Israel Is Forever! - Becky Maisenbacher

The first time I heard this declaration was several years ago by Kim Clement. It was again proclaimed recently by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a national broadcast as he stood before Israel's governing body, the Knesset, that "Israel is forever!" What a powerful statement to speak over this beautiful nation and people. And as one reads Scripture it is very apparent God has every intention of His land being preserved forever.

A tour group from The Covenant Center journeyed together a few weeks ago for nine days to Israel and learned for ourselves how very special this land truly is. With a skilled and articulate journalist as our guide, we not only visited many sites and ruins that were nationally certified and documented for the historical events that took place; but we were given the opportunity to observe the people, their commerce, museums of archeological and historical importance, as well as the museum of the documented atrocities perpetrated upon them through the ages.

As we landed in Tel Aviv, I immediately sensed the weighted presence of God. His peace and presence continued with me throughout the trip. History is found everywhere you look and everywhere you walk. I was deeply awakened to how small my personal world has been. Even with the years of reading about Israel and studying the Scriptures, actually planting my feet on the ground of this Holy Land, was life changing.

This land holds a people who have suffered greatly through the centuries. They have withstood enslavement, ridicule, mockery and humiliation. They have been misrepresented, misjudged, maligned, betrayed and experienced some of the most evil and hideous acts to exterminate them as a people from the earth. And yet as we toured the land - there was evidence everywhere how God has preserved them and they have endured. What a testament to God's love and His preservation, even through diabolical times. What a revelation of His provision and goodness in sustaining His people. My heart and faith exploded within me as I observed God's divine protection and guidance for HIs children. As spoken in Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty... It is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings you may seek refuge. HIs faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night or of the arrow that flies by day...for He will give His angels charge concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

God chose this land and people to enter a covenant relationship with Him, and He has preserved them as a people and gathered them as a nation. One can witness everywhere the divine protection and peace, as well as the God given creativity and artistic gifting through the many advancements and discoveries in medicine, technology, agriculture, conservation, new inventions, salt-water desalination and so much more that has enhanced the quality of life for every person in the world.

I observed a people who have learned to savor the moments of joy and family. They display the ability to celebrate life, even in the midst of wars and rumors of wars, bombings and aggression by other peoples and nations encircling them. We witnessed festivities on the streets, small parties and the celebration of life with balloons and music in young men's bar mitzvahs. We also observed their cautiousness with strangers and yet their kindness and desire to compassionately love and serve others; demonstrated by the medical attention and care given to their enemies lying in their hospitals, injured on Israeli soil during premeditated attacks. Their enemies live in their land, building expansive settlements while also being given a voice in their government. Israel is a democracy. This is a people who respect the gift of life and desire to live in peace, even with those whose goal is to destroy them. And upon visiting the Western Wall, it is evident that they are a people who are devoted to God and who deeply love and honor Him.

In observing the many ruins and hearing the rich history of Israel - their struggles and disappointments as well as their victories, I found a country blessed by God's hand as they have walked through so many centuries of war and militancy from others. I observed a nation of people banded together with their face like flint and with the dignity and strength to fight for their land, as well as the national acceptance of them as a nation. Most importantly they desire to live in peace.

Even though they are a prospering nation, they too have needs. With God calling His people to return to their land, many are aged and unable to work, needing assistance with food, shelter and health care. I personally witnessed on what was a thriving street by day, several elderly women wandering alone, late in the evening, looking for food and other items. 

So as you pray for the nations, may I encourage you to remember Israel and its people in your prayers. And if you choose to visit one day, please know their economy is greatly supported by tourism. They welcome all people to come and experience the history, culture, food and beauty of this special nation. It is evident that God will continue to show His divine protection and love as well as His strong right arm over Israel, for we know He will continue to trumpet throughout the earth and declare to the nations that "Israel, truly is forever!"

Kairos - God's Appointed Time to Act! - Richard Maisenbacher

Many people know this Jewish New Year 5777 will be bringing in a great restoration of things that were lost. Some individuals believed the restoration would begin last fall in 2016. However, this past year was an intermission year, or a year of rest. So far, since October 4th, the revelation and teaching being released is helping to bring truths and clarity so that God's plan for restoration and breakthrough can be observed during this year.

The Covenant Center has been involved in a nine year litigation case involving contaminated property purchased several years ago. It has been a long, costly and sometimes discouraging journey. However, it is a pleasure to announce this lawsuit is now over, and the property was returned to the original owners by a rescission by the court. During this nine year lawsuit, I believed it might take six months or so to settle at the most. I had no idea that this much time would pass. We prayed, fasted, repented, declared, negotiated with God, received great prophecies, hired the best attorney in Polk County, Florida, and tried to be obedient to what we believed to be the guidance and direction of Holy Spirit during this season. What I forgot during the years of waiting, was the importance of God's kairos moments, which is the right or opportune moment for Him to act. This one moment takes place within our chronos time, which is our limited earthly time in which we live by minutes, hours, days and years.

I asked the Lord why this litigation was taking so long? Had I done something wrong? I reminded Him of HIs prophetic words that He would settle this suit in our favor. It was costing the church extra finances that we could use, and did He know the toll it was taking on Becky and I as well as our community. As the years past, our church body wondered if it was ever going to be over. By the way, we learned that this suit was one of Polk County's longest legal proceedings.

The only conclusion I could come to was that God was giving us the opportunity to develop one of HIs greatest fruit of the Spirit, long-suffering or perseverance with some patience mixed in! Who knew that in HIs timing the lawsuit would be officially resolved the day after we celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. What a prophetic picture of what God desires to do in this new season. I believe it is a first fruits restoration for our local church and an example of things to come this year.

So as you step into this new season, be encouraged and don't forget about HIs kairos moments. The moment when everything aligns. It is a moment when all circumstances come together. It is God's appointed time to act. As believers we are in a season of restoration and kairos moments right now! No matter how long you have waited or how discouraging your circumstances may appear - hang in there! This is the time when many kairos moments are on the way!

The Abundance of Rain - Becky Maisenbacher

As you step into this Hebraic New Year 5777 you may find yourself preparing to close the doors to some things in your past, as God continues to move you toward the future and destiny He has planned for you. Even as we experienced exceptional amounts of rain and flooding this past summer here in Florida, God is declaring there is an abundance of rain (blessing for growth, nourishment and refreshment) flowing from His throne. He has been preparing and refining His people and His stage is being set for Him to reveal Himself afresh with His power and glory. What an amazing time we have entered! Our Covenant Center family has already experienced the first fruits of this new season with the conclusion of nine years of litigation over a contaminated property. During the Feast of Tabernacles, Richard was called into the law office to sign the forms that concluded the litigation. The day after celebrating the Feast he was asked to return once again to our attorney's office where he was gifted with a donation to The Covenant Center that restored a great part of the down-payment which we thought had been lost. This is a picture of this new season and what God desires to do for you! He will help you close doors to your past, bringing some things to conclusion and finality, and move you into His season of hope, restoration and restitution.

The following is a word of encouragement you may find of interest given at The Covenant Center on September 1, 2013 by Katherine Johnson. It seems timely and appropriate to share now. 

Blessings beyond what we can imagine - ask or think. This will be the beginning of a series of years of the supernatural. Things we cannot even imagine happening will happen. We are going to begin to learn of the truth of the Rich Mullins song, "Our God is an Awesome God." Awesome things are going to happen, often without warning or foretelling. God is going to begin raining kisses down on His children and we are going to learn first-hand that God will do what He will do and no purpose of HIs can be set back. God will send out His Word and it will accomplish its full purpose - part of which is to "blow our minds." It is time for God to begin utterly destroying the neat little boxes people have built for HIm. He has not desired, until this time, to terrify us with the extent of His power, but that stops now. He will unleash His power as He wills. At times it will bring such joy we won't be able to fully or ably articulate what He has chosen to do. At other times we will not be able to put into words the word-shaking effect of a blast of His nostrils.

People who believe they hold power are going to be brought back to a full understanding of just how human and limited they are. The world is going to begin to see the consequences of either ignoring God or of discounting His power - let alone His existence. Anyone who will not see the evidence of Him and His unlimited power are going to just look like stubborn fools. This is the beginning of the manifestation of the scripture, "The fool has said in his heart there is not God." God is going to begin showing up in global matters such as hasn't been seen since the great flood. With today's media, even they will have to begin to be "on board" or look like fools. If they want to stay "on top" of the daily world news there will be no way they will be able to deny God's power. Even secular stations will be consulting true prophets of God to be able to understand what is happening and its impact. There will still be those who "pooh-pooh" these prophets, but God will vindicate His prophets. As stated in Romans One, "Those professing to be wise will become (be thought of as) fools."

This is the beginning of the time and seasons of God's revelation of Himself as Sovereign. Get ready. Get ready. Get ready. Get ready. Get ready. Get ready. Get ready. (Seven times is not by accident.) Psalm 61, "Once God has spoken, twice I have heard this; Power belongs to God." I heard "Get ready," seven times, and I hear it now again. "Get ready." (Seven times is the number of Divine Completion and eight is the number of New Beginnings. God is going to raise Himself up as the chief political influence in the world. It will not always look like it, but ultimately, that is what is the truth. God is in control and He is beginning to make that fact abundantly clear. This is the year of the beginning of God's very public and global manifestation of HImself. He's not going to be a "well-kept" secret anymore. He's not going to allow people to have mental boxes regarding His power anymore. This is the beginning of open, public and undeniable demonstrations of God revealing Himself to the earth and in the earth. People will "get on board" or they will perish. Noah's ark is being built and God is beckoning us to get on board.
Katherine Johnson 9-1-2013

And just now, as I was sitting here preparing to publish these thoughts, I received by text from my sister-in-law Katherine Kennedy this word and scripture of encouragement and reflection for these times. It seems a fitting conclusion to this post. How I love God's timing!

"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as King and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In His days, Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is the name by which He shall be called: "The Lord our righteousness." Jeremiah 23: 5-6.

In The Fullness Of Time - Pat Stark

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven."

IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME, GOD BROUGHT FORTH.... Those who were looking could feel the shift in the atmosphere being released and coinciding with the Biblical New Year that began this fall. As wonderful as that was, unfortunately many of us have not felt the shift happen in every area of our lives or families. For some of us, there continue to be difficult areas in which we are still experiencing struggle and pain, without seeing any clue of breakthrough happening on the horizon. Of course we are not meant to see with our natural eyes, but with the eyes of the Spirit. However, until that breakthrough fully manifests, we can be walking blindly through what still feels like a very difficult season. We long for major change, but the shift can be very imperceptible in its beginning stages.

It has been my experience that God gets mileage out of everything! I am still walking in the midst of a very painful season in my own life right now that in the natural, shows no hint of changing. Those seasons wear on us - especially when they are prolonged, and of course the enemy whispers, "This will never change, it is going to last forever.' I always need to recognize that for what it really is - a lie from the enemy! Seasons by their very nature change. The long winter changes to the hope of spring, the horrifically hot Florida summer changes to the refreshing breezes of fall. None of it changes perfectly, but it does change. The Bible says so.

I've also learned that as much as the enemy uses the circumstances to try to destroy my tender heart, God uses them to purify my heart; to test me by using the pressure to bring up any buried fears, aspects of control, angers and silent demands. He breaks my "pictures" ( I didn't realize I even had) of how I wanted things to be. It is a season of grieving the losses that we can't seem to change. We can't even pray enough prayers to bring change. As a result we can feel helpless, powerless, often forsaken and forgotten, but the truth is that God is still in the midst of it all. He is mighty and working all things to our ultimate good if we allow him. However in that season, most of his work is being done inside us, hidden from even our own eyes. He is tearing down false survival systems, things we have built to make life work our own way.

Being in one of those painful seasons right now, a song was shared with me, sung by Kristine Dimarco called "Jesus, Your Love." It is an encouraging, heart-healing song that I've played over and over in the darkest of times as things appeared to be getting more and more devastating. I share a few lines with you to hopefully bring you the encouragement and strengthening it has brought to me.

"There is a LOVE that takes me by the hand
Guiding my heart to find its home again
And where YOU are is home to me...
So let my heart tell You again
When SEASONS CHANGE AND STORIES END
Your steady LOVE - it will sustain me through it all..."

Word of Restoration for this Coming Season - Becky Maisenbacher

Tonight, October 2, 2016 at sundown, we will enter into a new season of the Lord on His Hebraic calendar - 5777. There are many encouraging divine manifestations taking place as God ushers His people into this new time in the earth. A time of celebration as well as reflection, God is with us, Immanuel, preparing us to cross over and walk into all He has planned and prepared for this new year. I hope this word given at The Covenant Center on September 23, 2016 by Randi Lechner encourages you and strengthens you to continue in your path with Him.

Randi Lechner: By reason of discouragement - the pain and the threatenings...I've heard them cry by reason of the task masters who had no mercy and I have come down to deliver them. I've come down to set My people free. I've come down to make a way, where there is no way. I've come to remove obstacles, barriers and walls. Behold says the Lord, you've heard that the days past were days of grace, but I tell you, you have not yet seen the favor of your God. You've not yet seen the majesty of how I will do for My people what they cannot do for themselves. I have seen. I have heard, and My hand is outstretched - and I will move says the Lord.

Look at the mountain that was before you that was inexhaustible. Look at the mountain that was indomitable. Look at the thing that you tried to conquer and could not. And I tell you - you will look for it and find it no more. Because I have spoken and the earth will tremble and the mountains will fall. I will dry up the supplies of the enemy. And where there were rivers of supply that the enemy caused to happen, behold, they will be dry deserts and the enemy shall be starved out of his place. For behold I will raise up a banner and I will raise up a people who know My voice. I shall raise up a people who shall stand in the midst of what others are afraid of, who will declare the goodness of their God. I will raise up a generation - a generation of David's mighty men says the Lord, who have abandoned all to follow after the King. I shall raise up a generation who shall not fear the giants of the land. I will raise up a generation who will say: "We will conquer in the name of our God - in the name of David!"

And behold, anyone who will - I will bring. I will bring you to that place and I will use you. Look, says the Lord, at that mountain of unbelief that those that you love have built in order to have a fortress against My name and My word. Declare My name to it, and behold their fortress of reasoning and doubt and unbelief will crumble before them, and I will bring the blind by way they did not know. And I will make a way in the desert. And behold out of you I will bring fruit and the nations will eat, says the Lord.

Do you not know that these last two years have been years that are fallow? Years where the ground did not produce. Years where the plantings of yesterday did not bring a crop today. Do you not know why, says the Lord, for it was not the enemy. For I said, they are the Sabbath years. They are the years that will lay fallow. But surely says the Lord, I will bring forth a new crop, a new harvest, a new strength out of the weakness of these past two years. And I will cause you to stretch out on every side. I will cause you to afford where before you could not afford. I will cause you to break out of the sickness and into health. I will cause you to come out of the poverty and into abundance. For in these two years, in that which was laying fallow, I did a work in you and I plowed the hardness of your hearts. And I plowed the places and I cut off the branches that once produced that I might bring forth strong fruit in a new season.

God's peace and blessings to you and your family in this new year - A blessed Rosh Hashanah!

Jesus - Our Covenant Representative - Richard Maisenbacher

In my last post I discussed some of the basics of covenant understanding. The purpose of this writing is to introduce the representatives in the covenant. In the Semitic lands covenant was known by the union of nations, clans or individuals. Covenant was also observed within family units as each member was knitted one to another with covenant responsibility. Jesus, established in His blood, mediates the covenant today. He is our representative.

God invites us to enter the New Covenant with Him. He is the greater party desiring us to enter into this covenant. When two tribes decided to make covenant the superior tribe in power invited the one with lesser power. Can you guess who the lesser party might be in this New Covenant? It is a covenant sealed by the Spirit of God as He writes the law on our hearts enabling us to live out its promises.

When a group prepared to enter into covenant they selected a man to represent them. This person spoke and acted on the authority of another. This person made the covenant for them. He was the guarantor that the terms and promises were kept. For example, Goliath was the representative for the Philistines and David for Israel. It was Goliath who said: "I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man that we might fight together." Goliath was saying he represented the Philistines. He said: "Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants."

Two men settled the whole issue. David knew he was Israel's representative when he declared: "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? You come to me with a sword, with a spear and a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel who you have defiled." David knew he was in covenant with the God of Israel and used His name as his authority. David was God's representative and Israel shared their victory as if it were their own.

Consequently, Jesus is our representative in the New Covenant. His shed blood is His bond for life and the giving of His word is to keep the terms and commitments contained in the covenant. If the terms are not kept, life must be forfeited. (More on this will be expanded at a later time). This covenant is a serious decision, which emphasizes that those who are in covenant with each other assume responsibility for each other. In the New Covenant Jesus becomes our protection. This is not a casual relationship.

God knew the seriousness of the covenant relationship. He sacrificed His Son. His death guaranteed peace and an intimacy with the Father that had not been available since the Fall. In the next writing we will explore the benefits, promises, exchanges and responsibilities for us as covenant believers who walk by faith. This covenant relationship is not only exciting, but contains many opportunities for a sacrificial love with God the Father and others. Much more sacrificial than I anticipated!

Covenant Understanding - Richard Maisenbacher

In 1988 Becky and I decided to move to Lakeland, Florida motivated by our desire to know the Lord through covenant understanding and the prophetic movement God seemed to be emphasizing during that season. Covenant is the way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Covenant is also a relationship and way of life that we know little of living in a Western culture.

Even though covenant is mentioned almost as many times as love in the Bible, it remains a very foreign concept to us in the United States. In the East they know and live covenant more naturally because it is a way of life. When the scriptures were written, covenant was mentioned and covenant language was included; however, an explanation or definition was not given because everyone already understood the elements of covenant.

I believe that understanding covenant is the most important foundation in the Bible. Without understanding covenant we have a difficult time understanding our relationship with God and others. Covenant is not just a contract; it is the way God has chosen to express His love toward us.

In the next several postings I will attempt to go over some basics of covenant. A caution that I would like to express immediately is the tendency to make covenant a nice teaching which brings great knowledge and understanding, but can be set aside as more knowledge with little, if any, application. Covenant is not just a truth to keep in our notes, but a commitment of trust and love lived with God and released to others, motivated by His love.

In his covenant writings, Malcolm Smith defined covenant in this way: "Covenant is a binding obligation between two parties, sealed by blood and an oath. Each party is bound by specific undertakings on each other's behalf. The parties are under divine retribution should they later try to avoid those undertakings."

The relationship of love, trust, grace, mercy and obligation to each other forms the foundational relationship of covenant. This writing is to only discuss covenant on a very introductory level. More details of what a covenant is, who enters it, the terms, the responsibilities, the oath, blessings and curses, and the exchanges that are received and given will be discussed here; however, it may also be studied in our Covenant-U School of Ministry class - "HT 101 What Is The Hebraic Understanding of Covenant." This course can be found on our website under Covenant-U in the section titled "Hebraic Thought."

Understanding covenant is very exciting! We enter a relationship of love and commitment with Someone who not only expresses acts of lovingkindness, but lovingkindness is who He is. Understanding and living covenant will change your life. Revelation will increase and relationship will grow deeper as covenant is walked out with Christ!

The Ability to Overcome - Becky Maisenbacher

In the 80's Richard and I were introduced to "Overcomer" classes for new believers, to learn how to live victoriously. We immediately signed up for these classes, hoping they would point us to a successful life, which would include good health and prosperity. Being healthy and prospering is certainly a part of the Kingdom, but I found myself taking on the belief that if I did not attain and exemplify these two aspects of His Kingdom, I was somehow letting God down. And of course, if I was letting God down, I would not be of value to Him. The more I tried to succeed in these two areas, the more I would fail.  

What I did not realize is that I had taken the world's values of success and incorporated them into His Kingdom. I did not understand that God's ways are far different from the world's ways. For instance, if God in HIs word is telling us to overcome, it means we are going to have challenges and disappointments to overcome. When He tells us to be strong, it means we are going to experience feeling weak. When He tells us to not be weary in well doing, so we can reap, it means there are going to be times where we feel like we can't go on one more day - we are worn out, exhausted and ready to give up. 

So what is an Overcomer? Webster defines this term with these words: to defeat, conquer, vanquish, overwhelm, overpower, crucify, demolish and more. The great news is God has called us to live an overcoming life, and what He asked us to do, He will help us accomplish! Why do we need to stand with our face like flint and overcome? Because God has a reward for those who persevere to the end. He knew the fallen world we live in would be rough. He knew we would make poor choices and encounter evil. But He has given us a promise. All He is asking us to do is repent when needed, get up each day, put one foot in front of the other, try again, and hang onto Him and the horns of His altar as He supplies what we need to succeed each day. 

Let's look at John's encouragement to the church in Revelation. John wrote this at a time when the church was undergoing great persecution and difficulty, especially during the reign of Nero and Domitian. "He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My Throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Rev. 3:21). And Revelations 12:11 - "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when they faced death." This scripture always reminds me of the importance of our testimony. Now the enemy of your soul wants to come and tell you your testimony is not important. Or he wants to quiet and embarrass you -  make you fearful, so you will hide your testimony. You know the thoughts - "If anyone finds out what I did or who I really am, they may not like me", or "I might not be a good representative of Jesus." We allow our shame and past history to get in the way of sharing His good news! Your testimony is the testimony of Jesus! It contains the declarations of God's faithfulness and mercy, His goodness, strength and guidance, as well as His salvation, given to all through Jesus. Your testimony trumpets the news and truth of HIs presence and His glory. The testimony of what God has done in your life encourages others. It gives them knowledge of how He has helped you overcome hardships and maybe even despair. It instills in others a perseverance to keep going, keep believing, and keep trusting even when they feel like giving up!

We have been birthed into His Kingdom and matured by Holy Spirit's guidance and training to be able to overcome. Here are the encouraging words of Peter, spoken when he realized the need to help focus the church then, as we still need today, and declared in 1 Peter 4:12: "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; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

The truth is - we all have a journey with God that will result in some hardship and pain while here on this earth. We are not immune from challenges and pain just because we align with Christ. We are however given the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us, and even like the thief at Golgotha was assured a place in paradise, we also are assured of an amazing eternity with Him. Beloved, God has formed you to overcome! His right arm goes before you and fights for you. Know that He is with you. Be encouraged in HIm today. For whatever trial you may face, He is there, to love you, walk with you, strengthen you and guide you into His hope and victory!

Anticipating A Great Year!

Greetings Covenant Family and Friends! 

I hope you have had a refreshing summer. July was especially a great month to travel and spend some extra time with family and friends. As of August 1st, we are stepping back into our yearly schedule and anticipating a great year with lots of activities at The Center. Starting this Wednesday, August 3rd we will reconvene meeting each Wednesday with our Youth Night and three Adult Groups including: Inner-Connections, Prophetic Activation, and Hebraic Studies. We will also continue our Covenant U classes on site, beginning Monday, September 12th. Please call our office for further information regarding classes and enrollment.

I would like to remind you of our Night of the Spirit on the second, third and fourth Friday of each month. The prophetic teaching and ministry to the Body has been powerful bringing life and truth to those attending.

Our three teams of musicians continue to prepare the atmosphere for His presence by their praise and worship during our Sunday morning celebrations. We appreciate their dedication and beautiful expression of heaven. Operation Back Pack provided back packs and school supplies for forty students starting school in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone who donated and participated in preparing these supplies for distribution. We hope to make this outreach a yearly event.

You will find a few new teachers in our youth department this year. We are thankful for our education team of instructors who minister to our children each week - Toddlers to High School. We are so blessed to have creative Spirit-filled teachers who have a heart to see children develop a relationship with Jesus and His word.

We are still in a special time regarding this Jubilee year and God is moving in our midst during this season of restoration. We are experiencing healings of relationships as well as emotional and physical healings, and also financial breakthroughs. God is releasing new levels of hope and covenant blessings, and we are looking forward to celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles including Rosh Hashanah this coming October.

This is going to be an outstanding year! We have much to look forward to as we watch God move in Florida and our Nation!

Joy Restored - Becky Maisenbacher

For the past two months I have found myself periodically humming parts of an old hymn composed using some of the words of David found in Psalm 51. Approaching God with a repentant heart the song lyrics implore God: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion, blot out my transgressions; Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love, wash away my iniquities, cleanse me from my sins; I will be whiter than snow, I will be whiter than snow, by the blood I am whiter than snow - I will be whiter than snow. As you read the entire psalm, especially verses 10-12, you can almost hear David's heart cry and appeal for God to cleanse him and restore his joy: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit."

I have not thought of this song in years, but as I hummed and sang out verse twelve, my heart connected to David's cry. "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation....and renew a right spirit within me." It was as if my spirit was prayerfully crying out to God for a deep restoration of joy. This past seven year season has been challenging for so many. Information overload regarding government and financial systems, education, security and health structures, family and spiritual relationships have left some battle weary and disillusioned. In the conflict we have learned the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus, thanking him and staying focused on what he is doing.

I love the psalms, maybe because they relate to various seasons in my own life. We can all identify with David's plea and transparency found in this beautiful song, as he recognized and expressed his failure, insufficiency and weakness. He approached God in humility, asking for mercy and repenting for his personal transgressions. He appealed to God for the restoration of joy in his life. From these verses it is evident that David took time with God to assess his natural and spiritual condition, leading to the confession of his sin and lack, and ultimately recognizing the joy of his youth had left him.

Maybe you have recently taken an assessment of your personal condition and recognized that the joy you once knew with God has eroded in the mixture of life. If so, would you consider praying with me? "Father, have mercy on me, according to your loving kindness and great compassion. Thank you for washing me clean of any iniquity and cleansing me of my sin. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Please do not cast me away from your presence or remove Holy Spirit from me, and restore to me Father, the joy of your salvation as you sustain me with a willing spirit."

As we are being prepared in this jubilee year to walk into the new season beginning at Rosh Hashanah, Holy Spirit whispered something very sweet this week. "You are entering a time of restoration. I am going to restore to you the joy and wonder of knowing Me. Be anticipating My goodness once again. Discard the old negative structures that were built in this past season and step into the new. Take a step into this new season. It's here for you!"

Foundations - Pat Stark

The foundation of a house is vitally important. If the foundation is not strong or built correctly eventually the house will have major problems. The same is true of our own lives. If we have unforgivenenss and bitterness in our foundation; unhealed hurts perhaps going all the way back to our beginnings, or maybe a lack of being able to trust because of past betrayals or insecurities from early rejections, the structure of our lives will not be strong, peaceful or secure. So when the winds of adversity come, fear can easily overwhelm us.

Ephesians 2:19-22 states: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

I believe we are currently in a season where God is shaking and testing our foundations so we can be fitted into the house he is building. What have our lives been built on? His loving shaking is necessary to uproot whatever false foundations we might have built on the illusion of control or the false security of the world system. What might we have relied on for our particular picture of life or our version of the American dream? What does that look like for each of us? Have we looked to a particular relationship to give us life, or to our material possessions? Perhaps a career or ministry? Our family, spouse, children, friends? What about our health, strength, abilities? Those things cannot be our foundation for anyone of them can be lost in an instant!

In Hebrews 12: 26 (NIV) we find the following: "At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, Once More Will Shake Not Only The Earth But Also The Heavens." The words "Once More" indicate the removing of what can be shaken - that is, created things,  "so that what cannot be shaken may remain" (vs 27). What does he shake? The things, the systems we have created to make life work the way we think we need it to in order to feel secure.

Yes, the light is getting lighter, but right along with that, the darkness is getting darker and trying to invade our light. Unless we are grounded on the foundation of total surrender to Jesus Christ in all of our ways and circumstances, the danger lurks of becoming overwhelmed and overcome by them. This is a season of allowing God to rebuild our particular house so that the "gates of hell cannot prevail against us" and that as the winds blow in our lives, we remain standing anchored and grounded on the Rock who is Jesus. That building cannot be destroyed.

The Lord's Prayer Part 4 - Richard Maisenbacher

Continuing our discussion regarding The Lord's Prayer, let's look in Matthew 6:12, the next verse in this prayer - "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

Forgiving others and ourselves has always been challenging for the Body of Christ. We usually have excellent reasons to hold on to our unforgiveness. However, complete forgiveness is the very relationship we enjoy and embrace from Christ. In addition, there also seems to be some significant physical healing that takes place for the one who forgives!

Forgiveness includes asking for and releasing forgiveness to God, others and ourselves. And when one apologizes forgiveness does not mean that everything goes back to normal as if nothing ever happened. God gives us the grace to forgive. I have found if I am having difficulty forgiving, I am in need of His wonderful grace to help me. However, sometimes because of the depth and variety of the abuse, restitution, safety and appropriate boundary setting need to take place before trust can be restored.

Here are a couple prayer examples that may help you get started when true/honest  forgiveness seems to be impossible.

"I release to You/Father my anger and disappointment resulting from knowing that my perception and understanding are limited by my own viewpoint of why You allowed a particular situation to occur. You have a greater purpose beyond my understanding, so please forgive me and help me to understand Your ways."

"I allow Holy Spirit to flow through the bitterness and disappointment in this situation and release Your 'river' of forgiveness to flow our and through me because the Spirit of Christ leads the way. I can release forgiveness because of the forgiveness You have released to me. Thank you for producing peace again within me and my other relationships."

Prepare for His Presence - Becky Maisenbacher

With so much turmoil swirling around us today, do you ever find yourself crying out to God? What are you doing? Where are you God? Help us! Forgive us! Come and be King in this nation Father! This has certainly been a cry of my heart, to not only grow in greater intimacy with God, but to also sense the timing and season we are in and to know what He is saying.

If we ask He is faithful to come and answer. So recently during our Sunday worship I sensed Holy Spirit directing me to Psalm 24. Here we find God speaking through David, especially in verse 1 and 2, clearly reminding David of His glory, sovereignty and omnipotence over all creation. God is stating here that men may claim to have land and reign over their kingdoms, but He is the Lord and creator of all things - all creatures, all human beings, plants, trees, evergreens, gold, silver, cattle on a a thousand hills and the fish in the sea. He has created the earth and separated the waters from the land - He has built the hills and formed the mountains. He is King of the universe! 

Clark's Commentary regarding this Psalm gives some historical insight stating that this Psalm was probably composed as the Ark was being carried from the house of Obededom to Mount Zion. It is suggested the questions spoken throughout may be directed at those who were to carry and minister before the Ark (the priests) and their character, with the last verses referring to the preparation to open the city gate so the Ark could enter.

Let's take a moment to read and soak up the uplifting words in this beautiful Psalm:

he earth is the Lord's and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Thy face - even Jacob. Selah.

Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. (NASB)

So how do we prepare to ascend into the hill of the Lord and prepare for His presence and blessing as we open the gate? We see some conditions expressed in verse 4 - "He who has clean hands and a pure heart - who has not lifted up his soul to falsehoods nor sworn deceitfully." I'm so thankful that God has provided a way through His Son, Jesus, and has cleansed me and made me righteous aren't you? So through salvation (the process of being delivered from all forms of evil) we have been positioned to walk with Him and be carriers of His presence. What a blessing that we can daily come to Jesus, examine ourselves, repent if needed and continue in our relationship with Him. It is His mercy that extends salvation to all men. And it is His resplendent and glorious mercy by which He sovereignly conforms us into His image compelling us toward obedience, holiness and fidelity. Our part is to simply surrender to Him.

What a great and captivating love He bathes you and me in each day. And isn't Psalm 24 a striking picture of what God is up to right now? In the midst of the evil that may swirl about, He is preparing His people to carry the Ark (His presence) while we surrender to the examination of our heart and motives, with prayer and repentance; as we prepare to open the gate to His people, cities, states and nations, so the King of glory may enter - reside and preside. God has positioned us on His highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:* preparing a purified and consecrated people to carry His presence into the land. So lift up your heads, O gates! God is coming to His temple (that's you) and He is calling upon His priests (that's also you) to prepare and get ready to open the gate and lift up the ancient doors. Here comes the King of glory - God is with you!

Lord Bring Unity in Our Diversity - Becky Maisenbacher

Recently I awoke from a serene and wondrous dream where I was observing a great multitude of people. They were gathered together shoulder to shoulder as far as I could see. Each individual quietly stood without fanfare, singing a stanza of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, which quickly transitioned into the chorus: "Glory, glory hallelujah…His truth is marching on." As I stood entranced by the peace and diversity, I was captured by their unity and melodious singing, quickly realizing this was not a group formed for political or contentious purposes. They were not singing a song to choose sides or insight anyone to anger or fear, but they were adoringly and lovingly worshiping as a unified multitude of people from all different races and cultures, glorifying God.

Next I found myself moving toward a beautiful pair of extremely large wooden doors. I could see the timeworn marks embedded into their beautiful rich patina. I became keenly aware of their age. As I approached the entrance, I observed multitudes of what appeared to be soldiers from every era of U.S. history. Again, I knew this was much greater than any political agenda. This was about masses of people from different eras moving forward in peace focused on God's glory. As they marched in sync through these large ancient doors their faces displayed a great peace and focus. They were saints who had given their hearts to Him. They had surrendered their lives and were advancing in peace and love. As I stood by the doors, amazed at the massive number marching shoulder to shoulder through the doors, filled with wonder and reverence, I also began to join into the chorus quietly and adoringly singing, "Glory, glory, hallelujah - Glory, glory hallelujah - Glory, glory hallelujah His truth is marching on." We were all in one accord, reverently singing of His truth, which has marched on through all eras of history.

From the beginning of creation God has desired a people to love and worship Him in Spirit and in truth. God poured His love out to the world through the precious blood of His only son Jesus, as he was sent to earth to redeem mankind. Since then, multitudes of people have lived through amazing experiences as well as horrific betrayals - wars and rumors of war; but God's desire has remained the same as spoken by Jesus in John 17:26: "I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known; that the love wherewith You did love Me may be in them, and I in them." What was Jesus really praying here? That God in His glory would make us all one. Only through His love and His glory will mankind be redeemed and transformed into His image being filled with His love and grace.

When we ask God to help align our lives with His desire as stated by Jesus in Luke 10:27, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself;" we will then begin to see His love change the culture and atmosphere around us.  When we choose to love and simply give a cup of water in His name, we will find that one step of grace can change history.

Regarding the beautiful weathered doors in the dream, we find in Psalm 24 the King of Glory entering Zion in verse 7-10: "Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory!"

God, who created every living being and creature loves His creation. As we ask Him to teach us to love the way He loves, to serve the way He serves and to express compassion as He expresses His love through His grace; lives will be touched, and families as well as cities and nations will be changed in His name.

"Heavenly Father, create in your people a pure heart that we may ascend into Your hill and stand in Your holy place with clean hands. Come in Your glory bringing unity in our diversity and make us one. May we as Your people bring glory to You as we learn to move in your love and grace.

The Lord's Prayer Part 3 - Richard Maisenbacher

As we continue reflecting on The Lord's Prayer, let's look at Matthew 6:11 which states: "Give us this day our daily bread."  We are reminded in this one sentence that our basic daily needs come to us from heaven one day at a time. Planning and setting goals for our future is good, but apprehension for tomorrow can result when we take our eyes off His provision for today. Jesus shared His cure for anxiety when He spoke in Matthew 6:25: "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?" And in Matthew 6:34 He reemphasizes and concludes His message with one final thought: "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

When we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" our belief structure may be challenged as to whether His daily bread is a gift of God or a daily expectation. In Matthew 6:33 if we assume that we will "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; all these things will be added" to us, our faith increases and we trust in Him and our relationship with Him. On the other hand, if after praying we choose to posture ourself with a demanding attitude that He will now meet our need, we have chosen a relationship based on demand and one's right, rather than a relationship founded on love and trust.

This part of the Lord's Prayer becomes a reminder that we are a part of a covenant God who keeps His word to those He is in covenant with. He loves us and He looks for ways to bless us in our relationship with Him. Therefore, we love Him and look for ways to please Him by following Him and His ways. As this process of love and trust increases, we quit looking for ways to minimize the uncertainty of life by trying to control everything in our future. We then can rejoice that He meets our needs through this intimate relationship of prayer one day at a time, while our worry dissipates right before our eyes.

The Lord's Prayer Part 2 - Richard Maisenbacher

Previously in my December post, I discussed with you how the Lord's Prayer appears to be a modified version of the eighteen Benedictions of Blessings the Jews recited three times a day. Within their busy work schedules, abbreviated prayers became acceptable as demonstrated by Jesus' example in the Lord's Prayer..

To review, the first verse of the Lord's Prayer which appears in Matthew 6:9, begins with "Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name," which we found to translate as "May Your name be sanctified." Sanctify means to make clean, holy, purify, or separated unto Him. Therefore, because we are in covenant with Him, whenever we obey His commandments we are sanctifying His name.

The phrase "Thy kingdom come" found in verse ten was common in Jewish prayers. It referred not only to the future Messianic Age, but also to our present needs here on earth, depicting the kingdom of heaven is at hand. They were also accustomed to praying, "Let Him cause His kingdom to reign and His redemption to flourish." We see that "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," is very similar to the 3rd benediction found in the Amidah which states: "We will sanctify Your name in the world even as they sanctify it in the highest heavens." Therefore, as a result of our prayers and obedience we see that we have an important part in our relationship with the Lord to sanctify His name on earth as it is in heaven.

Now I pray with greater understanding knowing the deeper meaning of this beautiful prayer. In summarizing, let's look at the following:

1. Our Father whose name is to be hallowed will be sanctified.
2. Since we are in covenant with Him and choose to obey His will, we purify or sanctify His name.
3. In our covenant union, the two become one. Names are not only exchanged, but the characteristics representing the meaning behind each name is also exchanged or sanctified.
4. Since His will is already done in heaven, it is now duplicated here on earth as we follow His instructions.
5. His kingdom not only represents what will take place in the future age or in heaven, but is also applicable to our current needs here on earth at this time.

Israel knew that their hope for redemption was related to their obedience to the commandments of God. In praying the Lord's Prayer I have learned it is not simply a prayer of words for the Lord to hear or answer, but it implies a a responsibility on my part. If I want the Lord's name to be sanctified on earth, I must choose to keep His commandments, which in turn will expand His kingdom.

I will continue to discuss some of the benefits of walking in His covenant of love, expressed in the Lord's Prayer next time.

A Time of Restoration - Becky Maisenbacher

It was the early 80's and I had just finished sharing a short message and song of praise at our home church in Dayton, Ohio. I began to exit the stage when I heard a voice from the audience declare: "Miss Becky, I have a word for you." I looked around and there standing before me was our special speaker Evangelist Jerry B. Walker. As I handed him the microphone, he looked at me and declared: "Miss Becky your word is 'Restoration.' The Body of Christ is not familiar with it now, but they will be in the future and it is a word for you." I smiled and thanked him for his word of encouragement and continued to my seat somewhat puzzled, thinking "Restoration…hmmm what an unusual word Lord, what does it mean?"  

Richard and I had completed all our Bible classes, word of faith schooling, and all the required meetings to graduate from the school of theology, but I had heard very little spoken about restoration. This word became a meditation for me. There were of course events in the Bible where God greatly restored treasure and health, but what relevance did this word have for me today? In my youth I did not understand that I had lessons to learn. And in the thirty years since receiving this word my family and I have walked through many trials including bankruptcy, infidelity, betrayal, public slander and more. We have also watched God preserve and sustained us. He has taught us, corrected us, given us guidance and counsel, vindicated us as well as restored us. God has faithfully been our anchor and this simple word from Jerry B. Walker has continued to be a precious word of hope. 

Today we are hearing many prophetic voices declaring a new season - a season of "Restoration." It is encouraging to hear this word spoken and for many these coming years will bring great restitution and resolution. However, just like restoring an older home, there still may be painful times of tearing down and discarding materials, like our thoughts, unbiblical beliefs, behaviors, motivations, etc. which no longer support the new structure being built. But no matter how difficult the demolition experience, it sure is exciting and gratifying to see the structure rebuilt, restored and the finishing work completed.

God desires for you to understand His process of renewal and restoration, as He changes you into His likeness. What better way to understand His covenant process than to walk through it with Him. You give Him permission to expose and remove what is not pleasing to Him and then He patiently restores and fills you with more of Him. What an amazing work of Holy Spirit, digging deep into the hearts and minds of men sanctifying, transforming and restoring us as He renews our heart and mind while He restores our soul.

God is at work dividing your soul and spirit, so you may think and reason more like Him. He is at work extracting the world's ways so you may commune more intimately with Him. He wants to teach you to discern information more by His Spirit than simply from your intellect, will or emotions. He is not only able to redeem your thoughts but your entire life. Whatever you have lost, whatever pain, shame, humiliation or ill health you may have had to bear, God is ready and waiting to restore you. He is always at work bringing restoration and life to His people. Look for Him, ask and expect Him to move on your behalf. And as you and I continue to surrender to HIs restorative work, may we encourage one another, especially when it is painful, to say to our Father, "Don't stop Lord - even when it hurts."

A Season of Change - Richard Maisenbacher

When I consider the New Year in 2016 I hear the Lord saying to be open to change. For some change will be a wonderful thing to look forward to because of the challenging year they have just experienced. For others it will be difficult to look at any change because they enjoy things just as they have been and change seems unnecessary.

When I researched the word "change" in the Bible, in Jeremiah 4:27-28 concerning Israel God declares: "I will not change My mind, nor will I turn from it." However when they are considering killing Jeremiah because of his challenging messages, the Lord says: "Now therefore amend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God: and the Lord will change His mind about the misfortune which He has pronounced against you." 

Scripture encourages us in Hebrews 13:8 that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Even though Jesus never changes, we find seasons do change as we are reminded in Isaiah 43;19: "Behold I am doing something nene, now it will spring forth, will you not be aware of it?"

Recently in a dream I was playing tennis and my shots did not have any power or accuracy. The Lord then said, "Make a small grip change." In making the subtle grip change, I suddenly had more power, accuracy and depth on each shot. This change produced impactful shots while using less effort. I believe my experience in this dream is applicable to our Christian walk. When we make even the smallest change in our life, like deciding to align our lives with His directives and word, we increase our chances of hitting the mark. You may choose to pray, study the Bible, address negative attitudes and belief systems, make adjustments to lifestyle choices, tackle bad habits or addictions, recognize obstacles and change behaviors to overcome them. Making small changes in any of these areas can bring increase and breakthrough for you.

Small changes can make a big difference in your life as well as the Kingdom. Maybe God has already been speaking to you about some changes He may have highlighted for you. I want to encourage you that this is the season to not only make the change, but step out and watch how even a small change can make a big difference in your life!

Our Pursuit of Peace - Becky Maisenbacher

As we embark upon another year, we are usually filled with expectation, hope and desire that the coming year will be greater than our last. We make plans and write goals hoping to fill that place in our heart we often silently ignore. We search for that one item, relationship, job or destination that will finally complete us and fulfill our desires. And yet, we often finish the year, finding ourselves lacking in our quest for completion or wholeness. Scripture instructs us in 1st Timothy 6:6 that "Godliness with contentment is great gain." We may be pursuing the path of godliness, but how do we find contentment?

Looking back I see in my personal quest, the years of striving for identity, success, love, joy and most importantly that elusive place of peace. Each yearly search, like a kind and disciplined mentor, would guide me back to the truth of my inability to achieve that pinnacle of perfection I desired; as life gently and consistently assisted me in recognizing my own insufficiency. You see, through all the mixture of life - the highs and lows - I have come to understand that we have been made to be insufficient. In our failures, emptiness, our loneliness, discouragement, imperfections and unmet longings, we are given great grace to acknowledge our lack to God, so He may fill us with His bountifulness and lavishness. What remarkable and extraordinary love! Our lack for His supply is simply His stunning design process found in His covenant exchange. We give Him our neediness and deficiency and He fills us with His abundance.

Oswald Chambers in his devotional "My Utmost for His Highest" eloquently expresses the divine setups of life, which are not only used to reveal our need for God, but are often constructed to guide us to a place of surrender to His will and sovereignty. He entreats us on page one: "To shut out every other consideration and keep yourself before God for one thing - our utmost for His highest" (Phillipians 1:20). In addition, Chambers instructs his reader in the ways of God by stating: "God's order has to work up to a crisis in our lives because we will not heed the gentler way. He brings us to the place where He asks us to be our utmost for Him, and we begin to debate; then He produces a providential crisis where we have to decide - for or against, and from that point the 'great divide' begins." He concludes his devotion with this thought, which I have paraphrased and submit to you for reflection in this New Year 2016: If a challenge comes to you on any given level, consider the possibility of your insufficiency in the situation and surrender your will and lack to Him without question or doubt, that you may enter into His covenant exchange where He will take your circumstances and replace them with His inexhaustible bounty.

As we enter this new year, may you open your heart to recognize your need for Him, as you invite Him, the Prince of Peace into your daily life. And may you be confident that in His goodness and faithfulness, He will fulfill your deepest longings, preserve you in His love and bathe you in His priceless peace.

Jesus - Our Foundation - Becky Maisenbacher

Throughout this year I personally have been hearing - "Foundations - return to My foundations." It is certainly important to have a solid footing to face life's challenges particularly with the tumultuous environment surrounding us today. There are many enlightening and foundational teachings which help us understand God and His ways including the Bible and the various reference books available on Greek and Hebraic word studies, the prophetic and supernatural nature of God and His glory, hermeneutics and other great literary text. However, even with all the the enlightening and revelatory instruction, the greatest foundational force is still Jesus and our relationship with Him.

When trials appear, Holy Spirit begins to sweetly sing this song to me, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus - look full in His wonderful face - and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, by the light of His glory and grace." He lovingly draws me back to His foundation - keeping my eyes on Him and leaning my ear toward heaven. He directs me to Jesus.

It really is so simple. It is not necessary to perform to secure a relationship with Jesus. It isn't about earning His love or what church we attend. Nor is it about how many scriptures we can recite, what song we sing or position we may hold in a church, what amazing dream we have had or what prophetic word of encouragement we share. All these experiences may be wonderful and they may be guided by heaven, but they can never take the place of knowing Jesus. He stands ready and waiting to be invited into your life to walk and talk with you - to have relationship with you every day. And the manifestations of His glory become a naturally supernatural part of you, when you choose to know Him. Jesus is saying, "Return to the foundations. Return to Me. Let Me be your first love."  

When you choose to have relationship with someone, you want to spend time with them, talk with them, find out what they enjoy and what plans they have for their life. Right? In fact, you usually can't wait to see them.Well, it's the same with Jesus. We learn about Him and His ways. We find out what brings Him joy as we choose to enter a friendship with Him. We develop a mutual trust and respect for one another as we joyfully choose to become His disciple. We delight in spending time with Him. He invites us into His garden and we share personal moments together.

The words to this song always awaken my spirit and desire to meet with Him. "I come to the garden alone, when the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear, falling on my ear the son of God discloses. He speaks and the sound of His voice, is so sweet,, the birds hush their singing, and the melody that He gives to me, within my heart is ringing. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known." Walking and talking with Him is life changing. He teaches us to see the world through His eyes. He gives clarity and understanding as well as comfort and direction.

Jesus desires for you to be His beloved. He wants to talk and share with you - spend time with you and help guide you throughout your life. His words bring healing and life, comfort and peace. I'll leave you with the following scriptures for reflection and pray that you may choose to draw even closer to Him in 2016. He is ready and waiting! 

I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35

I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

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

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven... Matthew 16:19

Merry Christmas to you and a blessed New Year!