We Are His Living Stones - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

At the end of June, we celebrated our 25th year of being in ministry as The Covenant Center in Lakeland Florida! I want to thank everyone who has participated and supported this work and ministry. We, with David and Elizabeth Weber’s help, built a stone prayer wall where we can add written prayers much like standing at the Temple Wall in Jerusalem.

In doing a little research regarding the number 25, (with Barbie Breathitt’s Dream Dictionary), it seems significant particularly for this new chapter. There are four meanings: 1) Forgiveness of sin; 2) Beginning of Ministry Training; 3) Essence of Grace; 4) Visions.

Here is some insight that may pertain to The Covenant Center:

1)    Obviously, it is difficult to move forward if we have not completely forgiven others, including ourselves. It is also important not to embrace shame for those things we may harbored that God has said He has already forgiven.

2)    It took us 25 years to establish the foundation of what God wanted to do here and now we can walk into the ministry training that He desires for The Covenant Center family.

3)    We need God’s grace (Him doing for us that we cannot do for ourselves) to continue to encompass all that we do.

4)    We need to continue to see in the form of visions and hear what He is doing next so we can be directed by Him.

We also wanted to understand and emphasize the importance of us being living stones as expressed in 1 Peter 2:4-5: “And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

We as living stones are being built up as a spiritual house. The Master Builder (Chief Cornerstone) is doing the work. We are part of the construction project. To build with living stones He chips away, cuts and polishes, by using a wet saw, a chisel, and a griding wheel so He can make us into the shape we need to be. Then we are cemented next to each other in His covenant.

Now sometimes we act like the builder and try to make the other stones fit, but we should say “Put me where you want me to be,” and He does the rest. We now offer up spiritual sacrifices instead of animals on an altar, that may appear in the form of prayers, praise, good works by faith, love, the glory of God or acts of kindness all led by the Spirit of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” We are not constructing our own building but are building up one another. We are builders with other living stones - with believers whose lives we affect. Since each of us has a responsibility to be builders of each other, everyone in the community contributes to the houses of each other. No person builds their own house. We need each other to be built up. Each person brings a different skill to the project. Each person is unique and important. Living stones work together to bless each other with their gifts, as the Spirit works through each of us building a community /house that is pleasing to Him.

Thank You Father for developing beautiful living stones in this spiritual house!

In His Covenant Love,

 

Throw Them A Lifeline & Deep Waters Ahead! - Becky Maisenbacher

Rebecca Maisenbacher

I am always in awe and wonder how God desires to speak to us, especially through dreams and visions. June has been a very active month as God is releasing dreams and understanding. The two following dreams may give you insight as He continues to reveal His guidance and direction.

Recently, as I awakened, still in that peaceful twilight, I found myself on a large ship, standing on the upper deck enjoying the breeze and beauty of the deep blue sea, when I heard a loud voice blaring  over the speakers from the captain’s pilothouse of the ship yelling: “Throw them a lifeline. Throw them a lifeline!” I immediately ran to the life preservers, like the older models of red and white, and I threw a line out as hard and far as I could throw. As I looked down over the railing of the deck to see where it landed, I was stunned, seeing a multitude of people struggling in the water, crying out for help. The cry and needs were overwhelming as I thought, “There are more here than I can manage – Lord, send help!” As the cries continued, I began to see more passengers arrive on deck as they also began to throw out lifelines to those overboard.

Let’s look at the symbolism of this dream:

Ocean – large groups, humanity or nations of people ~

Ocean Liner – very large, mission-minded church impacting large groups of people ~

 Lifeline – a lifeline indicates someone is in need of immediate help; someone needs to be
                rescued. Look to God for wisdom to help deliver the person from life threatening
                situations. (Dream Symbology Dictionary, Dr. Barbie Breathitt, Breath of the Spirit Ministries)

                A line used to keep contact with a person in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation:
               something regarded as indispensable for the maintaining or protection of life.

Next, I saw a vision where Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.

“Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” Matthew 9:35-36.

I believe this is a clarion call for His people to arise to even a higher level of service and revelation, to see with spirit eyes as we scan the horizon the multitudes who are in need. There are those who are drowning and lost in the sea of humanity, lonely, fearful, anxious, hungry, suicidal, confused and distressed. The “Captain” is calling on all passengers of His ship to see those in need and take action . He is reminding those aboard to “Throw a lifeline to those around you who may be drowning.” Please consider throwing a lifeline to those He may reveal who cross your path. No action is too small. Jesus taught that even the smallest gift as giving a cup of water would be rewarded.

You carry the ability to release the gift of love and life to a wounded and hurting world. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. A simple cup of water, a kind note or word of encouragement, a listening ear, guidance, assistance with food, gas or even shelter, and of course Jesus. Listen to your Captain’s voice and He will show you where to throw the line and to whom, and you will touch a world, one person at a time, in His name. The life preservers are positioned and ready!

In the second dream, Richard and I were preparing to go scuba diving with a personal friend named Marcus. I tried on Richard’s suit and to my surprise it fit. So Richard and I purchased a suit for me and we were ready to descend into the deep waters with Marcus. I remember being a bit nervous thinking of going underwater with the sea creatures, praying that I would stay calm as we dove into the deep, not knowing what we would experience.

Again, let’s view the referenced symbolism here:

Scuba Diving - The deep of God is calling to the deep within you; things in your subconscious are trying to come to the surface, exploration and new personal depth.

Marcus: Is the name for Mark meaning - “Servant of God.” John 4:24 - God is spirit and those who worship him will worship him in spirit and in truth.

Psalm 42:7 - Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have passed over me. The Lord will send His goodness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night,
a prayer to the God of my life.

The Spirit of God desires to reach deep into the spirit of His children, bypassing all that which would attempt to impede that precious communion, intimacy and fellowship He so passionately desires to have with each of us. He desires to take you deeper into His revelatory realm giving you greater wisdom, guidance and understanding as He reveals more of Himself and His ways. God desires relationship with you! Let’s prepare to launch out into the deep.

In His Love,

 

 

 

The Best Offense Is A Good Defense

As I was in prayer last week, I heard the word “defense.” Then I heard the adage, “the best offense is a good defense.” I immediately thought of the verse in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” I immediately thought that the body of Christ has been so discouraged lately that we have been fighting offensively through the weapons of prayer, praise, teaching, and the words of our testimony and these are all great. However, I thought maybe we needed a review of the “so called” defensive armor.

In this wrestling match with the enemy, we must be armed with God’s armor: 1. The belt of truth 2. The breastplate of righteousness 3. The shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace 4. The shield of faith 5. The helmet of salvation 6. The sword of the Spirit.

As I began to focus on the Lord’s armor, I also started to see an offensive side. This is the Lord’s battle and because we are in covenant with Him, we represent Him on earth. We are familiar using language like being filled with Holy Spirit and sensing or seeing or hearing the Spirit speak on the inside of us. I am not sure we have fully embraced His armor being a new set of clothing on the outside and being “covered” in the Spirit. Paul even mentioned “putting on the new man.” We may tend to have a private experience with the Lord as a Greek/Western concept, however, the Hebraic is also acting out the Spirit so that others can see the change in our clothing.

We put on the whole armor of God and begin to walk out His truth (reality), righteousness (that which conforms to the revealed will of God), preparation of the gospel of peace (scripture that produces peace of heart and mind as it is acted out), faith (hearing, believing, and obeying), salvation (deliverance from all forms of evil), and the Spirit (the Word of God).

In Ephesians 6:13 it says, “…and having done everything, to stand firm.” Paul says to put on the whole armor and do everything necessary. In other words, hold the ground that God wins. Do not retreat. God will engage the enemy, but we must be ready to hold the line. Standing firm sounds like we are on the defense; however, when we put on the whole armor and actively engage on the outside, the armor becomes powerful and active.

 Yes, let’s continue to be active offensively when God directs us, however putting on His whole armor may also have some “offensive” direction as we stand firm and hold His ground!

In His Covenant Love,

 

 

Heart Matters by Pat Stark

It’s a pleasure to share the following teaching by Pat Stark which was streamed on Mother’s Day from The Covenant Center. As she invites us to look at the wounded places in our hearts that may block God’s River of Life, we learn “we are all unable to live our lives from the heart in a healthy way without our living from Christ in us.” Our insufficiency or weakness in the world is often seen as inability, but in His kingdom it is viewed as surrender that transforms into strength.

Pat reminds us that God is a nurturer and we are also meant to nurturer with Him. Life is sometimes messy and we all fall short at times. However, when we become aware of the voices of darkness that we have accepted from our youth, life and joy will spring forth and we will become aware more fully that in Him we live, move and have our being. Acts 17:28 declares: “For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.”

In His Love, Becky

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Heart Matters by Pat Stark

We can’t give what we don’t have!

That’s why inner emotional healing is so important. Look at our childhoods… Too often our physical needs were taken care of, but there was not much nurturing of our hearts, or perhaps there was even shaming that happened to us instead.

That shaming sometimes comes with words. Words like, “What is wrong with you?” “That’s so stupid!” “I can’t believe you did that!” Or maybe there were “unspoken words” directed toward us that came in the form of a sigh or look of disgust. Unfortunately, all that brought us a “message,” we received deeply in our hearts about ourselves. And if it happened often, that message was reinforced many times over, building a stronghold deep within us.

Sadly, the message we received, we don’t often remember with our brain; but it is one that is imprinted deeply on our hearts, even if we don’t consciously remember it. “As a man thinks within his heart so is he,” Proverbs tells us.

Those messages had words like: “I don’t matter.” “I don’t measure up.” “I’m a mistake.” “I’m a disappointment.” “I’m a failure”, and others. We all have our own version. Those were deceitful, lying messages that gave us a false identity at the core of our being. They were locked deeply inside, many times hidden even from ourselves, except we live out of them every day of our lives. Those messages can cause us to either shrink back and refuse to risk or try to prove ourselves through our performance.

Our minds and bodies can be taught many things, but our hearts often feel disconnected and alone. Then, we can have a difficult time connecting with our own true selves or knowing what is really going on within us, or connecting with God as a loving Father, or deeply connecting with others, causing us to often feel rejected. We also can try to over-connect with others to get our previously unmet needs met. We often give our hands in service without ever giving our hearts and then we wonder why people don’t respond. We do good things but never have heart connection.

God is a Nurturer

God is a nurturer, and we are meant to be nurturers with Him. Look at all living things. An orange tree for example. If it is nurtured with water, fertilizer and sunshine it can produce sweet, beautiful, juicy oranges. But if neglected, even if fruit appears at all, the oranges can taste very sour.

Families grow healthy with nurturing and connection from the heart. Marriages and relationships grow healthy with nurturing and connection from the heart. Otherwise, we can still feel very lonely in a family. Why? There is often no heart connection, even when everyone seemingly gets along on the surface.

Example ~ I’ve seen many marriages through the years where one of the partners thought everything was fine and then all of a sudden, the other wants a divorce. Why? There was usually no real heart connection, no nurturing of the marriage. We all long to be known and seen, and accepted, not just tolerated.

We have all failed in valuing and hearing the other well; as we all have felt we were failed by others in our own lives. That’s why heart forgiveness is so important or resentment builds. Learning to accept God’s forgiveness and forgiving ourselves where we have failed others, and yes, sometimes even forgiving God when we feel he wasn’t there for us in the way we desired in certain circumstances is an important practice. The more we face our own failings and forgive ourselves, the easier it is to forgive others for their failures. Even with our best intentions, in our own humanity, we have often made a mess! 

We have all come short in our humanity! Coming short often feels like a shame thing, but it is really a human thing. As long as we see our failures as shame, we will try to hide, fix or cover over our emotions. But as we own our mess, our humanity, our legitimate shame, our failures, like how we have hurt or failed another, we can honestly meet Jesus there lovingly offering us forgiveness. That is “clean” and restorative,

instead of hiding it or covering it over with false spirituality. As we humbly embrace how easy it is for us to mess up, we become truly desperate for Jesus to walk with us, to heal and rebuild.

When We are Weak He is Strong

We are meant to embrace our weakness, but most people I’ve spoken with hate weakness. It feels uncomfortable, but it is a path to victory. From 2 Corinthians, we learn it is also a path to freedom. Paul tells us, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness,” 2 Corinthians 11:30.

Again, we learn from Paul, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses …so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong,” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV.

“For to be sure, Jesus was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him….” 2 Corinthians 13:4 NIV.

Sadly, it too often takes difficult and painful circumstances for us to begin to face ourselves honestly. And although the enemy wants to destroy us through difficult circumstances, God wants to actually bring healing to deeper places within us through them.

From Isaiah 30: “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”

“Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will desecrate your idols (or the false systems we have trusted in to make life work our own way)you will throw them away …”

“He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.”

Trials Bring Perspective of Our Need For Him

In reality, we are ALL unable to live our lives from the heart in a healthy way without our living from CHRIST IN US.  Sadly, we can know this spiritually, but what is the fruit of our lives revealing? Our fruit reveals where we really are and where we are stuck. For example, in our relationships, how do we respond when things do not go well? When we listen to the News? What is our reaction? When we feel powerless in a situation or when it’s unfair — what is our response? Jesus said, “By their fruit you shall know them.” Is our fruit, harshness, anxiety, short temper, fear, anger?  Do we avoid uncomfortable situations? Escape?

We all come short, we are all a mess but that’s not shame, it’s our humanity. It is the way we were designed to recognize our need for Jesus’ life in us. It is meant to drive us to Jesus in surrender, allowing Him to live His life in us and through us in greater measure than ever before.  WE ALL NEED JESUS MORE THAN WE HAVE EVER KNOWN!

Pat Stark is the author of Born to Fly: Pursuing the Life You Were Meant to Live…Free; Lost Heart: A Guide to Living From Your Heart in a Broken World, and The Story of Life: The Life We All Try to Find,” available on Amazon, as well as The Covenant Center bookstore. Her message brings freedom and hope in the midst of a world of uncertainty. Her desire is to see people restored to who they were originally created to be before they were wounded by the hurts of life. She is gifted in dealing with root issues lying beneath the surface that have kept people trapped and unable to experience true freedom. Pat has worked with people for over 40 years in the area of deep spiritual and emotional healing. She is an ordained minister through The Covenant Center, Lakeland, Florida.

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com









Pentecost/Shavuot: Richard Maisenbacher

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 2023 Shavuot is celebrated on May 25th to the 27th.

Pentecost is a Feast of the Lord recognized by believers on Sunday, May 25, 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. We are in covenant with Him and blessed to have the opportunity to be intimate with Holy Spirit and communicate in many various ways! 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 months. This is a new season and era! Let us rejoice!

In His Covenant Love,

 

"It's Always Something!" - Becky Maisenbacher

It’s always something,” declared Countess Violet Crawley, portrayed by Maggie Smith on Downton Abbey. I came to attention in my chair as I heard the exasperation with life and the calamities written into the shows dialogue. I thought – “Yes! That’s so true! And even those who seem to have it all, still have trials – no one is exempt. God, why is life so hard?” As I whispered this, I knew the answer immediately – “We live in a fallen world;” however, I still envisioned and longed for that peaceful meandering, gentle and effortlessly flowing river of life.

Life! It can be beautiful, joyous, adventurous, fulfilling and also messy, painful, disappointing, and chaotic. Even in scripture the psalmist cried out in his trouble: “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalm 42:7. In his pain he cried out for deliverance and relief from his despair: “Why have you forgotten me – why do I mourn?” vs. 9. This woeful song concludes, despite all the pain and suffering, the bottom line is: “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.”

Challenges and pain are no respecter of persons. When we reflect on the billions of people who have walked this earth and faced their personal daily challenges and loss, we realize we are not alone. The author of Ecclesiastes lamented: That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun.” (1:9). The solution by this author, some who suggest it is Solomon, after trying wisdom, pleasure, human achievement and riches – all resulted in emptiness with happiness only being found when we revere God as the center of our lives. Just like our forefathers we prayerfully hope for guidance by Holy Spirit to move us toward revelation and truth to live well. Even in our pursuit of intimacy with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, we realize, there is always more to learn.

When we look at Paul the apostle of Christ, we find in his second letter to the Church at Corinth, he was distressed, emotionally charged with suffering and frustrations, as well as discouragement; some scholars even suggest“defensiveness,” as he was plagued with criticism, slander, misunderstandings, prison, health challenges and the thorn in his flesh. This epistle is considered the least doctrinal of his writings. We find him more transparent and personal as he endured attacks, slander and discouragement. He poured himself out to the church, only to still battle pockets of aggression, criticism, and personal loss. Maybe you can identify with him. He must have wondered at some point, “Have I wasted my life on an illusion? Was this all for nothing?”

Despite the challenges, Paul begins his letter in chapter one, with an upbeat greeting and revelation from his hardship to encourage those who have been questioning: “Why me God?”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort (encourage, exhort toward virtue); who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction (distress, being crushed) with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the suffering (hardship, emotional pain) of Christ are ours in abundance (excess), so also our comfort (consolation) is abundant through Christ, (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

 Paul continues in verse 6: 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 (experience evil). Paul reminds us that there is hope in our pain; that we may mature and grow in compassion to serve and minister to others in distress.

 This can be a very hard pill to swallow especially after personal loss; and I’ve needed to remind myself many times: “Is this not what I signed up for? It’s easy in those sweet, innocent, peaceful moments when we tenderly whisper to him: “I love you. Use me Lord. I want to serve you Father.” We give ourselves to him not always realizing or being instructed that we are aligning with Jesus and his words found in Luke 22:42,“Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” We also learn to identify with Jesus in his suffering found in Philippians 3:10: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

In spite of the hardship, Paul’s words and journey brought encouragement to the Corinthians and still today give strength to the weary to not relinquish hope; to look to the Godhead and remain loyal to Christ and not to our human desires or personalities. Let us choose to strengthen one another and declare like Paul at Philippi that through joy as well as sorrow, we will: …press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14). This is a worthy path of life.

Let’s pray ~

Father, you are so majestic, omnipotent and omniscient . It is difficult to comprehend the vastness of your ways. We love you and thank you for your mercy, your grace and loving kindness we receive daily. Our deep desire is to know you and to have communion with you. Help us to comprehend the depth of your love and desire to speak to us, guide us and bring healing to those places in our heart that seem too deep and painful to heal. Come as Jehovah Rapha, our Healer, and repair the breaches received from this earthly life. Your wisdom confounds the wise. You declare we are blessed when we are poor in spirit; blessed when we mourn; blessed in meekness as we hunger and thirst for you and your truth; blessed as we release mercy and peace to those who despitefully use us; you cause us to become pure in heart and strengthen us in your joy; so we humble ourselves before you and say: “Come Lord now. Reveal yourself to us and heal your people,” in Jesus’ name.

In His Love,

I'm Going To Do A New Thing: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

After a time of teaching and prophetic lab training with Don Franklin this March 2023, he called for those desiring prayer and personal ministry. Many were touched and encouraged as Don spoke a revelatory word of life and encouragement to each person while Bonnie worshiped and interceded. At the end of this special evening, Bonnie and Don both shared a word of encouragement and guidance to Becky and I as well as our TCC family and friends. Even though some of this appears as a very personal word, please know we all are standing today because of your love and support. Because you acknowledged and chose to align with us and the vision our Father placed in our hearts. So, I wanted to share this with you as we say “Thank you” for being a part of The Covenant Center family, and standing with us all these years. As we look to the future, entering a new era and the 25th anniversary year of The Center, we thank our Father for His grace and faithfulness - and again we thank you! God bless you and keep you always, Richard

Don and Bonnie Franklin - www.franklinministries.org

Bonnie - Father God, I thank you for these friends. Brother and Sister who have been more faithful than natural brothers and sisters on this earth. Who have been more faithful than any other Pastor in the city or even in this nation. Faithful to you, faithful to the call upon their life. Faithful, faithful, faithful to the blueprint that you have placed within their hearts and their spirits of how to form a church and a congregation. How do you think it was when the Lord Jesus sat down with different ones and had the fish around the fire. He was not standing up in the priestly robe, was he not? But he was their counselor. He was their friend. He was a father. He was a brother. In this you have been the example in the body of Christ of how to be a family. Of how to be led of the Spirit. Of how to use the wisdom of the Godhead.

But most of all, that companionship, that friendship, that loyalty and trust and love. The welcoming in of the unlovely at times. They are not shooing the beggars away, but are feeding them, clothing them, helping them. Do the scriptures not say? Did you not bring me drink when I was thirsty, to visit me when I was in the prison? These folks have. They have fulfilled scriptures. And the blessing of God is upon their house, their family, their generations. The blessing of God is in your midst this day. What you have prayed for you are seeing being fulfilled. What you have prayed for you are seeing being fulfilled! What you prayed for you are seeing fulfilled! Hallelujah! Your God has heard, and He has answered! And the blessings of the storehouse are coming in.

 

Don – Every son or daughter that the Father sees he corrects, he chastises, he prunes. The pruning has been hard on the house. There’s been a pruning, a chastising, a correcting says God. But now comes the growth. Now comes the influx. Now comes the new wine. Now comes the new vine. Now comes the fruit of your labor. It’s not over. It’s not over. God says the only reason I prune is so there will be great fruit. And there will be great fruit coming up out of this house. There is a new anointing starting. There is a new flow coming into this house. A new mantle, a new wave, a new understanding of how to do the things that God requires.

There is going to be a very, very, very, strong emphasis on prayer. There has been an emphasis in the past, but this one is going to be different. There is going to be a rolling forth out of this house of hours and hours and hours of prayer and tongues. The perfect language of God, where you cry out to God in the Spirit and it gets stronger and stronger. And there is no more guessing and no more supposing. There is no more wishing or hoping or mental dreaming. There is just the power and the anointing of the Holy Ghost beginning to roll in a new way. A new way in this house. There is a new beginning happening. There is a new understanding coming. There is a depth. You have been crying for understanding, crying for a depth, crying for a change. God said I’m granting it. I am granting it. It is going to start small. But you’re going to notice the difference.

And there is going to be a flow in this house that hasn’t been here. Not because you’ve done anything wrong, but because you weren’t ready yet. You are ready now. You are ready saith God for what I am going to do! You’ve been chastised, you’ve been cut back, you’ve been prepared to handle that which I am going to put upon you. Hallelujah. It’s wonderful. It’s glorious. It’s glorious, glorious. You’re not even going to be able to speak about it, it is so marvelous. You’ll look at each other and just smile. You’ll say oh my gosh I can’t believe this. You’ve been planting for years. You’ve been sowing for years. You’ve been working for years. I won’t leave you without a harvest and fruit. You’re going to have that which you have labored for. Before you close your eyes, you will see it. And you will go with a smile on your face, and a joy in your heart and a knowing that you have accomplished everything God has sent you out to do, even though it was severely hard at times.

You’ve been tested. You’ve have tried to raise up a house of prophets. Are you crazy? Do you think the enemy is going to let that go? When you’ve got everyone in the house prophesying? Learning, making mistakes, but growing? Repenting and going deeper? Huh! You couldn’t have hung a bigger target on your back! He hates the prophetic. He absolutely despises the prophetic! But I don’t. God says I love it. My son was a prophet. The greatest leaders in scripture were prophets. I thought so much of prophets I put them over my people. They didn’t get a king until they totally disobeyed. Prophets led the nation. Prophets judged the nation. Do you know why? Because they only see black or white. They will keep the nation clean. You can’t have them sheep. That’s a Malachite sheep, get them out of here. They belong to the devil. Yeah, but the people want them. Baloney! You get Israeli sheep, or you don’t get any. You keep this nation clean.

Prophets can’t tolerate a Malachite sheep in the house. And that’s when my anointing can fall. That’s when I can bless. That’s when I can consume the sacrifice placed on the altar, when the house is right. I will not bless a Malachite sheep. And when you got a couple of Malachite sheep hanging around, it’s difficult to receive all that I want to pour in. But God says this house is right. This house is headed for a major encounter with the Almighty. The Spirit will fall here and there will be meetings that will go on for hours and hours and hours as the Holy Ghost lingers and finds great pleasure in the house that He’s in. It is not over. You’ve been faithful, you’re weary. Many people are weary, but the strengthening power of God, the peace of God will come, and the joy of God will sustain you. Well done thy good and faithful servants. You will be honored before this is all over. There will be great honor coming to you and to your house. Amen.

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.

Bonnie Franklin ministers in music flowing in the song of the Lord, prophecy, and prayers during times of prophetic worship before the Lord’s throne. She sings to the Lord and lets the people listen in. Sometimes in worship, it is as if the Lord and his angels come down into the garden to listen, as well. During services, Bonnie ministers along with her husband prophetically and in intercession.

Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

My Heart Beats For My People!: Becky Maisenbacher

Rebecca Maisenbacher

During a sweet time of praise and worship on Feb. 26, 2023, Shane Butler released a spirit word in tongues, calling for Holy Spirit to come with revelation and encouragement. The meeting room quieted as he called for anyone to bring the interpretation for those in attendance to hear and weigh. As I looked around the room, waiting quietly for someone to arise to the front, I began to sensed a very heavy weight-like presence and realized it was for me to share. The following is the transcription of this gentle, loving and precious visitation from Holy Spirit.. How sweet it is when He comes with edification, comfort and guidance. In His Love, Becky

(Becky) I stand here sometimes with (some) trepidation, for the things I hear for our community. It makes it difficult as one of the founders to not look manipulative, because that is one thing the Lord has said that He has had enough in His body of manipulation. The Lord has been speaking to me recently because I have been asking Him about the future development of The Center. And He said: You know I placed a dream in your heart, I placed a vision for the earth and for My people, and I said, “Is there anyone in the earth that will take this plan and plant it?” and He looked to and fro. And there were some that started and some that said, “This is too much for me.” And so, the vision and the dream was passed, and it landed in the hands of this family. And this family said, “Yes, Lord, we will do it. We will try.” Because I’ve called you to be a family. I’ve called you to be multicultural. I’ve called you to be multi-generational. I’ve called you to be a Training Center- a Healing Center. I’ve called you to be strategically placed. And you’ve asked over and over, Lord, what could be so strategic about this family?

But I say to you, you yoked yourself together and you stood. And you have passed the test that I have given to you to see if I could find you faithful. And in the development, there have been some that would come, some that would go, because that’s also been the plan. You see the government of My House, the Church at large, has developed into a place that holds My people and does not free them to do what I have called them to do. So, I searched for a place where I could deposit My Spirit, where I could have a visitation in the house that would be forever, so I could teach My people, so I could develop My people, so I could put a dream in their heart and a vision in their mind to go forth for My kingdom. And many have come broken and many have come dismayed, and many have come from toxic environments, where they said: “I don’t even know if I want to do this anymore Lord.”

But I made you a place of healing. I made you a place of praise and worship. I told you I would send the worshipers. I told you I would send the musicians. I told you I would expand you. I told you to be patient. And I have sent the dancers, the clappers, the musicians, the praisers, the artists – I’ve sent the intercessors. I have sent the prophets; I have sent the apostles. I told you there would always be the five-fold ministry in this house.  That it would stay, and it would stand. I have sent the drummers. I have sent the bassist who sits in the belly of this organized miracle, they beat the drum with the rhythm of My life, that I pour into this Center to release to the nations. Because I’ve called you to the nations. And I’ve told you recently – there is expansion – there is expansion – and I have said, “Don’t look at expansion by numbers. Just look to Me to see what I will expand, because My heart has never been about numbers; My heart has never been about buildings – My heart beats for My people! This is about My people. And I have found you faithful with those who are distressed, with those who seem lost, with those who have become weary, but are looking for a city on a hill, shining brightly for those who are weary to come to Me.

I’ve told you to not to look for whether you are small or large. Not to look at what My other families are doing, because I’ve made you, (this is a hard word to say because it sounds, yes, just say it Lord) – I’ve made you unique. I’ve made you unique. And that is why it has been important to remove any arrogance – any pride – any self-exulting that would come from this house; because My presence in this house is about Me, and My plan. It’s not about a building – not about expansion. I am building teams. I’m building a “unifying” that is yet to be seen totally, but there’s a wholeness coming to this family, and support of one another.

I see a chess board, and the Lord says: I Am the Grand Master! Those that try, ha, have no idea that I have already planned the moves! Ha! But the thing with chess, I remind My people is that it takes patience. But you will see Me move! And you will see Me say “Check mate!” You will see Me do these things not only in our nation, not only in the world, but in this place. For I will move you back and forth (in positions) I will move you - I will have you multi-task, but I’ve brought in a people who can do that. I have brought in a people that I have gifted with many gifts, many talents. I have writers and scribes, and artists and dancers and musicians and (teachers) and I have those who come away with Me in intercession and prayer and release My heart to the people. Because I said, “I will not leave you without understanding.”

So when you are wondering and wandering, (be encouraged) for I’ve begun to tell you the plan. And I’ve told you I’ve come with expansion, but now I declare to you a “second stage” of The Covenant Center. And you say, woah Lord, the first stage, did it take 25 years? And I tell you Yes, it did! It took 25 years, because I searched for a people, I brought people in, I let them go and I waited as I told you at the waters like Gideon’s army (selection) for those who could see My plan, see My future and see what was desired of them from Me. And those that have remained have become foundational for the building of this plan.

And now as we expand into the second stage, I will show you how faithful I am. (Remember) Didn’t I say I would bring in the musicians, the clappers, the singers, the worshipers, the writers – didn’t I say I would do those things? And I will not leave you without completing the plan. But for the second stage, continue in faith and know that I am a good God who has good things for you. And that I have called you – not only to develop your giftings and skills; but I have called you as a people. I have called you a Shiloh. I have called you Shiloh. I’ve called you to a place where the prophets will gather, and you will hear them and honor them and you will discuss the words that come forth and the plans, and we will continue to grow and develop. We will release the people that need to be released, some of them, mm, some of them will go without fulfillment of their call, but some will be released into their destiny. Just as I have released this place into their destiny.

So look to Me with your seer eyes, look to Me with your senses and your hearing. In prayer begin to seek what I am doing for you individually, and how you fit on the chess board. I’m so proud of you Covenant Center – I’m so proud of you, that you began with a seed, and you were willing to hold that seed and water it, and stand and wait patiently by faith, until life came forth. Let’s celebrate the victory of this first stage of completion; and let us now look forward to this second stage of expansion, and I will show you what that looks like and what that means. I will continue to bring in people to train and equip, some will be released and some will stay – teachers, evangelists, pastors, apostles, prophets. I bless you today. I bless you today! I bless you today.

I believe someone has an additional word to add to this? Is there someone here who does? This happens when the Lord comes this way to confirm some things. So thank you as Diana comes as we submit this to you - this is all for you to weigh – this is a word for you and the family, because God has birthed something here that is near to His heart and we are all figuring out what that is, because He gives the plan a little at a time. Yes, go ahead Diana.

Diana Mourey - And even this new expansion, stage two, is not even the expansion with a big building per se, but I’m even doing a new thing after all these years, and this newness is an acceleration of the presence of God. For the prophetic will and has already moved into this place in an upper level.  And it will continue. And there is an expansion of healing taking place, for My body has been wounded, My body has been stricken with ailments, sickness, and even situations.

But get ready, for when the Spirit of God moves in with all weapons, all weapons existing the -work is done. And it will not even be a hard thing. You’ve been through the hard thing. You’ve been through the wilderness. You have been through that, at times you were ready to give up. But even as I bring forth a new energizing into this place, there will be a unity that will take hold. There will be a determination to grab hold of the things that your heart has hungered for. And it has been that hunger in your heart that has gotten My attention. And it’s really no new thing. But in a sense, in your understanding, it is a new thing, because you have been through the pit, and I am lifting you up in a category you have not experienced before.

So get ready, for I have found even the leaders in this place to be faithful. They have hung on even in that weakness. Even in the turmoil to where they felt like they could not walk another step. But open up your eyes just as you have opened up your heart, for this is a new day. And don’t hesitate to move in, for it is your worship- it is your worship of Me that brings My presence into this place. And even a fresh new anointing coming upon My worshipers – and a bond – all of us. So get excited in your heart and count on it – because it’s going to happen.

 

 

 

Passover Preparation: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Leviticus 23 includes Passover (Pesach) and Unleavened Bread, as well as First Fruits 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 has 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 5th through April 13th, 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, enjoying His Word, and rejoicing because of the freedom our Passover Lamb has brought us!

If you are near Lakeland, Florida on Wednesday, April 5th please feel free to join us. We will be celebrating this Feast with a Passover Seder at 7:00p.m. at the Covenant Center. Please call the office at 863-802-5171 to sign up.

In His Covenant Love,

 

 

God's Process vs. Man's Limited Understanding of Our Lives - Don Franklin

After a sweet time in God’s presence during Shane’s Tuesday morning prayer and worship, 2-28-23 Don Franklin released a teaching and revelatory word from the Lord for The Covenant Center and the body of Christ. Below you will find the transcription of his sharing and prophetic word. God is for you and you have a call and destiny with Him . This is a deep word as God is bringing the truth and balance of His kingdom to those who will hear. In His love, Becky

God's Process vs. Man's Limited Understanding of Our Lives

God’s Process vs. Man’s Limited Understanding

Father, thank you for divine direction to the Body. You don’t leave us without hope. You don’t leave us without direction. You don’t leave us without instructions on what to do with our lives, our callings, our families and ministries. So thank you Father, for information coming into the Body and channels that we can verify the things that we think and feel and pray are authentic – we’re not making them up, we’re not hearing wrong. Thank you for confirmation from different sources, what we feel may be the will of God for our lives is real and that we are hearing accurately. No one walks alone, no one has private interpretation – we need the body and the body will confirm to us at times either a “Yea or a Nay” on issues, and we thank You for that Lord.

So, I ask this morning that your word would come forth to this group and to us turning our futures, our callings, our place in the Son where You would have each one of us, cause each one of us, our hearts desire is to be exactly where you want us to be. It doesn’t matter what everyone else wants, it’s all that matters where do You want us? Because You are the King. You are sovereign. You are Lord.

If You throw Joseph into a dungeon – there’s a reason for it. You did not imprison that boy haphazardly. All the time You were planning to put him at the head of Egypt – that he would save the world. Not only of his own household but he would save nations through the granaries he developed at Sicora. God, You had a plan for that boy – I don’t think any…I don’t think he understood it. He had the dream everyone is going to bow to him and he ends up in prison. Boy he must have had some hard times at nights when he sat there all alone, betrayed by his family, sold into slavery, “Oh my Lord, I must have heard from the devil! Couldn’t have been God. Just look at what is happening in our life.” All of these reversals and on and on through scripture from Job to Daniel in the lion’s den, to Joseph, to Paul in the prison’s and writing the New Testament in a prison cell, and he didn’t even know what he was doing. What an irony! What an irony! All alone – they’ve all forsaken him. And he’s writing a book that millions will come to Christ through and it was hidden from him. So we hide this thing we do from Abraham, so we hide this thing we’re doing from Paul, so we hide this thing we’re doing from Joseph.

Ah, many times in things in our lives are hidden that we do not understand their current circumstances, or our lives at all. And then boom, all of a sudden clarity comes and God rolls back the curtain and there is a pattern and something going on more than we understood. So, I thank You that these stories were included in the scriptures so that we can learn from them. That even Job couldn’t understand why he was on the ground – he hadn’t done anything. And yet he would find himself in such an unbelievable trial. So many times in our lives, adversity comes, trials come, reversals come, we do not understand it all, but it’s there in scripture, if we could just behold and understand it. So, thank You for giving wisdom and direction through the scriptures, through all of our lives, that nobody can confound, that nobody can overturn, because it is holy writ. And somehow, I don’t know how, Job snuck into the New Testament. How did he get in there?

Take Job as an example of suffering, and when you suffer, not if you suffer, commit yourself to God as he did and consider the life of that man. There is an element of the cup that You spoke of that one of us gets to drink of. So, we thank You Lord that You bring a balanced theology into our lives, that we can endure hardship as good soldiers of the Cross. Paul said, “I am a prisoner of the Lord.” He wasn’t a prisoner of Nero; he was a prisoner of the Lord! God locked him in that jail cell, because He had a purpose way beyond what Paul understood – to write the New Testament for the oncoming Church. And now 2,000 years later, people are preaching his letters all over the planet, memorizing his scriptures, and he’s going on all alone “They’ve all forsaken me, paying the coppersmith back. Having a bad day in jail and who wouldn’t. Ha! But I thank You God that we can see through scripture, patterns for our lives- patterns that the early Saints went through. Things that give us hope in the midst of trial and tribulation. Thank You God that You are hiding things from us that we are doing, will be doing and have done. We don’t understand the ramifications of it, but you do. You said You would not waste our lives, You would not use us without sowing us at times, purpose, rhyme and reason for it all.

And there came a day when Job understood. There came a day when Joseph understood. There came a day when we will understand the things that we’ve walked through and what they entail, and the effect we have been able to have on churches, on leaders, on people of the body and on families. We thank You God, even though You hide things from us at times, there will be a time when all things will be revealed, and we will know as we are known and we will be full of the joy and the happiness of the Lord. Sorrow with those who sorrow – rejoice with those who rejoice. Both are valid in the scripture. There is a time of sorrow – there is a time of suffering, but there’s also a time of great joy and exultation. So it all comes together. Father, we thank You today for that and we ask for Your richest blessings upon these meetings and on our intercessions and on the future that is still before us. The past is gone – we leave it behind – but we have a future; and it’s full of intercession, it’s full of prophesy, it’s full of the power and anointing of God. We thank you God for a bright future for all of us who are walking with You. We hear Your voice and want to do Your will.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Don Franklin – Prophetic Word –

Out of the ashes the Lord says – A Phoenix shall rise. Ah! Out of every fire, out of every burnt offering, a Phoenix will arise. It will be an arising of this body, in this place, in this house. It cannot be stopped, because it will be the helium of the Holy Ghost that raises this place. There will be a fire kindled upon this altar – a holy fire, a pure fire, a fire of pure doctrine, pure holiness before the Lord. I will burn the dross out of this place. I will burn the false prophets out of this place. I will burn things out of here that are not of Me, and there will be a pure consuming fire upon this altar. I will sanctify this place. I will sanctify this altar. I will sanctify this congregation.

God says you’ve been through fire. You’ve been through trials. You’ve been through tribulation. You’ve experienced great trial and tribulation – all of you. But out of that the purity will come. You are in the refiner’s fire. You have been in the refiner’s fire for a season, for a time, for a long time, but every time you are scorched, more dross comes out and what is coming forth is pure gold out of this congregation. I will bring pure doctrine, pure gold, pure moving of the Holy Ghost out of this house.

Through this smelting process, and it is not pleasant, it is not easy, there is trial, there is tribulation, there is misunderstanding, there is: “Oh my God, where have you gone? Why have you forsaken me?” Even Jesus cried that out – “Why have you forsaken me?” These are all scriptural patterns. Yes, the high side is true, but also the low. Both are true, saith God. If you walk with Me, you will suffer with Me. Can you drink of the cup that I drink of. You will have a sip. Everyone of you will have a sip of that cup if you belong to Me.

If you do I will refine you and I will purify you and you are coming forth as gold. This house will be full of Jobs, full of people who have been on the ground with God. On the ground – not understanding why. On the ground complaining. On the ground repenting. Repenting. Repentance will be the key to prosperity in the future for your life; spiritual prosperity as well as material.

My hand is going to come upon those that live in Goshen – and you are of Goshen. Hallalujah. And My hand will be upon the warriors of this house that come and kneel before My altars. Sometimes very quietly, other times it will be like a locomotive. All of this is valid. All of this is of Me. Flow with Me, walk with Me, continue on with your walks. Take heart. You are walking where the early Saints walked. This is not a modern church, this is an ancient church. And you will walk as they walked. You will talk as they talked, and you will do the exploits that they did – through the anointing, through the power, and through the refining of the Holy Ghost.

If I were to give you the gifting in full measure it would be detrimental to you. I will wait until you are ready to carry these great mantles. And you can carry them in meekness and lowly of heart and humility and not touch the credit for them. And God says, then I can safely release all that you’re crying for. That’s coming. With some of you it’s already happening. Great things are moving on you, in you and through you. But you’ve been prepared almost a lifetime for it. It won’t go to your head. You won’t think that your somebody. The first thing you’re going to do is throw that crown off your head and you’re not going to wait till you get to heaven, you’re going to throw it now saith God! You’re going to get the crowns off your head cause, the minute you get there you’re going to throw them at His feet anyway, so throw them now saith the Lord! Give 100% credit for everything that happens to the Holy Ghost, and to the Father and to the Son, and you will walk blameless, harmless before the Son of God and before the world. And you will see the power of God manifest on you, like you’ve always dreamed. Amen…I am sanctifying you. I am blessing you and I am anointing you for end time work. You’ve not failed! You’ve been redeemed. You’ve been fired, you’ve been tested, you’ve been tried – and you will be exulted! Hallelujah..

Don Franklin received the gift of the Holy Spirit during the Catholic Charismatic movement of the 1970s. He served as a pastor in Teen Challenge for several years, then went on to Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida, where he graduated with a Pastoral Theology major. He and his wife, Bonnie, reside in Florida with their three children. Don has been active in the prophetic and intercessory ministry in Carpenters Home and Ignited Church for twenty years. During the years of leading prayer meetings and behind the scenes ministry, Don prayed and prophesied to many traveling here from other countries, as well as, the visiting ministries who’ve spoken in Carpenters and Ignited Church. While continuing to minister prophetically in services when home, he also serves as an evangelistic missionary of Ignited Church, bringing the word of the Lord into cities and nations. 2011 Ministry trips are planned into Germany, Israel and Japan. Don Franklin: Ignited Church, June 24, 2009: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1707141 the call into Germany, the resurgence of patriotic Christianity in America, and the sufferings & trials of Job.

Contact - www.franklinministries.org

 

Wield The Baton in Your Hand by Diana Mourey

Below you will find the words released on February 14th, 2023 at The Covenant Center Tuesday prayer facilitated by Shane Butler. This was like a Part 2 download from heaven from the recently posted February 7th time of prayer. So I wanted to share with you. As Diana Mourey instructs, “Everyone is called to Intercession.” God has gifted you with the ability to intercede and talk to Him with your concerns or requests. You are also invited to come to Tuesday morning Worship locally or by streaming provided on Facebook - “The Covenant Center.”

God is visiting His people with His love, encouragement and truth. He is singing songs over you revealing His awareness of what you are going through and His desire to help. God is releasing not only a Jesus revolution, but a Love revolution. He is calling us to return to Him, reminding us of Jesus’ greatest commandment found in Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Father, teach us to love like You love. Instill in us the unity in our diversity as we serve You and Your people. We thank You that each day as we awake, we are reminded that the entire earth is full of your glory. Even in the mixture of life You are present and accomplishing great works in Your name. Blessing to you! Becky

Diana and Robert Mourey

WIELD THE BATON IN YOUR HANDS by Diana Mourey

God is saying He is putting new orchestrating batons in the hands of his people.  My first thought with my brain is “What does that mean?” But it means that those who have been on the front lines, intercessors especially, but it does not exclude anyone. He’s taking us into that realm and already has at times to where we’re going to war with our hands. Don’t feel like you’re losing it if you’re walking through your house and warring with your hands – they are weapons. If He would open our eyes to see just what is in our hands spiritually speaking, then it gives us that faith, because we cannot make these things up. He is putting those things in our hands to even direct those activities of even the angels that are upon the earth to do His command. Not even our command, but His command.

THE PROPHETIC ATMOSPHERE IS EXPANDING

The angels are warriors. They have the big batons in their hands. We’ve got big batons too. So just be ready, because there is going to be an increase, even Sunday morning in the service here, God said He is expanding the prophetic atmosphere in this place. It has been here, but for what He’s doing in this hour – He is magnifying. And of course, it’s not just in this place, but for those who are hungry, those that have been faithful, those who have sought Him with their whole heart, wanting to know what the vision is and when will it be fulfilled. Those who have hung in there. There’s going to be a prophetic voice come forth in this place as never before – even upon the earth. I love that – that’s my thing.

LISTEN FOR ME AND GET UNDERSTANDING

Sometimes we do need to get understanding, so we know what’s going on. So, we don’t think we’re losing it. We’re not losing it; we are finding it – those mysteries we just talked about. We are finding the heart of God as never before. And I want to be here when it happens. We’ve got a lot to look forward to.

I think He’s trying to teach us to have fun with Him, in spite of what we go through at times. All it takes is one song. All it takes is one looking up to Him. One time, He said come frolic with Me. God, how can I frolic with you with all I am going through, but when I gave in to Him – it lifted. That’s the sacrifice. I think the church (as His body) hasn’t learned to be the sacrifice in their worship and in their praise of Him. We are all guilty, but it’s hard to be happy when you’re walking through the fire and make that choice. So many are walking through the fire right now. It can be done!

SONG OF THE LORD – RISE UP AND COME HOME

Prophetic Song: Come home, you who are weary, come home to your Father. I have not given up on you. I am calling you. Get up on that horse and ride, ride, ride. I will cover the earth with my Glory. You will be surprised. It’s time to come home. It’s time to stop wandering. It’s time to take the trip. Your Father is calling, come home – Come home – Come home.

Come out of that pit that the enemy has dug for you. Rise up. Rise up. I’m here to greet you. Come home. Come home. Come home. He’s sending His call out to every bloodline for prayer has come up. The lost will return. Come home. Get excited in the things of God. Let my joy rise up within you. Depression must go. I’m calling you home. Teenagers rise up – put down all the despair. Teenagers rise up. Teenagers rise up. I know you’re there.

I HEAR YOU – I SEE YOU

Come up hither. Know who your God is. Put away deception, and every depressed place. You’re looking for truth, but you’ve not found it yet. But rise up teenagers, I won’t let you down. That spirit of depression, that spirit of suicide – I’m pulling off the earth, even though you have to decide, who will you follow, who will you be true to, but I’ll give you what you need to make the right decision. Put down your worldly guns. It is not an earthly fight. Your heart is searching – know what is right. Follow the truth and I’ll guide you to it. You will not regret it.

I’m speaking to you, and you, outside these walls. I’m not limited here, but I would go to the ends of the earth, even for one to care. I’ll go after my sheep, but not just my sheep. I’ll go after the lost, and I’ll bring them into the fold.

I hear your prayers. I hear your songs. I hear your instruments, yes, and even these things come up – sweet incense to my throne. For I’ve given you talents, that you know not of. I’ve given you that which will equip you enough. Stand still and know that I am your God. Rise up. Rise up. For I am bringing you home. Songs of intercession, I’m bringing into your hearts. Yes, and instrument of glory. You will know your part. I will bring forth the dancers and singers in this hour; and yes, there will be a banquet and a celebration for many will come in. Many will come in. I’m upon your horse as your God. For it’s even a white horse that rides in the sky. It is not bridled, but it is free. And yet it will go as I command it to – it’s destiny. It will be fun, and you’ll shout with glee. For you will come into contact with your God, says He.

Diana Mourey - received her ministry license while she and her husband Robert were Elders, serving under Karl Strader, in Carpenter’s Home Church, Lakeland, Florida. She has studied under many prophets through the years, and has led intercessory prayer meetings, teaching intercession and spiritual warfare, while serving on several ministry boards. She does not want to be “up front” except in God’s Army in proclaiming what God is saying to the Church; while helping others discover their gifts and callings. She is a published author, “He Calls Me Child;” a prophetic dialogue between the Father and an intercessor for those who thirst after the things of God. Robert and Diana have two married daughters, nine grandchildren and one great grand baby. Contact - info@thecovenantcenter.com

Covenant Perspective: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

I recently had a vision with little blue angles suspended in midair. I heard God’s voice say, “I am going to give you My angle on some things. Then I saw a distinct blue right angle with a few little right angles around them and heard, “I am also going to give you the right angle on some things.” After some meditation I realized the word or picture of a angle meant perspective. Blue usually means revelation.  I sensed that even though He said He was going to give me revelation with the right perspective, we as a body would also receive the “right angle” on some things. 

I perceived that the relationship with God and others in covenant is a major part of the right angle. In fact, covenant making is the foundation on which the Word of God is made known to us. The Semitic lands understand covenant, but it is very foreign to us in the West.

The covenants are meant to be the vehicles of the expression of God’s will and purpose for man. This expression is of love and trust to establish a binding relationship, usually between stronger and weaker parties. Guess who might be the stronger party when we accepted God’s covenant that we enter when we are first born again?

In making covenants with others or with tribes particularly in recorded history, there was an exchange of gifts, blood, clothes, weapons, and names. When we accept the covenant that God has offered, we begin to exchange names, position, character, nature, and responsibilities. Making covenant with God becomes an ongoing relational exchange of all that I am for all that He is.

The purpose of entering covenant with God is to be one with Him and know Him intimately. It produces peace. Isaiah 54:10 says, “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but my lovingkindness will not be removed from you. And My covenant of peace will not be shaken, says the Lord who has compassion on you.” A few synonyms for God’s peace are safety, security, strength, prosperity, health and increase.

God doesn’t just give us righteousness. He causes us to become righteous by His grace. Being transformed into the image of Christ is not about changing ourselves. It is about cooperating and responding to God as He exchanges Himself for all of us…as we become more like Him.

Arthur Burt would say, “If God in His wisdom permits that which He could have prevented by His power, then it was for a purpose. That we would bow on our knees and say yes and amen!”

The Hebraic angle (perspective) is that we pray that our heart will be transformed in such a way that we will be fully prepared to accept what God has to offer. Lord, we thank You for changing our hearts and allowing us to see the right angle so we can walk relationally with You in your covenant as we receive your peace!

In His Covenant Love,

The Wind is Blowing! Get Ready! by Diana Mourey

I have learned in our last 40 years of ministry, that every God given endeavor begins with prayer. For those who seek Him, scripture states : “For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9). When we forget or refuse to seek Him, as scripture suggests, we may experience wars.

Everything we do is bathed in prayer at The Covenant Center, so having intercessors who delight in worshiping Him is foundational in seeking Him and His presence. Receiving His guidance through Holy Spirit is essential.

Richard and I are thankful for Shane Butler and the Tuesday intercessory team ministry. We also welcome Diana Mourey, a General in the Kingdom, who walks in true humility desiring to train others to hear from heaven and release His expression of hope and encouragement. Our Father is visiting these worship times with lovely expressions of His love. For those unable to attend, we periodically stream on Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon (Facebook - The Covenant Center). Thanks also to Richard who helped transcribed the following message from February 7th, 2023. We want to share the waves of His glory and words that are releasing hope and strength to any who are weary. I encourage you to approach these words released by Diana when you have a quiet moment to reflect and “hear” what His Spirit is speaking to you. Be encouraged! Our Father is actively working on your behalf. In His love, Becky

Diana and Robert Mourey

THE WIND IS BLOWING – GET READY! by Diana Mourey

Get ready, for those healings are in the wind. For even though you feel I have forsaken you for a season, I have not. I have been watching. I have been hearing your heart cries.

I will not let you down in this hour. I lift you up under my wings even as I have been preparing you. And you will even climb upon My wing, and I will carry you, I will carry you, I will carry you. No longer will you be hiding under My wing for refuge. For you will come out and declare even My glory says your God. For this is a new season within My body, this is a new season. Yes, hear the wind blow. And even in My anger at things that are going on upon the earth in this hour, I am about to pour out My medicine to declare that I Am God and I do carry through with My promises. Maybe they haven’t come as fast as you have desired, but they are coming. And I will establish that, which I will establish upon the earth, for it is Mine says your God.

Yes, at times the enemy thinks the atmosphere is his but get ready, for you are Mine and I will bring you into that promised land that I have promised. For you have hung on to every promise, you have hung on to every word. You have not been defeated although at times it felt you were defeated. Ahh says your God, listen – listen – listen to the fresh wind for it is blowing and it will take hold. For I’ve seen you. I’ve noticed your situation even when you thought I did not even care, I care. I care. And even when My heart breaks at times for I would love to even come down and even look you in the eye. The time will come says your God. The time will come, so get ready. And listen and listen for the wind.

 GOD’S PRESENCE  - RELEASE OF INTERCESSION

He is awesome. He is God. He is Spirit. They want to know Him and the power. We as Christians want to experience the wonder. What they’ve heard so much. They want to join in. They want to be a part of things. They want to experience even the move of God in their own hearts. Some of them look around and think, “Why can’t I feel that? Why can’t I feel that?” It’s time says the Lord. It’s time. For there is a deep calling within the hearts, though they have not actually felt My presence inside. For even My sympathy for the broken hearted, even My compassion for the broken hearted, for those who are in need of a Savior. A Savior -Yes, I am stirring the depth, and even as intercessors at times, we wonder what’s going on. Even in what we feel in the moanings and groanings is your heart crying.

Release it says God. For it is intercession that comes up from My throne room. It is intercession. It’s that calling – that calling that wants the deep things of God; but do you not know how to move into it? I will teach you says the Holy Spirit. I will teach you. We do not have to figure things out, but you will flow in the manifestation of My Spirit, and you will say It is good. It is good. It is good! For even in my trials and tribulations, even as David said, “It is good!”

You will say - For I have learned the ways of God. For I have learned how to come into His throne room. I have learned how to experience Him. For He is with the broken hearted. He will rise up and fix that broken heart. For even as it has already been said, He is a Finisher of our salvation. He is the Restorer. For the very promises He has promised, you thought they were lost, but they were not. For even on My shelves in heaven, vials of prayer and intercession are about to be poured out on the earth in a way like never before, says your God.

DON’T LIMIT HIM – DEEP CALLS TO DEEP

He is the Restorer. Even the compassion in your own soul, yes, will be contagious. You will find yourself prophesying when you thought you didn’t even know how. You will find yourself saying things even in a simple conversation that will astound you. Even as these words have been spoken and are going out over the very atmosphere. Once again, I say don’t limit Me, there is much to be had. There are still journeys to go on, there are still places I want to take you even in the way of intercession and prayer. Yes, I have to feed babies with soup, but I’m not holding back in this season says the Father. Your babies are even going to digest meat.

And don’t hold back even in your explanations of prayer and intercession, for there are babies that are hungry for the meat and hungry for what I’m doing in this season, even in the so-called ignorance of spiritual things. Why? Did I not have to teach you? Will I not teach them? Hang on says your God. You think you’ve been in a roller coaster ride - get ready - for there will be those that will come to you for answers. Get ready. Get ready to feed them for they are hungry. Don’t lay aside the depth that I am calling them into. You will know the ones. They are definitely hungry for more.

I am prophesying this to all of us, but especially to Becky and Richard. Even as they start this new class on prayer. Get ready says your God. Even in your disappointments that you have had, you will not be disappointed. For I will touch your bodies. I will give My people the strength that they need. Yes, it was a journey and a trial. But even as you’ve crossed through and over to the other side, there is redemption. There is supernatural possibilities - possibilities with your God. For He is able, even in the things that are not possible. He is able to make all possible. Thank you Father! We look forward to it God. In Jesus name. Deep calleth to deep. Thank you Father.

PEACE – REST - TRUST

There is an atmosphere of peace in here. Breathe it in and receive it says the Lord. My church has been in turmoil. The church has been fighting, fighting, fighting. Yes, it is a battle, but I’ve promised you My peace. Peace to the flesh. Peace to the soul. Peace to the spirit man. Peace, breath it in. Even learn to practice My peace says Your God. Come out of your turmoil. Come out! He’s speaking to the church as a whole. Come out of the turmoil and rest. Rest in Me and know what I do, I do have it all under control, though you do have an enemy of your soul. I’m there for you, says your God and I am there for you! So how could it not be done? If I am for you, who can be against you. Even though he tries, I block him says your God. I block him. I not only run interference, I bring the end result and I do promise peace, peace that passes all understanding. Get happy says your God. You said, but God do you really understand what I am going through? Yes, I say rest in me. Even let me develop that peace in you. I’m not done with you. I am only really getting started, says your God. I had to test your faith. I had to see if you would rejoice in all things. I had to see if you would worship Me and thank Me in spite of…Yes, I have found many. I look to and fro, but I did, and I have, and I am still going to find many. The peace that passes all understanding.

Dry bones come alive. That’s your word God. Those dry bones will live again. Those dry bones will come alive. Those dry bones will rise up. Our dry bones will come alive!

Time to trust... Be at peace says your God. I’m not done. We are only getting started. I had to test your faith. I had to see if you would rejoice in all things. I had to see if you would worship Me and thank Me in spite of it. Peace. Peace.

Diana Mourey - received her ministry license while she and her husband Robert were Elders, serving under Karl Strader, in Carpenter’s Home Church, Lakeland, Florida. She has studied under many prophets through the years, and has led intercessory prayer meetings, teaching intercession and spiritual warfare, while serving on several ministry boards. She does not want to be “up front” except in God’s Army in proclaiming what God is saying to the Church; while helping others discover their gifts and callings. She is a published author, “He Calls Me Child;” a prophetic dialogue between the Father and an intercessor for those who thirst after the things of God. Robert and Diana have two married daughters, nine grandchildren and one great grand baby. Contact - info@thecovenantcenter.com

The Lord's Compassion: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Isaiah 54:10, “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken, says the Lord who has compassion on you.”

Will the Lord continue to be compassionate with us and for how long? Isaiah says until the entire order of the universe is overthrown and then it will still continue. God is saying that it is more difficult to imagine the destruction of everything, than it is to imagine that I will not be compassionate!

God’s compassion is who He is. Compassionate is the Hebrew word rachum meaning God is merciful and forgiving. Merciful is someone who does not punish us even though we may deserve it. Forgiving is someone who pays the price we owe so that we can go free. Being compassionate is not about feeling sorry about someone or sharing empathy with them. It is about action. It’s about doing something that will change the situation. Even though at times we all have probably questioned the Lord’s compassion, based on what the world looks like or what has transpired in our own lives - He remains merciful and long suffering.

It is important for us as Believers to understand that we have walked into a covenant love relationship with the Lord who is very relational. He is the one who leads the covenant and desires intimacy. God has compassionately given us written directions in His Word to help us navigate life while walking in covenant with Him.

Because there is a covenant exchange process taking place, we are experiencing things that He would experience if He were in our shoes. During this time He exchanges our ungodly character for His character. We don’t have to preform to get it, He changes us into the image of Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is the process of transformation! As we conform more to His image we begin to act out of His nature and respond to His directions. We look more like Him. Compassion toward others is one of those characteristics because His compassion toward us and others will never leave.

Since He is exchanging and transforming us, would you describe yourself as compassionate? If so, then be joyous and give thanks!!

In His Covenant Love,

 

 

Things I've Learned At The Covenant Center - Heather Celoria

I recently found this word from Heather while reorganizing my files for the new year. What a delight to revisit the wisdom and insight she shares which was nurtured during her season with The Covenant Center. “These are not so much concepts that I have learned but practices I continue to live into.” I believe these are vital to the prophetically inclined voices.” A wise mentor once said to Richard and I, “God is more concerned with your character than your gifting.” As we grow in relationship with Him, he will take us through training so we can successfully walk with Him. Enjoy this timeless, encouraging word from Heather. God continues to equip and prepare His people for greatness! In His Love, Becky

Things I've Learned At The Covenant Center - Heather Celoria

Thinking back to my time at The Covenant Center, the lessons I learned in my ten years in the community are not really “things” that I have, but practices that I continue to live into. These are lessons I learned to learn. I don’t HAVE these things, unless I continue to DO them.

Heather Celoria

Emotions Matter -

When I first came here, I had absolutely no emotional intelligence! I literally had to keep a sheet with lists of emotions to journal with and practice recognizing. As prophetic people, we must have emotional capacity to grow in intimacy with the Lord because we are called to intimacy.

We are in covenant, which is relationship, with an emotional God who loves, rejoices, grieves and has longings. A God who suffers. He created our emotions in His own image, and  It is truly a learned skill, and a practice.

Dealing with emotions can be hard, but it is a learned skill. For those who have suffered much, or for the abused, it can be harder to heal than it was to experience the abuse itself, because we shut down to survive. But God wants to heal our hearts, including our emotions, and bring us back to life.

“Never Let Go of the Presence” by Being Present

I have also become more able to recognize when I shut down, and I practice being present. When I’m too concerned about my future or past, I start to lose my heart. I find my heart again through acceptance and gratitude for my present life. We can only experience God now, and there are many ways to practice presence.

Pay Attention –

Own your own spiritual life! It is important to be grounded in scripture, to type out your prophetic words and dreams and to journal. Keep a record! Not so that you can live in the past, or be frustrated about promises you’ve not seen come to pass, but so that you can grow in intimacy and learn the unique love language that God develops with you.

Give Expression to the Impression –

God does bless us as individuals, but we are always a part of a larger community and purpose.

Expression of the impression helps to impart what God is revealing to you as well as to others. We are meant to be in a flow of continual receiving and giving out of our lives.

Practice Humility –

My best expression of compassion, pales in contrast to the healing power of the compassion of Christ that flows through me. Humility is not about debasing myself, it is about exalting Jesus and submitting to his life in and through me. Humility is a natural byproduct of keeping my eyes, on Him, and helping others to look at Him too.

Final Word – Trust the Process

I still have to catch myself when I start trying to figure things out. I am learning to make plans and hold them loosely. I am learning that God does fulfill promises and prophetic words, but rarely in a way that I expected. I am learning to wait, and to be in the journey.

In my time at The Covenant Center, I learned from experience in a loving community that God is for me, leading me, teaching me, and has my best interest at heart - while still having the best interest of community and Kingdom at heart at the same time. This is beyond my ability to understand and it requires trust.

I left The Covenant Center seven years ago,  with many beautiful blessings. Looking back, I can see that these lessons, which I wrote about then, are still with me and are the foundation of my walk with Christ: emotions matter, be present, pay attention, give expression, and trust the process.

As you grow together in community, I bless you in Jesus’ name to learn and to become the prophetic people and community God has called you to be.

Heather Celoria
Website: www.heatherceloria.com
Email: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Heather Celoria lives in Lakeland, Florida. She attended The Covenant Center for ten years, completing the CovenantU School of Ministry and attaining Ordination. She continued her studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 2016. Currently, she works as a marketing professional and enjoys a quiet, simple life with her two adult children and adopted greyhound, Vern.

A Reflection On God's Faithfulness: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

While in prayer seeking the Lord about the new year and where we are going in 2023, I couldn’t help reflecting on where we have come from. In God’s faithfulness in commissioning this work, The Covenant Center, God has been so faithful to not only build but preserve a kingdom family.

 Looking back in the late 1980s I remember God beginning to stir my heart for the prophetic and Hebraic understanding. At that time, I began to pray and search for more revelation, truth, and practical experiences in these areas. I had no idea this pursuit would lead us to Lakeland, Florida. I simply wanted to know Him more and His ways.

 Surprisingly, by the Summer of 1988 we found ourselves in Lakeland, Florida. We sold everything to go and search for what God had placed in my heart. After 10 years of wandering around Lakeland and working at our education jobs, we decided to attend a prophetic presbytery at Mark Chirona’s church in Orlando where we received a directional word saying … “you have been holding off, you are people who always want your ducks in a row – the Lord says if you wait for your ducks to be in a row you will never do anything. So now is the time to be released into that which He has called you to do. You can’t hold off any longer.”

By 1999 we began teaching and equipping believers and leaders in the gifts of the Spirit in our living room. By 2000 the Lord told us to establish a 501c3 and continue ministering to those who had a heart for the prophetic. It was a sweet time with many visitations with His presence.

As our home group grew we had to move because of fire codes and parking issues. God opened a room on a college campus on Friday nights for children and adults. During the time at this College God once again confirmed to us through dreams, visions, and prophets that we were not a mistake. He asked us to commit our life, fortune, posterity, everything that we had to sustain this thing that God had given us.

After months of packing and unpacking our supplies and equipment the Lord gave us our first building and home, The Covenant Center. Through the years God has not only confirmed and sustained us - He has faithfully directed us in developing the various streams of ministry that have established TCC.

As we approach our 25th year this June 2023 as The Covenant Center, God again has been faithful developing the many streams and ministries within this family. Initially, He explain that we were not to build this work – He would build it. We were not allowed to proselytize, or bring others in – He would bring the people. And most importantly, He admonished us not to throw stones at His others works and families for we are all His Kingdom people.

We are a prophetic people who desire a relationship with our Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Our heart is always toward heaven as we seek in prayer to know Him and better understand His ways. Our School of the Spirit or Prophetic Lab on Wednesday nights is foundational for our community. CovenantU is our online School of Ministry, for those who desire more training or working toward Licensing or Ordination. We are called to also be a House of Prayer. Prayer is tantamount for learning His voice, His desires and developing relationship. Everything is birthed by prayer.

Another stream of TCC is to Equip and Train the Saints. We are a Teaching and Training center. God desires for His people to know their calling, as well as the gifts from God they’ve received. We are all learning and growing in our understanding through practical application, either in our small/home groups or at The Center.

God calls us a Family, who also has a heart for Missions and the Nations. We have gone through numerous times of testing and pruning, not only to mature us as a community, but also to gain His trust in Him releasing an Apostolic/Prophetic Authority as we provide a safe place for people to grow.

Having a prophetic community has birthed heaven’s expression through Writing, Dance, Music, Drama and the Visual Arts. We have numerous books and publications that have been released, as well as pod casts, blogs and newsletters. Many are available through our Bookstore. The Arts are an important part of who God is – for He loves to release His creativity and expression through His people.

We are called to develop Conferences. We have enjoyed instruction regarding Covenant Understanding, Inner Healing, Authorship/ Writing, Prophetic Painting and Dance, Worship, Prayer and Deliverance. We look forward to future events as the Lord leads us.

Many years ago, through a visitation, God instructed us that we would also be a Healing Center: Body, Soul and Spirit. He is building a place for His presence and glory to rest, for He desires His people to be able to come and receive prophetic ministry, revelation, guidance, encouragement, edification, and comfort.

Look what the Lord has done! He has birthed a multicultural Covenant Center Family/community with many facets and precious people who shine like jewels. He has preserved and sustained this family for a quarter of a century. Your support, sacrifice of finances, your time, prayer, discipleship and outreach to others that you have generously given, along with our Father faithfully guiding us is the reason we are blessed as a Covenant Community. Thank you so much!

As we walk forward into this New Year, I pray for you and family now and in the coming year:

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NAS.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.

 In His Covenant Love,

 

Thanksgiving In Difficult Times - Christy Gilmore

Christy Gilmore is one of our worship leaders with her husband Josh at The Covenant Center in Lakeland, Florida. They have an excellent blend of traditional worship and praise which leads to the prophetic songs of the Lord. Their sensitivity and flow of the Spirit creates a beautiful atmosphere for His presence.

If we want to know the will of God for our lives, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us: “In everything give thanks…” Christy shares a teaching of how she has been learning to “give thanks” in her own life in the hope that it may also encourage you. Christy and her husband Josh are walking out her message with an open heart, allowing God’s Spirit to direct their path. May her message bring peace and comfort, as you celebrate this season of joy and thanksgiving. In His Covenant Love, Richard

Thanksgiving In Difficult Times by Christy Gilmore

Christy Gilmore

We are commanded in scripture to practice thanksgiving, not only because it delights the heart of God, but also because it positions us for intimate relationship with Him. Thanksgiving comes easily on the mountain tops. When everything is going our way it’s natural to thank Him. It’s during difficult times and after heartrending losses as we stumble through the valley that thanksgiving becomes a challenge. As with all other commandments in scripture, there is a transformative blessing that comes when we obey. Thanksgiving doesn’t change our circumstances, but it creates opportunity for God to change our experience.

The following is an excerpt from the devotional Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young:

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction. You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience - at times blind obedience. to people who don’t know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain. Thankfulness opens your heart to My presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.

I read this on Thanksgiving Day. Our family had recently experienced a heartbreaking loss. I was struggling to express thanks and it brought a new perspective that really helped me. It is important to give space and adequate time for grieving, but this helped me understand that it is possible to express thanksgiving (that is truly heartfelt) even while I was feeling sad. I took a step back and looked long and hard at the incredible blessings in my life and it felt like coming up for air.

It may feel inauthentic to offer thanksgiving in difficult times, but it is a powerful expression of FAITH. Philippians 4:6-7 says Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” So, we are instructed to discontinue worry, ask God to intervene on our behalf and then express thanksgiving. He promises to give us peace in exchange. We offer thanksgiving believing that He will answer our prayer as He sees best, as well as thanking Him for His faithfulness. When we practice thanksgiving, our eyes are directed to remembering His faithfulness and our faith increases.

Prayer and thanksgiving go together like ingredients in a cake. Put together they produce something very special! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” A thankful heart is His will for us. I’ve heard it said “A thankful heart is a happy heart.” It’s so true! In my disappointment I’ve found myself expressing the opposite unfortunately (a complaining heart). Romans 1:21 says,“for even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” Yikes! He commanded us to give thanks because He knew it wasn’t in our nature and that it would be a benefit to us in addition to pleasing Him.

Any attempt at moving in the direction of the Lord begins with thanksgiving. According to King David, thanksgiving is the first step to initiating intimacy with the Lord. He paints a picture in Psalms of the high priest approaching the temple. Psalm 11:4 says "“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” I think it’s important to point out that the gates to the city of God are made of pearls. Pearls are formed through irritation.

As Sarah Young wrote, thanksgiving can simply be a “spiritual act of obedience” if we don’t FEEL thankful because of our circumstances. This is when it becomes a sacrifice. In Psalm 116:17, David says I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord.” Our act of obedience to offer thanksgiving may not change our circumstances, but it does create opportunity for God to change how we experience our circumstances. We can experience deep JOY even as we walk through the darkest times because we carry His presence. Psalm 89:15 says, “O Lord, how blessed are the people who know the triumphant shout, for they walk in the radiance of your presence.”

When we offer thanks to the Lord (especially when we are hurting) it is like a compelling fragrance to Him. It is especially difficult and it’s a very special offering. Bill Johnson preached a sermon just days after his wife Beni went to be with the Lord after battling cancer. He said “You can never be in pain and give a gift of worship in heaven. Worship in the midst of pain is only something you can do on this earth. And the pain in that moment makes the incense of worship more valuable. That is how gates of praise are formed. I respond to God based upon His goodness, not on my outcome.” When we give thanks to God in the middle of our hardship, He responds as our Redeemer, taking what the enemy meant for evil and causing all things to work together for GOOD.

Practical application: Will you join me in a Thanksgiving Challenge for the month of December? Set aside a time daily to meditate on the many blessings that He has brought into your life and give the Lord thanks!

Christy Gilmore

Christy Gilmore is a Christian wife and mother who is passionate about knowing and living for Jesus. She is a licensed minister with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Southeastern University. She resides in Lakeland, Florida with her husband, Josh, and their two children Lucas and Kate. Christy and her husband serve as worship leaders at The Covenant Center in Lakeland. Christy and Josh may be contacted at info@thecovenantcenter.com.

His Power Is Perfected In Weakness: Becky Maisenbacher

Rebecca Maisenbacher

Recently I've been reflecting on the many challenges that have manifested in this past season. Through it all I have often heard the sweet quiet whisper of His Spirit encouraging me "My grace is sufficient for you Becky."

As I was reminded of this scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:9 sent to me by a dear friend today, it spoke to me more than ever in my life, as it reads: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness, Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

There is a path of surrender that can appear as weakness that we all walk at times, where we find ourself "out of control." It may manifest in our health, finances, job, relationships, ministry, emotions - just about anywhere and at anytime. Weakness is not a positive word in the natural, but as scripture suggests, weakness in the spirit can be one of Power. This journey of transformation and training is not always pleasant for we struggle in our humanity to fight, to survive or to "win," believing that surrender is not an option. Isn't that what we learn in life? To the victor goes the spoils. And yet as we grow weary of the fight, we begin to find "comfort" in the release of our own desires, laying at the cross all that is too much for us to handle or understand. We lean into the exchange of covenant with God, where He as the Greater party watches over us, the weaker party. In our lack God becomes our strength. He as the Greater party in the covenant. He takes over in our surrender and lack to become the Victor and Redeemer in our battle. His right arm goes before and fights on our behalf.

Which brings me to another scripture that has swirled in my mind for years: "Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Tim. 6:6+). “Contentment” - what a difficult word to achieve, at least for me. This life taught me to succeed, have accomplishments and therefore be successful. Achievement in itself can be very important and I’m certainly not dismissing it. I learned many things from the experiences I was afforded, However, when trials appeared, my success no longer sustained me - I needed a Savior. So I sought His help in these challenges, and He graciously brought situations that revealed my weaknesses and lack of ability to overcome on my own. Nothing like a wilderness to heighten our senses and hearing ability. I became acutely aware of my lack and His supply. I struggled for many years trying to hold on to my own life, when He was patiently waiting for me to lay it down. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it,” (Matt. 16:25).

So if you have wondered or wandered in what seems like a wilderness or difficult season, please be encouraged and know it will spiritually be of great benefit to you, as you learn many life lessons growing in the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." You will also build relationship and intimacy with Him, becoming free of negative belief structures that cause havoc in your life, and as your gaze aligns more toward Him - you'll see darkness turning to light. You will rejoice as He walks you out of the trial and you look back realizing you are forever changed.

Paul taught the importance of maturing in life by whether we abase or abound -"I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." (Phil. 4:12).. We will find our life experiences can give us the opportunity to mature in understanding and truth.

“Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will spring up quickly; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard," (Isaiah 58:8). And you will come forth from the wilderness, the trial, learning to lean even more on your Beloved (Sol. 8:5) as He stands waving a bright, glorious banner over you that will proclaim His heart for you - LOVE!

Strength and grace to you always as you keep walking, keep talking, keep praying, keep trusting, keep believing, keep learning and keep serving Him who will continue to watch over and keep you always!

In His Love,

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From Preparation to Actuation: Becky Maisenbacher

Rebecca Maisenbacher

There is always something about the holidays that causes me to pause and reflect with a heart of thankfulness, for all who have touched my life in some way. From youth to maturity, we scurry through life envisioning what each day will bring. Hoping to find success, we try our hand at making life choices. We research and study to attain knowledge, enter the work force and hopefully build a life that is pleasing and productive. Through it all in our latter years we are given the gift to reflect and see God’s handiwork in friends and family.

Relationships, some lovely and some difficult, are often used to guide us in our life choices. We not only leave a “residue” of ourselves with one another as we meet, but for many, God weaves a heavenly tapestry with His spiritual DNA that causes each person to connect as if you’ve known each other forever. As these “tapestry threads” continue to attach thru relationship and fellowship, His Body forms and a family or “tribe” is birthed.

When we accept God as our Father, we enter a kingdom that has no end. We are linked to Him and each other eternally. We carry His Spirit and that spiritual DNA connects us one to another building the kingdom here on earth. I never tire of the feeling I get when I meet a new person or family who comes to our community - I feel like I have known them forever.. Every person or child who steps through our door is loved and cherished by our Creator and carries endless potential.

With over fifteen geographical moves, I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful friends and acquaintances. I can truly count on one hand the number of people who have been less than civil. Each of you has left and indelibly sweet “residue” or impression upon my heart. Whether a smile, a kind word, fellowship, breaking bread, united in prayer, praise or worship - you are a world changer, building the kingdom by touching one person at a time.

King David’s life demonstrates God’s divine appointments and assignments in life that continually weave a glorious tapestry depicting the threads or connections made in life. As a young boy David was often in the field alone tending to his sheep, but as he grew in favor with God and man, he connected with the hurting and broken - the troubled as well as unsavory ones, and found himself among them in the Cave of Adullam hiding from Saul.

God sometimes allows his precious ones to visit “Midian” or the “Cave” for a season. Moses lived in Midian for 40 years after he exiled himself for taking the life of an Egyptian, Exodus 2:15. In this place, God allows His called ones - and everyone is called- to mess up and make all their mistakes while they, often unknowingly, are being prepared for launching, as they grow in wisdom, understanding and relationship with Him.

After trials, challenges and testing, they are released back into the world as His anointed conduits for change. This was the plan for Moses. This was also the plan for David and his men who found themselves hiding out together in a cave, learning to live together, trusting and supporting one another, 1 Samuel 22. I wonder if they knew while in that cave secretly hiding, while being trained and equipped, that they would one day make David their leader and historically become one of the greatest armies ever to walk the earth?

Just like David and Moses, God also has a plan for you! He has a plan for your children and your children’s children. God views His people generationally, including generational mantles of destiny with futures filled with hope. You may sometimes become discouraged that the years are passing without attaining all you have believed for, but the dreams and assignments God has placed within you will find their way into the hearts of future generations if not completely realized in your lifetime.

I encourage you to lay your aspirations at His feet, work toward the desires placed within your heart, celebrate His provision and guidance, and find comfort in His love and care. As you continue to build relationship with God, learning His ways, He will continually guide you as your personal Navigator as your story expands and your journey unfolds. He has a plan and future for you! You actually enter and walk out your future one day at a time. When He comes to you with a request or assignment - choose to accept - rather than delay and have Him pass His desire onto someone else. He is patient, but He also teaches us to live by His time clock. He is never in a hurry and He is never late. What is in your heart? What assignment has He presented to consider? He is waiting for you…

I personally am so thankful for you! I pray for you and family a blessed Christmas and may you now and in this coming new year experience His presence and glory over your home, Isaiah 4:5, as you reflect on the following promises His word gives to you.

Isaiah 58:11 - And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched placed, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

John 16:13 - But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a man are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way.

Proverbs 16:9 - The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

In His Love - Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you!

Can We Deny Ourselves and Still Serve with Intensity?

I noticed in Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Then in the New Testament in Matthew 22:37 it says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” I know Jesus was quoting the Deuteronomy scripture that they prayed twice a day in the Shema prayers, but I was not sure why mind and might came out with totally different words and meanings.

As I thought about it though I knew that the Eastern/Hebraic thought process includes the entire person with heart, body and might representing the whole person, not broken into pieces or categories. It is fine of course to break things apart for teaching purposes, but with God everything works together in the believer. I am also aware that in the Western/Greek mindset there is an emphasis on the mind and thinking with very little emotion.

I was occasionally having a little difficulty implementing and applying the biblical principles of the Bible. In Matthew 16:24 it says to deny myself and In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says to love with Him with all my might. By taking things out of context I made excuses like if I didn’t want to do anything I just would deny myself and not be self-centered.  On the other hand, if I wanted to go forward full blast, I could use the scripture I am loving with all my might!

I do understand why the Hebraic thought process stresses doing and not just thinking though. The Hebrew word might is meod, meaning force or strength… and with all the intensity you have!  Being one of His disciples is not just a comfortable spiritual condition or a warm fuzzy feeling. It is effort, labor, industriousness, and creativity. This goes way beyond obedience or compliance. This is loving and serving Him with our whole heart, soul, and might!

I guess my laboring into rest by doing nothing or just entertaining myself might be taking some scriptures out of context. Unless of course if gives me the opportunity to refuel so I can continue to love Him with all my might! Let’s go for it!

In His Covenant Love,