end with me, but continues with how you live your life in Christ. I encourage you read Paul's encouraging "Pastoral Letters" as a reminder of why God gave us the church and as a living exhortation of how to live for Christ.

Pastor Paul just began his 13th year as part of the Grace Covenant Church staff, having worked previously in administration and sports medicine.

September 29, 2010

1 Timothy 4
Pastor Stan Wilson

Earlier this year, I became highly motivated to become more physically fit. The spare tire I was wearing around my waist was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. I found that I was winded after climbing a flight of stairs. I was increasingly sluggish throughout the day, and the mirror had become my enemy.

Finally one day, it happened. I decided that enough was enough. I knew that something had to change, so I took action. I changed my diet and joined the gym. It was amazing what began to happen once I established a proper diet, partnered with a consistent routine of cardio and weights. As I began to take the initiative to limit my portions and exert myself physically, the spare tire began to decrease and muscles began to increase. I had more strength, stamina and energy throughout the day and that flight of stairs became a non-issue.

Physical development and spiritual development are very similar. In each, growth can only occur when there is exertion and proper diet. In 1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT), Paul directed Timothy to “train towards godliness.” It’s interesting to note that the word “godliness” comes from the old English word – Godlikeness – which means to have the character and attitude of God. Paul’s directive to Timothy was to spiritually exert himself in a way that would cause the development of the character and attitude of God within. The same directive applies to you and me. The goal of our lives should be to “train towards godliness” and see the ongoing development of the character and attitude of God evident and working in our lives.

Are you spiritually sluggish and lacking in this area? Are you carrying around a spare tire of spiritual flab? If so, it’s time to take action. Decide that enough is enough. Take the initiative to change your diet and join the spiritual gym. Commit to a consistent routine of disciplines that includes the study of God’s Word, prayer, fasting, meditation and listening to God. When you commit to this routine, you’ll be amazed as you watch your spiritual muscles grow. Very soon you will begin to see the likeness of God as it is being formed in you.

A Wilson, N.C. native, Pastor Stan “returned home” in December 2007 from Simi Valley, California, where he served five years as the executive pastor, then seven years as senior pastor of Sonrise Christian Fellowship.

September 28, 2010

1 Timothy 3
Pastor Luke Lang

I looked down at my screaming 5-year-old daughter. She was clearly upset. We were at SeaWorld enjoying a blistering hot Texas summer day, and Delanie had just been told that she couldn’t ride the “Screaming Tuna.” She was about an inch below the height requirement. So we did what many well-meaning parents do to pacify a kid who is hot and distraught…we gave in. We ran to Wal-Mart and bought a pair of 3-inch wedgie sandals. Suddenly Del experienced a miraculous (?) growth spurt and was able to ride the Screaming Tuna!

In 1 Timothy 3, Paul gives leaders some pretty substantial requirements. He makes it VERY clear that “with great power comes great responsibility” (thank you Spiderman!)

The problem is that many leaders try to do the same thing that we did at SeaWorld. They try to meet the standards by propping themselves up with hype, talent or charisma. Yet what’s at stake is much bigger than a ride at an amusement park. God demands integrity (notice I said “demands,” not “suggests” or even “desires”).

Are we the same when the spotlight is off and no one is watching? Is our private devotion the same as our public passion? I have to continually ask myself: am I real, or propping myself up to look like I reach the mark? What would my wife and daughter tell people about my walk with Christ?

It’s heavy stuff…but if we don’t make integrity an issue, it WILL BECOME an issue!

Did you know? Pastor Luke formerly worked as a disc jockey at college radio stations in Claremore, OK and Blacksburg, VA.

September 27, 2010

1 Timothy 2
Pastor Jeff Allen

Freedom: the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under restraint.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 653,000 people have given their lives during all of the wars in which the United States has participated while defending our freedom.

I am grateful for their sacrifice. I am grateful that my family and I don’t have to deal with the fear of living in conditions that are dictated by one individual’s opinion. I’m grateful that my views or my daughters’ views are not legislated by someone else’s concept of the world. I’m thankful for men and women who gave up their lives so that my family and I can live unrestricted lives. It has cost the lives of many, so that we can live in physical freedom.

Yet, it only cost One life so that we can live in spiritual freedom. “He [Jesus] gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.” (1 Timothy 2:6, NLT)

Paul explained it further in Romans 5:17 (NLT): “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”

If you want to do a new study, try looking up all the times that Paul mentions being “free” or “freedom,” and the context in which he says it.

Paul was a man bound by the law, restricted by so many rules and regulations that it must have been suffocating. There were so many things that he had to think about and couldn’t do that it must have made it virtually impossible to live. So when the time came that God freed him from the bondage, he couldn’t help but talk about it constantly.

There’s a saying that goes like this, “Every man dies, but not every man lives.” Jesus came so that we could live. Are you living in freedom or fear?

Pastor Jeff’s passion for creatively communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ to kids has been evidenced in three years of ministry to 3rd-5th grade children (The Studio) and their families at Grace Covenant.

September 24-26, 2010

1 Timothy 1
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

A Time to Sing!

What does it take for you to break out in song? Hearing an old favorite? The forgiving acoustics of the shower stall? Winning the game in overtime?

Now I like to sing as much as the next person, but I am married to a man who breaks out in song way too easily. It happens mostly during card games with our friends, when phrases from our conversation remind him of songs from the 70’s and 80’s, and off he goes. I know…it sounds scary, and it is!

Yet to be honest, I think the one thing that compels most of us to burst out in song is getting some spectacularly wonderful news. Joy breaks out, and we just can’t help but sing!

That’s what must have happened as the Apostle Paul was writing this chapter to Timothy. Read 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (from the New Living Translation) again:

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.”

Paul stated why Jesus came, and then shared his own story. As he wrote with awe about God using him (the self-proclaimed “worst sinner”) to draw others to faith in Christ, he seemed to pause and then wrote these lyrics--used in songs and hymns of praise throughout the centuries:



“To the King of Ages,

Immortal, Invisible,

The only God

Be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.” (verse 17, NLT)

Yep, a song broke out! I don’t think that Paul could help himself.

Worship always rises when you reflect on the Good News of Jesus, when you remember what He has done in your life, and are absolutely undone by His expression of mercy to you. It is spectacularly wonderful news that just somehow, somewhere, just HAS to break out in song.

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

September 23, 2010

2 Thessalonians 3
Pastor Paul Glenn

Sometimes I think that the Apostle Paul had an amazing way with words. He directly addressed issues, and the modern Church views him with complete respect.

In 2 Thessalonians 3, he addressed idle “busybodies” in the Church. In verse 6, he mentioned that idle Christians were not living according to Christ’s teachings. Later in verses 11 and 14 he wrote, “We hear that some among you are idle...(and) busybodies,” adding thatif they didn’t change, other believers should stop associating with them so that they would feel ashamed. Wow!

This begs a few reflective questions: Are these passages really inspired Scripture or just Paul’s rude comments? If we believe them to be inspired, why don’t we “call” fellow Christians on these matters when we see them? Does fear, peer pressure, uncertainty of how to handle it or “just minding our own business” get in the way?

In Genesis 3:6, we learn that when Eve took the first bite of forbidden fruit, Adam was right there and did nothing to address it. That’s apathy…and it precedes our becoming parties to their sin.

So I have two challenges for each of us:

• If we consider our own actions and recognize idleness or meddling, let’s halt such behavior and even “confess our faults” with a trusted friend.


• If we see other believers engaged in such behavior, courageously take the next step to lovingly “warn them as a brother” (verse 15) and thus protect them from further shame.

Did you know? Pastor Paul, who oversees administrative and business-related functions at Grace Covenant, formerly “mixed sound” in middle school for choral performances and continued mixing for over 20 years.

September 22, 2010

2 Thessalonians 2
Mike Schwiebert

I happened to be in an office the other day, and the television was set on one of those news channels that repeat the same information every few minutes. I mean, literally, over and over and over. It’s a strategy designed to keep us unsettled and glued to our TV sets, waiting for more information. We live in a headline-and-sound-byte culture, but there is always more to the story.

2 Thessalonians contains one of the most prominent headlines in Christianity: Jesus is Coming Soon! In many circles, we have used that truth to generate alarm and fear -- the very thing that Paul warns against in this chapter!

You won’t be alarmed by the headline, if you know the background story.

In Matthew 23:37, Jesus said that He wanted to gather His children like a hen gathers her chicks. That is the same idea communicated in the 2 Thessalonians letter. God yearns for the day when we are together. He loves us immensely!

I can’t wait for the day when I am together with Jesus. I am filled with wonder that He feels the same way about you and me. Be encouraged. That day is just around the corner.

Come quickly Lord Jesus!

In November 2007, Mike became Grace Covenant Church’s first Media Director after directing John Hagee Ministries’ production team in San Antonio, Texas.

September 21, 2010

2 Thessalonians 1
Pastor Jason Yon

“Times are tough.” We’ve probably all heard someone say it. The current state of our economy has a lot of people facing very tough decisions and situations for their families.

Paul wrote about tough situations in 2 Thessalonians, but it had more to do with persecution and trials related to the believers’ faith in the Lord. Christians in Thessalonica were being persecuted for their faith, so Paul encouraged them that God would reward them, while the persecutors would be brought to justice.

Persecution is happening all over the world. Some Christians in foreign countries are even being killed for their belief in God and practice of Christianity. In our own country, a lot of students in schools are being ridiculed and even beaten up for their belief in God. When I was in high school 15-18 years ago, I experienced persecution. It wasn’t fun. Those times were tough, and 2 Thessalonians 1 is one of the portions of scripture that I leaned on.

Maybe you are facing persecution at work, school or some other area of your life. If you are, take courage in this passage of scripture, for “…you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled.” (2 Thessalonians 1:5-7)

Did you know that Pastor Jason has an alternate personality known as "Professor Googenheimer"?

September 20, 2010

1 Thessalonians 5
Pastor Sherli Morgan

Jesus is coming back, so get ready. Live each day as if He were coming today.

I’ve heard that all my life and, as I look around, I do believe it could be any day. As a Christian, I’m looking forward to His return. Are you?

Meanwhile, 1 Thessalonians 5 is full of great wisdom to live by:

• Respect those that work hard among you, are over you in the Lord and admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work (verses 12-13). When we show respect to others, we’re obeying and honoring God.


• Live in peace with each other.


• Don’t be lazy, weak or overly timid.


• Try to be kind to each other – everyone.


• Be joyful.


• Pray continually.


• Give thanks in all circumstances.


• Don’t toss aside the gifts of the Holy Spirit.


• Test everything.


• Hold on to good and avoid evil.


• Count on God’s constant help.

Do you suppose that if we really believed that Jesus were coming today, this list would be easier to live out?

Did you know? Former President Lyndon Baines Johnson was Pastor Sherli’s fourth cousin.

September 17-19, 2010

1 Thessalonians 4
Pastor Farrell Lemings

I recently heard about a prank that was pulled on a pastor directing a summer camp program. The pastor ran an errand and was supposed to be gone for about two hours. While he was away, campers staged a “rapture.” A boat was circling in the lake, with no one in it. Clothes were strategically located around the campground as if people were just taken away, right out of them. The kitchen was set up to appear that the cooks were doing their job preparing meals, and were just taken in a moment’s time. When the pastor returned, the campground was empty. It appeared that the rapture had happened and he was left behind. What a riot! I wish I had been there to witness the event.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, the Apostle Paul informs us about the return of Jesus and rapture of the Church. A day is coming when Jesus will split open the eastern sky as the trumpet call sounds and believers will meet Him in the air. What a glorious day that will be!

The Bible makes it clear that no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return. However, since we are certain of the promise, we should:

• Be actively engaged in evangelism to reach the lost


• Live aware and ready for Christ’s return


• Live in expectation of His return

We should live every day with our “rapture shoes on,” because…who knows? Today might be the day.

Did you know? Pastor Farrell is an avid Razorback fan. While he was growing up, work stopped to watch University of Arkansas football and basketball games on television. SOOIEE! GO RAZORBACKS!

September 16, 2010

1 Thessalonians 3
Lynell McCrary

As you read 1 Thessalonians 3, do you “hear” the passion in Paul’s writing? He was aware of the Thessalonians’ tough trials, and earnestly wanted to know that they were okay.

Using today’s technologies, when we find ourselves concerned for the welfare of others, we can quickly find out when someone is doing well. By contrast, Paul had to wait for the message to come back from Timothy.

In verses 9 and 10, I can almost see Paul jumping up and down with excitement when he finds out that they are doing well spiritually. His response to Timothy’s good report reminds me of God’s response to us when we communicate with Him.

It’s so easy to get consumed with the busyness of the day. Yet God is longing to be with us all of the time. Unlike Paul and the Thessalonians, God knows how we are doing every moment of the day, yet He longs to hear it from us. He wants good reports, but also the bad, silly, lonely, tired and heartfelt ones. Nothing delights God more than to be in constant communication with us all day long.

We are the ones that create separation in our relationship with God, not Him.

When is the last time that you talked with God? How long will your next conversation with Him last?

Did you know? When she’s not busy in her ministry assignment as Grace Covenant’s Connections Director, Lynell lists this as a “perfect day of meals” - cold pizza for breakfast, Donato’s pizza for lunch and Brooklyn South pizza for dinner. The toppings don’t matter!

September 15, 2010

Thessalonians 2
Pastor Tina Wehner

Nothing can evoke strong emotion like a newborn baby. Parents often experience indescribable moments when referring to a precious child. It’s overwhelming when you face the reality of God’s amazing love and creativity as he chose the blessing of human creation.

Over the centuries, moments like these have resulted in such descriptions as “bundle of joy,” “apple of my eye” and “pride and joy”. In 1 Thessalonians 2:20 (New Living Translation,) that last phrase is how Paul and Timothy refer to the believers in Thessalonica.

It’s fascinating that Paul wasn’t referring to a newborn baby who is sweet, innocent and still young enough to appear flawless. He was referring to normal everyday people like you and me. I am sure that they were every bit as blemished as we are. Yet, despite their humanity, Paul felt such a deep and affectionate love for them that he said - when our Master Jesus Christ appears - you will be our “pride and joy!”

Let’s reflect on those in whom we are most proud. Are we proud of them despite their blemishes? Do they know that we are proud of them? Moreover, are there others that are proud of you? Does expressing affirmation come easily for you as the giver or the receiver?

The Apostle Paul modeled genuine care and affirmation with his words and actions. In the same way, let’s choose to express to others our pride and joy in them, encouraging with tenacity and love so that - when our Master Jesus appears - our lives will reflect hope and joy.

Pastor Tina has served on the Grace Covenant staff for more than 7½ years, and directs the church’s Community Groups.

September 14, 2010

1 Thessalonians 1
Pastor John Edwards

Isn’t it great to be encouraged by someone who gets it? Any encouragement is certainly welcome, but there’s just something different when we’re challenged and exhorted to “stay the course” by someone who can identify with where we are in our Christian journey. I wonder if that’s how the new believers at Thessalonica received the beginning of Paul’s letter to them.

In the face of opposition from within the Jewish community, nothing could have been easy about “breaking ranks” and living out their recently discovered faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, there’s a phrase in 1 Thessalonians 1:6 that you and I might overlook: “…in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”

Paul, who was opposed virtually everywhere that he went, knew their struggle…right where they lived. After three weeks in Thessalonica, he was threatened and forced out under accusations of sedition against Caesar (see Acts 17:1-10). Yes, he was a credible exhorter. He got it.

So that leaves me with two mirror-gazing questions. Maybe they’re helpful for you too:

• To what degree am I a credible exhorter, willing to admit my own life challenges as I seek to encourage others? Humility acknowledges our humanity and dependence on God and His Word.


• Will I – like the core of believers in Thessalonica – continually “welcome the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit”? “Welcoming the message” of Jesus Christ isn’t an event…it’s a daily lifestyle choice.

In the face of our own cultural opposition, my prayer for you and me is that our daily witness can be described like 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “…work produced by faith…labor prompted by love…and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” I really want to live that way.

Pastor John facilitates strategic planning in the life of Grace Covenant, while collaborating in developing Grace Leadership Network and aspects of communications.

September 13, 2010

Colossians 4
Pastor Wil Mouer

Reaching the “Outsider”

Take a minute and think of a time when you felt like you didn’t belong. I’m sure that everyone can identify with this feeling. It is not fun. I would describe these times as feeling that everyone has the inside track on a topic of conversation about which I have no idea. It can make you feel like you are not a part of the “in crowd.”

It’s interesting to me that, in the New International Version, the word “outsider” is used in Colossians 4:5, where the Apostle Paul encourages us to “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” The “outsiders” to whom Paul referred were non-believers or non-Christians.

• As Christians, how do we act toward these individuals?


• Do we have our “church friends” with whom we talk on Sundays or Mondays, and unknowingly ignore the outsider coming to church for the first time?


• Do we use Christian lingo in our conversations or meetings, making people feel that they can’t connect?


• Do we ignore opportunities to impact outsiders in our neighborhoods or workplaces?

I think that we all can be guilty of this from time to time. In fact, it has been proven that the longer a person is a Christian, the less contact that person has with non-Christians.

So…what should we do?

First, Paul implores us to be watchful and in prayer before instructing us to use wisdom in the way that we act. Let’s take this to heart and really act on it. Wouldn’t it be great if all of us reading this devotional would follow that three-step process? These simple-but-effective steps can be the catalyst for an “outsider” to become an “insider.”

Let’s all think of at least one “outsider” that we can impact this week. Who is the “outsider” you are called to reach?

A third-generation Foursquare pastor, Wil directs Grace Covenant student ministries (middle school, high school, college/young adults).

September 10-12, 2010

Colossians 3
Cammie Wilson

I love the feeling that you get when you wear a new outfit for the first time. I don’t know why exactly…perhaps it’s the newness of the clothes; or maybe it’s because they’re fresh, clean and crisp. Whatever the reason, I like the way I feel when I am in them - smart and ready to go! I have a new confidence and an extra bounce in my step! Now I know you’re probably thinking, “She’s such a girl!” Well, as a matter of fact, I am. Yet I think there’s probably a great deal of men that feel the same way.

In Colossians 3:9 and 10, the Apostle Paul describes our “old self” and “new self” in terms of “taking off” and “putting on,” as if he is describing clothing: “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

His description gives the image of perhaps actually taking off a garment that is no longer desirable…perhaps it’s dirty, torn, mismatched or odorous. The words “since you have taken off your old self with its practices” tell me that this is a decision and an action that I have to consciously make on my part. I have to decide to take off “my old self,” or that which is no longer desirable. It cannot be done for me. I have to make the choice myself. After all, God designed us to have a free will.

Paul then wrote, “…and to put on the new self.” This also indicates that action has to be made by me. No one else can make it for me. I have to make a conscious decision and take action, by putting on this new garment that has been provided for me. I have to make a deliberate choice to wear the fresh, crisp, new clothing, as opposed to the old, dirty (although it may be quite comfortable and familiar) clothing. This decision and action cannot be made by anyone other than me.

Should I choose to put it on, this new garment will never wear out. It’s new every morning. It’s always crisp and clean. It comes with great love, beauty, revelation and power. It also comes with correction, redirection and surrender, since it is a garment that embodies yielding to Christ, so that I may become more like Him.

My question is this: What garment are you going to wear? It’s your choice! No one can decide for you. My prayer is that we all choose this new outfit that has been lovingly woven and prepared just for us.

It’s the perfect fit, every day.

For Cammie, who serves as Grace Covenant’s new Women’s Ministries Director, a favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 3:13 - “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that you will not be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

September 9, 2010

Colossians 2
Pastor Jon Wehner

Where and when did you turn the corner?

I’m not talking about the moment when you accepted Christ as your Savior. I’m talking about a time when you went from following a list of rules and regulations to a bona fide lifestyle of abiding in Him. It’s in these moments that we can clearly discern what it takes to walk in love and therefore be fully connected to “the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, and growing as God causes it to grow.” (Colossians 2:19)

Paul’s concern was that our Christian walk could be a self-generated, religiously robotic way of living out our faith. He reminds us that Christ came to destroy that philosophy and reveal the true nature of the Gospel message, “having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (verse 14)

So don’t accept any distortion of truth. It’s imperative that we live and abide in Him - fully knitted together as a body of believers – thus leading others to the revealed mysteries that lie “right around the corner.”

Pastor Jon directs Grace Covenant’s Monday Night Church and Fusion single adult ministries

September 8, 2010

Colossians 1
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

How many times has someone asked you to pray, but didn't give any specific details? Have you ever sought a way to pray for those that have wandered from the Lord? Or…have you ever had a burden to pray for a family member or friend that lives at a distance, so you weren't sure how to cover them in prayer?

In this letter to the believers in Colossae, the Apostle Paul gives us a powerful prayer to personalize for people when we don't know what to pray. In light of Colossians 1:9-12, your prayer may sound something like this:

Father, today I lift before you _________(insert name). I thank You for him/her and today I pray that You would fill _______ with the knowledge of Your will. Life is full of complex choices and decisions, so I pray that You would give _______ spiritual wisdom and understanding. Help him/her not to lean on their own understanding, but to embrace Your wisdom.

Please give _______ cognitive understanding of spiritual realities. I pray _________ would live a life worthy of the Lord, that they would wear the Name of Christ well and their life would reflect what You purchased for them on the Cross. I pray every aspect of __________'s life would bring you pleasure…that how they invest their life would bear good fruit.

I pray ___________ would want to grow in the knowledge of God, knowing Your character and Your ways more and more. That _________would put deep roots into the fertile ground of Your Word and live out the truth of Your Word in all they do and say. I pray __________ would be strengthened today with Your glorious might and the same power that raised Christ from dead.

Not only do I pray they would have great endurance, but I pray that as they put their trust in You, their ability to patiently persevere and overcome will increase. May __________ joyfully serve You, giving thanks to the Father for the bounty of their inheritance through Christ Jesus.

Who needs your prayers today? Let me encourage you to put this scripture prayer into practice right now. Someone is about to be blessed!

Pastor Michelle oversees Grace Covenant’s outreach ministries/partnerships, as well as leading the church’s care team and serving on the teaching team.

September 7, 2010

Philippians 4
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

The Keys to Peace

We all were created by God, born by His purpose for His purpose. We also know that it is the purpose of the enemy to kill steal and destroy us through the many avenues of deception, confusion, and temptation – just to name a few.

The Apostle Paul refers to our bodies as God’s “temple” – where the Lord dwells. We are instructed to care for this temple, strengthening and fortifying it to the glory of God. Because of this, there are any number of forces coming at us to destroy God’s temple – greed, addictions of all sorts, drunkenness, acts of immorality, etc. As we grow in our faith and travel the journey of Christ-followers, the enemy looks for entry into our lives through the slightest unfortified areas of our spiritual lives. We must always be alert and not allow the enemy to gain a foothold. When he does, the peace in our lives is disrupted.

Paul encouraged the Philippians (4:9) to put into practice all that they had learned, received or heard from him or seen in him. In the same way, let’s strengthen those areas of our spiritual lives that need to be shored up with “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…” (verse 8) and then, “the God of peace will be with you” (verse 9).

Be a believer that is willing to be a lifelong learner. Be open to hearing the Word of God, exercise the gifts that you have received from Him, and model Christ’s example of servant-leadership. In these ways, you will guard yourself from the attacks of the enemy and experience God’s abiding peace.

Congregational care, Men of Grace and Senior Saints are Pastor Paul’s areas of ministry oversight in the life of Grace Covenant.

September 6, 2010

Philippians 3
Pastor Stan Wilson

Over the years, God has granted our family the privilege of international travels. While I love the rewards that come from these memorable, life-changing experiences, I’m not always as thrilled with the various routines required when touching down in a foreign country. For instance, the process of clearing customs doesn’t make my heart go pitter-patter. In fact, at times I find that I am a little apprehensive. What if they think I look suspicious and decide to detain me for questioning? What if I don’t answer their questions correctly and I’m thrown in jail – as an innocent man?

Realizing that this line of thinking is a little extreme and that my apprehension is founded in nothing more than being a weary traveler, I’ve learned a few diversion tactics along the way. One tactic is to identify things about other travelers that may reveal the origin of their citizenship. Sometimes I listen for a particular accent. Other times the color of their passport can reveal the country to which they profess their loyalties. What I’ve repeatedly found to be true is that if I look closely enough, something about an individual will reveal the place he/she calls home.

In Philippians 3:20, Paul wrote about our true home. He declared that, as believers, our citizenship is not here - but in heaven. Commenting on Paul’s words, the expositor W.E. Vine stated that “Here on earth we are a colony of heavenly citizens.” In other words, while this is a temporary place of residence, it is not a place to be called home.

Our time on Earth is much like waiting to clear customs. The ultimate goal is to settle into our permanent heavenly homes. In light of Paul’s words, there are two questions we must ask ourselves as believers:

• As I take temporary residence here on Earth, is my focus heavenly?


• As others closely examine my life, do my actions and attitudes reveal heaven as the place I call home?

I encourage you to take time throughout the day to ponder these questions. As you do, ask God to reveal areas of your life that are in need of heart adjustments.

Pastor Stan directs Grace Covenant’s worship services and the creative process supporting them, as well as overseeing community and worship teams.

September 3-5, 2010

Philippians 2
Pastor Luke Lang

Philippians 2:14-15: “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (NLT)

My dad had one of those super powerful flashlights. It was as big as my leg and it weighed about 12 pounds. I think that he got it from a police auction or the army surplus store. I had to use 2 hands just to hold it! I would carefully brace myself, reach over and flip it on and…BOOM…LIGHT! It put out an intense, amazingly bright light that, I’m pretty sure, you could see for miles. It would blind small animals and confuse air traffic controllers.

In contrast, I remember one time when I was camping out in the woods with a buddy. It was dark, so he pulled out his “flashlight” so we could find our way back to the campground. It was a weak little pen light that barely produced any real illumination (I think he had gotten it out of a box of cereal). We stumbled around in the dark because his light really made no difference at all!

God wants us to SHINE in a dark world. The intensity of our shine really depends on our choices. We can be a weak little penlight for Jesus or a SUPER powerful TURBO LIGHT!

The surest way to REALLY shine is to choose to live in direct contrast to the world, and one way to do that is to live without complaint. You don’t have to walk around very long to hear someone complaining and griping about their life. It also doesn’t take long for someone to challenge or try to pick a fight with you. It’s human nature. It is so easy to fall into that trap, to gripe and get cynical about our circumstances. We justify it by saying that we are just being truthful.

Yet Paul (who actually did have a lot to gripe about…stonings, shipwrecks, beatings, etc.), tells us in the verses above that if we really want to shine, we will live free of complaint. Then we will stand out. Then we can make a difference.

Try it this week…refuse to complain, even when you have a really good excuse. Refuse to argue your cause and your case and watch how people notice that there is something different about you! Let’s get shiny!

Pastor Luke leads “The Tribe” for 6th-8th grade (middle school) students and in support of their families. The Tribe gathers twice each Sunday morning – 9:30 and 11:15 – in Room 225, along with 6:45 each Wednesday night in Clanton Hall.

September 2, 2010

Philippians 1
Pastor Jeff Allen

Under Construction

I don’t understand myself at all! I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do everything I hate…When I want to do good, I don’t. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.

Does this sound familiar? Paul, the man who wrote 13 books of the Bible, penned words similar to those in the seventh chapter of his letter to the Roman church. Honestly, I sometimes feel the same way. In a moment of transparency, we see that Paul is human, just like us. For example, I want to drive like a responsible adult, but sometimes when “those people” cut me off I just want to pretend suddenly that I don’t know how to drive either!

However, contrast the words above with Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi: “I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” (Philippians 1:6, NLT)

Paul’s words are true. Although I sometimes wonder “why do I do that?” or “why did I react that way?,” I can be assured that God is not finished with me yet. He is consistently developing my character. The same is true of you also. We do our best to honor God in our lives, but still need to remember that we are human and under construction. You are not perfect. You have imperfections and, if this is true of you, it is also true of others.

So be patient with yourself and others. You and I will continue to be under construction and so will “those people.”

Pastor Jeff directs “The Studio,” Grace Covenant’s ministry to 3rd-5th grade children and their families. The Studio takes place in the “worship modular” behind the main church building.

September 1, 2010

Ephesians 6
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

It has been two years since my dad went home to be with Jesus and I still miss him. He was an amazing man who formed my faith in Christ more than any other single influence.

I was thinking of him as I read this verse in Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” (New Living Translation)

My dad must have had that verse embedded in his soul, because he raised 7 kids exactly that way. He didn’t quote a lot of Scripture, but his life was a sermon more powerful than words. He taught us to do the right thing, be responsible, finish what we start, treat our neighbors kindly, and cherish our family. He loved people and showed us how to care for others. He laughed easily and taught us to enjoy our days. He was soft-spoken, patient, wise and gentle. I actually don’t ever remember him being angry…except for that one time, just before impact, when I was first learning to drive! (Actually, there was no anger and no impact, but it is a funny image and he would have enjoyed that joke!)

He taught us that “faith without works is not faith at all,” and that we should “do all our work heartily as a gift unto the Lord.” He taught us to love the church and be the church. We read the Bible every day because it held the answers to life. Sitting around the breakfast table, we read a chapter a day, every day, every year…year after year. Our personal “spiritual formation” lessons happened spontaneously, as everyday life unfolded.

For most of my “growing-up years,” I thought that everyone had a dad like I did. Of course, most kids didn’t. However, according to Ephesians 6:4, every dad should accept that it is his job to instruct his kids how to live for God---in a way that is consistent, authentic and honorable. Dad is the spiritual trainer, as it were, and he is to train his kids in a disciplined, intentional manner, with gentleness and patience.

Just think what kind of world this would be if dads lived this one verse…every day…day after day…every year…year after year.

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