Thank You! - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Dear Covenant Center Family and Friends,

This letter comes to thank you for your generous love and support of The Covenant Center through 2020. It will be remembered as “That was the year that was.” Through your prayers, assistance and financial support for 2020 your love and generosity has sustained us. We have been fortunate to meet as family and continue to reach out and touch a hurting world in His name. Thank you so much!

Our on-line School of Ministry at www.thecovenantcenter.com, CovenantU, continues to be a resource for you that is presently free during this isolated season of Covid. Years of teaching, writing, training and developing our school of ministry program, is available not only for licensing or ordination; but it is a great study or mentoring tool for you to use with family, friends or home groups. And if you just enjoy learning and expanding your personal understanding of God, please consider Spiritual Roots or the Hebraic Thought track.

 Our monthly calendar and blog messages are posted on the TCC website: www.thecovenantcenter.com, and we would love to have you worship and celebrate with us through our Facebook page: “The Covenant Center,” where our live worship and Sunday celebration meetings are streamed and recorded for you. Just go to our Facebook wall, “like” us, and you will receive updated information concerning events and activities.

 This year we have grown together as family, building relationships, studying His word, as well as learning about Covenant and giving love and respect to one another. We have developed intimacy with God and continue to grow in understanding His character, nature and hearing His voice. Our Counselors are available to give you support and guidance particularly in these challenging times. We look forward to the future as God continues to reveal His love and wisdom, transforming and guiding us.

Shane and Chalis Butler and the worship team have kicked off this year with prayer and worship (Harp & Bowl). It has been rich, strengthening and refreshing us all.  Check our calendar or Facebook for their worship times. We also thank you for your support as we bless our missionaries, especially Benny and Alex Humphries of Deeper in Love Ministries in Tarapoto, Peru, and extend benevolence to those in need. We continue Wednesday nights, enjoying the Hearing God class and the fun and fellowship of our break out groups. And our youth night on Wednesdays continues to grow in fellowship and understanding, directed by Eric and Carla Collins.

Again, thank you, and may God our Father, continue to bless you as we learn to walk in His joy for a great 2021!

Uncovering Truth: How To Sort Facts From Falsehood - Chalis Butler

Uncovering Truth: How To Sort Facts From Falsehood

Chalis Butler

In the very beginning, the Living Expression was already there. And the Living Expression was with God, yet fully God. They were together —face-to-face, in the very beginning. And through his creative inspiration this Living Expression made all things, for nothing has existence apart from him! Life came into being because of him, for his life is light for all humanity. John 1:1-4 TPT

Jesus existed before everything, and that means that Jesus is Eternal—He has always been, and he always will be. If we wanted to, we could call Him Eternal Jesus. Eternal Jesus created our beautiful world. He also created all of the humans. The humans are beautiful too, and within each created one, a special power is deposited.

 Through all the ages this special power has been used for both good and evil. It has caused unimaginable pain. It is responsible for brokenness in our homes, our lives, our hearts, and our world. It enables a tragic amount of creativity, ingenuity, and calling, to go unrealized.

On the other hand, it places within our reach the potential for greatness, and empowers us to accomplish and produce and succeed. It leads us into adventure; it can be an instrument of reconciliation; a messenger of forgiveness, grace and peace.

 It can dramatically change the trajectory of a life, for better or for worse.

 It is the Power to Choose.

 Choose Truth and Life 

We choose simple things, like what to eat and what to wear. We also choose how to treat other people and how to treat our planet. We choose how to spend our time, what to believe, what to embrace, and what to reject. We choose whom and what to love.

 We also choose who and what will have access to our minds and our hearts. And in fact, whatever fills up our senses and flows into our thoughts and our hearts, is being given permission (by our choosing) to lead us toward Truth and Life, or toward Delusion and Death.

Jesus… entered into the very world he created, yet the world was unaware. He came to the very people he created—to those who should have recognized him, but they did not receive him. John 1:10 TPT

It’s remarkable to me that the Divine Person who created us also gave us the freedom to reject Him. It makes sense though. “Forced love” is not love. I can’t make someone love me. Real love can only ever be given freely and must be received freely. It cannot be demanded or taken by force.

Jesus loves the people He made. Yet He does not demand our love in return, nor does He insist that we accept His love. We are free to choose. We can accept or reject Jesus, His message and His love.

Jesus’ Message and Love

Here are some of the claims of Jesus—this was His message to us:

 I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35 NKJV

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 NKJV

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9 NKJV

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11 NKJV

My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27 NKJV

His love, He demonstrated when He allowed the Jewish religious leaders and the Roman authorities to crucify Him:

 …I lay down my life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. John 10:17,18 NKJV

 Who’s Got the Truth?

Jesus—the One who created the world and then entered into that world and then died to save the people from eternal separation from God, and then rose from death to life again (this is a good article on Historical Evidence for the Resurrection) so He could carry on being Eternal Jesus and we could be eternal with Him—is the One who holds all Truth. There’s no one more In-The-Know than Eternal Jesus. The road that leads to Truth and Life begins by believing Jesus—believing His message and accepting His sacrificial act of love.

Jesus told His disciples this:

When He, the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth…John 16:13 NKJV

The Truth is discerned by our spirit; it is revealed to our spirit by God’s Holy Spirit. When we freely choose to accept the message and the love of Jesus, He gives us His promised Holy Spirit:

 And because of him, when you who are not Jews heard the revelation of truth, you believed in the wonderful news of salvation. Now we have been stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13 TPT

 So when we choose to believe Jesus’ message, and we choose to receive Jesus’ love, then we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, also called the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Truth (God’s Spirit) guides us into all Truth.

 Lovers of Truth

The only way to even come close to being able to discern what is true and what is false as we are going through this life, is to become a Lover of Truth. Are we desperate to know the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth??? We choose whether or not we will love the Truth. And this one detail is hugely important. Here is why:

 …those who are perishing…rejected the love of the truth that would lead them to being saved. Because of this, God sends them a powerful delusion that leads them to believe what is false. 2 Thessalonians 2:10,11

If we do not cling to the One who holds the Truth, we will be led to strong delusion. When we choose to reject Jesus, Who is our only hope for reconciliation to God—we, by our own choice, are rejecting God and His protection, His favor, His blessing, and the covering He offers us through the blood of His Son, Jesus. We are also rejecting, by choice, the counsel of His Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit is not only the Spirit of Truth, but the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).

To willfully reject God’s covering is to to subject ourselves instead, to a very real Adversary (see Ephesians 6:12) who, according to 1 Peter 5:8 walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Jesus says in John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. As He is challenging the Pharisees in John 8:44 he says to them, You are of your father, the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44 ESV)

Lovers of Truth love Jesus, who is Truth Incarnate. When we love Jesus, we will be given the Spirit of Truth, who will guide us into all Truth. And even then, we will not always get it right, because we will not always be listening—because most of us are not *always* tuned in or paying attention to His voice. BUT when we are, we be able to discern between what’s true and whats false, between fact and fiction, in our everyday life—in relationships, in situations, in current events, etc. We will be led to and drawn to sources—speakers and leaders, journalists, media, organizations, books, podcasts, resources, etc. that speak Truth. And when we hear things that are not true, or things that oppose the truth, we will recognize it as deception and falsehood.

In this way, our prayers remain aligned with God’s purposes and ways, we are not easily swayed, angered, or manipulated by what we are hearing and seeing, and our faith remains unshaken. We have the peace of God that passes all understanding, and we don’t need to be anxious for anything (Phil 4:6,7).

Let’s be Lovers of Truth! Let’s keep our ears open, our hearts soft and humble, and our spirits sensitive to the leading of God’s Spirit of Truth within us.

 The Light of God has now come into the world, but the people loved darkness more than Light, because they want the darkness to conceal their evil. So the wicked hate the Light and try to hide from it, for the Light fully exposes their lives. But those who love the truth will come into the Light. John 3:19-21.

Chalis Butler
Website: www.Lovedweller.com
Contact: Info@thecovenantcenter.com

Chalis Butler writes from her favorite overstuffed chair in sunny, Central Florida. In the throws of parenting two toddlers, she and her husband vacillate between intentional living and survival mode. This is why her house can look immaculate or appalling on any given day. She has a rocky relationship with coffee. She wears graphic T’s and yoga shorts whenever possible. She loves finding awesome books for a dollar, watching her kids sleep, and pie crust. 

Some other interesting tidbits: Chalis has spent time working with mission teams and teaching English in Haiti; she lived and worked in Australia for three years before returning home to the United States; she spent 16 years teaching music before switching gears to become a stay-at home mom and began working on her first book, “Return to Real: An intimate Look at One Woman’s Journey of Redemption,” which will be available February 2021. She and her husband Shane are licensed ministers with counseling endorsements through The Covenant Center; while also facilitating one of the worship teams.

God Is Our Refuge And Strength - Becky Maisenbacher

Well, here we go with another year of challenges sprinkled with victories. As we stepped into 2021, you may have paused to ask, “Lord, What will this year bring?” We make resolutions, lay out strategies to instill hope, attempting to pump up our endorphins and dopamine levels to feel better about life and to help us make it through another year. We look to prophetic voices trusting they will declare a word of encouragement and hope that this will be a terrific year and all will go well. I’ve certainly entertained these strategies at times myself, especially when I had experienced deep loss and needed great hope. But in truth, even though we may declare and make resolutions to experience hope, adventure, joy, surprises and excitement while fulfilling our dreams, life will also undoubtedly bring challenges, battles, disappointments, sadness, and loss. So you may be saying, somewhat sarcastically, “Great message Becky!”

 I’m not here to pop bubbles, but if you read and study scripture it doesn’t take long to understand that life has always been teeming with challenges. If we gain wisdom through our life experience as some suggest, then we can identify with Ecclesiastes which speaks of not only the vanity and striving in life, but also the sadness or pain - 1:18 states: “Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.” Your life may seem like a large slinky, stretched and spiraling round and round with a rhythmic pattern of rotations. Year after year cycling through this magnificent and yet perplexing journey called life, with daily chores, household schedules, work schedules, play schedules and appointments, sprinkling a few plans for fun or refreshing including vacations, holidays and celebrations.

You see, Solomon, the possible author of Ecclesiastes tried wisdom and all forms of worldly pleasure too, including human achievement and the aspiration of great wealth and recognition. But he pessimistically concluded that all was emptiness as he scanned his works and observed the troubling injustice of life. We would probably diagnose him today as extremely depressed reading his wanderings as he touches on the grave and wrestles with the idea that whether man is rich or poor, he ends up as dust. How easy it is to become cynical and discouraged when we aspire to greatness and find it has not filled the hole in our heart. We may attempt do all the right things and yet in one unsettling moment everything we have worked for evaporates and we find our paradigms challenged. Even David cried out in his psalms asking God why do good men suffer and the wicked seem to prosper?

There is good news! After his search for life, the author of Ecclesiastes states his conclusion found in Ecc. 12: 13-14 to be the real source to the meaning of life – reverence for God. He states: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

The author recognized that he had left God out of the equation in his search for happiness and meaning. He recognized how life can seem unjust and meaningless without a relationship with God. Through his wanderings and wondering, he found a key to understanding. When God is at the center of your life, even through you may see or experience the mixture and injustice of life, you will align with heaven and be guided and secure in His divine purpose. You will also find comfort and peace as you grow in the understanding that the treasures of this world are but a vapor, compared to a life centered in God which holds an eternal treasure.

What great wisdom and resolution the author presents to us as we begin this year. and deal with recent events. Recognizing and returning to the only One who can truly fill the ache and hole in our hearts – our Father. King David declared in Psalm 27:1 - “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” Throughout scripture we are continually encouraged to have faith and trust in Him. We don’t always understand His ways, but we can always choose to trust. The author of Psalm 71 in verses 5-8 reflects (speculation is this was spoken from an aging David):“For you are my hope, Adonai Elohim, in whom I have trusted since I was young. By you I have been sustained from my birth; You who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. I have become a marvel to many; for you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long.”

No matter what may transpire in your future, may our Father continue to be your strong tower and refuge as well as your place of comfort and strength.

In His Love,

What Faithfulness Looks Like - Peter Cafarelli

What Faithfulness Looks Like

Peter Cafarelli

Bruce Lee once said: “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”

Somewhere along the line we got the idea this life could be easy. That God delivered us from the world and all its’ suffering without pain or trouble. We find ourselves in places we never thought we’d be, having conversations with people we never thought we’d have, about things that honestly seems like it was out of a  sci-if movie; and it effects us the same as it does everyone else. Now what? 

The idea of deliverance and being free as a result of our salvation through Christ is a key part of our experience as believers. Our understanding of what that looks like and really means can be something else entirely. More often than not, God delivers us through the trouble; rarely out of it. 

In Daniel chapter 3, we find the three Hebrews, friends of Daniel’s, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who chose to be faithful to God and not bow to the idol and call the king a god. A law was made and the three Hebrews still would not bow. This is where their trouble started. Their faithfulness to the LORD got them jailed and ready to be killed. 

The furnace was set to be seven times hotter than normal. Understand this is a kiln. The type used to  harden clay vessels, jars, bricks, and smelt precious metals. They were used to dispose of the dead so since there was a place for the king to see into the top down into the furnace, this may have been where they burned their human sacrifices in worship to Baal.  Soldiers died just opening the door to throw them in. The three Hebrews were given the chance to bow to the king before they were to be thrown in. What’s Faithfulness look like? 

Daniel 3:17-18 - I’ll paraphrase: “If our God exists, he will rescue us from the fire and you. Even if He doesn’t, we still won’t worship you or your gods”

 From his perch the king saw four men in the fire.  God met them in the midst of the fire. He did not deliver them out of it. God supported and was faithful in meeting them and helping to make the three Hebrews even stronger. Just like the jars. Just like the earthen vessels who hold great treasures. It is where the silver and gold are refined. It’s where you figure out if what you have is worth anything. 

Revelation 21:7 refers to those who conquer/overcome as  having an inheritance of that of a child of the King of the Universe: “He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and i will be his God for he will be My son.”

The light of the world is rooted in faithfulness. 

Be the light on a hill. 

Pete-

Peter Cafarelli was born in New York and migrated to Florida at the age of 15. After years of addiction, and dropping out of high school, he had an encounter with God on a Damascus Road experience which helped to redirect Peter to the Lord and the call to ministry. He is a graduate of Southeastern University with a B.A. in Pastoral and Counseling ministry. He is an ordained minister with The Covenant Center.

Now residing in Lakeland, FL, Peter teaches classes for CovenantU and regularly speaks in our Sunday meetings. He also has a heart for youth and often facilitates Sunday Youth Meetings. 

Blog: petercafarelli.wordpress.com
Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Lord, Why Do The Wicked Prosper? - Becky Maisenbacher

Have you ever thought or heard yourself ask “Why Lord, do you let the wicked prosper and go unpunished?”

If so, you’re in good company. Habakkuk a prophet around 605 B.C. cried out to God in what has become a gem of the Old Testament. When Judah was being punished by the Chaldeans (Babylonians), Habakkuk felt he had a righteous complaint to God. His exchanges with God are written here in his pursuit to understand why such injustice was occurring. (A side note: This book was used by Paul in Romans 1:17 as he introduced the principle of “justification by faith rather than by works;” and Martin Luther’s interpretation of this verse renewed contributed to the onset of the Protestant Reformation.) 

This prophet, Habakkuk was so appalled, by the cruelty and wickedness, as he saw the violent uprisings against Judah. He felt justified to ask: “How could a holy God use such an unholy nation whose actions would indiscriminately swallow up more righteous men.” Habakkuk was so sure he was correct in his complaint to God, he cried out and then stationed himself and waited for God’s reply found in 2:1.

In chapter 1:2-4 we hear Habakkuk’s cry:

“How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and you will not hear? I

cry out to you, Violence! Yet, you do not save. Why do you

make me see iniquity, and cause me to look on wickedness?

Yes, destruction and violence are before me; strife exists and

contention arises. Therefore the law is ignored and

justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the

righteous; therefore justice comes out perverted.”

Then God tells him wait for His answer:

“Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished!

Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days You

would not believe if you were told. For behold, I am raising up

the Chaldeans, (Babylonians), (6)that fierce and impetuous

people who march through the earth to seize dwelling places

which are not theirs. (7)They are dreaded and feared. Their

justice and authority originate with themselves. (8)Their

horses are swifter than leopards and keener than wolves in the

evening. Their horsemen come galloping, they come from afar;

they fly like an eagle swopping down to devour. (9) All of them

come for violence, and their horde of faces moves forward they

collect captives like sand. (10)They mock at kings, and rulers

are a laughing matter to them, They laugh at every fortress,

and heap up rubble to capture it. (11) Then they will sweep

through like the wind and pass on. But they will be held guilty,

they whose strength is their god.” (1:5-11 -NAS)

Habakkuk was still not satisfied with God’s answer, so in 1:12 Habakkuk after

praising God once again asks: “Why?”

“O Lord, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. You, O

Lord have appointed them to judge; and You, O Rock has

established them to correct. (13) Your eyes are too pure to

approve evil and you can not look on wickedness with favor.”

And then you can hear his pause for the question he is again about to ask- Why?:

“Why do you look with favor on these who deal treacherously? Why are

you silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous

than they?”

“Why have you made men like the fish in the sea…The

Chaldeans bring all of them up with a hook, drag them away

with their net, and gather them together in their fishing net –

they rejoice and are glad- (16) they offer sacrifice to their net

and burn incense to their fishing net; their catch is large and

food is plentiful…(17b) will they continually slay nations

without sparing?” (vs 1:15-17b) NAS.

 In Chapter 2:1 Habakkuk is again confronted with waiting patiently again for God to speak. What will God say? Will He be angry or correct me? This time God speaks forth to satisfy Habakkuk’s desire for clarity in the following:

God says:  “Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets,

that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the

appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.

Though it tarries, wait for it, for it will certainly come, it will

not delay. Behold as for the proud one, His soul is not right

within him; but the righteous will live by his faith.” (2:1-4 NAS).

Then God strongly declares further His intentions in vs.6b- 20:

“Woe to him that increases what is not his.” (6b) “Because you have looted many nations, all the remainder of the peoples will loot you – because of human bloodshed and violence done to the land, to the town and all its inhabitants. (8)

Woe to him who gets evil gain for his house. (9) 

Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and founds a town with violence. (12)

It is not indeed from the Lord of hosts that peoples toil for fire, and nations grow weary for nothing? (13)

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (14)

Woe to you who make your neighbors drunk on the drink mixed with your own venom
even to make them drunk..(15)

You will be filled with disgrace rather than honor, now you drink and expose your own nakedness – The cup in the Lord’s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will come upon your glory.(16)

What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, or an image, a teacher of falsehood, for its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols. (18)

Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’ To a dumb stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Behold it is overlaid with gold and silver and there is no breath at all inside it. (19)

“But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.” 20)

God’s response to Habakkuk brought assurance as well as an awe and fear in His sovereignty and he asked no further questions. In fact in vs. 2:20 some scholars suggest that Habakkuk came to this conclusion as much as self-criticism as it is a statement of faith; and given the holiness of God, man’s best response is silence, not questioning.[1](Paul again used this verse in his sermon at Antioch in Acts 13:41)

*We find Chapter 3 is a self-contained prayer or psalm for God’s deliverance of His people. Intended to be sung with accompaniment, this is not a part of the conversations between Habakkuk and God, as in the first two chapters. However it does align with them, expressing the importance of standing in faith with steadfastness to the end.

A song of Habakkuk: (3:2)

Lord, I have heard the report about you and I fear. O Lord revive your work in the midst of the years make it know; in wrath remember mercy.

His splendor covers the heavens and the earth is full of his praise (3b)
His radiance is like the sunlight (4)

His ways are ever lasting (6b)

Though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there is no cattle in the stalls.(17b)

Yet, I will exult in the Lord.

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength

And He has made my feet like kinds feet

And makes me walk on my high places. (vs.18)

Father, We acknowledge your sovereignty. You are the great creator of all - every good and perfect gift. is from you. Help us in our moments of sorrow, pain or confusion to trust that you are never caught unaware, and that you redeem and use every situation for your good. Help us to forgive others, forgive ourselves as we trust and place our hope always in you. Help us to once again honor you with a godly fear and awe. You know the beginning to the end and have knowledge of hidden things you will expose in your time. Thank you for your love, your grace, your mercy and your great faithfulness.

[1] Spiros Zodhiates, TH.D., The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, New American Standard,  AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 37422 U.S.A., pg. 1226.

God bless and keep you always,

Mentoring and Discipleship - Richard Maisenbacher

In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus encourages us to make disciples of all nations teaching them to observe all that he commanded them. This was his great commission. At least that is what is in bold letters in my Bible as an introduction to the last 5 verses of the book of Matthew. I guess the first stage of disciplining  someone is to make sure they have made a commitment to the Lord and have entered his covenant and desire to be part of his kingdom. Once that takes place, the ongoing process of discipleship or mentoring is very important. This includes teaching and understanding the Bible or Torah.

At www.thecovenantcenter.com there is a dropdown tab labeled CovenantU which is our online school of theology which currently, because of Covid, we are offering all classes at no charge. These classes can be taken without prerequisites so that if one looks interesting it can be taken immediately.

Some students want the information within the classes just for knowledge. Others are interested in obtaining licensing or ordination. There are 4 basic tracks. If licensing is desired then the Hebraic Thought and Spiritual Roots tracks are recommended first. Hebraic Thought emphasizes  a more Eastern approach to the biblical foundations. While Spiritual Roots addresses inner healing and self deliverance so that each student becomes whole: spirit, soul and body.

Knowing God and Spiritual Leadership are the other two tracks. Knowing God focuses on the prophetic, spiritual gifts, the five fold ministries, and developing an intimate relationship with God by learning to hear him and understand his ways. Spiritual Leadership is a practical internship program learning to implement ministry inside and outside the church.

As a mentor, counselor or teacher who disciples others I find you can save time using the CovenantU school. For instance if you are working with someone who is struggling with codependency or false responsibility you can send them to a related course and have them read the texts that cover that particular topic. Then either meet with them or make a call and notice how much more aware they are regarding the subject. As a mentor it saves you time having to teach the entire topic first. This can also be done with small groups with similar topics that are relevant.

I suggest going to www.thecovenantcenter.com and clicking on CovenantU, then going to the Quick Start Guides and reading and becoming familiar with some of the content. If you are interested in discipling others or taking the classes yourself this is a great time to get involved. Even though CovenantU is not currently accredited, courses completed at CovenantU may be eligible to transfer to Southeastern University as a general elective credit. More information check out our school at: www.covenant-u.com.

In His Covenant Love,

I'm Coming To Make Things Right - Cynthia Cox

This past Sunday Cynthia Cox released a wonderful Song of the Lord that I know you will find encouraging. God is moving in the earth and though at times things may look desolate, look beyond the natural with your spirit eyes and you will see He is not taken by surprise and always has a plan. Be encouraged and rejoice in His goodness. He responds to those who cry out to Him and brings hope and resolution. God is working behind the scenes, on your behalf and our nation. Especially during this Christmas season - we are reminded, He is Immanuel - God is with us.

Merry Christmas and God bless and keep you and family in this coming New Year. Becky

I’m Coming To Make Things Right

Cynthia Cox

The mountains are moving. Break through. Break through. The mountains are moving. Hear in the Spirit. You got to hear in the Spirit.

Not by might, but by your Spirit. It’s not by power. It’s not by might. But it’s by My Spirit says the Lord. By my Spirit. Look unto me and you will see it’s by my Spirit; for I am Spirit.  I am Spirit. You worship me by my Spirit. I am God. I change not. I’m the same today, after day and forever more. I am the same God. I am the same God and I will do it again, and I’ll go it again and I’ll do it again. I’ll move in this earth again. I’ll move in this earth again. Just you wait and see. You wait and see – I’m going to show you. It won’t be the same again. It won’t be the same again. When I’m done, it won’t be the same. No more church as usual. No more church as usual. I’m coming by my Spirit and I’m making changes in my body. I’m coming back and I’m making changes in My Body. I’m making changes. Just you wait and see. Wait and see. I’m going to do it. Many have cried out. Many have cried out for change. I’ve heard those cries. And I’ve followed up those cries. I’ve followed up on all those prayers and I’m coming with an answer. Know my children that I’m coming with an answer. Just you wait and see, for the times are in my hand. Your times are in my hand. My ears are open to your cries. Don’t you think that I don’t hear you. For my eyes are upon the righteous and my have been open to their cries. Know that I’m coming. I’m coming. I’m coming with answers. I’m coming to make the crooked straight ad I’m coming to make the rough places plain and smooth. I’m coming says the Lord. I’m coming to make things right.  You will see, you will see. But know that out of the mouths of those prophets, you will know that they heard me. They heard me. I’m coming to make things right.

Cynthia Cox

Cynthia Cox is an intercessor, psalmist, teacher and prophetic voice who loves to worship and brings forth God’s presence and revelation. She is ordained with The Covenant Center.

Email: Info@thecovenantcenter.com

In Everything Give Thanks.....Really? - Richard Maisenbacher

It seems pretty challenging to me to give thanks “in everything” when Covid, social distancing, and masks are still around. Many have or are losing their jobs, and political opinions are so volatile. So how about these Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” All three of these scriptures from the Apostle Paul seem more challenging to me since they seem pretty far out of reach! Oh yes, as I am writing this Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow!

The translators try to soften the expectations a little by putting italics around a few words in Colossians 4:16: “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.” Ok, so we can at least have an attitude of thanksgiving which is going to be the opposite of grumbling like Israel did in 1st Corinthians 10. However, how do I give thanks in everything when there are so many things around me that I am not thankful for?

In Luke 22:;19 in the upper room, Jesus was explaining the New Covenant: “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks…. The Greek word for thanks is eucharisteo and the root word is grace, charis, which also means chara meaning joy. He was getting ready to go to the cross, so his joy was not the circumstances he was in. He was thankful for the joy set before him…his future grace that he looked forward to. Jesus looked at his future joy that was promised to him by completing the covenant he made with God.

Paul declares in Ephesians 2:8: “for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Rejoice, give freely, bestow favor, give thanks, show gratitude; these meanings come from grace, charis. This is the word for joy. Even the eucharist is a celebration of joy of gratitude and thanksgiving. God’s interaction with us is a cause for joy! For Paul, the culmination of God’s complete delight in creation is the cross. Christ’s suffering was a paradigm of heavenly joy. Why? Because the cross was the final step in God’s plan to redeem His entire creation.

When I am challenged regarding my circumstances, I am reminded of the cross; the symbol of my celebration. No issue I have can take away the joy that God rescued me. I am in covenant with him and he never lets go of me. This covenant is full of God’s grace. He wants intimacy with me regardless of what I have done. I want to walk with him where prayer and thanksgiving is natural, because of what he has done; and his current and future promises are exciting to watch them unfold. It does not mean that my emotions are always feeling thankful. But just knowing my God is good, faithful, loving, full of grace and mercy, and trustworthy; I can grow in thanksgiving by looking to the future, remembering the cross. In addition, I can enjoy connecting to the Spirit of God within me, who gives me all of himself and his love. So, in everything give thanks!

In His Covenant Love,

Blessings and Thanksgiving - Becky Maisenbacher

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving we are reminded of Paul’s heart of thankfulness regarding his new birth, which he continually decreed to all: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved breather, be steadfast, immovable, always abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord, (1 Corinthians 15:57-8)

Whether he was teaching the Corinthians’ community regarding the mystery of the resurrection or he was introducing them to New Covenant understanding with Holy Spirit, he was always inclined to remind us that our adequacy and supply always comes from God. It seems to be our human nature to trust in our own abilities; however, Paul is steadfast in reminding us our hope and provision always flows from God, for He is Jehovah Jireh.

Much like the days of Paul, we are witnessing great fear, confusion, sadness and discouragement with obstacles and sinister events appearing almost daily. However, even in the midst of such evil and fear, God is continually revealing His love, glory, and provision giving encouragement and infusing His people with strength and hope. Like Paul, we give thanks to God, “who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place,” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

We pray for you, our Covenant family and partners, that you are continually encouraged in His grace and love; and may you be blessed this holiday season in every area of your life.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

In His love,

Richard and Becky

God's Covenant Faithfulness - Richard Maisenbacher

God has invited us to enter His Everlasting (New) Covenant with Him by the blood of the Lamb. He has also sworn an oath, that He swears by Himself, that He will fulfill His covenant word. Hebrews 6:13, “For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying ‘I will surely bless you and I will multiply you.’ ”

God’s faithfulness has a covenant oath attached to it. Some believers have faith in their own feelings of faith. However, our faith is in God’s faithfulness to His covenant word and promises. It is not how strong our faith is, but how trustworthy is His word. We have trust in Him, His word, and His promises because He is faithful. This is what gives us hope.

Many things are exchanged when a covenant is made. A few examples are names, belts, blood, and character. It is our responsibility to understand that God is imparting his faithfulness into our character. We do not have to strive, we just receive His nature and character because of this exchange that is taking place.

Isaiah 55:11, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” His faithfulness will give us hope. I believe even though our emotions may have been challenged during this time of Covid; disappointments, expectations not coming to pass, and our faith being tested, God’s faithfulness brings hope! Why, because His word will accomplish what He desires according to Isaiah. Some things may not occur according to our timing or desire, but His word will succeed.

Bottom line, His faithfulness means we can trust Him. He keeps His covenant promises. End of the day concerns may turn into worry or our hope might be deferred. But….He keeps His covenant word and part of His character is His faithfulness! This is a time to celebrate. We may not understand everything He is doing, but we can trust Him because of Who He is - Faithful. 

In his Covenant love,

Hold On - Help Is On The Way! - Becky Maisenbacher

I awoke this past Saturday morning from a dream regarding the battle to hold onto “Hope.”  Richard and I were standing in the midst of a downtown area of a large city with busy traffic and pedestrians all around.  We had just exited our car to talk to a few people on the street when I looked over toward our bright yellow car and spotted a woman and man attempting to steal it. As the woman prepared to start the car, I first commanded them both to get out of our car. The man passively looked away and I immediately found myself running to him on the passenger side and grabbing his right arm. I held them back with all my might holding his arm, so they were unable to flee. His arm extended like a Stretch Armstrong figure, but I sensed power in my arms to hinder and pull them back.

I was tiring and knew I needed assistance, so I began to yell for help, but no one looked my way or acknowledge my plight. I continued to yell for help, when I looked around and saw two fire engines driving toward us. I began to flail my right arm hoping they could see me, as I continued to hold back their escape. The first fire engine whizzed by me; but as I jumped up and down yelling, the second fireman’s eyes locked with mine. He saw me and recognized my cry for help. He was unable to cross lanes to get to me, but as he drove by, I saw the fireman put on his blinker to turn right at the stoplight. I knew that he was going around the block and return to help me. I just needed to hold on!

I sensed Holy Spirit saying to encourage you to “Hold On – Help Is On The Way!”

“You may feel like you are alone in your battle, weary of holding on and feeling all alone. However, please be encouraged – you are not alone. God sees you! He sees your weariness in the battle and things are going to turn around for you as he circles back to help you. His timing is perfect. The fire of the Lord is coming to deliver you and pull you out – release you and free you from entanglements where the enemy is trying to steal your hope. He will take over and extract you from your situation as you trust and wait on him. Things are getting ready to turn around.”

Be encouraged; hang on to His hope; choose to trust Him and know you are in my prayers and remembered.

In His Love, Becky

Scriptures for reflection:

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Ps. 46:1

“Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Ps 37:5

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” Prov. 3:5

“…but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house-- whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end”. Hebs. 3:6

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” Ps. 31:24

Symbolism and Definitions:

*Car: an individual, personal life and ministry, vocation or family ministry, small church, business or job; level of anointing.

*Car being stolen may suggest one is lacking or being stripped of one’s unique identity; job loss, divorce, failed friendships.

*Yellow may represent a Spirit of Understanding; soul; hope; gift of God; light; marriage; teacher; family; celebration; joy; happiness; renewed mind; optimism; idealism; wealth; courage; honor. Negative of yellow – coward; fear; illness; intellectual pride; deceitful; timidity; weakness.

*Fire Engine may represent being rescued; people are freed or delivered from burning buildings, extracted from life threatening situations.

*Definitions: Breathitt, Barbie, A to Z Dream Symbology Dictionary, C 2015 Third printing by Barbie Breathitt Enterprises, Breath of the Spirit Ministries, Inc. PO Box 1356 Lake Dallas, Texas 75065-1356. www.BarbieBreathitt.com, www.MyOnar.com, pg. 76, 78, 475, 169.

Song and Word of the Lord - October 4, 2020 - Becky Maisenbacher

God is visiting His people and His word is being released and declared throughout the nations. I want to share with you the wonderful encouragement during our recent Sunday celebration to encourage you and inspire you to trust and believe that God cares about you. We also thank our gifted musicians, psalmists and scribe for sharing their gifts with us all, releasing these precious words of encouragement. In His love, Becky

Praise and Worship:

The theme this morning seemed to be speaking about the greatness of God and His empowering believers to overcome regardless of their circumstances; allowing Him to have His way as we participate with Him.

The worship time started with honoring the Lord about Him being worthy of worship. There were many declarations and prophetic statements. I transcribed the majority of it because it was all so encouraging. I didn’t want to leave anything out. Debbie Hester

Cynthia Cox: Declaring and singing to the Lord:

“What a mighty God we serve! We serve a mighty God, hallelujah. Awesome in power, awesome in power, hallelujah! How great is our God? How great is our God in power, hallelujah. Is He great today? He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. He’s the same, He never changes, hallelujah!  Yes, what a mighty God!  Hey, - what a mighty God! Yes, He’s our mighty God! Yes, what a mighty God, yes, hallelujah!

Oh, bless your name O’ God! We thank you Lord, you’re awesome in this place. You’re awesome in this place. Oh we love you Lord, we love your presence. Your presence is awesome! Your presence O’ God, your presence is awesome! We thank you Lord… Oh glory, glory, glory, how awesome are you Lord!  Whoa… Glory, glory, hallelujah!  Glory to your name O’ God! Oh we bless you Lord, we bless you; we bless you.  We lift you up O’ God!  We honor you, we sing unto you a new song.  We thank you Lord!  Oh how awesome are you, how excellent is your name in all the earth.  Oh God, You’re a God of excellence.  Oh bless your name. We thank you, we thank you, we thank you God! Can’t nobody look like you, can’t nobody do us like you Lord. Oh how excellent is your name!  Oh, I bless your name O’ God, Oh your majesty and honor.  We bless you. We lift you up Lord.  We thank you, O Father, we could search the globe all over and never find a love like yours.  Thank you Lord, Oh bless you, thank you Lord!

Do what you want to do, say want you want to say. Do what you want to do, do what you want to do, have your way Lord, have your way. When we leave Lord, we don’t want to leave the same way we came in Lord, hallelujah!  We thank you Lord, we believe you Father that you can to anything but fail! Hallelujah, great is thy faithfulness O’ God!  Hallelujah! Do what you want to do.

Heal if you want to, tear down walls if you want to, set the captives free if you want to, do what you want to do, do what you want to do Lord.  Fill this house with your glory Lord, fill it with your glory Lord; fill it with your glory! Set the captive free!  Set the captive free!  Manifest your power, manifest your power. Come upon us, manifest to destroy the works of the devil. Yes Lord, destroy the works of the devil. Yes Lord, come and manifest to destroy the works of the devil. Destroy the works of the enemy. Destroy the works of the enemy. Destroy!  Pull down strongholds, pull down strongholds.  Pull down strongholds!  Set the captive free and move by your Spirit, move by your Spirit.”

Shane Butler:

“We sing your praises…. You alone are worthy. We sing your praises…. We put our trust in you alone!”

Nicole Welch: Read Romans 12:1-2 from the message translation as follows.

“12 1-2   So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

Shane: Sang out…

“Laying our lives down”…..Then Shane spoke out the following word of encouragement:

“I just hear the Lord that this is a body that has laid their lives down. That’s how the Lord sees us. The Lord is pleased. There’s always more He’s asking of us, but there is no condemnation. Thank you for this process of exchanging ourselves for you. We receive in the process. Thank you Jesus.”

Nicole:  Sang…

“May you prosper as your soul prospers; may you prosper as your soul prospers; may your receive all He has for you.

Just receive the word His word, what He thinks of you, how much He loves you. He said, May you prosper even as your soul prospers. We receive it, we receive all you have. Oh your power falls on weakness, your power falls on weakness.  

We receive today. Let the poor say I am rich, let the weak say I am strong. We receive all you have for us. May we prosper; may we prosper; may we prosper.

Let the poor say I am rich, let the weak say I am strong, let the hungry say we are full. Oh may we prosper.

Power falls on weakness. You resurrect what’s dead, you resurrect what’s dead!  Your power falls on weakness.  Let the poor say I am rich. Let the weak say I am strong. Let the hungry say we are full… Full of love. We receive your fullness. May we prosper; may we prosper. 

May we prosper by your Spirit!  The spirit can only reap the spirit, you can’t do it in the flesh.  The spirit can only bear fruit in the Spirit. May we prosper!  Your spirit man is growing up! 

Your spirit man is growing up! Mature sons and daughters, even the little ones will prosper.  Even the infants prosper, prosper. Your men and women prosper.  The Father’s and Mother’s prosper.  I release prosperity over you, I release prosperity over you.  We receive, we receive, we receive the love; we receive the Spirit of generosity.  We receive, we receive; we receive the spirit of generosity.”

Cynthia: - Prayed in the Spirit and then released this prophetic song:

“Is there anything too hard for me?  Is there anything too hard for me?  I Am your God.  I am the true and living God in your lives.  Is there anything too hard for me? Look unto me. Look unto me, the author and the finisher of your faith.  Trust me, trust me in this hour, trust me in this hour, trust me like never before; and I promise you I’ll never fail you.  But, just look unto me.  When the circumstances rise in your presence look unto me for I am your God, I am your strength, I am your peace, I am your Lord, I am your God.  Everything you need is inside of me.  Look inside of me for the kingdom of God lives inside of you.  Look to me; look to me; don’t look to the left; don’t look to the right, but look to me.  Look up to me!  Oh, in those times of adversity I’ll set you free.  I’ll set you free.  Pour out your hearts to me, pour out your hearts to me, pour out your hearts to me, and you will see I will do it for you!”

Don Franklin: Referred to a word He had gotten from the Lord in approximately 1994 called, “In a Baptism of Suffering” He was looking at it again and began to speak to us sharing the following about that word.

“God was warning, He was going to send the prophets ahead into a valley of suffering, and trial and tribulation to prepare the way for the Body. It came out in one of those fire breathing dragon anointing’s. (Laughing)  But, He was warning me. “I’m gonna send you through great tribulation.” And I did!  We went through hell on earth.  But in it, my God… I learned so much in those trials and tribulations.  And now, I can look at people and say, “You’re gonna be alright; here’s what’s happening.”

“As you go through this stuff and you melt and you burn, God’s gonna burn dross off.  But you’re gonna come out so powerful, so full of character, so full of the Holy Ghost.  It’s unbelievable!  And then we tie it in with every single Biblical figure that we know of from Joseph to Daniel, to Job.  All of them went through burning fiery trials.  To be prepared for what? To be prepared for the calling that was upon them!  So, the pattern in our lives is yes, can you drink of the cup that I drink of?  I tell you the truth guys…  I can’t just give you one half of the scriptures.  I gotta give you the full counsel of God. 

Can you drink of the cup I drank of the Lord said…? You will drink of it!  So, each of us will drink a measure of the cup that He drank of.  And you know we’ve never really been prepared for that.  But, I think that’s part of my job, to explain to the body this.  You’re gonna have some very difficult places.  But, guess what…when everyone else falls away, He’s gonna be right through there with you. And there’s been times that everybody in my life fell away except for the presence of God.

Paul’s in a jail cell saying, I’m all alone, they’ve all forsaken me. Who else said that?  Christ in the garden!  He was all alone.  They all forsook Him.  Joseph’s in a prison cell all alone, no family, everyone forsook him.

There are times and seasons when we go through these kinds of places with God.  How do you get through?  It is my job to teach you how do your get through. There’s a way through it.  There is a way through it!  But, I think the greatest treasure I had is the changes that happened to me in these burning trials. When you come up out of one of those things you walk with a limp.

When Jacob wrestled with that angel, knocked his leg out of his hip, he came out of there walking with a limp.  But he came out with power, and he came out with authority.  And, he came out with blessings of God on him.  So, these times and seasons are poured on our lives some times, and we just need to learn how do we get through.  You will get through! But if you have someone there that can explain and teach you how to do it, it’s a lot easier.

I kinda had to go cold turkey.  I had a few books that would help. “Release of the Spirit” by: Watchman Nee was one of them.  The first time I read it I got so mad I threw it across the room as hard as I could.  I thought this thing is crazy.  You know, God loves me, I’m not gonna go through any more. (Laughing) But Watchman talked about how the Holy Ghost deals with us. And later, that became one of my treasure books.”

Julie Koerner: Encouraged us all to read the Book of Revelation over and over.  

Julie shared it’s not easy to read. But if we’re going to understand our lives, if we’re going to understand what we’re going through, we have to understand it within the context of where God is taking us. “God’s intention is to glorify us with Himself…. Nothing less than that! So when you have a context for what you’re going through it makes so much more sense. 

“Read it over and over and over again and allow yourself to be blown away by it.  Because this is where God is going.  It is a big picture, it is so far beyond the ways that we think.” She touched on the types of creatures in heaven, in the throne room which we can’t imagine. Yet, it is heaven’s reality. Our reality has to fit into that reality, it makes no sense.  It is earth bound but we have to start with where He’s going.  There are terrible, terrible, terrible parts. And there are wonderful, wonderful, wonderful parts.  But in the end we know the end.  He wants to glorify his people. He wants to glorify you, He wants to glorify me.  And everything else fits into that context.  So, as we are in the harvest time which I’m very excited about I just encourage you to do that.”

We are thankful for the musicians, psalmist and scribes who release and record these special moments. As we continue to share in the coming days, I want to introduce Debbie who has recently joined TCC and graciously accepted the task of writing out the words released. God bless and keep you! Becky

Debbie Hester grew up in Central Florida and works in the marketplace. She has served with Youth with a Mission, Mercy Ships International as a missionary, working with a team of musicians in many venues from open air evangelistic outreaches, children’s ministry, as well as training and equipping praise and worship bands/teams in their local churches both stateside and abroad throughout the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

She founded “Matters of the Heart” with a primary focus on restoration of the soul through women’s ministry which she still oversees today. She has a Biblical Studies Degree from North Carolina College of Theology via Morningstar University and is currently working toward certification in therapeutic music. Debbie enjoys journaling, writing articles, and public speaking with the intentional hope of encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

Psalmist and The Song of the Lord - Becky Maisenbacher

I can remember the first time I heard the song of the Lord. I wasn’t acquainted with the gifts of the Spirit but as I heard the song, my soul was elevated to a place of joy as well as peace. I wanted to know more. When King David was restless or perplexed he would often call forth his musicians. Their anointed music brought peace and rest to him as well as heavenly insight. It is a joy to be able to share some of the words being released by our Covenant Center musicians and psalmists. We appreciate Debbie Hester volunteering her time to scribe their words. I hope you find peace, encouragement and insight from heaven that brings comfort and hope. Blessings, Becky

Prophetic Worship August 16, 2020:

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid for I am the God, your God, the true and living God. And I am the same God yesterday, today, today, and forevermore. I changeth not, for I am the true and the living God. I am the great I Am. Arise in My Spirit, arise for the light has come.

Rejoice in Me, rejoice in Me, For the name of the Lord is a strong tower, so run unto Me.

Rejoice in Me, run into Me. For I am your refuge and I am your fortress. Look not at what you see, even the things you hear. Know that My word proceeds these things that you hear. Trust in Me, look unto Me for I am the Alpha and the finisher of your faith. I am your God!” (Cynthia Cox)

“Stand firm. Stand firm, just fix your eyes on Me. The battle is the Lord’s.” (Ryan Silva)

“Why so downcast oh your soul? Have I not said, put your hope in Me? Have you not prayed…your kingdom come, your will be done? Do you think My kingdom is full of just peace? There’s strife. Even undoing the things of men that need to be undone. It’s messy! My Kingdom is here. My Kingdom has come! Look with your eyes, hear with your ears, believe in your heart the truth of My word and stand upon those principles and precepts, and what I do in the earth because, yes, change is here. Change is here. But, do you not think I am the change maker? I am not only the way maker; I am a change maker.

So be at peace and receive from Me knowing My kingdom is present where ever you go. You carry the kingdom within you. Know that all is well. I am doing a work in the earth that you will see one day, the fruit of My labor.” (Becky M.)

Cynthia Cox is an intercessor, psalmist, teacher and prophetic voice who loves to worship and brings forth God’s presence and revelation. She is ordained with The Covenant Center.

The Feast of Tabernacles - Richard Maisenbacher

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) begins October 2 and goes through October 9th. Many individuals will choose to live outside in shelters. This is a remembrance of the time in the wilderness when God delivered His people from bondage in Egypt. This Feast has been celebrated for thousands of years. It recalls God’s faithfulness, compassion, reliability and provision.

This is a time of rejoicing in God’s goodness during the years of wandering. It is a time of undoing the bitterness and complaints of the actual wanderers by reflecting on God’s provision and unwavering grace in our lives. I believe it is also a great time to reflect and focus on God’s goodness during 2020 just because it did not meet everyone’s expectations.

The Feast today is a time of great thanksgiving when the community honors God’s fulfillment of His promises and we look forward to the completion of His redemptive process. This Feast is definitely a big festival. It involves dancing, celebrating, eating and feeling thankful. God commands or guides us to celebrate, to dance, to revel in His goodness, and to jump up and down with joy. A festival of unrestrained jubilation!

Let’s look forward to this Hebrew New Year and celebrate God’s faithfulness and love, even if it may not look exactly like what we expect.

Trusting God In This Season - Tyler Bivins

How To Increase Your Trust In God In This Season

Tyler and Allison Bivins

When there is a season of difficulty we are walking through as believers it can be challenging to see what God’s ultimate plans and purposes are for us in that season while walking it out. It is like being in a storm and it is hard to see and have clarity. Until we transition out of the tough times or “storms” and move into a new season is where we sometimes begin to have clarity and can see God’s purpose in it.

- This is like the season many of us and the world may find ourselves in. Except it is a storm that is
affecting the entire world.

-   Many have stated they did not expect 2020 to turn out like it has!

-   It’s interesting that we are in the year 2020.

-   20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision),
Measured at a distance of 20 feet.

-   I typed in google what 20/20 meant in vision and this website came up first: Eyecaretyler.com  (thought it
was prophetic).. Defined as “20/20 - Normal vision. Fighter pilot minimum.”

-   It may feel like quite the opposite for many of us. We thought this could be a year to focus. To gain much
ground in our lives. It may have seemed like a set back or we have been in a holding pattern.

How we can trust God more in this season and what can we do when we find ourselves in a storm? 

Dream:

I had a dream one night back in 2010 when I had just moved back to my hometown in Virginia Beach right before Allison and I were to get married. I just prayed and was sent out by The Covenant Center as I took a new job in Virginia.

In the dream I was on an ATV / Four Wheeler. What I noticed in the distance was a huge storm and tornado type cloud approaching me. I was very concerned for this storm / tornado that was coming. As the storm was approaching, where I was sitting I was between two shelters and two places I could take refuge. One shelter was a little farther for me to go and I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. So I ended up going back and picking one shelter. What I noticed was as this terrifying storm approached the other shelter I thought it was going to miss me, but right before it went over the other location it made a sharp right turn headed right towards me. It was like no matter what I did this storm was following me. As it approached over the shelter I was in everything was rattling and was loud. I wasn’t sure if the shelter was going to hold but it ended up passing over. Then the dream ended.

The very next day was a Sunday and during the church service, a guest speaker came who was a Pastor from Africa named Bishop Mosa Sona. Thinking nothing of it at the time the title of his message was about storms and “how to deal with the storms of life”. I actually still had the sermon on cd and went back and listened to it. It didn’t really hit me at first because I kept thinking he way saying “stones”. Then for whatever reason I was reminded of my dream the night before and it ended up being a prophetic confirmation!

I want to give you a brief summary of his message because I think it’s a now word and wisdom for us in this time we are living in.

This is what stands out about storms:

The first thing he mentioned: “Whenever you are in the midst of a revival or awakening, we are usually the last ones to find out. From when it’s over you now know looking back that you were in something special.” With the coronavirus issue going on, rioting, political climate, churches being shut down… we could actually be in a revival and not even know it! That’s good news.

He continued that storms are inevitable in life. The question isn’t if a storm will come but when. Just like my dream, it was confirmation that you can’t run from them!

In Mark 4, before the storm came Jesus said: “Let us pass over to the other side.” As they were going over the sea a big storm arose. As Jesus was sleeping on the bow the disciples said Jesus we are perishing! Jesus awoke and rebuked the wind and the waves.

The goal of God’s word in our life is for it to produce fruit. When the Lord tells us something he wants us to hold on to it. Satan comes though and tries to steal the word… through storms.

If God gives you a promise - gives you a word, he wants it to happen. Instead of the disciples remembering the word when the storm came, they became fearful. They forgot. They woke Jesus up. Jesus then rebuked them for their lack of faith.

Storms may come when God is telling you to transition in your life. When they come you have to cultivate certain qualities to overcome them.

Imagine Joseph when he heard the dream he had at night about people bowing to him. “What Joseph didn’t realize is that there was a storm connected to it.” But Joseph in the midst of all the storms held on. Like Joseph, you just keep going.

Most storms are sent by Satan. His intention is to take you out of your place of destiny. Storms will challenge your faith, or persistence. After Jesus rebuked the storm he immediately rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. (we get confused who causes the storms and who’s doing what)

How we deal with storms:

Pilots in planes while flying have to deal with storms. There are 5 C’s to check when caught in turbulence:

1.  Calm down – Psalms 27:1 Lord is my light and my salvation. the strength of my life who should I be afraid. Pilots need to remain calm to make good decisions. Fear can cripple us from moving.

2.  Check your instruments – The reason they tell pilots to check their instruments during a storm is because you lose your direction. Vertigo can occur when pilots lose their equilibrium and can’t tell if they are going up or down. Know matter how you feel trust your instruments. In the midst of the storm trust God’s word. We walk by faith and not by sight. We are going according to our instrument which is the Word of God. It’s the instrument we live our lives by. Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart… verse 7 – do not be wise in your own eyes.

3.  Communicate- Communicate with the control tower. They know your position. They can see you on the radar. They know where you are. When you get caught in a storm. Don’t get disconnected with God. Don’t stop reading the Bible. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop going to church. Don’t stop meeting with other Christians. Psalms 81 – you called in trouble and I deliver you. Jeremiah 33 – call unto me and I will answer you. The last thing you want to do in a storm is to shut off your radio.

4.  Comply. After you have communicated, do what the control tower tells you to do. Do what God tells you to do. When we don’t know where we are, the control tower does. God has you on his radar screen. You may not know what’s going on with you. You may be having spiritual vertigo, but do what the control tower tells you.

5.  Climb. Sometimes pilots climb over the clouds to miss the storm completely. Make sure you are in the presence of God. Psalm 27:4 – I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Don’t let storms take you out of the presence of the Lord. When we are in the presence of God we are in our hands and we need to trust him with our lives.

Conclusion:

Increase your faith – I found a USF polo shirt while in Virginia. I was not sure if God was calling me to fulfill a dream I had to go back to school. This was a kiss from heaven that caused me to trust in Him that I was making the right decision. God wants us to walk in faith

Ask him to show you the positives. There are usually positives, and they will surprise you. Sometimes you can’t experience growth without the challenges.

He won’t desert you. He usually is doing something and it forces us to trust Him. Learn to lean on him.

Get in His presence – The love of God and the Holy Spirit is the most powerful thing in our lives. In worship, when we praise Him and get in the glory of His presence things break off us and discouragement. We walk in joy.

Trusting is a life long journey of growth.

Tyler

Tyler Bivins, his wife Allison, and their 3 children are members of The Covenant Center church in Lakeland, FL. Tyler has been ordained through The Covenant Center and completed training through John Paul Jackson’s Streams Ministries International. He has completed a degree in Business through Southeastern University and is currently earning his MBA at the University of South Florida. Tyler has served in ministry with a focus on biblical stewardship by coaching others and serving in church administration. Tyler is passionate about seeing others whole in Christ and walking in their God-given callings.

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

The Fall Feasts of the Lord - Richard Maisenbacher

We find described in Leviticus 23 God's feasts or His appointed times of celebration and consecration. The fall feast is a season when God wants His people to learn to rest in Him. The Feast of Passover teaches about God's peace; the Feast of Pentecost instructs us on God's power; and the Feast of Tabernacles gives understanding about God's rest. Even though the days previous to the feast were a time of repentance and reflection, the Feast of Tabernacles celebrated the final ingathering of the harvest which God had blessed the people with for the year. The fruit of the land had been reaped, so the people could rest from their harvesting labors. It was a time of great rejoicing! They would celebrate and thank God in advance for the next harvest.

The Feast of Tabernacles emphasized a rest with the Lord, however it did not necessarily mean to literally lay down and do nothing. Rest meant to continue to be intimate with Him, staying involved in the normal work of the Kingdom, while continuing with their occupation, family, study, prayer and ministry. I believe some have rested by being at home more with God in prayer and study of His Word; however, this year has been pretty challenging with Covid and the various practical different ways of adapting culturally and emotionally. Even though I believe there will still be challenges in the the next several months, God is making some new changes that will be positive for His Kingdom.

The dates for this years Fall Feasts 2020 are: 

Rosh Hashana ( Feast of Trumpets) Beginning of the New Year - September 18 - 20 (Fri. - Sun.)

Days of Awe - Include the 10 days from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) A day of fasting - September 27 - 28 (Sun. - Mon.)

Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles/Booths - October 2-9 (Fri. - Fri.)

I believe God is doing many things behind the scenes during this time of transition, restoration and reconciliation. I know during this Fall season God is going to move in a great way, affecting not only the seven mountains, but His people individually as well. I do not know how it will play out, but I know there is a correction coming to level out the playing field and to begin to restore what has been stolen from His people.

Let's celebrate His Fall Feasts and look forward to this New year!

In His Covenant Love,

Don Franklin - Victory Is With You and The End Game

There is nothing that takes God by surprise. He has been speaking into the earth since time began, and thankfully He continues to share truth, understanding and revelation to those who choose to hear. As the earth continues to shake, now more than ever we need to hear from heaven and be alerted to what is God’s desire. I believe this word will encourage you and comfort you that our Father knows the plans He has for you and our nation. Amos 3:7 instructs: “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets. Scripture also directs us to pay attention and weigh what the prophet is saying: “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said, “(1 Corinthians 14:29).

Here are two words given seven years apart by Don Franklin. The first word below was given in 2013 by Don during a prophetic conference in Washington, D.C. Recently he released a second word which appears to be “Part 2” in Lakeland, Florida, giving more insight and clarity. I encourage you to take time to read and reflect on these words. What do you “hear” God expressing to you? Are there conditions, directions or instructions to follow? Be encouraged - God is at work. Blessings ~ Becky

Victory is With You

Word given by Don Franklin in Washington, DC - 2013 

I was here at the inception of this nation. This is my nation and I will be here at the conclusion of the matter. I am the Lord; I am God. I change not. I ruled over the nations from the beginning and I will rule until the end. I am the God of righteousness and holiness, (Rev.1:8).

The political parties that are established in this nation do not rule the nation. I do, saith the Lord. I am the Lord your God.  I am the King. I am He who holds the winds of the north and I hold your destiny and I hold your future, saith God. Political parties do not hold you in their hands; I hold you in mine, (Psalm 119.73a).

I am with you this day; I am for you. I am for the righteous element that is in this nation, (Genesis 28:15). Stand strong, saith the Lord; stand strong, saith the Lord, (Ephesians 6:10). I am not the God of gray; I am the God of black and white. Right is right and wrong is wrong and never the twain shall meet, (Hebrews 12:14). There is no compromise within the Almighty. I call for holiness. I call for purity. I call for a righteous standard to be lifted up, (John 12:32).

Do not be confused in the coming hour. There will be much deception broadcast; there will be much propaganda put forth. But know this, the scriptures are true. I will stand with those who stand with me. I will honor those who honor me, and I will give power; I will give glory; I will give anointing to those who walk in truth and purity and holiness before me, lifting up the standard so the people do not go astray, (Matthew 10:32-33).

The battle is on, saith God; the battle is on, saith God. A shot has been fired across the bow of this nation and the enemy has said, “I will take it; I will destroy it; I will bring it down.” God says, You wait and see what happens. I’m beginning to move. I’m beginning to pour my Spirit out from the East Coast to the West Coast. There’s going to be revival hit this nation.

People that have been so against God are going to turn and like Paul, be knocked off their horses and they will come to Christ and they will be on the airwaves confessing that He is Lord and that they were wrong. You watch and see what happens on both sides of the aisle – left and right. Conversions are coming; conversions are coming.

It won’t be just political Christianity. It’s going to be the real deal. I’m walking into the Capitol. I’m walking into the White House. I’m walking into the Senate. I’m going to begin to touch people. I’m going to begin to anoint them. The burning fire of God is going to fall upon the hearts of congressmen, senators and leaders in this nation. You’re going to see the fire of God begin to prevail.

There will be a battle. There will be a huge battle. But know this, I’ve been in battles since this nation was formed. I was there at the Revolutionary War. I helped George Washington win. I was there in the Civil War. I saw to it that right prevailed. I was there in WWI and WWII, and I will be there in the future, saith God.

So put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the seas. Put your hand in the hand of the man that no one can defeat. And know this, that the victory is with you. I am with you in this coming fight, ( 2 Corinthians 2:14).

(Part 2) The Endgame

Word given by Don Franklin in Lakeland, Florida - August 16, 2020    

The Lord says: “ I formed the nations and I formed the continents, and I formed the stars and the seas. It is I who controls the destiny of nations and the destiny of this world. I’ve already written the end game. I am in control of the end game, and what you are seeing right now is I have drawn the enemy out to battle and I have set a trap for the demonic powers. They have said, ‘I will take this man down. I will take this nation down and when I am done with them I will take Jerusalem.’ ” 

“Hah”! God says, “I’m in charge of the battle. I’m in charge of the illusion. With many ruses do you make war. They are even now congratulating themselves in how they have been defeating this nation. But I have news for them. My angels have not yet engaged. There are angels sent over every nation. Michael is set over Jerusalem. The angel of the Lord that is over this nation has not yet swung his sword. But know this, I have allowed the evil to manifest that all may see how evil, how evil, how evil the other side is, and their battle plans and their theology. They would cast God out of their party having nothing to do with Him, because they already have a god: the god of the underworld - Lucifer the god of the light is who they follow. It is he who they emulate. It is what they are promoting – the killing of children, the perversion of the genders.” 

“All of this evil has evolved from the angel of light who seeks to rule this nation. But there is a trap set for this group. They will cease to exist in the coming days. I will bring them down, saith God. I will judge that which is evil and corrupt in this nation and that is what this fight is all about. But know this, I have my armies on reserve and they are about to come forward on the battlefield, and when they do there will be panic in the eyes of the enemy. There will be a great confrontation in the coming days.” 

“But know this, the Lord God is in charge of this fight and I will see to it that right prevails and this nation stands all the way through. This nation will not submit to the enemy. It will not submit to the new world order. It will not submit to the Antichrist. Victory is on your side. Rejoice saith God. Rejoice. The victory of God is with you this day.”

Don Franklin
franklinministries.org
Franklin Ministries International
DonFranklinMinistries@gmail.com

Don Franklin was born into the gifts of the Spirit in the Catholic Charismatic prayer meetings of the 1970s. As a pastor on staff with Teen Challenge Ministries, Don was offered the directorship but instead felt called to attend bible college. Upon graduation from Southeastern University with a Pastoral Theology degree, he settled in Lakeland, Florida with his wife and co-intercessor, Bonnie. They went on to lead prophetic intercessory prayer meetings in Carpenters Home, Ignited Church and The Covenant Center for two decades. 

Don has taken multiple ministry trips over the years within Germany, Belgium, Turkey, Italy and Israel imparting life and power in the Spirit through prophetic ministry, teaching and intercession. He has ministered in Pentecostal theological seminaries in Germany and Brussels, and was honored to address the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus on several occasions. His meetings bring timely words from the Lord for the body with teaching on historical and biblical events as they relate to modern day unfolding of events. In prophetic teaching, Don conveys what he’s learned in the Spirit with clarity and historical insight.

It is his prayer that America continues to be the land known for sharing the gospel of Christ around the world. His heart’s cry is for the mantle that rested upon our Founding Fathers be resurrected within patriotic hearts across the land of the red, white and blue; his prayer is for America to remain a safe haven for those who believe and trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for generations to come. 

Don is available for speaking engagements. You can contact him and also reserve a copy of his soon to be released prophetic book, “The Destiny of America & Her Sons,” through his email address.

Foundations - Becky Maisenbacher

For a number of months I have been hearing “Back to the foundations.” It is certainly important to have a solid foundation when the storms of life manifest. There are many enlightening teachings that help us understand the Bible, the cultural times, Greek and Hebraic studies which make the word come alive, the Prophetic and Supernatural and His glory; but when I look back to what has really sustained me through it all, it has been Jesus, Holy Spirit and my relationship with God.

As we walk out this very challenging season, some say we are moving toward apocalyptic times, which is actually true to some extent. Death and destruction entered in the Garden of Eden, and the world has been crying out for Christ’s return since Golgotha, when he was placed on that cross and martyred for us. So historically, the world has revolved with turmoil: wars, rumors of wars, genocide and all forms of evil. Each generation has its’ own victories and failures to walk through. Each person has the freedom to choose their own path.

So how do we live and sustain ourselves through hardship and rugged times?

1) First we begin to realize we have really not sustained ourselves. We flow through each day “doing life” when we begin to realize God has sustained us. You can look back and see where you may have been surrounded by evil, or maybe you didn’t even know he kept you, but you made it through. Testimonies abound of his sustaining love and power.

2) Look to our forefathers and learn from their actions and how they survived hardship. They learned to live with less and were thankful for the provision they received. They disciplined themselves in their finances, budgeting and tithing, prioritizing between needs and wants.  They lived more simply where a handshake or a person’s word was sacred. And when a person or event let them down, they determined in their heart to forgive and move forward committed. They learned to savor each day as a gift from God and rejoiced in His goodness and provision, even when it was meager. They chose to trust God and believe in him and his provision. Their foundational hope was in him, his word and their relationship.

Be encouraged for God rides upon the storms of life and Jesus continues to say to you:

“Beloved, return to me for I am the Bread of Life”

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

“Do not fear. Do not let your heart be troubled.”

“I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“Peace I leave with you.”

“Come unto me, you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

“Put your trust in me.”

“There is nothing you can do to make me love you any more than when I created you.”

“Come boldly to my throne of Grace.”

“I will provide all your needs.”

“I have forgiven you.”

“Your sins are forgiven.”

“Be of good cheer and do not be afraid.”

“I will be with you always, even unto the end of the earth.”

“I have made a place for you in paradise.”

“I have given you eternal life.”

“When you are weak, I am strong.”

“I desire for you to know me and I am waiting for you.” 

Father, in uncertain times you shine bright. Your light bids us to come to you and be comforted, guided and encouraged. Please bring your light to your creation, your people and this nation as you bring us back to the foundation of knowing you. Strengthen and guide us to be repairers of the breach and to rebuild the ancient ruins.

“For this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”  John 17:3.

Peacemakers - Richard Maisenbacher

Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers because they shall be called sons of God.” 2020  sure seems to be a long season where we all want peace, but it seems to be harder to find. Even though peace and tranquility is what we want, this verse is about peacemakers. It is not for those who want peace but those who make peace. There seem to be lots of ministry opportunities currently with Covid, protests, layoffs, and the increased anxiety.

The beatitudes are sacred paradoxes. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Those that are poor in spirit are those that cannot do anything to help improve their personal condition. They will see the kingdom of heaven. In other words, they must totally rely on the Lord for everything and they will be blessed. However, in Matthew 5:9 Jesus says something positive, an action, must be done in order to belong to this group. The one blessed must make peace.

It looks like there is no paradox. If you go out and make peace, God recognizes your efforts and you will be blessed. In the New Testament peace is no hostility with God through salvation provided by Christ. Peace describes the state of the believer assured of God’s grace, content with God’s authority. Peace is directly connected with righteousness, safety, love, grace and glory. God’s peace is independent of outside conditions and is the fruit of real salvation with God.

Peace, then is a word that summarizes the life of those who are citizens of the kingdom. Not a single person in the crowd on that hill as Jesus shared the Beatitudes was experiencing peace. The paradox is connected to the combination of “peace” with “maker”. The paradox is that only those who are giving up this reality of peace reflect God’s character.

Everyone wants peace, but not necessarily the peacemaker. The peacemaker is one who actually gives up personal harmony in order to put himself at risk for the sake of peace. You can’t be a peacemaker without stepping into a war. They engage in battle, not to control, but to counsel. Peacemakers are a paradox. The very thing they want they relinquish.

Happy are those who give up their peace for the sake of someone else’s peace. They are blessed and are sons/daughters of God who are destined to become God’s children. They yield to God’s character within them. Stepping into conflict to bring peace is what God does. The joy comes from participating with God by His Spirit.

This is a great opportunity to become a peacemaker to those around you. Consider the ways to communicate with those who may need peace. You can encourage people through texts, calls, virtual calls, write articles, books, and do pod casts. Enjoy yourself, because you shall be called sons/daughters of God!

In His Covenant Love,

Unity of the Spirit - Richard Maisenbacher

In Acts 10:17 is says that Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision he had might be. The voice in the vision said to kill and eat all kinds of unclean animals, creatures and birds. Peter said that by no means Lord would he ever eat anything unholy and unclean. Peter knew it wasn’t about diet but it took him ten years later to figure it out. Peter was still a Torah observant Jew. He preached that God’s grace had come to the Jew and Gentile, but he did not know it was about people until he went to Cornelius’ house. Peter thought it was unlawful for a Jew to come near a gentile, but it was strictly a tradition. He saw what God had done in Cornelius’ house and realized it was about people and he then changed the way he evangelized. He realized God wanted unity with Jew and Gentile.

Paul, in Ephesians 2 confirmed that God desired to make the two (Jew and Gentile) into one new man, thus establishing peace by putting death to the enmity between them. For through Christ we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Paul continued in this thought process of unity in Ephesians 3 and 4.

 Ephesians 4:1-3, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worth of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

 We seem to have divisions In our culture today over denominational differences. We get angry and dismiss people who disagree with us, or dismiss others who can’t relate to what we’ve walked through. Paul allowed for a healthy debate. Differences of opinion were not a problem. We think unity is being conformed to what “I” believe.

Paul exhorts us to walk worthily of our calling with humility and meekness; with long-suffering, bearing with one another with love, and being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. What a challenge!

The enemy wants us to kill, steal, and destroy but also divide and cause strife. God is looking for a group of believers that can walk in love, be strong, fight but communicate with a unity of peace. That seems to be a tremendous challenge in 2020; however, that is what our calling is. Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No. It’s part of the Great Commission that Jesus called us to.

 Lord, we thank you for giving us the grace, revelation, patience, and communication skills to release your love and spirit of unity to others, especially during this season!

 In His Covenant Love,