October 29-31, 2010

Hebrews 12
Pastor Wil Mouer

I love watching the Summer Olympics, especially the 100-yard dash. It’s awesome to see the amazing athletes sprint toward the finish line, running as if they are “floating on air.” One of the keys to their success is not to look to the right or left during the race. Sprinters must focus on the finish line and run their best.

Each of us is called by God to run a race. This race lasts a lifetime, because it’s not a sprint, but a marathon. Our responsibility is to keep focused on Christ and not get distracted.

We must also keep in mind that our personal race looks different than another person’s race. In Hebrews 12, the author encourages us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Christ has a unique race for each person, so there is no room for comparison or competition.

The scripture goes on to say, “let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Our faith is strengthened throughout the journey of life.

Two takeaways to remember:

• Run the race that God has for you. Ask Him what that looks like and He will tell you.
• Fix your eyes on Jesus. Picture Him at the finish line cheering you on.

When asked about a historical figure (not from the Bible) that he would most like to meet, Grace Covenant’s student ministries director identified a discussion about the Reformation with Martin Luther, noting that “it would be interesting to compare that time with the present.”

October 28, 2010

Hebrews 11
Cammie Wilson

In a recent staff meeting, the subject of having faith in the midst of difficult times became a topic of discussion. I half-serious/half-jokingly said, “Well, it’s easy to have faith when you’re in control. It’s when you’re not in control that it’s hard!” Needless to say, I got a few laughs out of that one.

Yet let’s think about it. Isn’t it easy to have faith when you think you can SEE the outcome? It’s when the outcome or final destination is not seen, or invisible, that faith is truly given the opportunity to be put into action. Hebrews 11:1 states it this way: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

In other words, faith is complete and ultimate trust in God and His promises, despite what circumstances or fears seem to be telling us. Hebrews 11 goes on to give amazing examples of patriarchs who went before us, all rich in faith:

• BY FAITH Abel offered God a better sacrifice than his brother, Cain
• BY FAITH Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death
• BY FAITH Noah built the ark
• BY FAITH Abraham made his home in the promised land, where he was “a stranger in a foreign country”
• BY FAITH Abraham became a father when he was well past age
• BY FAITH the Israelites passed through the Red Sea
• BY FAITH the prostitute Rahab hid the spies
• BY FAITH the walls of Jericho fell, after the people marched around them for seven days

These are just a few examples of men and women who were sure of what they hoped for (the promises given to them by God) and certain of what they could not see (the future that God had for them). They didn’t look to circumstances or allow their fears to rule their thoughts, but unwaveringly looked to God and trusted His promises.

These great promises in God’s Word apply not only to these amazing men and women, but to every one of us. The same Amazing God who resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead offers that same power to work in our lives every day. It just requires faith.

When circumstances seem bleak and what you see tells you that it is impossible, remember…this is a great opportunity for faith to be put into action. We can be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see – then we can see the mighty hand of God work it all out for His glory and our benefit.

When asked about a historical figure (not from the Bible) that she would most like to meet, Grace Covenant’s women’s ministries director identified Queen Victoria, who “had 9 children, loved her husband and ran a country all at the same time! She also did it as a single mom after King Albert passed away at the age of 42 and was one of the most loved political figures of the United Kingdom. She wasn’t perfect, but she knew who she was and knew her purpose.”

October 27, 2010

Hebrews 10
Pastor Jon Wehner

As I was driving to work the other morning - scanning local radio stations - I came across a sappy old love song that used to dominate the charts. The lyrics went a little like this, “I did my best – but I guess my best wasn’t good enough.”

The first verse of Hebrews 10 reflects the same concept, with one great exception. Our best is never going to be good enough for God.

Without Jesus Christ, our relationship with God is imperfect and incomplete. The author reminds us that the sacrifices of Old Testament Law were merely a temporal solution to our sin problem. It is the sacrifice of Jesus that insures us a permanent solution as continually communicated in the New Testament writings.

So the next time that you find yourself channel-surfing on the radio (on your way to a Christian station, of course), feel free to add some additional lyrics like “. . . my best wasn’t good enough, but thank you Lord that Jesus was.”

Pastor Jon’s “C/D/I” personality blend reflects his tendencies to be consciously systematic, aggressively determined and emotionally enthusiastic when, in his words, he “lets his guard down.”

October 26, 2010

Hebrews 9
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

Movie trailers are intended to captivate viewers to go and experience the real thing. They are never equal to watching the whole movie. Just as a movie trailer is a short representation of the full-length movie, so the Old Testament tabernacle and sacrificial system were symbols of the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for New Testament believers.

The writer of Hebrews reminded first-century Jewish believers and 21st-century followers of Christ that the blood shed by Jesus is far superior to any blood shed by animals through ceremonial rituals. When the Old Testament priests offered up animal sacrifices, the people’s sin was cleansed from them ceremonially, but their hearts were not cleansed.

By contrast, Jesus’ blood cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness. It makes us clean on the inside.

By Jesus’ blood alone…

… we have our consciences cleansed (verse 14)

… we are freed from spiritual death (verse 15)

… we are freed from sin’s power, to serve God (verse 14)

Rules and rituals have never cleansed and transformed people’s hearts. That’s why - as Jesus’ blood poured from his side on the cross - he said, “It is finished.”

Pastor Michelle’s predominant “D/I” personality blend is infused with a healthy dose of “C” under pressure. While driven, she likes to have others in the car and make sure that she’s driving in the correct lane.

October 25, 2010

Hebrews 8
Pastor Paul Turbedsky

“They'll get to know me by being kindly forgiven, with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean.” (Hebrews 8:12, The Message)

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you committed such a sin that you questioned God’s forgiveness and the validity of your salvation? Someone not yet a believer in Jesus Christ might think, “God can never forgive me. Salvation is not for me.”

We hear many sermons about forgiveness for our sins - that God forgives and remembers them no more and that Christ died for our sins – but do we really believe that? If we believe that every word of the Bible is God-inspired and true, we must believe that God forgives all of our sins and chooses not to remember them, although we must “own up” to the consequences of our sin.

Psalm 103:2-3 says it this way: “I will praise the Lord. I won't forget anything he does for me. He forgives all my sins. He heals all my sicknesses.” (NIRV)

Remind yourself that Christ died for your sins, loves you dearly and longs to forgive you and have relationship with you. He wants you to make him “number one” in your life. If you are already a believer and find yourself struggling with a sin - confess it to the Lord, accept His forgiveness, allow yourself to be loved by Him and make Him Lord of your life. If you are not a believer – accept the gift of salvation that forgives beyond any measure of man or law - and allow Christ to be your Savior and your Lord.

My prayer is for you to accept the blood of Jesus and His grace to wipe your sins clean, allowing you to walk in freedom. Now…go do something good for someone and make a difference in someone else’s life and yours.

Pastor Paul’s predominant “C/S” personality blend reflects his desire to bring harmony and calm to situations, with great care for those involved.

October 22-24, 2010

Hebrews 7
Pastor Stan Wilson

In the spring of 1948 my parents, Charles Wilson and Elizabeth Branom, decided to get married. Charles met Elizabeth at “The Grille” in Tuscumbia, Alabama, where she worked as a waitress. When he first saw her, as the story goes, he told a buddy who had joined him for lunch that she was “going to be my wife.” He was right, and four fine children were produced from their union, all boys. Since I’m the youngest, just call me “boy number four.”

If you watched the Wilson boys in action, you would quickly learn that they were quite capable and felt right at home in the worlds of home and auto repair. Well actually, that isn’t completely true. While Wilson boys one, two and three can do almost anything from framing out a room addition to rebuilding an engine, Wilson boy number 4 (that’s me) finds all such tasks a bit daunting and challenging. While, at times, I am able to perform the simplest of home repairs, even those become quite costly and incomplete. With time, my meager repair jobs fail and professionals have to be called in to save the day. I’ve come to accept the fact that successful home repair isn’t my lot in life and that I need to depend on someone greater than myself.

Often I’ve made the same mistake in both my personal and spiritual life. Upon identifying places of the heart that are corroded and behaviors needing realignment, I set out - as if well-equipped - trying to mend the broken places through my own meager efforts. Just as with my home repair efforts, the simplest of personal repairs become costly and incomplete. Soon, my meager self-help attempts fail and I realize that I have to call in the Professional.

I’m so thankful that God has provided, through Jesus Christ, someone infinitely greater than me and more than able to save and restore completely, no matter how great the repair job may seem to be.

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Pastor Stan’s predominant personality blend is “SI” or “SIC,” meaning that he’s fueled by being with people and loves to inspire them on to godliness, greatness and their full God-given potential.

October 21, 2010

Hebrews 6
Pastor Luke Lang

I love the book of Hebrews. It’s just good solid stuff. The name always threw me off though. I thought it belonged in the Old Testament…but I love it. In fact, I always thought it would be kind of fun (in a cheesy, Christian subculture sort of way) to open a coffee shop and call it “He Brews.” Okay, stop groaning!

Hebrews 6 starts off with a friendly little exhortation: “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…” I’ve been hanging around churches since I was in elementary school. Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of people use this verse against leaders: “I’m leaving the church because it’s just not deep enough. I want to leave the elementary teaching and go somewhere I can mature.” Yet I have come to think that this verse is really more personal and practical. I don’t think it’s talking about what someone is teaching me, but what I am doing with what I know.

We learn the basics (which don’t change and were designed by God to be simple so EVERYone can understand), then we grow up by DOING what we have been taught. We don’t go deep by instruction, but by application! We leave the “elementary teaching” and put it into action by loving, serving and digging into God’s Word, letting it speak deeply to us personally and practically.

When I took Driver’s Ed (back in the early eighties...geez!), I read the Driver’s Handbook and listened to the Driver’s Ed teacher, but my driving skills didn’t develop until I hit the road. It’s the same with my faith. My maturity isn’t up to the teacher. It’s up to me…taking what I have been taught and living it out.

Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to brew some coffee.

Pastor Luke’s personality reflects a high “I” which, in his own words, “says that my name is Luke and I like to party!”

October 20, 2010

Hebrews 5
Pastor Jeff Allen

With maturity comes responsibility.

As we age through childhood and adolescence, little by little we are expected to be more responsible. My daughters are expected to keep their rooms clean, clear the dinner table, not leave their toys and other things lying on the floor, etc. I’ve noticed that as my oldest daughter matures, she becomes better at doing what she’s supposed to do, even when we don’t ask. That doesn’t mean that she’s perfect. Yet she’s getting better at doing the right thing as she ages.

In Hebrews 5:11-14, we read about spiritual growth and spiritual maturity. Verse 14 (NLT) gives a clear description: “Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right.”

It’s not always easy to do what’s right. The Holy Spirit who lives within us gives us the wisdom to know right from wrong.

I heard a married couple talking recently about a solution to a problem. After coming up with a solution, the husband asked, “…but is that the right thing to do?” His question didn’t relate to the solution, but whether or not it was the godly decision. I thought instantly, “That’s why they are elders.” They came up with a different plan that was guided by God’s wisdom. They have maturity that not only leads them to know what’s right, but to do it.

When I grow up, I want to be just like them. How about you?

Reflecting his “C/I” personality blend, Pastor Jeff is likely to pursue excellence in a few things rather than tackle multiple ones, while having fun and enjoying social environments where he feels comfortable.

October 19, 2010

Hebrews 4
Pastor JoAn Blackmon

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

This is one of those scriptures that is almost jaw-dropping in its meaning for us. It teaches us these truths:

• The Word of God is alive; it is vibrant and fruitful; it creates, restores, and heals. Every passage of His Word pulsates with truth, hope, and redemption.


• The Word is powerful; it is living energy! It is described as fire, a hammer, and a sword. The prophet Isaiah wrote that God’s Word cannot return “void” – it always does what it sets out to do.


• The Word of God is always “on target.” It is perfectly accurate in its message and mission.


• It is sharp - it has never met a barrier in the soul or spirit of man that it could not penetrate. It is for both offensive and defensive use.


• The Word of God is penetrating; it goes deep into the recesses of our very soul and spirit. It has two edges – either cutting to save our lives or judging us to eternal death.


• The Word of God is discerning. In other words, it exposes even our secret thoughts and motives - we are “laid bare” before Him. The literal translation of this verse is the picture of grasping someone about the neck so that they are forced to look up. God’s Word grips us in such a way that we must look up into His face. He sees us inside and out, and we are left with a sobering awareness of our sins and weaknesses.

“…we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

As you read His Word, remember that it is living and active. Be energized and refreshed by its truth. Grasp its power to change your life. Allow it to open and penetrate your heart as you draw close to Him.

At some point during the day, as surely as you are likely to see your own sinfulness, be confident that God’s grace and mercy are there for the asking!

Pastor JoAn’s personality blend reflects a high “D” and “C” with a healthy dose of “I”, which means while she is usually driven to accomplish the task, yet welcomes the interruption of fun.

October 18, 2010

Hebrews 3
Pastor Paul Glenn

Several times in Hebrews 3, the writer indicates that unbelief, if not corrected, results in a hardened heart and is considered rebellion by God. That raises two immediate questions…What would cause me to find myself in such a crisis of faith? How do I prevent this from happening to me and those I love?

Such a challenge to my faith has occurred on a couple of occasions, and they came as intensely difficult seasons. The situations were so intense that everything I believe about God and His character were being tested. I had to remind myself that God’s Word tells us these times will come. They are designed to mature our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.

I have found that one of the best ways to guard my heart in such times is reflected in verse 13. We are instructed to encourage one another. As I turn my attention away from my situation and toward others who also need encouragement, I actually begin to correct my own perspective. As I speak God’s Word to encourage others, it soaks into my own heart and mind, providing divine perspective that begins to act as a protective coating against sin and rebellion.

If you find yourself or those that you love in a difficult situation, speak God’s Word as encouragement. As we do, all of us can experience the promise in verse 14 to “share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end...”

Due to his “C/S” personality blend, Pastor Paul is a systematic and precise thinker who appreciates accuracy and details, as well as meaningful relationships.

October 15-17, 2010

Hebrews 2
Mike Schwiebert

I love the opening and closing of Hebrews 2. There is a wealth of principles here, but I think that the bookends (verses 1 and 18) capture it:

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away...he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

We have an obligation to be on guard and stay true to the faith. No one plans for destruction and chaos in their lives, but it is often a result of mishandling the “little things.” I am convinced that this is where the battle is won or lost. Are we being faithful to daily disciplines like study, simplicity, service and worship? If we are not doing the little things, I would suggest that we may be drifting away.

We are not on our own. The argument of this chapter is that Jesus is like us…so have hope! He knows what it is like. He really does. His help is available as we go about doing the little things.

Do you have any patterns in your life that are spiritually unhealthy? If so, live within the bookends.

With tongue planted firmly in his cheek, Mike offers this observation about his predominant “D/C” personality blend: “I am almost always right and eager to point that out to you. I have been accused of not being in touch with my feelings. That is untrue. I absolutely care that we stay focused, stop talking, and get these tasks done. Can I get back to work now please?”

October 14, 2010

Hebrews 1
Pastor Jason Yon

While growing up, I remember a television show that my mom LOVED to watch. She would sit down on our nice comfy couch with her blanket, popcorn and nearby tissue box to watch “Touched by an Angel.”

As I remember, it was a pretty good show that featured a young angel-in-training named Monica. Her loving-yet-stern angel “coach,” Tess, always helped her to make the right decision on how to help someone. During every episode, I always chuckled when, somewhere in the last segment, Monica or Tess had something valuable and impactful to say and there was always a beam of bright light that shown behind as they spoke. It was a bit cheesy for me, but my mom loved it. It was a good, wholesome show that many times brought the Word of God to a national major network audience.

There was just one part of the series that seemed to bother me a little bit, and I’m not sure that I ever understood the reason until I read Hebrews 1. Many times, it seemed that much of the focus was placed on the angels and what they were doing for the people in need, rather than on Jesus himself. Although the ladies spoke about God and His love, I do not remember a single episode that spoke about God’s Son. Although I was grateful for a TV show that spoke of God’s love, I was always a little disappointed that they never spoke of His Son and attaining salvation.

Angels are powerful and mysterious beings that seem to get a lot of attention. Yet, as Hebrews 1 reminds us, Christians should be careful to make sure that our focus is always on Jesus, not just God’s angels. Hebrews 1:3 says it this way: “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”

With a predominant “C” personality, Pastor Jason’s calculating and careful nature is expressed in wanting things to be correct. As he observes, “All of the keys on my key ring are facing the same direction and in order from smallest to largest.”

October 13, 2010

Philemon
Pastor Sherli Morgan

Does Christian brotherly love really work, even in situations of extraordinary tension and difficulty? That’s what we see happening in the 25 verses of Philemon.

Paul navigated the waters of being a slave versus freedom. While it’s a basic right of every human being to be free, I’m reminded that in God’s Kingdom we are set free from sin by the power of God, and then are to give ourselves to living out “servanthood” for our Lord.

I’m assuming that you’re on board with servanthood, since we’re redeemed – set free, made acceptable, restored, atoned, bought with a price….need I go on? We are bought with a GREAT price and then asked to live our lives in service to our Redeemer.

So...here’s a question for all of us: how are we giving back to our church and community?

Let me encourage you to step up, step out and be a blessing, just as you have been blessed. Spread the brotherly love that Paul talks about in Philemon!

Pastor Sherli’s “D/C/I” blended personality blend reflects a tendency to be in charge, while obtaining results through information and people.

October 12, 2010

Titus 3
Pastor Farrell Lemings

How should we respond to our governing authorities when they are making poor decisions, acting in incompetent ways, or simply not giving strong leadership? I must confess that my first response - and one that I have been convicted of lately - is to bash our political leaders. This is a response of my flesh. The anger and frustration are not about a political party but that leaders - both Republican and Democrat - elected to serve for the good of our nation and to uphold our Constitution…are failing in the process.

As Christians, I don’t believe that we should sit silently and do nothing. However, there is an appropriate, respectful, honoring way that we can challenge and support our leadership.

In Titus 3:1-2, we are directed to “respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God’s people should be bighearted and courteous.” (The Message). From this passage, we discover that we have a responsibility before God to honor our leaders and be productive citizens as we live out the Faith. I believe that we can accomplish this by:

• Praying for our leaders, rather then condemning them


• Being a part of the solution - not the problem - as we offer our help


• Appropriately and respectfully challenging wrong decisions and speaking the truth in love


• Choosing to be gracious as to how we deal with others’ failures

As we take the truth of God’s Word as revealed in Titus 3 and put it to work in our lives, we can be effective and responsible citizens, bringing honor to God and positive influence to our government.

With a “high D” personality, Pastor Farrell operates with a “get it done” mentality in his life and leadership.

October 11, 2010

Titus 2
Lynell McCrary

What stands out to you as you read Titus 2:11-12?

I encourage you to read it again.

Personally, I hear His whisper that I should be self-controlled but not selfish. The ability to control fleshly desires comes from making choices that conform to His Word, not the world.

I find that some things in my life are very easy to surrender, while some other things I tend to deem as “earned.” For example, it is hard for me to surrender to the concept that the house in which I have been investing monthly payments is worth less now than it was a couple of years ago. Something fleshly rises up in me, almost out of an injustice, to say “No, this can’t be true!”

Yet no matter what the economy does, it was and always will be God’s house. If He chooses for its value to shift, that’s up to Him. The responsibility of being self-controlled is not to be in control of everything that “self” has “earned,” but to control my thoughts and what I allow my mind to entertain. I must realize that it is all God’s anyway.

If we live with this mentality, would our response to Him look different if… our car was declared a total loss in an accident, our house was burned by fire, or anything else was “taken away” that we thought we had a right to?

Lynell’s predominant“D/I” personality blend serves her well in the role of Grace Covenant’s Connections Director. She loves to organize things and move forward.

October 8-10, 2010

Titus 1
Pastor Tina Wehner

As the first meeting of our fall Community Group approached, the “to-do” list had much of our attention. Cleaning house, preparing food, planning the agenda…all of these things were necessary to get ready for guests in our home.

We know some of these individuals, while others are relatively new to us. It’s all worth it, because we anxiously anticipate great things from our time of fellowship, study and serving.

In the book of Titus, we are encouraged to be hospitable. Different Bible translations of Titus 1:8 tell us to “be hospitable” (NIV), “be hospitable (loving and a friend to believers, especially to strangers and foreigners)” (Amplified Bible), “enjoy having guests in his (your) home” (NLT), “welcome people” (The Message)…you get the idea.

It’s interesting that hospitality is often referenced as a spiritual gift in relation to the gift of serving. However, when you seek out the word “hospitality” in scripture, it is inferred as something to be practiced, i.e. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9), “Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13b) and “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.” (3 John 8).

Practicing hospitality brings blessing to others, and to us! Let’s go out and express the love of Christ as we practice hospitality.

Pastor Tina’s predominant “D/I” personality blend compliments her development of Grace Covenant Church’s Community Groups, since she is a strong “doer” and motivated by opportunities to accomplish great tasks through many people.

October 7, 2010

2 Timothy 4
Pastor John Edwards

It wasn’t the moment that will keep me out of the Basketball Hall of Fame (since there was never a chance anyway,) but it felt like it at the time.

What a great group of boys that Ted Gaillard and I had the privilege to coach…9 and 10 year olds, as I recall. Ted’s son Kyle survived the experience, since he now plays for William and Mary after a great high school career at North Mecklenburg. Sadly I had nothing to do with it, and there’s still been no call from the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Yet that “Cornhuskers” team (the league was called the “Big Eight”) ran the table in the Huntersville Youth Athletic Association, going into the season-ending tournament as the top seed. Then came the fateful day when shots wouldn’t fall, defensive footwork was lethargic, rebounds went the other way and minds were seemingly elsewhere. I remember the frustration of just not being able to pull it all together, perhaps the result of some deluded overconfidence.

The highly-favored team lost that day – consistent during the regular season, but just the opposite after that.

That’s why I find myself applauding Paul’s strong coaching challenge to Timothy regarding his Highly-favored ministry: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Consistency wins the prize.

Although there’s no evidence that he ever actually said it, St. Francis of Assisi is commonly attributed with this gem of wisdom, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.”

Of course, it’s often appropriate to use words, as long as they’re consistent with the testimony of our lives. 1 Peter 3:15-16a explains it this way: “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick.” (The Message translation)

I want to live that kind of “Teflon” life “in season and out of season,” marked by patience, endurance and faith in God that “preaches the Word” daily. After all, you and I are highly favored through vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. From that foundation - regardless of circumstances and conditions – we can consistently “fight the good fight” and win…even against the full-court press of life.

Pastor John, who facilitates strategic planning at Grace Covenant, has a “C/I/D” personality blend, reflecting pursuit of correctness, a take-charge tendency and passion for “process interaction.”

October 6, 2010

2 Timothy 3
Pastor Wil Mouer

When you read the first paragraph of 2 Timothy 3, does it remind you of our society?

In the New International Version, the chapter heading reads “Godlessness in the Last Days.” It is clear that we are living in the times to which the Apostle Paul referred, and that can be shocking and fairly discouraging. Yet Paul encourages us by instructing what to do in these times.

At the end of the fifth verse, he wrote, “Have nothing to do with them.” This is the first directive. Paul went from describing a “Godless” people to telling us how to respond to them. He goes on to say that these people are so far gone that it is not worth our time or effort to fellowship with them. This can seem harsh, since it’s as if he is saying that some people are to be treated like “the plague”. Since we are called to love everyone, this may seem confusing.

Yet it becomes clear as we continue to read. Paul’s point is that there is always opposition to the Kingdom of God. Sometimes the enemy works by getting into the Church and bringing deception and division. Paul gave us a “litmus test” to recognize the characteristics of those in opposition to Christ, so that we can be alert to Satan’s schemes.

Paul continued to charge young Timothy with some important reminders that are applicable to our lives as well. Here are a few to focus upon in light of living in a “Godless time”:

• Everyone who wants to live a Godly life will be persecuted (verse 12)


• Continue in what you have learned (verse 14)


• Live with realization of the authority and value of scripture (verse 16)

Serving as Grace Covenant’s Student Ministries Director, Pastor Wil’s personality blend is a “high C with a lot of S” (according to the “DISC Model of Human Behavior.”) He values organization, yet is inherently a peacemaker who enjoys challenges and seasons of change.

October 5, 2010

2 Timothy 2
Cammie Wilson

I remember the moment vividly.

I was about seven years old when, while playing at a friend’s house, her grandfather walked in the door, took one look at me, and said, “I know exactly whose you are. You are the spitting image of your father!” I can still feel the surge of pride upon hearing that exclamation. It was obvious to whom I belonged. I had been recognized by this man as belonging to my father. I belonged to my dad!

That’s why each Saturday was my favorite day of the week. You see, I never did the typical “girl” things. Barbie and baby dolls? That was silly and pointless! I would rather run around outside, catching caterpillars and bugs. So when each Saturday arrived, I knew that my dad would be at home. I would wake up early in the morning, put on my army fatigues, get my tool box, meet him in the kitchen for a hearty breakfast, before it was off to his shop for the entire morning to build something exciting. I loved him so much that I wanted to be around him as much as I could. I wanted to look like him, act like him and be like him. He was a godly man who loved and served God with all of his heart. I wanted to be recognized as belonging to him.

In 2 Timothy 2, we are encouraged in several different ways to conduct ourselves in a godly manner, like that of our Heavenly Father: “...flee from evil desires; pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace; avoid godless chatter; study to show ourselves approved…” Paul encourages and gives us guidelines that will help us live in a way that would indicate that we belong to God. Of course, since we are human, we are not perfect and will make mistakes. Yet shouldn’t we try to be as much like our Heavenly Father as possible?

We read in verse 19, “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are His.’” As we learn to love God more, serve Him more, be more like Him and less like ourselves, we will be recognized by others as belonging to Him. More importantly, as we are in relationship with Him, we are recognized by God Himself, because He knows who are His.

Whether we are alone or in a large crowd, may we live in a way that indicates to Whom we belong. May our conduct, attitude and heart reflect our Heavenly Father, who recognizes us as belonging to Him.

Through her “high D/I” personality blend (DISC Model of Human Behavior), Cammie’s “bottom line” drive and determination are balanced by her care for others. She serves as Grace Covenant’s women ministries director.

October 4, 2010

2 Timothy 1
Pastor Jon Wehner

Are you timid?

Do you like to play it safe?

Do you suppress your affection to keep your emotions in check?

As we read in the first chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul and Timothy seemed to master the art of emotional disclosure. Paul recalled that Timothy literally wept when they last said goodbye. In the same sentence (see verse 4), Paul wrote about the joy that he would experience at their next encounter.

To be honest, I wrestle routinely with the fact that I am challenged emotionally. There are times when I limit the work of the Holy Spirit through my own emotional dysfunction. Yet what I love about scripture is that the simplest revelation can expose a weakness that could keep me from experiencing God’s best.

In 2 Timothy 1, I discover a challenge for each of us to love boldly – not out of a spirit of timidity – but of power. It’s a simple directive - practice healthy emotional disclosure. No longer do we have an excuse by playing it safe or keeping emotions in check. When we suppress our affections, we destroy a powerful testimony or word of encouragement that can sometimes only be expressed through emotional vulnerability.

Are you up for that challenge?

A Michigan native, Pastor Jon worked 15 years in the NASCAR racing industry before transitioning into full-time ministry. He directs Fusion (single adult ministry) and Monday Night Church.

October 1-3, 2010

1 Timothy 6
Pastor Michelle Hoverson

In 1985, I was the Director of Communications for one of the largest commercial real estate developers in northern Virginia. He was no Donald Trump, but he was successful, respected, powerful and given to strong opinions. I will never forget the day when he challenged my faith-walk, saying, “Oh come on Michelle, you don’t really believe all that stuff about Jesus in the Bible, do you? All that’s for old people and the poor. You have a brain. Use it.”

Standing in his impressive office, I had a choice to make: shrink away from my belief or stand and “fight the good fight of faith…in the sight of God who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession…” (1 Timothy 6:12-13)

Praise be to God, I chose to testify. With palms sweating, as best I can recall, I responded, “yes, I do believe it all and I’m praying one day you will too.” My boss quickly changed the subject.

Do you ever find it hard to admit your Christian faith? Based on Paul’s advice to Timothy, if we find ourselves in a situation where it is either embarrassing or dangerous to admit being a Christian, we should remember Jesus’ example. While testifying before Pontius Pilate, He made the good confession. When Pilate asked (see Matthew 27:11), “Are you the king of the Jews?,” He answered “yes, it is as you say.” Simply yet boldly, Jesus stood in His identity, even though it sealed His fate of crucifixion. Jesus was the “Faithful Witness” (Revelation 1:5) to the truth.

May the Holy Spirit, the giver of life, grant you the same courage.

In January, Pastor Michelle will begin her 10th year on the Grace Covenant Church staff. She directs global, regional and local outreach, while serving on the teaching team.