Embracing Faith 30-Day Challenge

Devotion #30

CENTRAL TRUTH: We experience joy as we use our time, talent and treasure to accomplish Christ’s will for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 13:48-52

Doing the right thing is seldom easy. In fact, there can be strong opposition for doing the right thing.

Our greatest calling—our mandate from Christ—is to make disciples of all people groups (Matthew 28:19-20). So it should not surprise us if we are opposed or even persecuted for obeying Christ’s command.

That is what happens in today’s passage. As you read it, put yourself in the disciples’ sandals. You are busy sharing the good news. Those who hear it begin to rejoice and cross that line of faith. But then religious leaders stir up persecution, and you are thrown out of the region. How would you feel? Discouraged? Angry? Confused? Frustrated? I know I would be. Yet the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Joy is not based on our circumstances or how people respond. It is based on a certainty that we are in the center of God’s will and plan. Joy comes in the obedience, not in people’s responses.

As you conclude your 30-Day Journey, take time to consider what you have learned and what you should do. As you invest yourself and your resources to do God’s will, you will experience great joy even when things get difficult on your journey.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

James Wartian

My name is James Wartian. I was introduced to my wife Melody by a mutual friend, who was also her pastor, and we have been married almost six years. Last April, we had our first child, Andrew, and he has been an absolute joy (even though we do not get much sleep).

I have been on staff at New Covenant as the Mature Adult/Missions Pastor for almost four years. You might be interested to know that the very first sermon I ever preached was at Camp Hiawatha when I was a senior in high school. It had to be no longer than 3.5 minutes, and I stayed under the time limit!

Devotion #29

CENTRAL TRUTH: We experience joy as we use our time, talent and treasure to accomplish Christ’s will for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 24:50-53

Read today’s passage and see if it hits you like it did me! The disciples were “continually in the temple blessing God” (Luke 24:53 ESV).

As I thought about this final verse in today’s passage, my first thought was, “What in the world were these guys doing continually hanging out in the temple when there were millions of lost people to be reached? How could staying in a holy huddle possibly be blessing God?”

My incredulity quickly ended when I looked at the prior verse, where I discovered that Jesus had said clearly to “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:52 ESV). I then had an “aha” moment. Obedience kept them in Jerusalem! They had been told their mission—to go into all the world—but for 10 days (between the Ascension and Pentecost) they were obediently waiting to receive God’s power to achieve the mission.

Unlike the disciples, who in that brief 10-day window could live obediently by remaining in their holy huddle, you and I live in the post-Pentecost era. We have already been given both the mission and the power. Obedience for us is to leave our holy huddle and go into all the world.

So what are we doing about that?

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Mark Forstrom

My name is Mark Forstrom. I am the Senior High Pastor at New Covenant. I have been on staff at New Covenant for 15 years, and it’s a joy and privilege to serve on this team!

My wife, Cindy, and I have been married for 21 years. Our two daughters, Brenda (14) and Lexi (11), bring us great delight. Something most people do not know about me is that after I proposed to Cindy, I arranged for her to get her diamond engagement ring out of a gumball machine at K-Mart as we were about to exit the store.

Devotion #28

CENTRAL TRUTH: We experience joy as we use our time, talent and treasure to accomplish Christ’s will for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 63:1-8

In his book The Church God Blesses, Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, writes of the joy we find in praising God when we have taken the time to feast regularly on His word (p. 46), likening our spiritual bounty to a gourmet meal. This is based on today’s passage, Psalm 63:5: “My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my soul will praise you” (NIV).

King David goes on in Psalm 63 to speak of his meditations on God and His word during times of sleeplessness, and he finds his peace and security in the Lord. This Psalm reminds us of God’s overwhelming faithfulness to us. His power, glory, protection and preservation of His people through all circumstances is woven throughout the Old Testament stories, and we can experience that same sustaining and invigorating power today if we follow King David’s example of worship, confession, thanksgiving and rejoicing!

Take a look at this passage and see how each of these steps plays out in the text. Also consider reading Psalm 25, Psalm 34, or Colossians 3:12-17.

As New Covenant Bible Church seeks to fulfill its calling to make disciples, let us think about how our own spiritual health impacts the Church as a whole. Let us find our deepest nourishment and satisfaction in our Savior and Lord and share His bounty with each other and the world with joy!

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Dave Rubsam

Hello! My name is Dave Rubsam, and I am married to a wonderful lady, Diane. We have four great children: Abby, Anna, Emma and Isaac. Diane and I have been married for 17 years (celebrated on Groundhog’s Day!), and we have attended New Covenant since 1991, shortly after we married. A little-known fact about me is that I can write forward and backward at the same time, using either hand (that’s what boredom in class in high school can teach you).

Devotion #27

CENTRAL TRUTH: We experience joy as we use our time, talent and treasure to accomplish Christ’s will for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 145:3-7

If we embrace faith simply for what we might get out of it, then we miss the point and the blessing. Embracing faith is not about what God can do for us; it is about what we can do to glorify God. The blessing is not about us; it is about us being a blessing to others.

God has given each of us a unique set of gifts, talents and abilities. Yet how do we use these? Often we spend our energy getting ahead in our job, buying a better house or car and taking a bigger vacation rather than seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). More times than not, we give God the leftovers of our time, talents and treasures.

The Psalmist writes, “God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness” (Psalm 145:3 The Message). As you meditate on today’s passage, take time to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Proclaim His greatness to others. Demonstrate His greatness by showing His kindness and justice to someone today. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NET).

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

James Wartian

My name is James Wartian. I was introduced to my wife Melody by a mutual friend, who was also her pastor, and we have been married almost six years. Last April, we had our first child, Andrew, and he has been an absolute joy (even though we do not get much sleep).

I have been on staff at New Covenant as the Mature Adult/Missions Pastor for almost four years. You might be interested to know that the very first sermon I ever preached was at Camp Hiawatha when I was a senior in high school. It had to be no longer than 3.5 minutes, and I stayed under the time limit!

Devotion #26

CENTRAL TRUTH: We experience joy as we use our time, talent and treasure to accomplish Christ’s will for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 15:13-16

Having total trust in God is what gives us a hope and a joy that only can be found in Jesus Christ (Romans 15:13).

One of my favorite Scripture verses is ”’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Our personal relationship with God is a source of joy if we are obedient to God’s word (Psalm 19:8; 119:14). To have God’s joy in our lives, we must know and obey Jesus’ commands. As Jesus tells us: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:10-11 NIV).

One of our greatest sources of joy is serving other believers and seeing God work in their lives. May we always have the heart to do this. For where our treasure is, our heart is also.

Throughout life, we will experience hurts, pain, struggles and uncertain tomorrows. We may suffer and experience tragedy, yet we can face the future expectantly with joy in our hearts. As long as our hope and trust is in God, we will have joy in our lives. And a future that is more wonderful than we can ever imagine.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Bruce Anderson

My name is Bruce Anderson. Jan and I have been married for 36 years and are blessed with three married children, Melissa, Matthew and Jonathan, and three grandchildren under the age of four. Grandchildren have a way of keeping us young while making us exercise.

We have attended New Covenant for 10 years since moving to Cedar Rapids when I joined a local banking organization. A little known fact about our family: Our three children are all in health care: a physical therapist and two doctors. What that really means is: 1) I can’t eat what I want; 2) I must always be losing weight; 3) I must exercise at least four days a week. And if the children can’t get me to do what they think I should be doing, they ask their mom to shape me up. Such is life!

Devotion #25

CENTRAL TRUTH: We experience joy as we use our time, talent and treasure to accomplish Christ’s will for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 2:14-18

This is our last week of the 30-Day Challenge. Thanks for taking the challenge with me. I hope this begins a lifetime habit of daily spending time alone with God.

Please begin to think of what you are going to do when the 30-Day Challenge is over. Will you continue your daily time alone with God? If so, what Scripture passages will you read and journal about? Tomorrow I will have some suggestions for you.

One of the greatest blessings of embracing faith in Christ through sacrifice is joy. The Apostle Paul is sitting in prison, facing possible execution, when he writes, “But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you” (Philippians 2:17 NLT).

We often wonder if God knows what He is talking about when He asks us to give sacrificially of ourselves. We often think God only wants something from us. In reality, God is asking us to sacrifice because of what He wants for us.

One thing God wants for us is joy. I personally experience such great joy as I allow God to use me to accomplish His will for New Covenant. Every minute of my time, every ounce of my energy, every percentage of my income given for the Lord’s work is worth it. How about you?

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Bob Westfall

My name is Bob Westfall. My “little red-haired girl” is Leesa, and we have been married for 32 years. We have two wonderful daughters, Heather and Amy, and one super son-in-law, Ryan, who is married to Heather.

Leesa and I moved to Cedar Rapids in June 2003. I began as the Middle Adult Pastor, and then God transitioned me to the Senior Pastor position at New Covenant. You may be surprised to know (or maybe not!) that I was a thespian during high school and college. In fact, I was a member of the Alpha Psi Omega national theater honor society.

Devotion #24

CENTRAL TRUTH: Embracing faith requires a humble heart willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

This is our ongoing challenge: to deny our personal preferences so that the mystery of Christ is made clear.

I can relate to Paul’s struggles and victories in this. More often than not, when I am frustrated or disappointed with others, my first response is to fix it. When I take time to pursue God’s mind in the matter, the frequent conclusion is that my selfishness overlooked what God wanted to do in me.

When I accept my shortcoming and confess it before God, I experience the victory of growing in righteousness. Sometimes this victory comes through being hard pressed on every side, perplexed but not in despair and even persecuted (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV).

Many times, these frustrations are too frequent and seem too much to bear. But Paul encourages us to not lose heart. Although we may be exhausted, God can use these moments to renew us daily when we look to Him.

Take a few minutes to review today’s passage and consider some of the tensions in your life. Are these tensions bringing about Christ’s righteousness in you, or are you focusing on yourself? Is the mystery of Christ being revealed in these situations, or is selfish ambition the driving force?

Let Christ live in you so that His life in you will be evident, and do not give up. You cannot control when/if others respond to that light, and you do not need to measure your righteousness based on how others respond to Christ in you.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Mick Schultz

My name is Mick Schultz. I have been married to my awesome wife, Karen, for 24 years. We have four children: Brett, Craig, Eric and Amanda, who are truly gifts from God and of whom I could not be more proud.

I have served as the Children’s Pastor at New Covenant for five years, and my greatest joy is to see the children and those who serve the children use their talents and gifts to do ministry. I enjoy the outdoors, hunting, sports, and coaching. I also serve on the board of Fellowship of Christian Athletes in hopes of influencing coaches and athletes in Eastern Iowa to pursue a relationship with Christ.

Devotion #23

CENTRAL TRUTH: Embracing faith requires a humble heart willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Mark 10:41-45

“Mine!” “It’s my turn!” “Me first!”

These are words you typically hear in a gathering of stingy preschoolers who know nothing about being a servant and sacrificing their toys for another person. In fact, when a toy comes within three feet, they believe it now belongs to them.

Today’s passage will be familiar to many New Covenant attenders. Two of Jesus’ disciples were hoping to take the top two positions in the “Jesus organization.” Jesus simply reminded them that they did not enjoy having the Roman government rule over them. Instead, to be a follower of Jesus meant to become a servant to others. This is exactly what Jesus had done. It is the way to be great in the Kingdom.

Our time, talent and treasure are all gifts God has given us to use to serve the Lord first and others second. Christ’s followers should never lord their position, power and prestige over anyone.

Take a moment and think about all with which God has blessed you. As we go about our day today, let us remember that everything we have belongs to Him and think of ways we can serve others.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Tye Male

My name is Tye Male. I am the Middle Adult Pastor at New Covenant. I have the privilege of leading our small group ministry and have helped with Men’s Fraternity.

Judy and I have been married for 22 years and have four children: Andrew (20), Allyson (18), Morgan (14) and Mackenzie (10). Something that you may not know about me is that I enjoy playing and listening to big band music and currently play in two big bands in Cedar Rapids.

Devotion #22

CENTRAL TRUTH: Embracing faith requires a humble heart willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 3:7-8

Imagine a father playing the card game UNO with his 7-year-old daughter. Only, this is not a nice, innocent game; the father is extremely competitive and will do anything to win. He plays mind games to make his daughter feel unsure about the play she just made. He tries to catch glimpses of her cards to anticipate her next move. He creates new rules as the game proceeds to give himself the advantage. The father exalts as he wins the game but sends his daughter to tears. Has the father really gained anything? (Just in case you are concerned, this is not a personal example!)

The Apostle Paul was inspired by God to write in today’s key passage that everything he gained in life was rubbish compared to his salvation in Christ. His relationship with Jesus was far more important than any wins he might achieve in life. In fact, he was willing to lose for the sake of the relationship.

What are you willing to lose or sacrifice to gain more of Christ?

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Erin Bird

My name is Erin Bird. You probably know me as the young adult pastor at New Covenant, where I have been on staff for almost six years now. But more important, I have been happily married to LeAnn for more than 13 years, and together we have Karis (10), Maegan (7), Salem (4), and Tsion (19 months today)

Some things you might not know about me: I am an avid Mac user and a Nebraska Cornhusker football fan. I was a music major in college with a piano emphasis, and now I give my girls piano lessons at home. I also won a baby pageant 34 years ago, and it has been downhill ever since.

Devotion #21

CENTRAL TRUTH: Embracing faith requires a humble heart willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 21:1-4

Since kindergarten, Linda Sue and I had been best friends. One Christmas when we were in middle school, I decided to buy Linda Sue a Madame Alexander doll and had saved my allowance for months. After purchasing it, I decided not to give the most beautiful doll I ever purchased to my best friend. So I kept it and gave Linda Sue something of less value, thought and care.

How could I have been so selfish? That question has plagued me with regret for years. But God was at work in my heart. He taught me that as I make decisions about everything in life, I can be selfish and keep it for me or I can share all I have and give back to God.

In today’s passage, Jesus heard the clamor and clink of offering from those who had much to give but only gave from comfort. But the widow who only had two coins gave it all.

As children, we learn to share. As believers, we learn to return to God a portion of what He has entrusted to us. I have often wrestled with giving all I have to God. Could I trust Him to the point I was dependent on Him to provide daily needs? The widow trusted God to provide for her long after her last coin was gone. What would God have me learn from her example?

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Colette Rieck

My name is Colette Rieck. I am the Preschool Ministries Director for babies through kindergarten. For more than nine years, the children have called me “Miss” Colette. My southern son-in-law assures me being called Miss is the highest complement any woman can be given, regardless of her age or marital status. My husband Ken and I will soon celebrate 40 years of marriage. Only one of our three grown children moved to Iowa with us sixteen years ago, so most people do not know that we have two daughters, one who is married with two little girls, and a married son.

A little known fact about me is that I was a member of the local figure skating club during high school and skated in several ice shows.

Devotion #20

CENTRAL TRUTH: Embracing faith requires a humble heart willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 24:24

In our passage today, we see both Araunah and King David demonstrating generous hearts and a proper understanding of sacrifice. Araunah offers his threshing floor, oxen, and ox yokes to be used for a sacrifice. King David, though, insists on paying full price, rightly knowing that his offering to God should involve sacrifice.

We know that our salvation is a gift from God that cannot be bought or earned; however, fully embracing the life God has for us requires sacrifice. First, we must sacrifice our pride and accept the free gift of salvation. Then we must sacrifice our attachment to possessions and our control over our lives and embrace the sanctification God offers. As we step out in these acts of faith, God builds our faith. As He builds our faith and our relationship with Him grows, He asks for larger sacrifices, allowing us more opportunity to grow.

Notice that King David could have achieved his nominal goal of sacrificing at Araunah’s threshing floor as God commanded at no expense to himself. It is tempting in today’s society to minimize our sacrifice in following God, but King David shows the better way, illustrating why he was called “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14 NIV).

Take a few minutes to read today’s passage and ask God to show you how to apply this to your life.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Mark Johnson

My name is Mark Johnson. Stephanie and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary next summer. We have three children: Krista (15), Hannah (13) and Luke (10). We have been attending New Covenant for 15 years, and we praise God for the great source of growth the church has been in our family’s life. I currently serve on the elder board and stewardship committee, and Stephanie and I are marriage mentors for couples whose marriages are at risk.

Outside of church, I work for Rockwell Collins in Program Management in the Commercial Systems division. A little-known fact about me is that I have seven siblings: five brothers and two sisters. Yes, when I was growing up, I lived in a loud and active home!

Devotion #19

CENTRAL TRUTH: Embracing faith requires a humble heart willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 2:1-11

We are more than halfway through our 30-Day Challenge. I hope spending time alone with Jesus is becoming part of your routine. Hang in there—it takes at least one month to form a new habit.

When I was 12 years old, I memorized Philippians 2:5-11. I remember reciting it at a family reunion. Sounds like fun, does it not? No pressure! Little did I realize the impact these verses would have on my life.

When I was 16, I surrendered my life completely to Jesus. I did not want to be motivated by selfish ambition. How could I? The One who created me and who lived in the splendor of heaven gave it all up for me. If I am a follower of Christ, then I must think and act like Christ.

The words that still weigh heavily on my heart are: “He humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:8 NIV). No one made Jesus do this—He willingly, lovingly, graciously humbled Himself. He humbled Himself and became obedient, obeying the will of His Father. Jesus lived a selfless obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death. Jesus obeyed all the way to the cross.

How could I ever live for myself when my Savior and Lord gave everything for me, including His very life? Please take time to read today’s passage and explore what it means for you to embrace faith through the lens of sacrifice.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Bob Westfall

My name is Bob Westfall. My “little red-haired girl” is Leesa, and we have been married for 32 years. We have two wonderful daughters, Heather and Amy, and one super son-in-law, Ryan, who is married to Heather.

Leesa and I moved to Cedar Rapids in June 2003. I began as the Middle Adult Pastor, and then God transitioned me to the Senior Pastor position at New Covenant. You may be surprised to know (or maybe not!) that I was a thespian during high school and college. In fact, I was a member of the Alpha Psi Omega national theater honor society.

Devotion #18

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ works through each individual member of His body to accomplish His unique vision for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Peter 2:4–12

Those who have crossed the line of faith have been mercifully adopted into God’s royal, priestly, eternal family. That makes them strangers in this world as well as a rock with a role.

God is building His spiritual house from living stones. Jesus is the cornerstone—the living stone that sets direction, plumb and level for the whole building. But for those who have not crossed the line of faith, Jesus is a stumbling stone, an offensive obstacle they find in their own dark path of life.

As strangers on this earth, God gives us the role of reflecting His light into a dark society to help people see Jesus not as an obstacle but as the only answer. My heart’s desire is to help people see Jesus for who He really is. Holy Spirit, I pray you would help me to be an effective light to those around me.

Take a few minutes to reflect on this passage. Are you allowing God to illuminate Jesus in a dark world through your lifestyle? Have you stopped to consider what it means to be adopted into God’s family?

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Don Purdy

My name is Don Purdy. I serve as New Covenant’s Elder Board Chairman, and working alongside such a committed and authentic leadership team (Staff, Elders, Deacons) has been both an inspiration and a personal highlight for me.

Since moving to Cedar Rapids in early 2000, my wife, Blynda, and our four children—Garrett (18), Jessica (16), Katelyn (14) and Michaela (9)—have been richly blessed by the ministry of New Covenant (Thank you!). And Blynda and I teach the new Re:Focus ABF for young couples with children.

I work at Rockwell Collins as a marketing director within Commercial Systems. A little known fact about me is that I was in the cockpit of a 747 at the time of the September 11 attacks. On the trip home a few days later, several of us gave Senator Charles Grassley a ride to his farm after he was stranded in Minneapolis.

Devotion #17

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ works through each individual member of His body to accomplish His unique vision for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 17:20-21

Have you ever driven west from here toward the Rockies? One of my favorite moments is when the first mountain peaks become visible. Sometimes the peaks look like clouds until you get a little closer and can make out snowcaps poking into the sky. After that moment, you can always tell where you are and which way you are heading just by looking at them.

John 17 is like one of those ranges in the Rockies. It is one of the Lord’s great prayers. As He prays for His disciples and for His church, we can see who we are in Christ and which way He is leading us. In this prayer, we are declared to be one spiritual family—His church. We are to live in a fallen world and yet not belong to it, set apart so that others may believe in Him. And if you like to practice keeping an eye out for repeated words, you’ll see love in this chapter a few times.

One of the big peaks of John 17 is today’s passage, where we find Christ praying for each of us 2,000 years ago. He prayed that we would be one so “that the world may believe” (John 17:21 NIV). As we follow the Lord’s leading, as individuals and as one church body together, His prayer for us is fulfilled.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

John Herder

My name is John Herder. My wife Sandi and I have been married for 22 years. Our three daughters—Irene, Johanna and Susanna—have grown up at New Covenant (from “baby angels” at Christmas to senior high). We have all grown spiritually through serving at New Covenant in various ways.

Although my vocation is engineering, I discovered while serving at New Covenant that I love teaching. That includes the learning side as well as the chance to pass along good things that I have been shown. And as Sandi might gently confirm, not all those good things sink into my head on the first try.

Devotion #16

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ works through each individual member of His body to accomplish His unique vision for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 28:19-20

This verse is New Covenant’s heartbeat. We who have crossed the line of faith have been given the authority through the Holy Spirit to deliver the message that transforms lives. We are commanded to teach what the Lord has taught us. And the great news is that He is with us always!

Each day I go into the world—into my neighborhood. I meet with friends, family and others as Women’s Ministry Director. Each day I have the option to live on mission if I embrace the opportunity.

In The Saving Life of Christ, Major W. Ian Thomas writes, “To be in Christ—that makes you fit for heaven; but for Christ to be in you—that makes you fit for earth! To be in Christ—that changes your destination; but for Christ to be in you—that changes your destiny! The one makes heaven your home—the other makes this world His workshop.” I now look for ways to join what God is doing in His workshop to draw people to Himself and to know Him more deeply. We are privileged to be on mission with Christ.

Take a moment and reflect on opportunities to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to live on mission. Look out! You may see and experience God differently!

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Pat Rieck

My name is Pat Rieck. I was born and raised in a farming family in northeast Iowa. I enjoy animals, sports, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. One such opportunity took me away to live and work overseas for 13 years (six years as a teacher in international schools and seven years serving as pastoral church staff). The Lord brought me back to the United States and to Iowa in September 2002 as the Women’s Ministry Director to work with a great staff team here at New Covenant.

Something most people do not know about me is that I have generally said that I enjoy other people’s pets rather than owning one myself. That statement is still true, except that I now own a mini labradoodle. I have joined the ranks of the dog walkers in the neighborhood and have acquired the responsibilities that go along with that. I am surprised with what fun it has been, even through this winter!

Devotion #15

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ works through each individual member of His body to accomplish His unique vision for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:11-16

I enjoy the game of baseball. I love watching nine players working together to reach a common goal. A winning team needs a balance of speed, hitting, pitching, defense and power. No single player can excel in all these skills. Great managers know how to utilize the talents of each individual player, molding all of them into a winning team.

In today’s passage, Paul give us the blueprint for a winning church. In a healthy church, the whole body “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16 NIV). Every task is important, and every member is needed. Our mission is to help every person grow in Christlikeness. When the whole body works together, the mission is accomplished and God is glorified. In a healthy church, there are no benchwarmers. Everyone needs to get in the game. We need one another; we cannot do it alone!

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Kim Pagel

My name is Kim Pagel, and I am the Executive Pastor at New Covenant. It is hard to believe that I have been at New Covenant for more than 16 years! That must mean I am getting old!

My wife, Sharon, and I have been married for 30 years. Sharon is a great partner and friend. We have four sons and an awesome daughter-in-law: Ryan (26) and Natalie, Jason (24), Joshua (19) and Jonathan (19). They keep us young and bring us great joy! Something you may not know about me is that I grew up in Toledo, Iowa, and knew eight of my grandparents into my adult life.

Devotion #14

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ works through each individual member of His body to accomplish His unique vision for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 12:12-18

I remember a number of years ago when Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his wife, Sarah, came to New Covenant and led a Love & Respect conference. Emerson explained that married couples often say things just do not work out because the couples are so opposite. Emerson’s response to this weak excuse was great. He said, “If both the husband and the wife were the same, one of them would not be necessary.”

In our passage today, Paul takes a look at the body of Christ with all its different members and spiritual gifts and compares it to the human body with all its dissimilar members. No member is more important than the other, but for these bodies to operate efficiently and productively, they must function in harmony. If not, they both will die.

At New Covenant, we are a body of growing disciples. On any given day of the week, a person can walk through the halls of the church and experience and see the many spiritual gifts with which the Lord has blessed us. No one is more important than the other, but each person has his or her unique contribution to the whole body.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Ed Luebe

My name is Ed Luebe. My wife Christine and I have been married for 22 years, and we are the parents of Melissa Harkness (husband Ben), Grant and Trevor. Christine and I have been attending New Covenant our entire married life.

For the past 20 years, I have worked in the financial industry as an investment consultant. At New Covenant, I currently serve on the Elder Board and am part of a leadership team for Men’s Fraternity and the Marriage Matters ABF.

Devotion #13

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ works through each individual member of His body to accomplish His unique vision for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 1:1-6

This is Day 13 in our 30-Day Challenge. I pray you are meeting with Jesus each day. Remember, asking someone to hold you accountable for your daily time with Jesus is a great help.

I am an only child. My mother took one look at me in the hospital and cried out, “O Lord, not another one!” At least, that’s her version. My version is, “O Lord, I can’t improve on perfection!” Either way, I was it.

As an only child, I preferred to do things by myself. When I played with other kids, I was rather bossy. (Again, that’s my mother’s version.)

One of my hardest lessons to learn in elementary school was working together with my fellow schoolmates. Why work together when I could do it myself? Gradually I realized that working with others was fun and that we could accomplish more.

Often times, we approach following Jesus with an only-child attitude. This is easy to do because of our American culture of individualism.

Paul wrote Philippians to a group of Christians who lived in Philippi, not to individuals. As you read the opening sentences, please notice this. In fact, the pronoun “you” in these verses is plural and is better translated “all of you,” or if you are a southerner “ya’ll.”

So, what do you think Paul means when he says, “He who began a good work in you” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)? Please take time today to read Philippians 1:1-6 and journal your response.

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Bob Westfall

My name is Bob Westfall. My “little red-haired girl” is Leesa, and we have been married for 32 years. We have two wonderful daughters, Heather and Amy, and one super son-in-law, Ryan, who is married to Heather.

Leesa and I moved to Cedar Rapids in June 2003. I began as the Middle Adult Pastor, and then God transitioned me to the Senior Pastor position at New Covenant. You may be surprised to know (or maybe not!) that I was a thespian during high school and college. In fact, I was a member of the Alpha Psi Omega national theater honor society.

Devotion #12

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ does a great work through us as we surrender our lives to Him.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 6:19-24

Journey over to the green stairway at New Covenant and you will see that the youth group has vividly illustrated today’s passage. You will find hundreds of treasures glued to the walls, painted green. Things that once seemed of great value (a camcorder, laptop, drum set, cell phones, guitars, fax machine and hundreds of other items) are displayed as they really are: temporary, broken, outdated and no longer useful. In today’s passage, we read that we are not to store up such “treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19 NIV).

The Greek word “to store up” (thesaurizo) connotes putting forth great effort in gathering, collecting and heaping up things. Jesus says our heart is revealed by inspecting the things we accumulate and in which we invest.

He tells us that instead of amassing earthly treasures, we are to store up “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19 NIV). This refers to things that will last for eternity: changed lives, intimacy with Christ, an impact on others, Christ-like character that we display, etc. These are the things about which we are passionate at New Covenant. We want to see as many lives changed as possible, and it will take all of us to do that fully.

Take a few minutes to read today’s passage. Where is your heart? In what are you investing? How can you be involved in God’s work?

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

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Today's Author

Mark Forstrom

My name is Mark Forstrom. I am the Senior High Pastor at New Covenant. I have been on staff at New Covenant for 15 years, and it’s a joy and privilege to serve on this team!

My wife, Cindy, and I have been married for 21 years. Our two daughters, Brenda (14) and Lexi (11), bring us great delight. Something most people do not know about me is that after I proposed to Cindy, I arranged for her to get her diamond engagement ring out of a gumball machine at K-Mart as we were about to exit the store.