Paul's Method of War - Richard Maisenbacher

It may seem that Paul’s main method of warfare is in the mind! 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 says, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete, (from Mental Warfare? – www.skipmoen.com).

Remember the Greek focus is changing our thinking in our mind (nous). In verse 3 and 4 Paul acknowledges we are in the flesh in this world, but our battle is not of the flesh. We are to use spiritual weapons to defeat the enemy. Paul teaches against reasoning (speculations) and pride (lofty things). He can’t mean mental weapons verses mental opponents which would mean the weapons of this world.

Our war is to use the “knowledge of God.” The Greek word is (gnosis), but the Hebrew word is (yada.) Yada is intimately knowing God and his Word. Therefore, anything that opposes his Word and the living God must be destroyed because it leads to speculation and lofty things and eventually leads to lawlessness.

Paul says to take captive every thought. It literally means take prisoners of war. It does not mean to execute or erase them. It means to render them powerless. They are harmless now because they are in prison. The battle is not thinking disobedient thoughts, but not performing them. We fight with spiritual weapons, not human intervention. Paul says to employ the knowledge of God in this fight. He wants us to live his Word, God’s revelation of Himself. It means to do what God asks regardless of what I think about it. The solution to mental struggles is physical compliance.

In verse 6 Paul says to punish all disobedience which means an outward behavior that is out of alignment with a standard. Lawlessness required punishment which led to repentance, restoration, and then obedience. One major key to spiritual warfare is obedience.

I try to keep the prison door shut by praising Him and practicing what he asks of me. When I stop focusing on him and his Word and disregard his sovereignty the prison door opens. Keeping focused on worship, his Word, and yada (intimate covenant relationship) renders the enemy harmless. The enemy’s screaming, name calling, lies, and distractions cannot affect me unless I allow my focus to leave him and listen to all the garbage.

My weapons are now the Word of God which was used by Jesus in the wilderness against satan. If God’s words flow from my mouth, the prison door stays shut. So, whenever we hear the person in prison getting noisy either in our head, others, the media, or through any form of technology, let’s speak his Word and do spiritual warfare the way Paul must have done it! What are some of your favorite warfare scriptures to quote?

In His Covenant Love,

Let Seasons Have Their Perfect Work - Becky Maisenbacher

The last few years have been challenging to many. In fact, I’m not aware of anyone who has not been affected. It has been necessary to not only discipline myself to “think on good things,” (Philippians 4:8) but to also constantly remind myself of the timing and seasons, which are very important to God.

We are like the earth, experiencing various times where life is full of hope, joy and life, turning to loss or despair. Whatever season we find ourselves in, we learn that they do not last forever and that He faithfully walks beside us. We mature with each passing moment of time, as we learn to flow with the rhythm of life. God desires to use every season in life to mature us and bring glory to Him.

Ecclesiates 3:1 -8 declares to every thing there is a season: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven - A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing. A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time for war, and a time for peace.  

There is an appointed time for everything under heaven. No matter what season we experience we are always encouraged to hold on to Him – the God of Hope and look to our Father to bring beauty from the ashes.

We find as we mature the importance of connection with each other, especially in his Body. The immeasurable moments I have been encouraged by others is priceless – those who have given a word of hope or a prayer of strength. Be ready in every season to share His love. Each of you carry within you the power to give support and encouragement to those in distress as declared in Isaiah 61:1-3. Consider reading the following aloud as you declare the gift of God within you to serve and touch a confused and hurting world.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

You are made for greatness! No matter what age or season of life – stir up the gifts within and release them to those in your sphere of influence. And let’s watch out for those negative belief structures that will appear to hinder your advancement.

Negative Beliefs:

I must do something good to get God to act on my behalf.

If I am not perfect for God, He will not be able to reward me.

I want to be in control because I can’t trust God to look out for me.

God will punish me if I make a mistake.

His good news and Scriptural Truths:

God is merciful. His mercies are new every morning.

God will allow me to experience trials, which help me develop my trust in Him.

Rebellion is like witchcraft in God’s eyes. I can bring devastation to those who wield  it or submit to it.

I am not controlled by my circumstances. I always have a choice in how I respond and what I choose to believe.

Facing my fears brings truth and allows me to choose freedom.

Learning to give thanks in everything brings comfort and encouragement, which gives life to my soul.

Scripture Mediations – It is written:

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

Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble, and those who know his name will put their trust in Him; For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who see You.”

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for my lack of understanding and knowledge of your ways. Help me to trust you and to understand your nature and character, your desires and your plans. You are the Way, the Truth and the Light. Help me to know who you really are in my life.”

Blessings to you in this new season and new era,

Fear Verses Anxiety - Richard Maisenbacher

We often think of anxiety and fear being the same thing. I personally never realized the difference between fear and anxiety until I recently read an article posted by Skip Moen at www.skipmoen.com – Article 13.3% X 2. I condensed his article somewhat in order to write the main points. You can go to the actual article and look up his research into the Hebrew and Greek words that describe anxiety and fear.

1 Peter 5:7 - “casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Fear is about past or present threats. Anxiety is about projected potential threats. Fear can produce traumas that set up the way we currently think. Anxiety is anticipated harm and dreaded powerlessness. When the Bible tells us not to fear it’s not talking about what might happen. It’s what has happened. Our declarations about not being afraid may not help with anxiety even if they help us deal with past or present trauma.

Look at Matthew 6:25. “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried (anxious) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink, nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing?”

How is that possible when the future is unpredictable or threatening? Get a Vax - don’t get one, social security won’t be around, food shortages, parts for my car, inflation! How can we set aside concern about what will happen to us when things are out of control? So much evil abounds!

Anxiety isn’t about being afraid. It’s about being helpless. What we don’t have is a confidence about the future. A Greek worldview focuses on thoughts in our mind-internal consciousness or the reality in our mind. The Hebrew has a different perspective. It is about God’s providence in engineering the experiences of our lives. It is not focused on our internal consciousness but rather our external operations of the sovereign God.

The rabbis prayed, “Lord, make my heart malleable so I may accept whatever You wish for me.”

Anxiety is a lack of confidence in God’s sovereignty. The Bible doesn’t have a psychological cure for anxiety. It provides a historical active resolution. God is in control. He engineers our lives. We rest in His decisions. We count on Him. His promises are true!   Thanks Skip!

In His Covenant Love,

The Importance of Discernment - Becky Maisenbacher

It isn’t difficult to discern the earth is being shaken with tumultuous events and change. I’m not sure personally I’ve ever experienced an era where we have so many “experts” giving opinions and advice. In each of the seven mountains that influence our society - media, government, education, economy, family, religion, and arts and entertainment, we are constantly bombarded with “This is the way,” when we may not even understand what we are agreeing with.

Those who walk in the gift of discernment are able to see right through any ruse or obstacle designed to disguise someone’s real intentions, as they uncover the truth. It comes to light from the truths taught in His word. Perception and insight comes from biblical knowledge, understanding and a solid belief in His word. We learn that His voice never contradicts His word.

Strong’s definition of discernment is: to separate mentally or distinguish, generally understand – attend, consider, be cunning, diligent, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, teach, think, understand, view, wisely.

True discernment is a gift that guides one to pray for situations and for others. Corrie Ten Boom taught that “Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to faultfinding.” Joyce Meyer also cautions us regarding spiritual discernment/perception: “Some people think they have discernment when actually they are just suspicious. Suspicion comes out of the unrenewed mind; discernment comes out of the renewed spirit.”

When we hear those quiet whispers in our “ear”, whether accusatory or encouraging, discernment is needed to understand which “voice” we are listening to. I still have to pause at times, when a negative or condemning thought comes to me and ask myself, “Is this truth or a lie?” After walking through years of living with critical people and negativity, it sometimes seems easier to “believe” the condemning or negative thought spoken over us as children, than to trust His word and Who He says we are as His children today.  Watchman Nee addressed this dilemma when he taught regarding discernment: “…spiritual believers should learn how to discern the accusation of the enemy.”

First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." The Apostle John, in 1 John 4:1 also gave the same advice when he taught regarding discerning of spirits.  "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” According to the New Testament, discernment is not an option for the believer - it is requirement and a gift.

In the Bible, discernment is associated with spiritual maturity and development. As you grow in knowledge of the Word and intimacy in hearing His voice and understanding His ways, the gift of discernment within you will expand and become more reliable and trustworthy. Heaven’s guidance will become clearer to you. Isaiah 30:21 encourages us: “And your ears will hear a word behind you. ‘This is the way, walk in it’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”

 We find Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:14 clarifying to his followers: “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and can not understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

I have also found that undesirable trials can sometimes be the best teacher and tool to bring maturity, understanding and increased discernment. Once we walk through a challenge the lesson we learn can be foundational for our future. Romans 12:2 speaks to this: “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Scripture encourages us to get wisdom, knowledge and understanding. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how unfathomable are his ways!,” (Romans 11:33). So as you walk through the coming days, I encourage you to read His word and get understanding. Talk with Him and learn of His ways. Ask Holy Spirit to come to you, help you and guide you. Ask him as your Paraclete to help give you counsel in your decision making. “If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to you,” (James 1:5).

Call upon God to help you develop a discerning spirit (1 Kings 3:9), and “see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elementary principles and spiritual forces of this world, rather than according to Christ, (Colossians 2:8). For solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil, (Hebrews 5:14).

Discernment is available to all who seek it. In these complicated times we all need heightened wisdom and understanding. Ask Him – and He will develop and expand your perception and insight helping you to see things not as they seem, but as they really are.

I close with this prayer for you from Paul who encouraged and prayed for those in Philippi:

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound still more and more, in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, and so be pure, sincere and blameless until the day of Christ, (Philippians 1:9-10).

In His Love,

The Fall Feasts of the Lord - Richard Maisenbacher

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

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

The dates for this year’s Fall Feasts 20201 are: 

Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) Beginning of the New Year - September 6 - 8 (Mon. - Wed.)

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

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) A Day of Fasting - September 15 - 16 (Wed. – Thurs.)

Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles/Booths – September 20 - 27 (Mon. – Mon.)

I still believe God is doing many things behind the scenes during this time of transition, restoration and reconciliation. I know during this Fall season God is going to move in a great way by increasing His harvest by transforming His people. This will also automatically have an impact on the seven mountains. I do not know how it will play out, but I believe there is a correction coming to level out the playing field and to begin to restore what has been stolen from His people.

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

In His Covenant Love,

The Gift of Adversity - Becky Maisenbacher

Thomas Carlyle an 18th century author and historian once stated: “Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with.” I know I’ve had plenty of “dusting” over the years – maybe you have too. My personal life reads a bit like a soap opera: great joy and celebration, physical and emotion trauma to intense grief, loss and betrayal sprinkled with PTSD.

As a believer, I grew up with a basic version of a relationship with God – just walk with him and life will go well, and basically that was true in my early life. But I also found that sooner or later adversity knocks on everyone’s door.

When I first heard the following lyrics to Heartbreaking Love by Nancy Honeytree in the early 80’s, it was a sobering awakening – I never really thought about God allowing pain as an agent for change:

“Be ready when you give your heart to God, for he will surely take it
Like a gentle doctor, wise and strong, he will surely break it
But your joy will be unmeasured as His healing flows from above You'll be glad that you gave your heart to the Lord of heartbreaking love.

Be ready when you give your life to God, for he will surely change it,
Just when you thought you had it planned, he is apt to rearrange it
But your peace will be unequaled as his plan unfolds from above
You'll be glad you gave your life to the Lord of life changing love.”

Recently during an illness, I once again had a four week opportunity to face fears, lean into Him and choose to trust, while focusing on peace and rest in something I could not overcome on my own. God does not cause or allow all the pain we walk through, much is manifested by the choices of man. But sometimes he lifts his hand to:

1. Get our attention
2. Guide us toward self-examination
3. Bring us to a place of change/ surrender of our personal beliefs/behavior
4. Experiential learning – we grow in wisdom, understanding, compassion and mercy

As difficult and challenging as it has been to journey through painful events, I look back and realize the deep work he has accomplished “dusting” me off. Billy Graham once stated: “Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.” The lives of King David, Job, Moses, Peter and of course Jesus to name a few, are road maps of encouragement to the trials of life, the changes they bring, and the victories that are won from the battles. Peter’s strong imprint upon the early church to encourage and equip them through intense persecution and alignment with the sufferings of Christ still resonates today: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you: but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing,” (1 Peter 4:12-13a).

Albert Einstein once said: “Adversity introduces a man to himself.” And Helen Keller encouraged others to glean from adversity as it builds character: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Adversity causes us to dig down deep and examine ourselves, as we allow it to help build perseverance, patience, endurance, forbearance, and teaches us to overcome.

God does not assign adversity to his people, but we live in a fallen world, and he will use circumstances and choices as well as natural consequences to bring change and growth. I must admit, after coming out of a challenging event, my gratitude level always sky rockets. So adversity can also bring us to a new level of gratefulness, and thanksgiving as we appreciate the gifts of God we often take for granted.

There are many challenges we face today that are not unknown to God or our forefathers. Let’s continue to seek and trust Him, knowing that he will bring wisdom and understanding in our trials and we will once again thankfully declare: “How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in Him should ponder them. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord,”(Psalm 111:2-4).

“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” (Joshua 1:9).

In His Love,

Catching Fish

Recently I saw a vision of a fish in a stream and knew that it represented those that will be coming into His Kingdom. It reminded me of the verse in Luke 5:10 where Jesus said to Simon:“Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” Simon was concerned that his sin made him unacceptable for this new assignment, so he repented in several previous verses. Jesus said do not fear because the catchers are acceptable just as they are. Obviously, many are still concerned about taking any assignment with the Lord because they feel unworthy and their shame stops them from serving.

I also find this unworthy awareness of people (fish) that will be caught and soon enter His kingdom. An explanation of how Christ by his grace and the cross has made it possible for all who desire that intimate covenant relationship to enter in may help. Then God through the Holy Spirit will transform them with a joint effort of love, cooperation, and participation together in the new covenant. As we are catching the fish, we must be aware that some do not want to enter because they know they will never be able to keep the biblical scriptures, so why try.

In today’s culture, others have already been born again, but they have heard the grace message and fully embraced it. They have embraced it so much they believe it is God’s job to transform them and they have no obligation to try to obey his word because they don’t want it to lead to any performance on their part. Therefore, they will just relax and allow God to do everything.

There are others that tend toward perfectionism and have a difficult time forgiving themselves, but at the same time find it easy to judge others because their lives do not look like what the Bible says it should look like.

It seems that part of the catcher’s job is to understand where the fish are in their viewpoint of grace, performance, unworthiness, fear, perfectionism, and transformation. It also seems the great commission, catching, and discipleship all tie together.

As the Harvest continues, let’s enter a relationship of understanding where that person is now, what they have been through, and help remove any obstacles to entering and enjoying his kingdom!

In His Covenant Love,

The Oil of Gladness for Mourning

The grief and pain we are experiencing in the world today is not privy only to this generation. History helps us recall the constant ebb and flow of times of peace that quickly turn into times of sorrow. How do we stay focused and maintain joy in the midst of sorrow and trauma?

We have been gifted with emotions that, like the red light on a car dashboard, help us to know something is going on inside the car. In renewing our minds emotions can assist us in our response to events so we can address and process them and return to peace and health. One of the most challenging is loss that leads to grief. Loss of hope, loss of life, loss of relationship, loss of adventure, loss of job, loss of finances, loss of loved ones, family or friends, loss of stability, loss of privacy, loss of safety, loss of trust.

Throughout God’s word we see a common theme of life, loss and resurrection. The comforting news of hope we find is God never leaves us or forsakes us – He is always with us. He reminds me in my personal journey of loss or grief: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit,” Psalm 34:18.

Lately during my times of prayer the following thoughts and scriptures have helped me stay focused on Him and maintain peace and hope. I’d like to share them with you that they may help you to maintain your hope and trust in Him in these uncertain times. When I feel unsettled I speak these verses aloud to encourage myself in Him:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths,” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Trust! What an important exhortation for us today. God uses everything for good. His name is Redeemer and he brings life. Choose to trust Him each day. He desires to see you prosper.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever,” Psalm 73:26.

He is for you and cares about you. His joy is our strength. Trust in him to help guide you.

 “Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted,” Isaiah 53:4.

Who better than Jesus knows the loneliness we may feel in our sorrow and grief. Talk with him and share your heart with him. You are not alone.

 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1.

When we have relationship with him he shines his light on our path and guides us through our pain and sorrow. He teaches us to fear not as we learn to share our discouragement and rest in his love.

 “Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:6+.

Paul continues to remind us to direct and focus our thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Why? Because like us, he experienced the battle in our mind where darkness comes to direct our focus on what we have lost, poor choices, mistakes, regrets, instead of the life giving blood and hope in Christ. What we focus on we make room for – choose to focus on life!

You Are Not Alone

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” Matthew 5:4. Be encouraged, God knows where you live, he knows what you are going through. He loves you and will come to you with comfort and healing. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God,” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

God comes to comfort and strengthened us even in our darkest moments. In the darkness he brings his light, revelation and truth so we may grow in wisdom and understanding and then give support to others.

God is always with us and never leaves us in times of sorrow. He is always near with his love and hope to bring his peace and joy once again.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid,” John 14:27.

Your emotions are a gift from God, so try not to ignore them or be afraid of them. Embrace the pain or loss you may experience as you journey through the stages of grief. There is life waiting as you choose to acknowledge your feelings and allow God to guide you through them.

“…Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9.

There is no special “right way” to process our grief or disappointment. However it is suggested by counselors that there are five basic experiences of grief with various emotions in each level: Acknowledging the Loss; Experiencing the Pain; Re-Adjusting (Adapting) to the Loss; Reinvesting Emotional Energy (Sense of Healing) and Reconciling the Loss (New Directions – remembering with less pain.). You may walk in and out of these experiences at various times.

His Oil of Gladness

Remember as we walk in his Covenant of Peace, we can choose to give up our sorrow to him and ask him to replace the sadness with his joy, peace and hope over time. He loves: “To grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified,” Isaiah 61:3.

So I pray today from Romans 15:13 for you, that our God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing (as you walk through healing for your pain), so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope,” Romans 15:13.

In His Love Always,

TCC Schedule for July - Richard Maisenbacher

The Covenant Center Schedule for July

We usually think of Sunday as a Sabbath day, time to rest from our labor and spend time with God and family. For years God has directed a July Sabbath for The Covenant Center, where we can rest from the daily activities and enter a time of reflection and refreshing.  We have found July to also typically be a time for vacations and family gatherings.

So as we approach July 1st, I would like to alert you to the change in schedule, just for July. We always meet on Sundays and our Sunday celebration will continue as scheduled; however, Wednesday night youth and adult classes will not meet through the month of July. Small groups outside The Center, who meet on their own schedule will continue. We also adjust our office hours to give our personnel time for refreshing. Shane and Chalis and the Worship Prayer Team will also be taking a July Sabbath.

You may be asking: What can I do in this July Sabbath personally? We encourage you to spend time alone with Him in prayer, praying in the Spirit and journaling. This is also a great time to read His word and receive, guidance, revelation and insight personally. This is a wonderful time to develop greater intimacy with God as you rest and listen for what He may speak to you, and consider prayer walks and communing with Him through nature. There are also many extra biblical books that are insightful and encouraging that may bring direction, wisdom and healing.

And don’t forget about CovenantU, our online school that is tuition free at this time. There are four tracks: Hebraic Thought, Spiritual Roots, Knowing God and Spiritual Leadership. These classes have been developed to help you grow in wisdom and understanding. For those interested, these classes can also start you on a path toward licensing or ordination.

We hope you have a beautiful month being strengthened as we begin to approach Rosh Hashana and the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall. We are thankful for you and your support. If needed you can make contact at: info@thecovenantcenter.com See you on Sunday in July!

In His Love,

Richard and Becky

Let Mercy Triumph! Elizabeth Weber

Elizabeth Weber

Although just one chapter and 25 brief verses, the book Philemon is dynamite; it reveals the power of mercy to transform a life. It is the story of three different individuals from three different backgrounds and past identities that have now become Christ followers, with three new hearts and three changed destinies.

First is the apostle Paul, a highly educated Jew, previously a Pharisee, now a believer and currently in a Roman prison. Secondly, Onesimus, a runaway slave from the house of Philemon in Colossae; he ran to Rome, the biggest city at that time. Eventually Onesimus becomes a believer and somehow gets connected to Paul. Onesimus visits and ministers to Paul in prison. Third is Philemon, a wealthy Roman citizen and businessman who became a believer when he heard Paul teaching about the Gospel, probably in Ephesus. Philemon now leads a home congregation, instructing believers in the way of the Gospel.

As we read through the story, let’s step into each of these men’s lives and ask ourselves some challenging questions. What would I do in this situation? What have I done in past similar situations? What type of a mentor or leader am I? How readily do I release mercy to others?

Let’s keep in mind one definition of mercy is, withheld punishment.

Here’s the story. Paul becomes aware that although Onesimus is a believer, he is also a runaway slave. Since Onesimus has broken civic law and wronged Philemon (possibly stolen from him to start a new life in Rome), how should Paul respond as mentor? Paul writes a letter of appeal to Philemon and directs this letter to be read to the entire congregation that Philemon leads. Remember that Paul is also a mentor to Philemon and an apostle to the New Covenant church.

Paul appeals to Philemon from the premise of Christ’s love instead of his authority as an apostle. He does not want Philemon to respond to this situation with either compulsion or favoritism for the relationship Philemon has with Paul. In verse 14 Paul reminds Philemon of his reputation for ministering to the saints; verse 7, Paul makes it clear to Philemon that Onesimus is now a beloved brother and a fellow saint. Verse 16, Paul encourages Philemon to see Onesimus through the eyes of Christ specifically saying, “Formally Onesimus was useless to you but now he is useful to you and to me.” Verse 11, Interestingly, the name Onesimus means useful or profitable. Paul hopes Philemon will see Onesimus as useful or profitable in the kingdom of God not as a returning slave for Philemons business. Should Philemon be unable to righteously respond to Onesimus he will limit Onesimus' ability to express the gifts God has placed in him for the sake of the Kingdom. Finally in verse 17, Paul challenges Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul.

Every verse in this short book is deeply meditative and powerful but especially note verse 18. Paul writes, “If he (Onesimus) has wronged you at all or owes you anything, charge it to my account.” This is a picture of Christ. Colossians 2:13-15. We as leaders are called to take the same position.

Now that you have hopefully read through this book, focus on each man’s position and ponder some difficult things. Concerning Paul, he was in a very painful position as mentor because he had become a father to Onesimus and Onesimus, a son to Paul. Verse 10. Paul had to release “his son” to the Lord. Paul knows well that as a leader and mentor he must operate in God’s wisdom. As a leader, do I have proper expectations of those that I am mentoring and leading? Healthy leaders want to see those they are leading to soar higher than themselves. Note that Paul did not focus on Onesimus’ sin nor the sin issue of slavery. Why? Just like Father God, Paul knows that for righteous change to happen, whether it be in a persons mind or an outcome, the person’s heart must be changed first, by the power of the Gospel.

What was the challenge for Onesimus? He decided to return to Philemon and ask forgiveness for running away and possibly stealing from him as well. Onesimus had no guarantee of the outcome nor could he control it, as being a runaway slave he could be tortured or killed according to civic law at that time. Yet he made the decision to surrender his life and trust his future to the Lord.

Finally for Philemon, this letter would be read to the entire congregation. Members and new converts coming in to the congregation would be watching his response in this situation and following his example. Would I allow myself such vulnerability? Would I be angry with Paul for challenging me before those I’m leading or would I have expected a private meeting with Paul first. Philemon had been wronged, but could he submit his heart to the Lord and release forgiveness and mercy to Onesimus? Would Philemon receive him as a brother and not hold a grudge against him until he felt Onesimus had paid his dues well enough to be fully accepted? Would Philemon be tempted to uncover Onesimus' sin before others bringing shame and planting seeds of judgement in other congregation members toward Onesimus? Remember that Onesimus would be sharing with Philemon at the communion table of the Lord as well.

The covenant table represents that all parties are in agreement and any rift, problem or issue between them had been resolved and never to be discussed again. Lastly, I wonder how Philemon continued to view and treat the issue of slavery in his life, business and congregation. Just because someone is a leader does not mean they have God’s heart perfectly on every issue. Christian leaders especially need to be engaged in continual transformation as Holy Spirit is always revealing the truths, ways and statutes of Christ.

So these three men that had been completely transformed by the mercy of God in their own lives are now in a position to extend mercy to one another although the way mercy would be extended will appear different. Would these men extend mercy without partiality to all others that would come in contact with their lives as they continued to follow Christ or would they do so only if they received what they personally expected in this situation. From what premise do I frame my responses toward people in the every day issues? Do I respond from understanding covenant with God or from human evaluations and wisdom? Would these men submit their hearts to permit this level of maturity in relationships? Do I?

The Gospel of Christ provides both forgiveness and mercy at the same time. They are not independent from one another. The ultimate goal is always the restoration of all people back to God. But people need to see restoration as a reality in their own life first before they can willingly extend it to others. As Christ ambassadors, we communicate the Gospel by the actions, forgiveness, mercy and then restoration. All three matter, none can be eliminated.

Lest you dismiss the challenges in this tiny letter by saying you are not in a leadership role; the fact is every Christian is a leader because true leadership is influence. On a daily basis, in whatever we are doing or saying we are influencing in one direction or another.

Consider the ripple effect of one act of mercy in one individual‘s life. Mercy released will continue to deliver the Gospel to others long after we are gone. May I encourage you to confidently know that only in heaven will you fully see the fruit of mercy extended. Knowing it will cost us so much in every situation, nevertheless, we choose to act righteously; it is our calling and so very worth it. The harvest is waiting; what will your response be to those who come across your path?

Leave a legacy of mercy; let mercy triumph!

James 2:12-13 Speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. (Law of love, Law of Christ) For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Elizabeth Weber

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

The Wind of the Spirit - Richard Maisenbacher

We just celebrated Pentecost and recalled how the disciples gathered to celebrate the memorial when God gave the Law at Sinai. Now the Laws are written on our hearts, but a unique experience took place. Acts 2:2 says, “And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” This of course was the wind of the Spirit blowing as a sign that God was going to do a new thing. We sure have had the winds in Florida this season. I wonder what God is going to do next?!

 In John 3:8 Jesus told Nicodemus that, “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” We also seem to be “blown” by the Spirit and most of the time we do not know the direction from where it comes and where it is going. However, we are growing in maturity and realize the God is doing many unexpected things that we may or not we ready for.

God’s wind is pushing us toward Him, regardless of the storms. It only blows us toward freedom though. He wants us free of any hindrances that may keep us from walking into our destiny, which is being completely consumed by the power of the Holy Spirt. He does not want anything to hold us back from our journey to Him.

The wind is always blowing toward God. Let’s receive the wind of the Spirit during this time and not only receive all that God has for us, but allow the fullness of his Spirit to bless others in the way that they need!

In His Covenant Love,

The Wind Is Blowing Again - Becky Maisenbacher

Have you noticed the intense winds that feel like March appearing in May? No storms – not even rain, but strong winds that have continued to blow over our porch umbrellas and flip over our outdoor rugs. They’ve even persuaded trees to bend and bow in the sunlight.

I love the wind and maybe I look for it more than others. You know, the gentle refreshing breeze that brushes your face in the spring proclaiming new life. The warm breeze in June that brings a smile and glow as if kissed by God, and even the strong winds of storms that seem electric and take your breath away - disrupting your coifed hair as leaves dance their way to the earth. I love these God kisses – they make me smile.

So what can the wind mean, either naturally or in visions or dreams? The “Wind” often represents Holy Spirit, winds of change; circulating patterns as well as doubt or the four directional winds. But today I’m actually interested in what the “Wind Blowing” may mean: “The power of the Holy Spirit or angelic presence; a violent rushing wind as in Acts 2:2.”[1]

 As we approach Pentecost this year with these strong winds, I’ve heard myself responding - humming an old hymn we sang in the 80’s: The Wind Is Blowing Again.

 Remembering this song out of the hundreds I’ve heard or sung caught my attention; remembering how God will highlight something several times when he desires to guide us.

 Here are the lyrics you may enjoy:

The wind is blowin' again, the wind is blowin' again
Just like the day of Pentecost, the wind is blowin' again

1. There was a crowd gathered 'round from all over town
They came to see what it was all about
There was a sound that came down from the upper room
Where the Holy Ghost was being poured out
It sounded just like the roar of a mighty wind
As it fell on every one of them
And the wind that blew at Pentecost keeps blowin' and blowin' again

2. The wind of God is blowin' through the world today
Like the prophet Joel said it would do
For Peter said on the day of Pentecost
It's for you and your children too
You better open up your heart and let the wind blow in
You'll never, never, never be the same again
For the wind that blew at Pentecost keeps blowin' and blowin' again

The wind is blowin' again, the wind is blowin' again![2]

Pentecost is the Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension, held on the seventh Sunday after Easter and the Jewish festival of Shavu’ot, which we will celebrate this year 2021 on May 23rd.

This is a great time to read the Book of Acts, especially chapter 2 as we prepare for this special day of celebration:

“The festival of Shavu’ot (Pentecost) arrived, and the believers all gathered together in one place. Suddenly there came a sound from the sky like the roar of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which separated and came to rest on each one of them. They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and began to talk in different languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” [3]Acts 2:1-4.

This life-changing event, experienced centuries ago, is still touching the world today. 
Welcome Holy Spirit as you continue to blow the winds of change.  Do you sense it?

The wind is blowing again…

In His Love,

[1] Dr. Barbie L. Breathitt, A to Z Dream Symbology Dictionary; ©2015, Barbie Breathitt Enterprises, Inc.,pg 468.

[2] Lanny Wolfe, Benson Sound Inc., ©1980

[3] David H. Stern, Complete Jewish Bible, Jewish New Testament Publicaations, Inc. ©1998, pg. 1361.

Pentecost/Shavuot 2021 - 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, 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 2021 Shavuot is celebrated from May 16th through May 18th.

Pentecost is a Feast of the Lord recognized by believers on Sunday, May 23rd, which is mentioned in Acts 2:1. In Acts 2, the presence of God fell upon the believers with tongues of fire as they began to speak in the native language of those who were listening. In the book of Jeremiah 31, he prophesied that the Spirit of God would come upon the believers and the Torah would be written on their hearts, rather than on tablets of stone.

We look forward to celebrating this Feast with Joy and thanksgiving! He has given us His written Word and continues to write His word upon our hearts. This is a time to saturate ourselves with His Word (Law) and Spirit (prayer) as we expect a fresh outpouring of His Spirit during this Harvest time.

In His Covenant Love,

Preparing For The New - Becky Maisenbacher

Recently Richard and I decided to rearrange his office. As we moved a file cabinet we were surprised to find mold that had set in the carpet. Living in Florida, mold is inevitable but this large spot was more resistant and not coming up by simple carpet cleaning.

After contacting our insurance provider and multiple visits with him, we are now still in the process of having our flooring redone through our entire condo; which actually was a pleasant surprise since our carpet had seen better days. However, as with any repair, preparation for the installation is required and tearing up, laying new floor, cleaning and putting our house back in order has been a little tedious.

Living in our small condo for many years, we have acquired items from parents passing, business materials, books and more books, pamphlets, teaching materials and handouts, sentimental trinkets – maybe you can identify. After moving the aforementioned items from room to room to prepare for the installers, we’ve come to realize it’s time to discard various items that are no longer necessary or useful and declutter our home.

While watching the installers repair cracks and work to level the uneven concrete that was hidden beneath our carpet, it dawned on me – “Floors, we are in a season of repairing our floors and foundation.” God has been known to reveal a truth that aligns with our experience. In fact he often uses events we walk through to reveal and pinpoint what he wants to focus on. So looking up floors, especially first floor from Barbie Breathitt’s “A To Z Symbology Dictionary,” which is extremely helpful regarding God’s dream and symbol language, it states:

“First floor: the first floor represents the base needs and function of the body. You are moving out of fleshly desires and motivations. You are at the beginning or foundational entry point of something.”

As I reflected on this definition during a break from decluttering, I turned on the TV and for a few moments viewed Prince Philip’s funeral. I sensed the Lord saying to me: “You are watching an end of an era.” It was very poignant as I thought of the many faithful servants and people passing away recently. Those who have been through World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, European leaders who faced Hitler and the holocaust, US Presidents as well and remarkable spiritual leaders. They witnessed battles, protests, demonstrations throughout the 1900’s. Even with the continued chaos swirling throughout the earth today – I sensed a new era is coming forth and the scepter is being passed to a younger generation.

We are walking into not only a new season but a new era. If you have experienced some challenges, you may be experiencing the discomfort of preparation. There is always preparation for his habitation. There is always preparation for any change. Sorting through and discarding what is no longer necessary and allowing God to rebuild/restructure as well as clean up and level out our foundations may also involve changing some of our belief structures.

1st Corinthians 3:9-10 declares: “You are God’s building…as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation.”

Your house may be a physical picture of what is happening internally with many of us. It can present itself as a difficult season, however if we keep our eyes on him and remind ourselves that this is unto “something” and a new day is coming, we will be better prepared with a cleaned up foundation and fresh flooring to enter into the “New.”

So don’t be afraid to discard unnecessary “clutter” in your life or be afraid to release those things that cause you to hold on to the past. Remember your identity doesn’t come from past works, awards or material gain, it comes from him. As you release the old and simplify, you will be “lighter” and less encumbered to walk into what lies ahead.

“Father, we know that “all things work for good for those called according to your purpose.” Thank you that you are never taken by surprise in events that swirl around us, and you hold us and the world in the palm of your hand. Please expose the uneven flooring and cracks that have appeared over time in our foundations; help us to clean them up, discarding things that are no longer necessary and declutter with joy and expectancy, as you help prepare us for the entry point of something new that is on the way.”

In His Love,

Disappointment - How Do We Respond? - Becky Maisenbacher

“My soul, why are you so downcast?  Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for the salvation that comes from his presence.”[i]

Adversity is the potting soil for developing the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, self control; Nothing in the Torah stands against such things,” Galatians 5:22-23.

It’s easy to have joy or peace when life is running smoothly, but when we get “hit” by a massive uncontrollable wave that pounds us to the ground, how do we get up again? How do we respond?

Years ago on vacation to Captiva, Florida, we had little understanding to the ways of the surf, especially on a stormy day; and in our spirited youth we ran into the huge powerful waves – the aftermath of a big storm.  The force of the waves was too strong for me to stand so I gathered shells, on the shoreline.

I looked up when this massive rogue wave headed relentlessly toward our friend. As I tried to yell for him to get out of the water, unable to hear with the groaning noise of the surf, like a giant hand, the wave picked him up, all 6 foot 2 inches of him, and in its’ immense power slammed him to the ground at the shoreline. We were stunned and he wasn’t moving…as we ran over to him, he slowly stood up, got his bearings and laughed loudly. We spent part of the afternoon washing sand and bits of shell out of his eyes and mouth.

Thankfully he was okay but we were stunned at the power of the ocean. It was a lesson learned through an experience to respect the water. We all grew that day in understanding of not only the power of the surf, but also our weakness to manage the force of nature.

So what do we do when an unexpected life-pounding wave picks us up and slams us to the ground?

First, we pick ourselves up and brush ourselves off and look at what “hit” us. Just like a red light on the dashboard reveals something needs attention under the hood; once we get the “diagnosis” from the service manager, we then know how to proceed. it is essential to examine ourselves as Paul suggests in 2 Corinthians 13:

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are living the life of trust. Test yourselves. Don’t you realize that Yeshua the Messiah is in you? - unless you fail to pass the test. But I hope you will realize that we are not failures. And we pray to God that you will do nothing wrong. We are not concerned with our appearing successful, but with your doing what is right, even if we appear to be failures. For we cannot act against the truth, only for it.”[ii]

There are so many examples in scripture of those who not only walked through adversity but turned adversity into victory. Jesus is our greatest example, with Moses, David, Samson, Mary, Paul and the disciples. We can find strength to break off discouragement with God’s help just like those who walked before us.

Adversity can be a great teaching tool in his hand to stimulate and bring change. Even when hardship comes like a thief in the night, God will turn around what was meant to destroy and use it for his good. When we surrender to his dealings he can bring to light unhealthy belief structures or detrimental ways of “doing life.” We can then ask him to bring healing, restoration and resolution. During this process of covenant exchange, we give him our lack and receive his fullness and “patience training” as he develops the Fruit of the Spirit.  His desire is to bring truth, resolution, healing and renewed life to us.

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, cheers us on to remember the mercies of God so we do not lose courage. He prompts us to never give up and to not faint: “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

This reminder by Paul is also important to remember: “We have this treasure in clay jars (earthen vessels) so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from God, and from us. We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed. We always carry in our bodies the dying of Yeshua, so that the life of Yeshua may be manifested in our bodies too. For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for Yeshua’s sake, so that Yeshua’s life also might be manifest in our mortal bodies.,” 2 Corinthians 4: 7-9.[iii]

 In the parable taught by Jesus, found in Luke 18:1-8, he talks about the “unjust judge,” and declares in vs. 7-8: “and shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find this trust (faith) on the earth at all?” Jesus is telling us to have faith - don’t give up - keep going - don’t’ quit - help is on the way!

Now, let me encourage you regarding the word “faith” in this previous scripture, especially translated by Dr. Skip Moen (Luke 18:8), which he discusses in his article entitled Spiritual Discouragement: Faith in the western world is cognitive or what we think, but faith is really perseverance. It is not giving up. “Faithfulness” is a more appropriate translation than “faith,” but Jesus in Luke 18 is talking about faith as an action.”[iv]

So if you are getting up and embracing each day, no matter how difficult, then you are putting action to your faith - you’re walking in faith! Choose to get up each morning and keep trusting and walking, keep praying and hoping, keep serving, keep reading the word, keep expecting and believing. Faith is persevering and enduring.

Let’s look at Webster’s definition of Perseverance: Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty even with little or no prospect of success. Synonyms are: persistence, tenacity, determination, steadfastness, patience, dedication, commitment, endurance.

And also the definition for Endurance: the fact or power of enduring unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving up. Synonyms are: sufferance, forbearance, patience, fortitude, determination, resolution.

One more definition for Believers: the ability to persevere in a task or calling. The Believer is called to endure in the face of trial or opposition, and his endurance brings spiritual rewards.

Even in the definitions heaven is revealing the fruit of the Spirit being developed by his hands and decreeing - “Don’t give up - spiritual reward is at hand. Scripture also expresses to:“The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne,” Rev. 3:21. This is a promise to you as you lay down discouragement and choose to release and conquer all that has caused disappointment.

Discouragement is a step away from hopelessness. God encourages us to never lose hope. He will never lose hope in you!. Even though at times we all have restlessly lamented – “why is it taking so long – when is He going to move – when is it going to change – does God even care? Proverbs 13:12 reminds us that in our sorrow, a tree of life is being prepared to appear: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”

God cares about you and as Paul spoke to the Galatians, who were struggling with Grace compared to the Law, he taught in 6:9: “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” Our Father is a God of great grace. Remember, Grace is “God doing for us what we can’t do for ourselves.” Ask him for help, to strengthen you to stay strong.

God is a magnificent Father, who watches over his children and their well being. He is attentive to you and your cry and concerns! Even though his ways are often above our understanding and we see through a glass darkly, he comes as the Spirit of Truth and Comfort, Revelation and Counsel, Peace and Strength, to guide us on our journey. His desire is for you to walk in his ways and to know him intimately. He wants to have a relationship with you. Right now, you may be in a difficult place and it may feel that know one can relate or understand where you are; but Jesus knows – and he is always working on your behalf and fighting for you behind the scenes.

Look to the animals of the earth. God has given them a divine instinct to trust that they will have food. They do not fret that they will not have a nest for their eggs or food for their chicks. Like them, let’s shift our mindsets to trust the God of the Universe and continue in “faith through perseverance,” learning endurance while we actively watch for him to move in our circumstances and fight for us. Choose to trust and hold onto him – our God of Hope. Let’s pray -

“Father, by your grace, please help us to count the good happening in our lives. Help us to keep our eyes on you and to focus on what is true, honorable, pure, lovely and admirable. Strengthen us to give thanks even in the challenges of life and impart your hope as we release our disappointments. We thank you for your covenant exchange that we can give you our discouragement and receive your peace, love and comfort, hope and joy.”

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,“ Romans 11:13.

“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hurries toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it delays, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay long,” Habakkuk 2:3.

“But you God, are a shield for me; you are my glory, you lift my head high. With my voice I call out to you – Adonai, and he answers me from his holy hill,” Psalm 3:3-4.

 “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord,” Ps. 32:24.

 “For you are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. By you I have been sustained from my birth,” Psalm 71: 5-6.

————————————————- 

[i] Stern, David; Complete Jewish Bible, Psalm 42:5, pg. 831, JEWISH NEW TESTAMENT PUBLICATIONS, Messianic Jewish Publishers, Clarksville, MD 21029, www.messianicjewish.net. ©1998

[ii] Ibid, pg. 1451.

[iii] Ibid, pg. 1443

[iv] Moen, Skip, Ph.D., Spiritual Discouragement, Hebrew Word Study, ©March 8, 2017, www.skipmoen.com.

Passover - Preparation for Cleansing and Joy - Richard Maisenbacher

Passover is about a month away and we are still social distancing, wearing masks, and possibly by now dealing with a little discouragement. This is actually a wonderful time to begin the cleansing process in preparation for a celebration of joy!

Leviticus 23 includes Passover 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 or addicting habits. It may be even more difficult for some to lay down their mental strongholds so they can receive inner healing.

However, Passover cannot start until all leaven is removed. Cleansing the home is the initial step of preparation. Believers know that cleansing 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 decision to separate our self from anything unclean.

In preparation for this Passover, March 27th through April 4th, we can begin to 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!

In His Covenant Love,

Come Close To Me - Cynthia Cox

Cynthia Cox released the following song of the Lord as she declared and proclaimed His encouragement and guidance at The Covenant Center - Sunday, January 24, 2021. In His love - He is calling you. Becky M.

Sing Praise:

Great are you Lord! Great are you Lord! How great is our God, how great is our God. Great is our God. Come on and focus on His greatness! Great is our God!  Oh… You are great, great, great, great are you God! You are great! You are great! You are great! Great are you Lord! Great are you Lord!

Word of the Lord - Believe - I Am Your Hope:

I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying…  All things are possible unto him that believes.  All I need is your faith to believe me for the impossible…for the impossible that seems to be to you.  All I need is your faith, give me your belief. Believe me today.  For someone has lost all hope because of what is going on in the world.  But, I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying today, I am your hope!  Focus on me, allow me to restore that hope in you.  For I am the same God.  Bur when you take your focus off me, you lose your hope.  But, all things are possible, all things are still possible to him that believes in me.  So allow me today to restore that hope in you.  And, I’m here whatever you need today.

Song of Healing and Encouragement:

My healing balm of Gilead is here for you.  My healing is still for you.  I’m here to just restore you. You know who you are. But I’m here to restore you back to me.  All is not lost, all is not lost.  But allow me to bring the particles back together to form the whole.  I will do that for you if you will just turn to me. Don’t allow the discouragement to turn you away from me. Look to me, I’ve always been there for you.  And I’ll never leave you.  I was with you all the time. Come on back to me.  Put your trust in me and you will see I’m here to restore you. Just let me do that for you.

Declaration of Trust and Comfort:

Don’t look at what you see.  For what you see is just temporary.  Put your eyes on me, look unto me.  I’ve got everything in control.  I work all things after the counsel of my own will.  I have my own timing so trust in me.  It’s not over ‘til I say it’s over! It’s not over!

Song of the Lord:

I’ve got a plan that man don’t understand…. I’ve got a plan that man don’t understand!  I’m not a God that will lie, neither am I a man that would repent.  But whatever I say I will do, I will do it.  Just trust in me.  Don’t look to the left, nor the right.  Just look to me and put your trust back in me.  Trust in me!  For this is my nation saith God, this is my nation, my nation, my nation!  And when you don’t see things work the way that you think they should work…fret not, fret not!  But know one thing – that I’m still God!  I am still God! 

Come on close to me, you will see and you will know me in ways that you have never known me before.  I’m calling unto the deep today, come deep in me, come deep in me.  Come close to me, come close to me.  Let go of the cares of the world.  Come on close to me.  I want to take you somewhere.  I want to take you somewhere in me!  Come on close to me, come on, come on, come on close to me.

Cynthia Cox

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

Scribed by Debbie Hester

Thank You! - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Dear Covenant Center Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uncovering Truth: How To Sort Facts From Falsehood

Chalis Butler

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

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

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

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

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

 It is the Power to Choose.

 Choose Truth and Life 

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus’ Message and Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Who’s Got the Truth?

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

Jesus told His disciples this:

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

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

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

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

 Lovers of Truth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Is Our Refuge And Strength - Becky Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Love,