The Altar of Incense - Elizabeth Weber

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE - ELIZABETH WEBER

Elizabeth Weber

Scripture tells us that the believer’s prayers are a sweet scent/fragrance to God. Rev. 5:8, 8:3-4, Psalm 141:2. Hopefully you see your prayers in this way, but if not, let’s go on a brief walk through the Tabernacle of Moses. Our destination is the Altar of Incense in the holy place where sweet perfumed prayers are offered to God as well as worship and intercession. Exodus 30:1-10, Leviticus 16:12-13, 1Tim 2:1 Luke 18:1

You may be asking, how will a walk through the tabernacle encourage me in my prayer life? Well, the infrastructure and furniture contained in the Tabernacle tell the Gospel story and speak to the covenant relationship we have with the one true God. That makes all the difference.

We know there is no longer a temple in Israel, post the Romans destroying it in 70 A.D. However, Scripture tells us the body of Christ, is now the temple (1Cor 3:16-17) and we are the priests ministering to God. (1 Peter 2:9)

As we approach the tabernacle we note that there is only one entrance. Jesus said “I am the door”; “I am the way, truth and life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Our sin kept us from relationship with our heavenly Father, however, Jesus is the way back into covenant relationship with Father. If you have made the decision to come in by the only door, Christ, then be at peace and know you are restored to Father, accepted and blessed. John 10:7-9,14:6, Romans 5:17, Deut. 28:6, Psalm 121:8.

Now we enter the tabernacle, and immediately encounter the Brazen or Bronze Altar where innocent animals were sacrificed to atone for our sins. We pause and reflect on the truth that now, we have been justified by Christ blood and are saved from the wrath of God. You and I have been declared- Not Guilty! Romans 5:9 – “We have been justified by Christ blood, how much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:14-22).

From the Brazen Altar we stop at the Bronze Basin, Exodus 30:17- 21. The Bronze Basin and its stand was made from the mirrors of the ministering women, Exodus 38:8. As we wash our hands and feet (daily cleansing) we see our reflection in these mirrors. Pausing for self-examination, here we ask ourselves the hard questions regarding where our feet have taken us and how our hands minister; what are my motives, thoughts, mindsets and my expected outcomes of ministry? Anything that does not come from the Law of Liberty mentioned in James 1:22-25 is cleansed away at this time. The Law of Liberty is the law of Christ or the Law of Love, Hebrews 10:22-25, Titus 3:5.

We are now ready to enter the middle section of the tabernacle, the Holy Place. This area is separated by very thick curtains and would be completely dark except for the light from the Golden Lampstand, Exodus 25:31-40.  Amazingly, this candle stick is made from one piece of gold, (reference to the Trinity). The candlestick has a main stem from which six other branches are supported. At the top of each branch were “cups” of oil that kept the lights from going out. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”. In John 10:30, Jesus declared, “I and the Father are One.” Twice daily the priest trimmed the wicks and added oil so the candle lights always burned brightest. The Golden Candlestick represents the Triune God. We can rejoice and be in peace knowing that we are in covenant with the One True God and He will never break this covenant with us. Isaiah 42:5-9 Psalm 36:9 Isaiah 11:2.

We then move across the room to the Table of Showbread; some refer to it as the Table of Presence, Exodus 25:23. In covenant relationships, the table always represents provision, acceptance, fellowship and peace. If there is any issue between covenant partners, they came together to resolve any issue. The two partners would then share a meal, break bread, together symbolizing that all is well between one-another, and the issue is not to be brought up again as it is resolved. On the table are 12 loaves of bread placed in two stacks of 6 and a vessel of wine representing the covenant meal/communion. In John 6:35 Jesus said “I am the bread of life.” This table is our last pause before going to the Altar of Incense. Here we can exchange anything that is interfering in our covenant relationship with God. For example, I exchange my personal preservation for God‘s servant Spirit, my bitterness for God‘s forgiveness, my worry for God‘s shalom. We are invited and have access to this precious privileged table at anytime, John 6:32, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 23:5.

We finally arrive at the Altar of Incense. We reflect back at what has been confirmed to us as we have walked through the Tabernacle. We entered through the Door, Jesus’ blood has declared us “Not Guilty,” we have washed and have been cleansed by the Word and now serve by the Law of Christ - the Law of Liberty. We are grateful that we no longer walk in darkness but have the light of Christ. We continue to trim our wicks and are filled with Holy Spirit again and again. Lastly, we have a covenant meal exchange with the Lord.

Here at this Altar of Incense we minister to God by praise, worship, and prayers. We minister on behalf of others through our intercession. This altar is placed facing the Ark of the Covenant, which is covered by the Mercy Seat, located in the Holy of Holies. At one time there was a curtain separating the Altar of Incense from the Mercy Seat, but no more as Jesus, our great High Priest has pulled down that curtain of separation by his sacrificial death. Since we are accepted and restored to God, we have assurance that our prayers are heard and accepted as sweet perfume to God, Hebrews 10:19-21.

This square shaped altar (Altar of Incense) receives its hot coals from the Bronze Altar. There are four horns on each corner representing Christ’s authority and power, the premise from which we pray. The altar is made of acacia wood (representing humanity) but is over laid in gold (royalty). Here the “royal priesthood “ministered twice daily by placing a special recipe of incense on the hot coals. Exodus 30:1-10, Leviticus 16:13.

This sacred incense is described as sweet, pure, holy, perfume and is prepared from five different products. Each product is combined together by a beating process. The original characteristics of these products are lost in the beating, but then a new product emerges. 2Cor 5:16-17, Mark8:34, Matthew 10:39.

My hope is that you see that prayer is not intended to be a work of the flesh but instead, a beautiful expression of the unbreakable covenant that we have with God because of the complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 31:31-33, Hebrews 7:22, 8:13.

Be encouraged precious believer! Elizabeth

Elizabeth Weber is passionate about studying the Word of God. She has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Southeastern University and a Masters Degree in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology. She is a trained chaplain and ordained minister. She recently retired as a hospice and palliative RN at a local hospital. Elizabeth resides in Winter Haven, Florida with her husband David. She loves spending time with her family, 3 children and 4 grandchildren. You can contact her at info@thecovenantcenter.com.

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

We have celebrated Rosh Hashanah (The Feast of Trumpets) by blowing the Shofar and eating apples and honey in hope that the Days of Awe which includes the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) God will judge us kindly and look down on us with sweetness and help us walk into our calling in this next new year!

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) begins October 9th and goes through October 16th. Many individuals will choose to live outside in shelters (booths). 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 2022 even though it may not have met everyone’s expectations.

The Feast (Sukkot) 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 celebration!  It involves dancing, singing, eating and being joyously thankful. God commands or guides us to celebrate, to dance, to revel in His goodness, and to jump up and down with gladness. 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!

In His Covenant Love,

Richard

THESE DRY BONES WILL LIVE! - Becky Maisenbacher

I’ve learned when I am challenged with illness or a difficult situation, to ask God to come and reveal His truth. When understanding appears, the revelation is of course personal, but I have also found He may require us to live out an experience or become a prophetic picture/act for His people. Take Ezekiel, where historians remind us how he used pantomime, ate a scroll, and slapped parts of his body, to burn the message of God into the minds and hearts of the people.

In my book, “If I’m Healed By His Stripes, Then Why Do I Still Hurt?” I shared life experiences and revelation in certain situations I walked through - life lessons learned - including suggestions and insight for consideration. Maybe you have experienced this too. We are given opportunities, sometimes very challenging experiences to learn from and share, becoming a light of encouragement and guidance – lessons learned and shared for others to glean from giving them encouragement and hope.

Second Corinthians 1:3-5 declares: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”

Apostle Paul continues in verse 6-7: But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort.”

When you ask of Him, He share pieces of the puzzle that He highlights over time and will finally bring them together with a revelation for you as well as for others.

What is Your Truth Father?

I recently experienced one of these moments, certainly revealing personal insight, but also birthing a truth for the Body as well. During a brief vacation, I suddenly experienced excruciating pain in my back, resulting in a diagnosis of fractured vertebrae and osteoporosis. I’ve always taken care of my health so this came as a surprise and puzzlement. “Father, what do You want to reveal to me in this situation? What truth do you have for me?”

First Let’s Look in the Natural – What Does It Reveal?

Osteoporosis - a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. Blood work revealed no nutrient deficiencies. Hmm, let’s search on.

Next, I began to seek in the spiritual definition and understanding, using the “A to Z Symbology Dictionary” by Dr. Barbie Breathitt. Bone – structure, main issue or the underlying substance of something; long lasting support or strength, taking something down to its bare bones, stripping, lack, in need of alignments and proper attachments and covering, famine, death or destruction is trying to hinder; prophesy breath and life as commanded (Exz. 37:1-10), a mighty army; resurrection power; 2 Kings 13:21, an inheritance is coming).

Highlighted in this definition, Ezekiel 37 became highlight jumping from the page and I saw a vision of the valley of dry bones with many saints still alive but exhausted, emaciated, weary from their personal battles and discouraged that their hours of prayer and service have not brought the fruit they hoped for. I could hear their whispers and prayers to God saying, “Father, I’m so tired of waiting; Are you even there?; Did I miss you?; Father, Help my unbelief – I’ve lost my way; Father, I don’t really care to be with the Body anymore; Was this all a dream; Where are you?”

Their experiences of loss, painful events and toxic environments now left them dried out making their bones brittle, disappointed, even bitter from serving in His Body while toxic people and situations drained life from them. Others felt they had lived one wilderness after another, pouring themselves out as a drink offering, waiting in surrender and repentance, but with little hope. I sensed within myself the exhaustion and lack of hope – hope deferred - as they tried to stir themselves up but now had little energy or desire for further relationship or service.

Father, What Do You Want to Say – What Is Your Truth?

I sensed heaven’s decree saying: “You whom I call my servants, who have grown weary in well doing – Hold on – don’t give up!” I am in the resurrection business – I am restoring - nourishing dry bones and breathing life into you again.” He is now declaring over you: “These bones shall live again! You shall live again!”

Let’s Revisit Ezekiel 37

Ezekiel declared in 37: 1-3 (NIV) – “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. And He said to me, Son of man, can these dry bones live?” I answered, “O Lord, God, you know.”

As I personally began to declare these scriptures over me, I sensed the Lord instructing me to prophesy to your situation – to your bones and body as well. His desire is for you to overcome in His abundant life. If you are battle weary, discouraged, reeling from loss, fatigued or dry, spiritually, mentally or physically – this word is for you as spoken in Ezekiel 37. You may also choose to read and declare the following over you daily.

You Will Come to Life!

“Then He said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.”

You Will Come Out of Your Graves!

“Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the entire house of Israel; behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am going to open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people…. Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. And I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it,” declares the Lord,” (vs. 11-14).

His Covenant of Peace Is Everlasting!

And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and set My sanctuary in their midst forever. My dwelling place also will be among them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. (vs.26-27).

Thank you Father for your truth and revelation. Your word does not return void. Your desire is for your people to prosper and be in health, even as their souls prosper., 3 John 1:2. Come now and breathe Your breath of life again into your people as we decree: “These bones will live! Come alive in the name of Jesus!

In His Love,

Fall Feasts of the Lord, 2022 - Richard Maisenbacher

Fall Feasts of the Lord, 2022

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, these past two years have been very challenging with Covid and the various practical different ways of adapting culturally, politically, and emotionally. Even though I believe there will still be challenges in the next several months, God is making changes that will be positive for His Kingdom.

The dates for this year’s Fall Feasts 2022 are: 

Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) Beginning of the New Year - September 25 - 27 (Sun. - Tues.)

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

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) A Day of Fasting - October 4 - 5 (Tues. – Wed.)

Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles/Booths – October 9 - 16 (Sun. – Sun.)

I still 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 by increasing His harvest by transforming His people. This will also automatically have an impact on the seven mountains. I do not know how it will play out, but I believe 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,

Wisdom From Proverbs - Becky Maisenbacher

A few months ago during worship I heard the quiet, gentle but sometimes sobering whisper of His Spirit bringing a gentle reminder: “Becky remember to tell my people ‘to not rejoice in the affliction or demise of others. For I am coming to not only expose but bring down those who lift themselves above Me – those who do not fear me and have chosen not to respond to my leading.’” I paused to digest this message of guidance for the coming days. God is always faithful to not only share what is to come, but to teach and remind us how to respond as events unfold.

Richard recently encouraged each of us to begin reading Proverbs. What wisdom and insight we can glean and apply to our lives. In Proverbs 24:17-18, the author, believed to be Solomon states:

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Or the Lord will see it and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him.”

God has established through many voices that we have entered a new era. It is exciting and hope is renewed for many as we look toward the continued release of heaven’s plans. His Kingdom come – His will be done. There is expectancy and anticipation, however there is also continued exposure and correction coming. The King is coming. Heavenly hosts are being released to steward the bidding of our Father.

As ambassadors of His Kingdom, I sense this is an alert to stay in our positional lane without interference and allow God to continue with His plan. Let’s choose to not misrepresent God’s heart or character. It is easy to make mistakes especially in the prophetic anointing when we become too emotional. Calling out sin (which is missing the mark) or choosing to judge or criticize someone’s heart is our Father’s job – not ours.

Paul, in Romans 3:23 states … “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” A position of humility in allowing God to avenge will help you continue to operate in love. God has directed us to demonstrate and walk in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, gentleness…. which positions us for His right arm to go before us and victory as well as restoration and the blessings of the covenant of peace. Don’t we all want that in our lives – His blessings, restoration and redemption and victory!

So I encourage you to reflect on Proverbs 24 and prepare your heart as evil is exposed and dealt with now and in the coming days. The words of Solomon wisely encourage us to step out of the way and not interfere with God’s plans so He will not be thwarted. Let’s continue to pray with fervor, prayers that align with His will. Let God have His way. As the consequences from unrighteous acts are exposed in His timeing, let’s keep our eyes on Him, thanking Him for His goodness, mercy and faithfulness as He executes correction and justice.

Kim Clement often taught as a Kingdom representative, especially a prophetic voice, we need to be:

Slow to suspect – quick to trust

Slow to condemn – quick to justify

Slow to expose – quick to shield

Slow to reprimand – quick to forbear

Slow to belittle – quick to appreciate

Slow to demand – quick to give

Slow to hinder – quick to help

Slow to provoke – quick to conciliate

Slow to resent – quick to forgive

Romans 2:4 reminds us how we once entered the Kingdom  – may we allow others to enter this way too: “It is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance.” Let’s release His goodness to all as He personally calls and gathers those who choose to accept. “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13).

Let’s allow our Father to faithfully execute His plans without interference as we walk in His love and His ways. “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” John 13:35.

In His Love,

Looking for God Within and Building Supernatural Strength in the Times We Live In - Nicole Welch

Nicole is a prophetic worshipper with a heart that cries out for others to know God and His ways. This message she recently spoke to The Covenant Center family, is full of wisdom and guidance to help us navigate the times we live in and the coming days. I know this word will bring encouragement and hope to you as you forge ahead in your circumstance, persevering in His strength, knowing that victory lies ahead in His name and His covenant. May His grace and peace abound to you always. In His Love, Becky

Looking for God Within and Building Supernatural Strength in the Times We Live In

Summer is usually a time for relaxing and hanging out in the pool. However with some amazement and shock I am looking at the calendar seeing summer is almost over with and we were booked with family, business stuff and caretaking both our only living parents.  I realized how my reserves have been running low and almost empty on a daily basis. Let me remind all of us what the enemy of our soul is currently doing “He will defy the Most High God and wear down the saints..” (Daniel 7:25 TLB)

I spoke recently at The Covenant Center from a book by John Eldredge called “Resilient” (click on this link to check it out https://amzn.to/3RLu9lX) and I will be referring to it in this blog. I believe this book is a must read in the times we are living in.

I have finally come to accept that nothing really is returning to “normal” I realize that I must intentionally adjust my life so that my reserves do not run empty. We must have perseverance or what I like to call “grit” for the season we are in now. We are told we will need it in His word: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay, but my righteous one will live by faith, and I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved, (Heb. 10:36-39 NIV).

So where do I find this inner strength or resilience? The answer is in the question. Strength is given to us by God. I am not talking about gritting our teeth and running the extra mile or doubling down when times get hard. I am speaking of Supernatural strength, like our favorite marvel heroes or DC Comics. There is one thing we have that superman and wonder woman do not have - the prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-15. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Through his what? Power. Where does he strengthen me? In my inner being.

We are reminded in Psalms 73:26 that even though “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Our God dwells within our very being. Everyone has a well that can be tapped into just as in says in John: “out of your belly will flow streams of living water.” Proverbs 20:27 also instructs that “The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” God is the strength of your heart and you can tap into this strength whenever you need it. However, this world is designed to distract us, fragment us and pull us away from our hearts and from God.

In John’s book “Resilient” he writes about how in times of war, we must dig deep, for we need to navigate these days victoriously. We must do that by turning our attention to Jesus within us in the depth of our very own being. He later describes the three levels of our inner being. The first level is called the Shallows. This is where all of our day to day distractions and fleeting thoughts enter our mind at warp speed most days. Many of us live here.

The second level is called the Midlands. This is what keeps us up at night. For me it is my mom and son’s health, our business and all the worries and cares of my life. The third he calls the Depths. This is where the eternal things dwell like love, hope and faith. This is where I really connect with God.

So how do you start to find God within? Easy, just start by giving him your attention - your undistracted focus on God with all of your heart. The battle is always for our attention and our peace. You will love the fruit of this. If John’s book “Resilient” is too much at this moment, I also recommend his Pause app and going through his 30 Days of Resilience": https://www.pauseapp.com/).

I hope you join the journey of going deep in these turbulent times. The deeper we go with God the stronger we will become.

Nicole Welch is a consultant, author, business owner, public speaker, mental health therapist, a missionary, wife, mom, and a very blunt truth teller. She always gives you practical, powerful tools and steps to overcome relational and communication challenges. She lives in Lakeland Fl with her husband of 25 years and two beautiful children.

Nic Welch

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*“Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times

John Eldredge 2022

Forgetting What Is Behind - Richard Maisenbacher

In Philippians 3:13 Paul states “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,” Paul must have had the ability to pretty much forget what his past was and focus on the future. Most of the time we tend to remember our past to our detriment. I am not saying we shouldn’t learn from our mistakes. Many things still hurt…betrayals, severe criticism, shame, abuse, social media statements, judgements we have made where we end up doing the same thing that we judged others for, just to name a few.

I wonder how Paul says he forgets them. Can we really live in freedom without regrets. What do we need to do to not have regrets or the shoulds? Paul still remembers his Damascus Road experience, but in Philippians 3:13, he is talking about how to have fewer regrets by forgetting what lies behind. Maybe the goal is not to get rid of all of them but have fewer of them. They do serve a great purpose. They remind us of what is no longer true of us. We can voluntarily forget them. We choose not to remember. What Paul does is to put it out of his mind.

I love the way God chooses not to remember in Micah 7:19, “He (God) will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Hebrews 10:17, And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” This is what commentators call the sea of forgetfulness! That’s the kind of forgetting that God does. I need to do a little more of that as I forget what lies behind!

In 1991 Becky and I were given a similar prophetic word from Dick Mills - Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” The enemy seems to enjoy whispering and reminding you of where you missed it in the past. If it keeps coming up the Lord may want you healed in this area. Rather than forget it, He may want you to be healed, set free and then forget what lies behind. You may need to go into prayer, study the Word, seek counsel, bibliotherapy, or any other method God may want.

If a regret or shameful thought enters your mind it is wise to identify where it came from. If you did not initiate it, and God has removed it into the sea of forgetfulness, then the last option is the enemy. You can actually be full of joy with thanksgiving because you do not have to dwell on it anymore and you will experience freedom from condemnation. Thank you, Jesus!

In His Covenant Love,

The Beginning of Wisdom - Richard Maisenbacher

The Hebrew word for fear is yare and does not mean to have a fear of punishment but have an overwhelming awe and reverence for God. There are other scriptures that even relate this fear to love. Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God, require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” So, maybe approaching God in fear, as our English translations suggests, may need to be reevaluated.

Deuteronomy 5:29 says, “Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear me and keep all my commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their son’s forever.” Walking with a love (ahav) in their heart and fear (awe and reverence) was a priority before keeping the commandments. Heart in this verse is not about emotion as much as it is to have a strong resolution or determination of your will to be faithful to God’s covenant. Fear is not a feeling, but a motivation of the heart expressed through behavior. It can be learned by faithful loyalty. Therefore, all human wisdom begins in this covenant behavior. We must start from the knowledge of God (knowing Him) and a dependence on him.

Proverbs 8:11 says, “For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.” All our desires and wants are not in the same category as wisdom. How can wisdom be better than fulfilling all our desires and pleasures of our senses? Solomon tried it and he found his desires and pleasures left him unfulfilled. The beginning of wisdom is a proper relationship and reverence to the Lord, through love.

As we continue to develop a healthy relationship with the Lord, let’s begin with a proper attitude and respect for who God is as we listen and respond to Him. Every insight our father gives brings about a transformation or an internal change in our perspective. If we start desiring things more than His wisdom, maybe we need to take a moment to rethink and reassess if it is what God has in mind for us. Let’s choose life and wisdom and fully satisfy our souls.

In His Covenant Love,

We Have Stepped Into The NEW - Becky Maisenbacher

During our Sunday, June 5, 2022 Covenant Center Pentecost worship and celebration God’s presence and power came - weighted and palpable, He spoke a word to alert and usher us into a new era. The following was spoken, giving not only encouragement, but prayerful consideration as He continues to guide us.

We thank you Lord for your presence, for your love and your goodness. We thank you Jesus that you walk among us. By your Spirit that you come, and you commune with us, and you love us. And you teach us, and you train us, and you guide us and you prosper us.

And even today that you would come with a word of encouragement and direction. And you would say to this house today, I call you a kingdom house. I have sent my prophets and I have sent my word to establish The Covenant Center as a family, as a tribe, as my glorious people. And I have tested you, and I have tried you. You have seen prosperity and you have seen what looked like defeat. But I tell you in those times that looked like weakness and defeat, I came to you, and I challenged you and I watched you like Gideon’s army.

When I sent Gideon to the stream, and I watched. And I said that I would separate those who lapped the water like dogs, and I would put my spirit and anointing on those who drank the water as they kneeled down to Me.

And so, I have preserved a remnant. And in the coming days I have said to you through many voices that we have entered a new era, not just a new season, but a new era. And so, it will be with you oh Covenant Center, because as a family I told you that I would build the house. Keep your hands off of it, I would build the house. And I would bring and make a kingdom family, a family that looks like my body from all various cultures, from all ages, from all backgrounds, that I would bring them in and heal them. And I would make you a picture of what the kingdom of God looks like.

So, I speak to you in this new era to tell you that expansion is here. Expansion is here. But don’t look at expansion by numbers. Erase the lines around the block that would hinder Me. For I will show you in the coming days what my expansion looks like.

And there have been some that have said what will we do now that Becky and Richard are old? What will happen to The Covenant Center? (Laughter) But I tell you, I placed them in this place as facilitators as Aquila and Priscilla. I asked them to hope in their hearts and release my love to the multitudes of people who would come. I asked them to train and equip and prepare and encourage as my Spirit would lead them. And so, they have done.

But now with expansion I say to you (that’s what He said) we have come not only to a new era and expansion to the Center, but we now will begin, I say begin, because the era will not happen overnight. But we are moving into a new order, a new authority, a new government of the house. The new authority will not only expand in this building or just in this community, but to the county we call Polk.

 There will be new structure. We must begin to change, to accommodate those that I am preparing to send in. Because I am going to enlarge you. I am going to expand you. And as I prepare those, we call them in, this generation that does not know Me. The generation that has left Me. My dear prodigals, those that have been wounded and have received toxic mentorship. They will come and be healed in this house. And they will be given destiny.

So as the change comes, as the new authority comes, as the new government comes, as the new structure comes, do not fear. For have I not built this house to accommodate you, your family and your children and your loved ones, and my people? And I will continue to build this house as we step into the new things together. Allow my hand to build it. I have trained you. I have equipped you. I have built a prophetic family, a prophetic tribe, a prophetic people. And you will do great exploits in my name. I love you. I am so proud of you. And know that I am always, always with you, forever and ever. Amen.

Let’s pray: Thank you, Father. You never leave us. You never forsake us. You always come with your plan. You always bring those who you desire to abide together, to honor one another, to love one another, to serve one another. That you build your kingdom person by person. And you give each person the choice to lap the water or to kneel as they drink. And Lord, I thank you that you have made a holy house, a holy kingdom that we desire to kneel as we drink. We honor you, Father. We love you. We praise you. We exalt you. We thank you for your goodness, your mercy, and your faithfulness. We thank you for your lovingkindness that never fails. And even in these dark times, that as the world becomes even darker, you will shine on your people with your anointing to shine even brighter. So, we give you glory today Lord and thank you for your presence that you would come and speak to us and guide us into these new days. Thank you. Thank you, Jesus. You are holy. Father, You are so holy. 

As we step into this new era, may God continue to bless and keep you in His love,

God Pours Out His Love - Richard Maisenbacher

During the month of June, we are celebrating the Lord’s Feasts with Pentecost (His Spirit) and Shavuot (His Torah). However, not everyone may have the enthusiasm or joy to celebrate these Feasts. Some have judged themselves unworthy or will not forgive themselves of their mistakes. They will only recognize their sins, believing that God can never love them, and wondering why God hasn’t intervened in all this world chaos.

Psalm 103:4, “(The Lord) Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” I know I have emphasized that having an intimate covenant relationship with the Lord is very important after we have given our heart to Jesus. This verse states that God pours out his love on all his creation, not just those in covenant with him. God loved us before he made promises to us. He loves us because we were made to enjoy him and glorify him. His help is not dependent on how well we have kept the Law. None of us have done well in that area. He pours out his love when we need him the most, after we have broken our relationship with him.

Hesed (lovingkindness) means he chooses to obligate Himself to us. John 17:24 says “…for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” It is easy to forget or ignore God’s hesed. We can become very discouraged with life and our expectations. Fortunately, God doesn’t wait on our self-improvement methods. We all are part of his creation, and he loves us. He seeks ways to have a love relationship with us.

Yes, we understand his ways are not our ways. Regardless of our guilt, shame, and discouragement, he loves us and wants us to receive his love and promises. That is another reason these Feasts are so important to celebrate with joy. We have his Word being written on our hearts and the Bible (Shavuot), and his Spirit (Pentecost) within us.

Lord, regardless of where I am right now, help me to receive your lovingkindness and compassion as you pour out your love!

In His Covenant Love,

God Is Reorienting Us - Chalis Butler

God is Reorienting Us by Chalis Butler

Chalis Butler

Jesus called twelve young men to become His disciples, and when they said yes, they entered into (and later authored) the most extraordinary story the world would ever hear. They walked with Jesus for three years, watching and listening as He interacted fearlessly and compassionately with all ‘classes’ of people, spoke with authority of a heavenly Kingdom, challenged people with spiritual truth, healed people who had been living with permanent disabilities and diseases, and performed miracles.

The disciples were young fishermen. They had grown up learning the Torah, the Law and the Prophets, and they knew that a Messiah was going to come. But they had an expectation that He would deliver Israel from oppressive, Roman rule and establish an earthly, political Kingdom.

This was their starting point when they met Jesus. I try to imagine what it must have been like for them. As they chose to walk and live with Jesus, they listened and often struggled to understand His radical message. They were witnessing impossible miracles. They must have been having ‘whoa!’ moments all the time! They must have lived in a heightened state of wonder—What just happened? What will He do next? Three years of this, and when Jesus asked Peter, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter knew. He and the other disciples had seen more than enough to recognize that Jesus was who He said He was. They knew Him to be God’s Son, their long-awaited Messiah, their Deliverer.

But remember their expectation. Even when Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, they could not understand. Three times, He told them He would be killed and that He would rise again to life. Once, Peter ‘took Him aside and began to rebuke Him’ (Mark 8:31-33). Another time, they ‘did not understand this saying and were afraid to ask Him’ (Mark 9:30-32). And a third time, Scripture says ‘but they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken’ (Luke 18:31-34).

Because they had such a strong, deeply held belief and expectation that an earthly king would set up an earthly kingdom, they ‘had no grid’ for what Jesus was telling them. How could He die if He, the Messiah, could raise people from the dead? And how could he become Israel’s king if he was killed?

And so as Jesus was taken to be tried and crucified, and His closest friends and followers watched it all unfold, what horror and pain they must have felt. What incredible devastation.  They were now grieving not only the traumatic loss of their beloved teacher and close friend, but also the loss of hope and expectation of the long-awaited deliverance of the Messiah.

They had been on the mountain top with Jesus, and now they were walking through the valley—without Him.

This was their state when Mary Magdalene came to them. Mark tells us that when she came and told them that Jesus was alive, they didn’t believe her. It is understandable. After all they had been through, I’m sure they were not only grieving, but wrestling with what had just happened. I would imagine that in trying to make sense of things, they might have been asking a lot of questions. ‘Who was Jesus, really? If He was the Son of God, why didn’t He save Himself? If He was the Messiah, why didn’t He deliver us?’

God allowed them to experience all of this, even the devastation. Because what felt like devastation to the disciples was, in the heavens, accomplishing something immeasurably, unfathomably good. Only Christ’s death could make possible our salvation, and the redemption of all things.

Disoriented

After all they had been through, the disciples had to be disoriented. Maybe this is why they had a hard time believing when they heard that He was alive.

I believe that like the disciples, we are living in a time that has been disorienting for many of us.

There are many ways we can become disoriented. Difficult circumstances. Pain. Loss. Change. Disappointment. Even mountaintop experiences can be disorienting because when we come back down from the mountain, everything looks different. Emotional healing can be disorienting because healing brings change in perspective and dynamics in relationships. And we have to relearn how to live and interact with people we love in healthier ways.

Like the disciples, I believe God is in the process of uprooting our long-held traditions and systems. He is allowing us to experience a Disorienting.

Hebrews 12:26-27 says But now He has promised, saying, yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven. Now this, “Yet once more” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Reoriented

Now this is the beautiful part of the disciples’ story: Jesus spent 40 days with the disciples after His resurrection. I think of this as such a sweet, healing time for them, reunited with Jesus. Yet more than that, the reality and the significance of what Jesus had just done must have been settling into their spirits, slowly but surely. It was supernatural, everything that had happened. The teachings of Jesus (spiritual truth) and the spiritual realm must have become much more real to them. And during that time, Jesus was tarrying with them there, reminding them of all He had taught them before.

He was reorienting them. Before His death, there were many things the disciples would not understand until afterwards. Now they would be able to hear and understand.

Luke 24:44,45 says Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”  And He opened their understanding that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

In this season, when God is allowing things to be shaken, when we have felt disoriented by much that we have seen and heard over the last few years, God is doing something good. I believe that just as Jesus spent those 40 days with His disciples, ‘opening their understanding’ and giving them a fresh revelation and comprehension of the Scriptures, God is doing this same thing for us today. He is reorienting us.

He has allowed our expectations to be disappointed. He has allowed our systems and traditions to become disrupted, and many areas of our lives to experience a ‘shaking.’ But there is a purpose. God is also adjusting our paradigm so that we will see through His lens, to see things His Way, from His Kingdom perspective. He is bringing the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven close to our hearts, and teaching us how to truly allow the Holy Spirit be our compass.

Power of the Holy Spirit

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave his followers this promise: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The Holy Spirit did come in a mighty way on the day of Pentecost, and continued with them as they carried out the words Jesus had spoken to them—to be His witnesses and carry His message to the world. Jesus didn’t leave them—His Holy Spirit was with them, the same Holy Spirit that lives within us.

Mark 16:20 records that …they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.

This was written after Jesus had already ascended. He had not left them, but was ‘working with them.’ Today, Jesus is still with us, working with us (and working within us). The Holy Spirit gives us power, not just for signs and wonders (the mountaintop), but for life, faith, obedience, and perseverance in the ‘valley’ of our ordinary, and sometimes difficult, lives.

The Greek word for power is dýnamis, which can mean: force, miraculous power or miracle, mighty deed, and wonderful work.

But it can also mean: ability, abundance, meaning, and strength.

So we could read Acts 1:8 in many ways: You shall receive strength when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You shall receive ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You shall receive abundance when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You shall receive meaning when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

The power of the Holy Spirit is not reserved for the miraculous and mighty deeds only. The power of the Holy Spirit is given to us to live our lives by His strength, in His abundance, and with meaning because of Him.  This is His power at work within us, which invites us to live our every day lives by His ability.

More than any kind of ministry or way we serve God publicly, our lived-out life is what becomes His witness.

2 Peter 1:3-4 highlights this truth so beautifully:

Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by His divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing Him who has called us by name and invited us to come to Him though a glorious manifestation of His goodness. As a result of this, He has given you magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises we can experience partnership with the divine nature, by which you have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world.

Prayer

Father, we love you and we surrender to what you are doing now in our lives. We invite you to re-orient us to Your Ways, and Your Kingdom truth. Thank You for sending us Your Holy Spirit, and for giving us everything we need for life and godliness. We want to partner with Your divine nature, living by the power of Your Spirit, to bring about Your purposes here on earth. Amen!

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. 

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. She recently published “Return to Real: An intimate Look at One Woman’s Journey of Redemption now available through Amazon and The Covenant Center Bookstore. She and her husband Shane are licensed ministers with counseling endorsements through The Covenant Center; while also facilitating one of the worship teams. You can find her online at LoveDweller.com. or contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com.

Preparation for Pentecost/Shavuot - Richard Maisenbacher

Fifty days after Passover, the Apostle Paul planned his travels so he could be in Jerusalem during Shavuot. It was to celebrate God’s faithfulness with the early wheat harvest (early First Fruits offering), which increased the hopefulness for a fall harvest (Sukkot). Later, the Rabbis while searching for historical facts discovered that around the same time during Shavuot, Moses came to Mount Sinai and was given the Law.

The Jews celebrated Shavuot when they received the Torah from God in Exodus 20. The presence and the revelation of God appeared on top of the mountain in the form of fire. Torah or the Word of God was then given to them on tablets of stone. This year in 2022 Shavuot is celebrated on June 4th - 6th.

Pentecost is a Feast of the Lord recognized by believers on Sunday, June 5th, which is mentioned in Acts 2:1. In Acts 2, the presence of God fell upon the believers with tongues of fire as they began to speak in the native language of those who were listening. In the book of Jeremiah 31, he prophesied that the Spirit of God would come upon the believers and the Torah would be written on their hearts, rather than on tablets of stone.

We look forward to celebrating this Feast with joy and thanksgiving! He has given us His written Word and continues to write His word upon our hearts. This is a time to saturate ourselves with His Word (Law) and Spirit (prayer) as we expect a fresh outpouring of His Spirit to do great and mighty things in His Kingdom during the next several weeks/months!

In His Covenant Love,

There Is A Savior - Becky Maisenbacher

Sometimes what we observe is difficult to articulate. So we pray. We cry out to God. We try to support and serve others, doing all that is possible within ourselves to ease the pain and heartache that is experienced in this life. We wait and wait on our Creator to act, and even though we know in our heart He is actively engaged – we grow weary.

 Maybe you can relate? When will You come? When will You manifest Your majesty? When will You manifest Your justice. When will you appear to the lost and hurting world? How long will You allow the atrocities to continue? The constant swirling of negativity and disdain in humanity – how dark must the world become before You are once again exulted Father?

In these prayerful moments, deep in the night, when I am awakened to pray, I find myself, at times, almost pleading for God to act. Do something Father! And as I sit quietly anticipating His reply, I learn once more patience as I wait. My heart reminds me that God is not in a hurry. He always has a plan and is never caught unaware of our earthly situations. Then, as I thank Him for His great love for His people and creation, I begin to faintly hear a symphony, playing heavenly music that guides and comforts me and then He speaks – “Becky, There Is A Savior.”

As I close my eyes, I am immediately taken to a quiet place to savor the words and sounds, and my spirit begins to rest. My thoughts are no longer cluttered. The lyrics to this classic song, remind me of the hope we have in Him each day and the promise of His extraordinary mercy, forgiveness and great grace. The message expressed encourages me to keep my eyes and thoughts focused on Jesus, and to remember how marvelous and glorious His love truly is.

Through life I have hoped for many things, maybe you can relate – friends, jobs, cars, homes, wealth, healing, even a simple vacation - the list is long. But I have learned in studying Hebrew, “hope” (תקוה/מקוה) is not putting trust in our own strength or ability. This Hebraic term expresses confidence, not in a future outcome, but in a present divine strength.

The following lyrics ©1968, authored by Greg Nelson, Bob Farrell and Sandi Patty, often resonate in my mind. As they come to me I try to pause and savor each phrase, refocusing and once again setting my mind on the things above. His peace finds me and once again strengthens me as I choose to trust. I hope these words will give strength and confidence to you also my friend, as we motor on in this tumultuous world.

There is a Savior what joys express, His eyes are mercy, His word is rest

For each tomorrow, for yesterday, there is a Savior who lights our way

Are there burdens in your heart, is your past a memory that binds you?

Is there some pain that you’ve carried far too long?

Then strengthen your heart with His good news

There is a Savior and He’s forgiven you.

There is a Savior what joy express His eyes are mercy, His word is rest

For each tomorrow, for yesterday, there is a Savior who lights our way.

There is a Savior who loves you and desires relationship with you. He holds the answers to life. He desires to walk with you, strengthen you and be the Light to guide your path. I encourage you to talk to Him and look toward His face. The things of this world will begin to dim in the time spent with Him, as you are captured and enveloped in His love and amazing grace.

God bless and keep you always in His love,

Passover Preparation - Richard Maisenbacher

Leviticus 23 includes Passover and Unleavened Bread, as well as Firstfruits as part of the Lord’s Feasts which we are encouraged to celebrate. The Hebrew word for Passover is “Pesach” meaning “to spring, jump or pass over something.” This refers to God’s deliverance of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, which brought freedom. Passover not only typifies redemption, but prophetically it was God’s plan for world redemption by Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb. What a great reason to celebrate!

“And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy,” Ezra 6:22. I have not personally found many Believers who celebrate the Lord’s Feasts or become excited getting rid of the leaven or yeast in their lives. They believe it may be painful or too hard to give up enjoyable/addicting habits. It may be even worse for some to lay down their mental strongholds so they can receive inner healing.

But Passover cannot start until all leaven is removed. Cleansing the home was part of the preparation. However, cleansing of the home is just the beginning. Believers know that cleansing of the home includes the cleansing of our heart in cooperation with the Spirit of God.

In 1st Corinthians 5:7 Paul states: Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, just as you really are unleavened. For Christ the Passover Lamb has been sacrificed.” Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, we are already new. His death and resurrection have removed the leaven in our life. However, in a practical way, there is still leaven that we must cleanse inside and out from the influence of the world. It is a time of purifying our heart and a time to make a choice to separate our self from anything unclean.

In preparation for this Passover, beginning April 15th through April 23rd, we can cleanse our “house,” get rid of the leaven, and celebrate as we experience His presence, joy and blessings!  Let’s take advantage of this time with Him in prayer, intimate love, enjoying His Word, and rejoicing because of the freedom our Passover Lamb has brought us!

If you are near Lakeland, Florida on Friday, April 15th please feel free to join us. We will be celebrating this Feast with a Passover Seder at 7:00p.m. at the Covenant Center.

In His Covenant Love,

You're Good Enough - You Qualify! - Becky Maisenbacher

I was reminded recently in a dream of one of the oldest tactics of the enemy of our soul. You know him as your adversary. He whispers untrustworthy thoughts, deceitfully mimicking the insightful, guiding whispers of Holy Spirit. When he is near he assaults you with whispers like: “You’re never going to make it. No one likes you. You’re ugly. You’re stupid. God doesn’t love you. You will never be happy. He will never forgive you.” The constant barrage of wearisome thoughts that pummel your mind always come to discourage, shame, condemn and ultimately destroy you.

If you have never heard or entertained any of these thoughts then you are a walking miracle. Because the accuser of the brethren is set on taking you out, but God has preserved you to finish the race.

When God speaks through dreams he often comes to encourage, expose the works of darkness, bring healing, peace and comfort, direction or pinpoint what He wants to work on with us. This dream came with a lack of color. It appeared in muted grays which can signal God is letting us in on the plans of darkness so we are not caught unaware.

I was in the second story of a very large furniture store as a salesperson. I noticed there were many associates and sales people working beside me. We took people throughout the story, guiding them through the array of beautiful pieces and assisting them with their purchase, which included antiques. While working on the second floor we hear the “manager” speaking loudly below us in the first floor warehouse. As we all lean over the balcony railing he says: “I want to hire a person for a higher level position, who will be on time each day and do what I ask.” His voice is harsh and demanding and I wonder why I am working for such an unkind manager. But I reason in my mind thinking, “Well, I am always on time and I think I could qualify for the position?” As we lifted our hands to qualify and be considered for the position, the manger emphatically states: “Don’t you get it! You don’t qualify! You’re not good enough!” Repelled by his harsh condemning declaration we all lunged back from the railing, reeling from his negativity.

Let’s look at the symbolism and what our Father may be revealing right now.
Furniture – to supply what is needed to equip and to give needed supplies to make life more comfortable. Presents, inheritance, material goods, promises, or internal affairs of how one structures their life.

Are you a furniture salesperson who has a desire to help others? Do you know you have an inheritance in God that He hopes to see you fulfill? Maybe you have laid down dreams or you’ve followed the deceiving whispers that “It could never happen for me – I’m not good enough.”

If you have encountered mean spirited people in authority at some point in life like a sibling, well-meaning friend or parent, coach, teacher, even a pastor who has spoken cruel words over you and may have accepted the lie as truth.

So here is the deal, Beloved. The God who knew you before the foundation of the earth and before you were formed in your mother’s womb – He knows you! He loves you! He has a future and hope for you – destiny and life as He waits for you to embrace yourself and declare: I have value. God loves me and I qualify for life and destiny.

We as furniture sales people, in His body, are assigned to give out, teach, equip and supply what is needed for others to understand life in this world, by sharing God’s love, His gifts and inheritance as well as material goods. As we reject the lies and stay focused on His truth and the promises of God we can bring life to weary souls and help build healthy structures for their lives.

God desires for His people to soar and live an abundant overcoming life. He wants you to know He has qualified you. Through the cross, you are qualified. You are good enough and therefore appointed to live in His covenant of peace where there is safety, security, strength, prosperity, health and increase. Let Him become the Manager of your life, and He will guide, teach, comfort, and direct you toward reaching the “position” and destiny in life He has designed for you. He loves you and declares - You are good enough!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

 In His Love,

Darkness May Reveal His Light - Richard Maisenbacher

It has been challenging for all of us to discern what the Lord is doing with His rhema personal words, prophetic words, and various streams of technology as well as personal opinions. It’s encouraging to receive a reminder that He is The Master of the Universe and His ways are not our ways.

This past Sunday, February 27, 2022 as our worship team released heavenly sounds and prophetic expressions the Spirit of God came with His presence and revelation when the following word was released by my wife, Becky. This word encourages us to trust and to understand that sometimes darkness leads us to His light. In His Covenant Love, Richard.

(Becky) You, the psalmists and musicians, all have tapped into a stream of the Lord. We don’t always talk about it, but it is who He is. As you, particularly as musicians, tapped into the discordance that was taking place so magnificently. That’s what He’s teaching us all isn’t He? To hear and see and know and understand what He’s speaking to us. And here is what I heard Him say in response to your worship, prayers, praise and declarations. So, I’ll share this, and you all weigh it. It’s sobering to me. But that’s a part of Him too, isn’t it?

I asked Him what He wanted to express with the unusual sounds and dissonance coming forth. The music was beautiful, unusual and very striking:

“I AM the Master of this Universe. I am the Master of this Universe. You say you desire to know My ways. You say you want to know more of Me. And I come to you with what you can handle. And we talk of the world becoming dark. And yes, the world will darken, because the days are nearer to my Son’s return. My Son will return. But I say I AM the Master of the Universe. And guess what? I am also the Master of discordance and dissonance. I am also the Master disruptor. I AM the One who allows darkness to walk into My light. I choose at times to remove My light so the darkness may have permission, that I will allow it to enter and let its’ presence do its’ work; so that those who enter into the darkness will turn their eyes to the light and see Me.

My plans are greater than your understanding. My ways are higher and wider and deeper than your understanding. But I am at work, and I have My plans and as the Master Disruptor you have even seen Me enter your lives at times when I have allowed divisions, I have allowed disappointments – even derisions. I have allowed things to take place because in that darkness as I begin to shine My light I guide your path. Does My scripture not say that I am the One that guides your path? I am the One that opens doors that no man can shut. I am the One that closes the doors that no man can open.

I have been looking for a people who will allow Me to be Me, who will not put Me in a pretty box and say that I am just sweet. I have been looking for a people that would allow Me to be Me and not be afraid of the darkness knowing that My Light surrounds it. I have been looking for a people that can smile in the midst of the storm and know that I ride upon it. I have been looking for a people and I have found you -  You are My people!

For you have walked through many valleys and walked through many disappointments and you have walked through much pressure early in this life and you have said at times, “Oh God I don’t even know if You’re real anymore. I don’t even know if I want to know You anymore.” But I tell you my beloved, I have used these times and I will continue to use these time of trials and challenges because My plan is greater than your understanding. But know My love, as they sang today- ‘I am your reality,’ My love is greater, and wider and deeper than anything you must walk through, any trial or testing. They will never overtake you. But know as I reveal more of Myself today to you, I am also the Disrupter. But I do not disrupt to harm. I disrupt to open pathways that are new that will guide you into the truth and the destiny that I have for you, for this world, and for each nation.

So, for you today who will allow Me to reveal more of Myself to you… you see there is a human side of Me too. When I have one of My children say, ‘I don’t want to know you anymore.’ You know how that feels. It hurts My heart also, because that was never My plan. That was never My reason for doing what I must do. So, I pray and I delight in your love.

And I am building within you an understanding of My ways -  to a place where you trust Me totally; where you trust Me totally! So even though you’ve walked through challenges and even though you’ve walked through pain, some more than others have experienced much deeper pain, know I will come and continue to give you understanding of My purposes and My plans and My redemption and My love so that I can continue to fill you with hope as you continue to desire Me.

So, I pose to you My children today: May I reveal more of Who I am to you? Will you be disappointed in who I am? Or will you be able to take Me from the vastness of my greatness as Master of this Universe and trust Me? And trust Me? I want you to know Me. I want to expose more of Myself to you. I want you to have greater understanding of Who I am. But I’ll give you what you can handle, because My heart for you is always Love, My heart for you is always Goodness, My heart for you is always Mercy.

Even though in these days you will continue to see darkness, try to remember I, in My light, surround the darkness. I, in My light, surround the darkness! Do you hear Me? There’s no place the darkness can hide. There is no place that My light can’t shine. I raise kings up and I let them fall. And I raise empires up and I let them fall. Look to Me. I ride upon the storms, and when you agree I ride upon the storms, you will be saved.

Isaiah 45:5-7 - “I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.”

Living In Peace In Troubling Times - Pat Stark

Pat Stark shares insightful words of encouragement and hope. Her messages are full of prophetic insight as she gives understanding to the times and seasons we live in. I believe she has important keys to share as we learn to walk victoriously through troubling times.

God instructs us to be at peace and trust in Him, but God’s peace may look a little different than what we imagine.  Pat shares the following:

“How often he comes to us in a different way than we’ve previously experienced him. We think it’s the enemy, and the enemy is often involved, but God is using the situation in a different way to actually free us from false pictures we didn’t even know we had.”

This is so true! I encourage you to read this word from Pat as we continue to learn His ways while abiding in His presence and peace. Enjoy this word and be encouraged that God cares about you! Becky

Living In Peace In Troubling Times 

Pat Stark

Almost everyone is feeling the effects of the turmoil of our times. You almost have to be asleep to be not affected in some way. We are also seeing the shaking play out in our own lives and affecting us personally — relationally, financially, emotionally, health wise, even our freedoms are being challenged on a daily basis.  All our securities, the things we so easily trusted in, are being challenged.

Definition of Security: “The state of being free from danger or threat”

So what is God doing in us during this season of personal, national, and global uncertainty?

God often uses times like these to bring change deep within us as he allows our false foundations to be shaken and challenges the way we have interpreted life. So what are some of the things he is changing within us? 

He is teaching us that “He will be the sure foundation for our times.” Isaiah 33:6:

Not our finances, our jobs, ministry, health, the government, or other people. Sadly they can all become our false securities without our even realizing it.

He is changing our ways.  The way we have interpreted life and believed it was supposed to look, our false pictures of our entitlements, or even the religious pictures we have picked up along the way. Intimacy with God requires the changing of our ways of seeing.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

One of his ways is that sometimes he comes to us in a “different form” than we are used to. After Jesus had resurrected from the dead, we read in Luke 24:14-17, 19-21 NIV:

“They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel…”

How often he comes to us in a different way than we’ve previously experienced him. We think it’s the enemy, and the enemy is often involved, but God is using the situation in a different way to actually free us from false pictures we didn’t even know we had. 

But we had hoped… How often is our hope deferred.  We hope God will do things a different way, show up sooner than he does, or that things will turn out differently, and we are disappointed. The disciples had an earthly perspective of how they believed it was supposed to turn out, as too often, so do we.

How many times does God seem to thwart our plans!  How many times throughout my life, I have silently demanded or expected God to do something in a certain way, or have needed him to come through in my picture, or in a certain timeframe, and he doesn’t. He remains silent. He leaves me hanging! And then it’s not until I finally surrender the outcome to him, that he comes and causes the phone to ring or releases something I’ve needed.

We often have an earthly, worldly, human perspective of how things need to look for us to have peace, but he is lifting us higher into seeing from his Kingdom perspective and learning to walk in his ways.

“For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.” Job 5:18 NIV

His intent is never to harm us, but he does wound us in order to heal us and to bring us to a higher level of trust in him and in his ways so that we can walk in his peace. When we come to him quietly demanding, or with our own expectations of how he should act, he is often silent.

Quote:  “God is more interested in our transformation than our happiness." John Eldredge

He is breaking our boxes — the ones we have used to neatly file alway all our Christian pictures, our interpretations, and opening up our way of thinking. He is exposing our views of the way we think things need to play out in order for us to have peace, and messing with even some of our former Bible interpretations.

Instead he is teaching us to have peace in the midst of the storm, peace in the boat with him as the waves are crashing all around us. It is his storm.  And it’s often in the storm with him that we discover peace right there in it’s midst.  Going through our storm with him, we discover the following verses to be true: 

“See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:16-17 NIV

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NIV

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely,” Isaiah 32:18-19 NIV

 He is exposing our old survival systems. Our survival systems are the things we have trusted in to make life work for us so we can feel OK and have false peace. For Christians they can be even good things like ministry, relationships (that are actually on-dependent), our gifts, prayer, even the Bible.  I used the Bible for years to get a false identity.  It wasn’t until everything in my life began to fall apart that I allowed God to show me it was a false system to try to keep my life safe, and to get worth from my Bible “knowledge”.

Good things that we eat from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” come from the wrong tree and from it we get twisted motives. Instead we need to receive our peace from eating from the “tree of Life” who is Jesus. Good things can become twisted because of the motives and intents of our hearts that can be buried within us without our knowledge.

“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2 NIV

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

JESUS IS THE WAY (in the present circumstances and into our future)

JESUS IS THE TRUTH, (of life itself)

JESUS IS OUR VERY LIFE  (that is fully alive!)

Pat Stark has worked with hurting people for over 30 years in the area of deep spiritual and emotion healing. She is an author and conference speaker. Her books are available on Amazon, Kindle and The Covenant Center Bookstore: The Story of Life - The Life We All Try to Find; Born To Fly - Pursuing The Life You Were Meant To Live…Free; Lost Heart? A Guide To Living From The Heart In A Broken World.

Prepare For The Enemies Schemes By Standing Firm - Richard Maisenbacher

Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

The word “schemes” in the Greek is methodeias meaning methods and travel with. His schemes are not just paying attention to major things or moral sin that is obvious to us. It also includes Jesus’ warning of the tradition (paradigms) of men and the elders. It is how things are usually done without God, including cultural things we tend to accept naturally that the Holy Spirit is not a part of.

Therefore, one of the schemes of the enemy is to make us believe God is into all the cultural and religious traditions that we have been taught, believed and participated in. Step one is for us to take notice and begin to challenge some of these schemes!

Verse 13 says, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” We are also exhorted in verse 14 to stand firm again with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, as we pray at all times in the Spirit.

Even though these weapons are not literal, they are significant spiritual weapons, which are extremely important! In other words, come prepared, not to make an attack, but to stand firm and hold ground that God wins for you. Don’t retreat! We are protected as God is destroying the enemy around us. We trust in His battle plan and stand firm, which is the Hebraic idea of truth.  In addition, we should not be presumptuous to engage in a battle that we have not been asked to enter.  

Even though comfort, peace, security and walking with God is much more pleasant, sometimes He does ask us to stand or engage in the battle. Putting on the whole armor of God does not always imply we are at war. Actually, Scripture never tells us to take it off. I encourage you to wear His armor every day.

We should always walk prepared for difficulties and challenges that will eventually come. Rather than just focusing on comfort and peace as the goal of a believer; putting on His spiritual armor and standing firm seems to be an equally important part of our walk. Recognizing cultural traditions or paradigms of men and elders, that we may have accepted as being from God, will also help you to stand firm in His truth as He fights your battles and alerts you to engage when necessary.

Father, we thank you for teaching us in your Word how to wear your armor, stand firm, and only engage in those battles that You are fighting.

In His Covenant Love,

We Are Family - Becky Maisenbacher

Webster defines Family as “a group consisting of parents and children living together; a group of people related to one another by blood or marriage; all the descendants of a common ancestor.”

If He lives in you, the we are connected by Christ’s blood and He is also our common “Ancestor.” How joyous and wonderful it is to be in God’s family, where we can love, support, pray for, cheer on, dwell together and support one another through this life. Psalm 133:1 declares: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”

We are family! it seems fitting that God is reminding us who we really are today in this world, just like the Apostle Paul in ancient times. Whenever he spoke, especially to the Ephesians and often to Timothy, he encouraged each person to embrace and recognize their position in the Family of God. Ephesians 2:18-19: “for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God’s household.”

Over forty years ago as He called Richard and I to full-time ministry, He asked us to build a spiritual family, I was taken back at His request and just had to ask Him, “Why do You need another ‘church’ when it seems like you have almost a church, bank or gas station on every corner?” We were very content to serve and support our pastors and had no desire to leave.

Then, He began to teach me that these special families were all part of His Kingdom - His household. Their various assignments made them Kingdom Households for Him to enjoy and have relationship, as well as to fulfill His desires here on earth. He gave them various assignments and strengths. Some were more evangelistic, some excelled especially with training, healing, missions, the prophetic and more. Every “church” in His eyes was an extension of Him and He called them His family.

I was recently reminded of the many waves of revelation or dispensations through the years we have been privileged to experience. Healing of the 50’s, Evangelism, the Jesus movement, Charismata and Holy Spirit of the 60’s and 70’s, Prophetic movements with treasure hunts, dreams and visions, with evangelistic outreach of the 80’s, Home Group movements, House Churches and Mega Churches of the 90’s, to the present with the Apostolic movement, all with His “anointing” and “gifts.”

Over time, at least to me, I sensed some of His places of habitation became more like “institutions” in reaching people with their “specialties;” becoming more divisive as they celebrated numbers and competition with spiritual gifts, rather than inviting people into a relationship with our Father and one another. It seemed that growing as a family and learning about God’s ways was no longer “enough”

This dialogue and revelation changed my perception of His ways and purposes as well as His desire to build His Kingdom through “Families.” God’s plan is to build communities of and for His children; include brothers and sisters, elders with moms and dads, grandpas and grandmas - to encourage, teach, train, guide, mentor, watch over and pray for, while supporting each other - and most importantly – loving one another. God is able to reveal and model His family plan to all who know and abide in Him.

Honestly, it was a challenge, to think of stepping into a “pastor” role with Richard. But with this revelation, I could accept our full-time call to facilitate, like Aquila and Priscilla, and allow God to lay and build His foundation for a family. Even to this day, when I pass by a church building, I see a Family of God, who He has assigned and knitted together; understanding that the building is just a building, and His church, which is really the people and family inside, are my family too.

As we continue in Ephesians Chapter 2:20-22 Paul continues to instruct us of our positioning in God’s Kingdom: “having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone. In whom the whole building (body), being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you are also being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

I love this so much! We are being fitted together, a part of His temple, being built together as His dwelling place.  We need each other! God has built His Kingdom where there are never to be “lone rangers.” Yes, we all at times have been wounded by issues and misunderstandings, but we need to be connected in relationship with Him, as well as in Spirit, and when possible in person with community. We gain our peace, strength and power when we gather and commune together. We gain understanding and revelation as well as strength and endurance when we align together. God loves relationship! He has built us to desire relationship with Him as well as each other.

I believe we will begin to see divine direction for some communities to return, or even new communities birthed, to the heart of God and his desire for a fresh family structure and supportive body, that will draw the prodigals and youth that long for connection, long for love and support; who need guidance, wisdom and counsel, and the dynamic of family they have possibly never known.

As we allow God to work deeply within us, let’s surrender to His plan of transformation to become the family that no longer expends their energy through, criticism, elitism or competition. Let’s be His body rightly fitted together as we pray for one another, celebrate and cheer on one another, support one another, giving hope to each other in His love, knowing we all form His Temple – a place for Him to dwell. And as the author of Hebrew extolled thousands of years ago - and still very relevant today:

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

You are invited to come and be apart, as He continues to build His Kingdom, through relationship and family, that has no end - “and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end,” Luke 1:33.

In His Love,

PS - Here are a few of my favorite Scriptures as we continue to study His ways.

Corinthians 12:12 NASB -“For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one part, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has arranged the parts, each one of them in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But now there are many parts, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again, the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor, and our less presentable parts become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable parts have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same care for one another. And if one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if a part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.”

Psalm 40:8 – “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”  

Psalm 25:4-5 –“Show me Your Ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are My Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 – “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

Scriptures taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved (www.Lockman.org).

Hope - Richard Maisenbacher

It sure seems like hope is something the body of Christ is challenged to activate on a spiritual and emotionally level. Most of us are familiar with 1 Corinthians 13:13, “But now faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Therefore, our focus most of the time will be on love, which is extremely important! However, hope seems to be extremely foundational in this verse also.

Hope means to wait, look for, expect, waiting, and look for eagerly. It has to do with our future and cannot be known for sure. There is One who does know the future and is able to affect its outcome for our benefit. Otherwise, we tend to hope in our own or other’s ability or the promises of our government.

Because God is with us our hope rests in Him. This does not necessarily mean all my dreams, expectations, and hope become a reality. Even though my walk with the Lord will not be crystal clear, I am still a part of God’s plan. I hope in God’s character and His faithfulness. I trust in His covenant promises. My hope is He will deliver in His time - His way. If I trust God then I will have hope.

Psalm 119:114 declares: “You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for your word.” Wait for means hiding place, covering, protection. If we believe the protection and security of the Lord, then behaviorally (Hebraically) we will be waiting for His word. The Hebrew word is “yahal” and means not only to wait but also to hope. It means a sense of expectant anticipation, not stagnant reclining. We don’t necessarily recline comfortably and sleep expecting the Lord to wake us up with His next word. Are we hunger and thirsting after Him? Are we on the edge of our seat straining to see or hear Him?

I cannot say that I have been this diligent to hear or see His next word or revelation for me. However, I am motivated to implement this method of seeking Him and allow hope instead of discouragement to influence me. This would probably be a great New Year’s resolution. Even though the Hebraic new year has already started back in September it’s never too late to start. So NOW is the time to hope and receive His protection by actively waiting for Him!!!

In His Covenant Love,