Many believe that the word covenant is the same thing as contract. Perhaps it is but the focus is usually on the other party’s duty to give us what we want. The contract is signed knowing there are days of grace, in case we are late on our promise. In a secular contract these “Days of grace” are numbered. Spiritually speaking, God has already given us days of grace. We live in these days right now and these days of grace are numbered.
It takes nothing but my belief that Jesus Christ died for me and that I accepted Him as Lord of my life to have eternal life. Jesus is God’s gift to all mankind. The invitation is open to everyone. Yet again we are focusing on what He has done for us, but what is our part of the covenant? Have we really thought about our promise? What did we actually promised Him? Do we even know how to be in covenant with our God and Father? Our promises to Him are as highly important as His promises are to us. If we are in covenant with God, we do our part and He does His part. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He doesn’t change and He will keep His promises. But if we don’t do our part the covenant is broken!
This is what we promised, plainly speaking. Serve God! Say nice things! Do nice things!
If we are in covenant with God, we must stop and judge ourselves. Determine if we are serving God with all our hearts. Determine if we are saying nice things. Determine if we are acting nice and glorifying God before others. God takes us on our word! It’s an exchange of promises! It’s a covenant! The blessings (promises) of God die when we don’t keep our promises. So think again. Are we pointing others to God or are we pushing them away? Are we grumpy or positive? Do we strain at the gnat and swallow the camel? Do we love God by loving people?
When we first believed we were transformed into a new creature at that very moment. If we followed in believer’s baptism, we were launching out into the covenant and perhaps we didn’t even know it at the time. We were telling the world. I am a Christian. I am the light. I serve the Lord. We were making public our declaration that we are followers of Christ. Our baptism was a picture of sin and past failures being buried and left behind in the tomb. We were raised to a new likeness, a holiness based on God’s righteousness through the Lord Jesus. Amen. But this is just where our walk began…
In order to be in covenant, we must serve God. He is #1. He is more important that soccer, your job and even your family. Our part is to serve God with a sincere heart. God sees the heart! Next, we need to realize that out of our mouths is the power of life and death. We shouldn’t go around spreading evil gossip but we should go around speaking life to those around us. Are we supposed to tell them all the things we think they are doing wrong? No. We are to love them and through kindness show them the better way. Last, we need to be nice in our actions so that when anyone sees us coming, they see Christ and they can identify us as followers of Christ. Do they see Christ now when they are looking at you?
No matter if you are alone or in a group, you can take communion in remembrance of what God has done for you in the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are a few more thoughts to enhance your understanding. It was Passover when Christ had his last supper on earth. He said that he would not drink wine again until he drank it new with us in our Father’s Kingdom. Read the words…
Matthew 26:26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant* between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” 30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. (New Living Translation)
Let’s go a step further in understanding this time of the last supper. It was Passover. The first part of the communion was the breaking of bread. Bread symbolizes abundance. We are in the world but not of the world. Let’s not forget that. We know what happens with us in the scriptures. God has and will always be our provider. He is our Jehovah Jireh. It doesn’t matter what happens to the world. Everything around us may fail and fall (even America), but everything we put our hands to do will prosper. We must remember that! Eat of the bread that is Christ. We will be satisfied. His body was broken for us so that we could be made whole in every area of our lives. God is our provider...
Father, you are our provision. We come in covenant. We exchange promises. As you bless us; we will keep our word to you to build your kingdom as you have taught us. We will love in word and action. Amen.
Remember it was Passover and there were actually four cups of wine. Here is the revelation of the cups.
Cup #1 is the Cup of Sanctification. It’s the cup of becoming holy. Though our sins are as scarlet, the blood of the lamb makes them white as snow. Satan reminds us of our sin but God doesn’t remember it, if we are in covenant with Him. So don’t listen to the whisperer because there is no condemnation. Those who are forgiven much will love much. Condemnation blocks the blessing and we become as double minded person if we listen to the lies of Satan. The spirit of condemnation is to be rebuked in the name of Jesus. Jesus (the carpenter) builds up while the enemy, Satan is the destroyer who tears down. Don’t listen to the accuser any longer. Listen for the Word of the Lord.
Cup #2 is the Cup of Deliverance. (Some call it the Cup of Iniquity.) Placing your finger in the cup and sprinkling the wine onto your plate represents the High Priest sprinkling the blood of the lamb that we may be delivered of the curses. The number ten represents the number of curses that block the blessings of God from our lives.
· The curse of the tongue that speaks evil and death (Proverbs 18:21)
· The curse of evil actions (Galations 6:7)
· The curse of anger (Genesis 49:7)
· The curse of poverty (Luke 6:38)
· The curse of witchcraft (anything honored before God is witchcraft) (Galations 3:1)
· The curse of harming the innocent (Proverbs 6:16-19)
· The curse of unforgiveness (Matthew 6:12, 14-15)
· The curse of racism (Matthew 12:25)
· The curse of religion (Galations 3:10)
· The curse of dishonor for father and mother (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Remember, although we may have been freed from a curse, we are never really free if there is someone else who is still suffering under a curse. We are to go into the world and help to relieve suffering. Spread the gospel by word and action.
Cup #3 is the cup of Redemption. The blood of the lamb redeems us and when we can fully embrace this then every blessing is released. We will receive love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in abundance. These are known as the fruit of the spirit. These are also blessings that are promised to us. Just think of the abundant harvest we can have when we receive these! I like to think the fruit of the spirit as varieties of various fruits. Think of it like this, there are more than 7,000 different kinds of apple in the world. All these varieties are good and serve specific purposes. Each apple comes in different sizes, colors and shapes. Some are sweet and others are tart. But the amazing things is that they all are part of God's abundant harvest. His blessing pour out onto us as numerous as these varieties of apple. Overflowing! What are we to do with all this abundance--share it! The more we share the more it flows!
Cup #4 is the Cup of Completion. When we read the scriptures, we find that Jesus didn’t drink this cup at the table. He said he would not drink it again until he would drink it anew in the Father’s kingdom. Jesus went to the garden. It was here that he was arrested, after which he was led about, beaten, nailed and died. In the garden, he prayed, “Father if there be some other way—take this cup away. But not my will but thy will be done. I drink this cup!” Although the cup was not taken at the table, Christ drank form the cup of suffering. It was the cup of Completion. In his final hour he shouted, “I thirst.” It wasn’t just a physical thirst but it was a spiritual thirst. He took the cup of obedience and at that moment He was without God’s presence. He thirsted to be reunited. He cried out, “It is finished!” It was the cup of Completion.
Whatever Jesus begins in our lives, He will complete! He is often waiting for us to catch on or catch up. Let’s begin our new year, 2011 with a mission to further His Kingdom here on earth. As we honor our covenant with Him, let us thank Him that He honors His covenant with us. Let us have communion with Him.
How privileged we are to be known as His children. Praise Him! Amen.
1475
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Something to think about...
I thought I'd share this devotional that came to my inbox today. The email actually comes to my husband, which he forwards, and it's only signed "Pastor" so we really don't know who this "pastor" is but his devotionals are often inspirational and give me something to think about. Most have heard the story of the woman with the issue of blood from the Bible. Today I was struck by an important fact that I'd never seen before. It's the fact that in her day she was considered unclean and shouldn't have been anywhere near the crowd surrounding Jesus. Read on and perhaps you'll see her in a different light...
[Take A Stand…” "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years….came in the press behind, and touched His garment”. (Mark 5:25,27). The more you consider this woman with the issue of blood, the more you understand that she had to be stubborn. Under the Jewish law, she was considered unclean. When a woman with an issue of blood came out in public, she risked being stoned. As if that weren’t bad enough, notice whom Jesus was walking with at the time: “And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name” (v.22). Jesus was on His way to Jairus house to heal his daughter when He perceived that power had flowed out of Him and stopped to find out who had touched Him. As a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus had authority to have this woman stoned. The woman had to be tenacious, stubborn, resistant to flow. She had to overcome her fear and go against religious leaders. You know, some ministers say, “Well, you just can’t be healed. God doesn’t do that anymore.” When that happens, people have to override what those ministers are saying about healing in order to receive their healing. This woman had to overcome unbelief, fear and weakness. She had to decide that no matter what came against her, she was going to receive her healing. We have to get to that same point and make the same decision: “I don’t care what anyone says. I don’t care what it looks like, seems like or feels like. I’m taking a stand on God’s Word, and that’s all there is to it. I pray for you to have a great weekend. God bless you today and this weekend in Jesus name. Pastor]
Now for my take on it and more...
When we read the Bible, we find that God really wants us to be well. Jesus always showed God's mercy and compassion by healing those who came to Him with even a little faith. Jesus showed us the way. The apostles and early church followed. We are to continue today. No excuses....
God wants people well and scriptures reveal this to us all through the text of the Bible. There are many websites that have healing scriptures, songs, poems, etc. I've visited many and have drawn personal strength and used them to pray. Here is just one you may want to check out... Joyce Meyer Ministries Healing Scriptures
But why...
I truly cannot say why some people are healed and some are not, but I will continue to read His Word, listen for His voice, give Him praise and prayer as well as speak blessing over the sick. The Bible reveals this is the duty of every person who claims the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior. We are to be His disciples and walk His way and even greater works than He did will be done!
Jesus speaks in John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"
But, what about these thoughts and ideas...
"It's not always God's will to heal." (This reveals ignorance of the healing power of the Gospel. Read the Word and find the scriptures that tell us God wants us well.)
"Our church doesn't believe in outward traditions like laying hands on the sick and having the elders pray. We all just pray." (This reveals that this church only believes what they want to believe of the scriptures and is neglecting the covenant blessing of God. Churches, this means everyone and not just the pastors, need to preach the truth so that faith for healing will be restored.)
"Well, we don't believe in all this Holy Spirit stuff at our church." (This reveals that the teaching of the Holy Spirit is being neglected in this church. The Holy Spirit cannot possibly work where there is no belief. The Holy Spirit must be honored, after all Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us to help us until His return.)
"I don't believe in church so I don't go. They are a bunch of hypocrites! I can believe on my own." (This reveals that reliance is build upon self and not upon God. Scriptures reveal that we are not to forsake assembling together. We cannot function spiritually on our own, but we are to come together to be assembled. We are just a small but significant part of the greater machinery that is the Lord's Church. When we are assembled by Him then we can be fully used and bring honor to His Name.)
"I'll be sure to go to hear _____. I don't want to miss what he/she has for me." or "I'm going to this doctor because he/she can heal me with different techniques and medicines." (This reveals that faith is trusting and looking to someone or something else. Now, it is not my intent to say that we should not go to a special speaker or visit a doctor when we are sick, but the Great Physician is God, through the Lord Jesus! Individuals may be greatly used of God as ministers and physicians, but they are not the healer, God is!)
"I'll do what ever I want to. It's my body!" (This reveals that we do not respect that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are to take care of these temples by eating right, excercising and staying away from substance abuse. We are to take care or we will reap what we sow in our bodies.)
I'm sure there are many other points that I have left out today, but the truth to be revealed is Anything is possible if a person believes. Mark 9:23
Our Father,
You know my friends and family members who are sick better than I do. You know their burdens are heavy. You know their hearts. Lord, I ask You to be with each of them now, working in their lives. Let Your will be done. If there is sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven, Lord, please help them in Your wisdom to see the need and confess. Lord, Your Word says I should pray for their healing. I believe You hear my earnest prayer. I have faith in You to heal, and I trust the plan you have for our lives. Lord, I don't always understand Your ways. I don't always understand the why of suffering, but I trust You. I ask that you look with mercy and grace toward my friends and family members. Nourish their spirits and souls in this time of suffering and comfort them. May they know Your Presence. Let them know You are there through each step of difficulty. May Your Holy Light shine in the darkness around my friends and family members who are going through sickness and disease right now and may You be glorified in all of it!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
1430
[Take A Stand…” "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years….came in the press behind, and touched His garment”. (Mark 5:25,27). The more you consider this woman with the issue of blood, the more you understand that she had to be stubborn. Under the Jewish law, she was considered unclean. When a woman with an issue of blood came out in public, she risked being stoned. As if that weren’t bad enough, notice whom Jesus was walking with at the time: “And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name” (v.22). Jesus was on His way to Jairus house to heal his daughter when He perceived that power had flowed out of Him and stopped to find out who had touched Him. As a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus had authority to have this woman stoned. The woman had to be tenacious, stubborn, resistant to flow. She had to overcome her fear and go against religious leaders. You know, some ministers say, “Well, you just can’t be healed. God doesn’t do that anymore.” When that happens, people have to override what those ministers are saying about healing in order to receive their healing. This woman had to overcome unbelief, fear and weakness. She had to decide that no matter what came against her, she was going to receive her healing. We have to get to that same point and make the same decision: “I don’t care what anyone says. I don’t care what it looks like, seems like or feels like. I’m taking a stand on God’s Word, and that’s all there is to it. I pray for you to have a great weekend. God bless you today and this weekend in Jesus name. Pastor]
Now for my take on it and more...
When we read the Bible, we find that God really wants us to be well. Jesus always showed God's mercy and compassion by healing those who came to Him with even a little faith. Jesus showed us the way. The apostles and early church followed. We are to continue today. No excuses....
God wants people well and scriptures reveal this to us all through the text of the Bible. There are many websites that have healing scriptures, songs, poems, etc. I've visited many and have drawn personal strength and used them to pray. Here is just one you may want to check out... Joyce Meyer Ministries Healing Scriptures
But why...
I truly cannot say why some people are healed and some are not, but I will continue to read His Word, listen for His voice, give Him praise and prayer as well as speak blessing over the sick. The Bible reveals this is the duty of every person who claims the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior. We are to be His disciples and walk His way and even greater works than He did will be done!
Jesus speaks in John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"
But, what about these thoughts and ideas...
"It's not always God's will to heal." (This reveals ignorance of the healing power of the Gospel. Read the Word and find the scriptures that tell us God wants us well.)
"Our church doesn't believe in outward traditions like laying hands on the sick and having the elders pray. We all just pray." (This reveals that this church only believes what they want to believe of the scriptures and is neglecting the covenant blessing of God. Churches, this means everyone and not just the pastors, need to preach the truth so that faith for healing will be restored.)
"Well, we don't believe in all this Holy Spirit stuff at our church." (This reveals that the teaching of the Holy Spirit is being neglected in this church. The Holy Spirit cannot possibly work where there is no belief. The Holy Spirit must be honored, after all Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us to help us until His return.)
"I don't believe in church so I don't go. They are a bunch of hypocrites! I can believe on my own." (This reveals that reliance is build upon self and not upon God. Scriptures reveal that we are not to forsake assembling together. We cannot function spiritually on our own, but we are to come together to be assembled. We are just a small but significant part of the greater machinery that is the Lord's Church. When we are assembled by Him then we can be fully used and bring honor to His Name.)
"I'll be sure to go to hear _____. I don't want to miss what he/she has for me." or "I'm going to this doctor because he/she can heal me with different techniques and medicines." (This reveals that faith is trusting and looking to someone or something else. Now, it is not my intent to say that we should not go to a special speaker or visit a doctor when we are sick, but the Great Physician is God, through the Lord Jesus! Individuals may be greatly used of God as ministers and physicians, but they are not the healer, God is!)
"I'll do what ever I want to. It's my body!" (This reveals that we do not respect that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are to take care of these temples by eating right, excercising and staying away from substance abuse. We are to take care or we will reap what we sow in our bodies.)
I'm sure there are many other points that I have left out today, but the truth to be revealed is Anything is possible if a person believes. Mark 9:23
Our Father,
You know my friends and family members who are sick better than I do. You know their burdens are heavy. You know their hearts. Lord, I ask You to be with each of them now, working in their lives. Let Your will be done. If there is sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven, Lord, please help them in Your wisdom to see the need and confess. Lord, Your Word says I should pray for their healing. I believe You hear my earnest prayer. I have faith in You to heal, and I trust the plan you have for our lives. Lord, I don't always understand Your ways. I don't always understand the why of suffering, but I trust You. I ask that you look with mercy and grace toward my friends and family members. Nourish their spirits and souls in this time of suffering and comfort them. May they know Your Presence. Let them know You are there through each step of difficulty. May Your Holy Light shine in the darkness around my friends and family members who are going through sickness and disease right now and may You be glorified in all of it!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
1430
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