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Richard Maisenbacher

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Pentecost and Shavuot: Celebrate His Spirit & Word by Richard Maisenbacher

Pentecost and Shavuot - Richard Maisenbacher

There are three major feast seasons of the Lord described in Leviticus 23. They are Passover/Pesach, Pentecost/Shavuot, and Tabernacles/Succot, in which God meets with His covenant people. During June, Shavuot will be observed from June 1st through June 3rd, and Pentecost will be on June 8th.

Pentecost is a Feast of the Lord recognized by believers, as mentioned in Acts 2:1. The presence of God fell upon the believers, accompanied by tongues of fire (a pictographic symbol of blessing) as they began to speak in the native languages of those who were listening. In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 31, he prophesied that the Spirit of God would come upon the believers and the Torah (God’s Word) would be written on their hearts, rather than on tablets of stone.

When Paul was at Ephesus, he found some disciples and he asked them in Acts 19:2-6, “And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized? And they said, “into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.”

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 (the early First Fruits offering), which increased hope for a fall harvest (Sukkot). Later, the Rabbis, while searching for historical facts, discovered that around the same time as Shavuot, Moses ascended Mount Sinai and received the Law.

The Jews celebrated Shavuot when they received the Torah from God, as described in Exodus 20. The presence and the revelation of God appeared on Mount Sinai to Moses in the form of fire. Torah, or the Word of God, was then given to the people on tablets of stone. In Acts 2:3, there appeared tongues of fire that rested on the early followers of Jesus while they were waiting in Jerusalem. In Joel 2:28, “That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind, and your sons and daughters will prophesy.” This Feast is an excellent combination of Shavuot, when we receive His Word, and Pentecost, when we receive His Spirit, and both Feasts had fire manifest!

Our prayers reflect our conviction that truth, revelation, and transformation will be revealed in this new era. We look forward to celebrating this Feast with joy and thanksgiving! He has given us His written Word and continues to write His Word upon our hearts. We are in covenant with Him and blessed to have the opportunity to be intimate with Holy Spirit.

This is a special time to immerse ourselves in His Word (Torah) and Spirit (prayer) as we anticipate a fresh outpouring of His Spirit to accomplish great and mighty things in His Kingdom over the next several months and years. This is a new era! Let’s rejoice!

In His Covenant Love,

Richard
Covenant Outreach MInistries, Inc.
www.thecovenantcenter.com
Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Richard Maisenbacher was born in Columbus, Ohio and began his walk with the Lord in 1977. When he was 28, he began attending a traditional church and received the baptism in the Spirit a year later. After participating in everything available in his church, he began to see many of the requirements of church life, did not line up with his biblical understanding. In 1988, Richard and his family moved to Florida to pursue prophetic training, igniting a quest to learn more about hearing God, healing, deliverance, as well as studying Hebraic culture with greater understanding of God’s ways.

Richard and his wife, Rebecca, incorporated Covenant Outreach Ministries in 1999, and began several house group meetings with the goal of teaching regarding Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit, charismata, hearing God and prophetic training, with dream understanding. By 2002 the once small group of seven grew from renting a room, purchasing a small building, ultimately moving to a large rental building. The Covenant Center in Lakeland, Florida was birthed from the vision God gave to Richard to train and equip a generation in their gifts and personally hear from God. Encompassing over twenty-six years of full-time ministry, The Covenant Center’s website www.thecovenantcenter.com, contains the online school of ministry; Bookstore containing books written by our TCC authors; as well as blog posts and contact information. He also has served as an adjunct professor at Southeastern University.

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Let's Celebrate the First Feasts of the Lord!

Richard Maisenbacher

Let’s Celebrate the First Feasts of the Lord

We are approaching the first Feasts of the Lord, which include Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Firstfruits. Leviticus 24:4 instructs that, “These are appointed times of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them.” Passover commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a Seven-day observance and festival to remember God's deliverance. The Feast of Firstfruits takes place during the week-long Passover celebration, specifically on the first day after the Sabbath. Examining and implementing these feasts gives us a deeper understanding and appreciation of God and His ways.

Let’s take a moment to understand more fully these feasts so you can have a joyful Passover and Resurrection Sunday! Ephesians 2:13 declares, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” This means there is no condemnation for those who come to Jesus and receive Him as their Messiah, Lord, and Savior. We have entered a covenant relationship with Him and have passed from death to life.

In Romans it says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus.” The Father has offered the blood of His own Son as the Passover Lamb and entered our House, which is our life. And in that covenant of peace He brings us from sin to righteousness, bondage to liberty, defeat to victory, fear to faith, sickness to health, poverty to plenty and from death to life! Celebrating Passover reminds us of the bondage we were in and how we now walk in freedom because of the New Covenant.

We will also enter the Feast of Unleavened Bread during this week from April 13th to the 19th. Ezra 6:22 says, “And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy.” This is a time to remove any leaven (sin) in our life and in our hearts. You may be thinking that getting rid of the leaven is difficult and unenjoyable, but God looks for saints that will leap for joy during this process, as they look for ways to please Him in this love relationship. Therefore, part of this process of cleansing teaches us about the burial with Jesus and a life separate from the leaven of the world. Paul talks about “putting off the old man” or our “flesh” in Ephesians 4:22-24 and Colossians 3:9-10.

From sunset, April 19th to 6pm on April 20th we celebrate the Feast of Firstfruits! It is our resurrection with Christ and a reflection for our future bodily resurrection. In this process of consecration, we must put off the old and put on the new.

Paul says in Ephesians 4:24, “And... Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” The key is allowing the Holy Spirit to live a resurrected life through us! 2nd Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” We also find in Galatians 2:20 the good news - “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 

It is nice to say we have been crucified with Christ, or we go to the cross daily; however, we must also put on Christ by the Spirit to experience resurrection power! It takes both. I have tried to do everything in my power in the flesh and I have also done nothing, expecting God to do everything for me. Neither works. It must be synergy – us with the Father.

Galatians 5:16 reminds us to “Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh!” The fruit found in Galatians 5:22-23, will be the dominant force, giving expression to love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we align ourselves with His Spirit, “We not only have peace with God, but we have the peace of God,” Colossians 3:15. Peace with God helps us walk this walk, by more clearly hearing His voice.

The Feast of First fruits is celebrated the day after the Sabboth, (Saturday). Before the Sheaves of Barley of the new crop could be touched or eaten there had to be an offering unto the Lord. This act reminded the farmers that the whole harvest belonged to Him, and they just managed it. They were stewards. Offering first fruits consecrated the whole harvest to God. If God accepted it, the whole harvest was accepted. Jesus fulfilled the feast when He was resurrected as First Fruits from the dead. He was set apart unto God. Do you realize you are God’s firstfruits and set apart too? James 1:18 reminds us, “We who walk with Christ are His first fruits.”

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man (Christ) also came the resurrection of the dead. For in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

Jesus was first to rise again never to die again. He was the human sheaf set apart to conquer death and provide eternal life to those who believe in Him. Jesus said to Mary in John 20:17, “Do not cling to me (touch me) for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren; and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to me My God and your God.” It was during this Feast that He was resurrected. It was in the evening, not sunrise, when the first fruits were waved. That’s why he couldn’t be touched, as the great high priest.

Ephesians 1:6 - “He (God) made us acceptable in Christ, the Beloved.”

Romans 11:16 - “If the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy and if the root is holy, so are the branches.”

LET’S REVIEW: In the early Church, Passover was one of the most important times of the year. During Passover, the slaves were freed to obtain their full potential spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Passover is the redemptive feast linked with crossing over and entering resurrection power through the blood of the Lamb. God gave us this Feast to celebrate, being redeemed by the blood of the Lamb out of the hands of the enemy. We move from Passover to Resurrection and enter a joyful time to remember that Jesus died to set us free. This allows us to enter the fullness of every promise that has been extended to mankind. In a world of chaos, we can see the Lord’s power and demonstration of His Covenant of Peace: safety, security, strength, prosperity, and health and increase.

Let’s Celebrate!

Richard Maisenbacher
The Covenant Center
info@thecovenantcenter.com

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Covenant Center Facebook Video Changes - Richard Maisenbacher

Dear Covenant Family,

This is an update regarding a recently received Facebook change to our Covenant Center page/profile. We have been advised from FB that any of our live video storage, beginning February 19, 2025, will be kept no longer than 30 days. All older videos will be removed and deleted off the Meta servers.

Thanks to our Tech Team, we have stored on our website www.thecovenantcenter.com access to two years of our community’s Sunday celebration videos.

You can go to our website, scroll down and click '“WATCH ON YOUTUBE,” then click on “LIVE” and you will have access to our Sunday celebration meetings, stored on our “The Covenant Center” YouTube page.

Our Covenant Center Community Facebook page will remain active with messages, updates, blog posts etc. Also, Covenant U on our website is active and available for those desiring further study or licensing.

If you have questions you can contact Richard through info@thecovenantcenter.com

We thank you for your continued spiritual and financial support as we all traverse this new season and era.

In His Covenant Love,

Richard

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30 Days of Passover Preparation with Cleansing and Joy - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

30 Days of Passover Preparation with Cleansing and Joy

Passover begins on Saturday, April 12, 2025. However, March 13th is the official 30 day recommended preparation time for Passover, which is one of three required Feasts of the Lord found in Leviticus chapter 23. This is a wonderful time of cleansing in preparation for a celebration of joy!

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 through 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. It is rare to find anyone excited about getting rid of the leaven or yeast in their lives. They believe it may be painful or too hard to give up enjoyable and addicting habits. It may be even worse for some to lay down their mental strongholds so they can receive inner healing.

 Passover cannot start until all leaven (sin, corruption, and defilement) is removed. Cleansing the home is a part of the preparation. However, cleansing the home is just the beginning. Believers who celebrate Passover, know that cleansing of our home includes the cleansing of our heart in cooperation with the Spirit of God.

 What an interesting era we are in right now with all the diverse opinions and decisions brought about by a presidential change. It seems each of the 7 mountains (religion, family, government, business, media/communications, arts/entertainment, and education) have been stirred up with disagreements and controversy. What a challenging time, as we try to focus and maintain His peace.

 1 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 have been made new. His death and resurrection have removed the leaven in our life. In a practical way, we daily deal with leaven that must be cleansed from within and from the influence of the world. It is a time of purifying our heart and a time to decide to separate ourselves from anything unclean.

 In preparation for this Passover, beginning April 12th through April 20th, we can cleanse our “house,” get rid of the leaven, and celebrate as we experience His presence, joy, and blessings! Let’s take advantage of this time with Him in prayer, enjoying His Word, receiving His love, and rejoicing because of the freedom our Passover Lamb has brought to us!

In His Covenant Love,

Richard Maisenbacher
The Covenant Center
Covenant Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com

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Distractions From Intimacy with God by Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Distractions From Intimacy With God

I have a desire to spend time with the Lord and not only get to know Him, but to hear his voice and do what He is asking me to do. Even though I have taken more time to be with Him lately, I have noticed that my mind has been distracted from engaging in that intimate time.

Psalms 103:4 is a scripture which has been meaningful to me. “(God)Who redeems your life from the pit; who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” The word lovingkindness is hesed in the Hebrew and has significant meaning when it comes to God’s relationship with us. We have discussed in the past the importance of our covenant relationship with Him and the exchange process that takes place as our character begins to look more and more like Him each day. However, it does not mean that God shows kindness to us just because of our covenant with Him.

God not only loves us and is able to enjoy us, but it is because of His great love for all of His own creation. He even loves us when we have done something to break our relationship with Him. He not only redeems us but gives love, mercy and compassion to us. His hesed means He chooses to obligate Himself to us. He doesn’t wait for our self-improvement methods. He steps in and loves us regardless of how hard we are on ourselves.

We must realize the enemy wants us to choose to eat from the Tree of Knowledge instead of the Tree of Life. The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil results in death, however the Tree of Life is representative of God’s life and creative power. Any distraction away from the Tree of Life keeps us from communicating with God. Seeing and hearing His voice becomes low priority when there are so many other distractions. The political arena, like having a new president with an accelerated agenda, watching the news, managing our own emotions as we listen to the opinions of men; while trying to pray and find His truth in all the communications can consume our time and energy.

There is a daily discipline in the many decisions we make. How do we bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ? Our televisions, cell phones, podcasts and other types of technology will distract us from intimacy with the Lord if we are not conscious of how and where we focus our time. The enemy will attack our emotions, thoughts, desires, and our fears… anything to keep our focus off the One who can bring us wisdom and understanding. Therefore, our counterattack is choosing to focus on loving, praying, and spending time with Him. We can even be distracted by studying His Word and focusing on gaining knowledge without understanding or relating to Him. This is a new era of choosing to focus on God and realizing how much He wants to love and communicate with us!

In His Covenant Love,

 

 

 

 

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God's Lovingkindness and Compassion by Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

God’s Lovingkindness and Compassion

David begins to list some of God’s benefits, beginning in Psalm 103:4 with “Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” Many believers agree that the Lord has redeemed us from the pit, however there may be some hesitation to say that He is crowning us with lovingkindness and compassion. Many have been discouraged in the last few years with how people have been communicating in the media, the government, education, religion, family, friends, and business relationships. Trust has been challenging not only with people and organizations, but many have had their faith with God stretched to new levels, including me.

In order to receive some peace and joy I have had go back to the Scriptures and renew understanding of my covenant relationship with God. In the Hebrew, the word covenant is berith, which literally means “to bind or to fetter: a binding obligation.” It is the ultimate expression of committed love and trust and was usually made to define, confirm, establish, or make binding a relationship that had been in the making for some time. From God’s viewpoint this relationship begins when He created us.

The word hesed found in Psalm 103:4, is translated lovingkindness in the English translation. It is defined as a benevolent action on behalf of another, promoting and preserving life through relationships and faithful commitment.

Compassion is a deep emotional response on behalf of someone else. It is a response that finds its ultimate origination in the heart of God. He does not just show kindness to people He is in covenant with; however, He loves His own creation regardless of our rebellion. He still loves us because that is His heart.

As believers it is a wonderful reminder that God crowns us with hesed (lovingkindness) and compassion. Even though we may not understand or agree with what God may be doing in the world, knowing that He loves and obligates Himself to us will bring peace in a turbulent environment. His written Word also will bring comfort, even though it speaks of the good fight of faith, wrestling against the enemy, and the war of denying self.

You may run into non-believers or those who are discouraged to the point they just do whatever they want to. An explanation of what Jesus did on the cross and that God has desired a covenant love relationship with them from birth may make a difference. He not only created us to love, but He obligates Himself to continually seek us even when we do not reciprocate our love to Him.

Whenever my negative emotions take over my opinion of the world around me, I choose to have faith that our God who not only redeemed us but crowns us with hesed and compassion is in charge…even if I don’t understand His ways. I choose to trust Him!

In His Covenant Love,

Richard Maisenbacher

info@thecovenantcenter.com
www.thecovenantcenter.com

Richard and his wife Becky have been in ministry for over 45 years. Pastors and founders of The Covenant Center, they have also served as elders and board members of various churches, as well as facilitated numerous home groups and classes.

They are dedicated to bringing freedom and wholeness to the wounded and captive through covenant understanding, healing, transformation, restoration, and reconciliation. They desire to see each person trained, equipped, and activated to serve in the Kingdom as they walk in their identity in Christ, being strengthened in their gifts, fulfilling their destiny.  Richard and Becky encourage and support individuals to grow in relationship with the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, maturing in wisdom, holiness, character, and the prophetic.

 

 

 

 

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There is Destiny in Reformation by Richard Maisenbacher

October 20, 2024
Dear Covenant Family,                           

Our hearts and prayers are with you as we recently experienced Hurricane Milton in Central Florida. The storm brought challenges for many, and we are thankful that those in our community are safe. 

We want to keep you updated on what has transpired since the building closing and a vision for the future.

After sorting through the TCC property and making several donations, this week, as of October 20, we finished moving equipment, supplies, and materials to storage. After twenty-six years of life as a community, this has been no small feat. We are grateful to all who assisted. We also thank our Covenant Family for your patience and prayers and for hanging in there with us during this challenging transition. We know it has been difficult for many of you, too.

Even with limited prayer time due to the busyness of the building closing, we have continually sensed His presence and experienced miraculous provision. We received generous offerings that covered our moving expenses and monthly storage facility payments. God’s hands have been actively overseeing this move. He is faithful!

We are grateful to each of you who have continued to provide financial support to help preserve the ministry's ongoing aspects, such as our online School of Ministry, CovenantU, thecovenantcenter.com website, License and Ordination certification, Missions, Prayer and Intercession.

It was brought to our attention that our website's “Giving” button stopped working for a few days. We apologize for any inconvenience, and it should be functioning correctly now. In addition to giving online, you can continue sending donations to The Covenant Center, PO Box 524, Lakeland, Florida 33802-0524. Thank you for helping us continue to train, equip, and release His people into the world. God bless and keep you and your family always!

It is great to hear of the many activities, home groups, and outreach taking place as you release your gifts to those around you. You are the ecclesia/church releasing His kingdom.  

 Reformation of the Church
The church at large is in a Reformation. God is purifying His body, pruning, and reorganizing it. As a prophetic community, we have anticipated this season, but it is still a bit shocking when it happens and looks different from what we could perceive or understand. 

When you give your heart to the Lord, it is for eternity. We do not choose our life and destiny; it all lies within Him. Every day, we wake up pursuing His heart - to know Him, His ways, and what He desires for us in service. This will never change, and He has taught us there is no retirement in His kingdom. 

He is not done with The Covenant Center family; He is “reforming” what we look like. In our midst, He has been building an apostolic center that houses the five-fold ministry working together, training, teaching, developing giftings, establishing the Tabernacle of David, honoring and serving one another, hearing His voice, and understanding His ways. We have been growing together to build and activate His plan.

We have been a salvation center, training center, halal center, creative arts center, prophetic center, worship and prayer center, counseling center, healing center, spiritual hospital center, evangelism center, outreach center, benevolence center, missions center, market-place ministry center, fellowship center, while teaching adults and our children in their gifts to know and hear God.

The Second Phase: Apostolic Center
As our prophetic words convey, we have moved into the second phase of The Covenant Center. God is developing a Kingdom House as He continues to create and build an Apostolic Sender Center. He placed the five-fold ministry gifts within our TCC family, functioning in our community without competition. Every person is called to develop their gifts with training, moving to a place of release for Kingdom service. When you take CovenantU classes, the last course is designed for you to develop and build the vision God gives you. Everyone in His Kingdom is valuable, and everyone has gifts to release.

TCC as a prophetic center has been a prophetic sender, and now a prophetic revelation will usher in new apostolic understanding. God is bringing new apostolic revelation. Apostle is defined in the Jewish Dictionary, “Apostle and Apostleship, by Kaufmann Kohler, “to send,” (Apostle, Greek ἀπόστολοσ, from ἀποστήλλειν, "to send, a person delegated for a certain purpose.” (www.JewishEncyclopedia.com.) In Acts 13 Paul is a prophet at the church in Antioch and certain prophets teach. Then Holy Ghost spoke and said, “Send Paul and Barnabas,” Acts 13; and by Acts 14 they were sent. In Acts 13 they are prophets. By Acts 14 they become apostles. The only difference is they were sent. The apostolic often downplays the prophetic; however, it is the prophetic that reveals the apostolic. It is not the apostolic that reveals the prophetic. God will continue to bring greater clarity regarding the apostolic revelation in the coming days.

What’s Next - The Timing of The Lord
As you share your spiritual gifts by exhorting one another, laying down your life for each other, and helping one another as needs and challenges arise, you become the hand of Jesus. This is what God has said that He wants. As we enter this new season and era, we want to continue to help you develop the vision and plan God is giving you. You may assist a neighbor or travel to a distant land. Whatever your vision and calling, It is time for many of you to attend to the focus or desire within your heart. His timing is always perfect.

One challenging aspect of Kingdom transition is waiting for His plans. Jesus is the Master Builder, and He builds his church in steps: He gathers people to Himself, forms, appoints, commissions, trains, and sends them into the world (John 17:18).

We wait for Him to bring the plans for this new second phase, just as He built the first phase. In the coming days, we will see Him giving assignments, vision, and plans to various faithful individuals and groups. He will establish numerous outposts and apostolic centers. When He builds, it is established. So, as much as we would like to bring comfort and say we know the way, we want His way and will wait for Him to establish the plan.

I hope you will be enlightened by His vision as He continues to build, not only for us now, but for future generations to come. We are so thankful for you! Your continued love and support, standing beside us in His grace; your faithful prayers, and patience have undergirded us for twenty-six years. How grateful we are for our Father who brought us all together. Only He could build this beautiful multi-age, multi-talented, multi-gifted, multi-cultural family. And as we stated in our first letter to you – “Stay tuned! There is more to come!” 

In His Covenant Love,

Richard and Becky Maisenbacher
www.thecovenantcenter.com
info@thecovenantcenter.com

 
















 

 

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The Feast of Tabernacles - Oct. 16-23 - Richard Maisenbacher

The Feast of Tabernacles – October 16-23

Exodus 23:14 says, “Three times a year you shall make a festival to Me.” Those three times are 1) Passover 2) Pentecost (Shavuot) 3) Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot or the Feast of Booths). The harvest was over, they no longer needed to toil in the fields. They could now rest and rejoice at the fruit of their labors!

Sukkot is the Hebrew word that also means booths. They are temporary shelters for the wandering in the wilderness. They are looking back as God is reminding them of their wanderings and unbelief and how He met their every need.

Our English translation of Sukkot is Feast of Tabernacles suggesting the connection to the Tabernacle. A sukkah is just a tent. It is not like a Tabernacle. The sukkah is designed to be temporary while the Tabernacle represented the permanent place of God’s presence. God’s image is tied to His visible presence among His people.  So, in the tent when David needed to run and hide, he knew where to go. He went to God’s tent where he felt God’s presence. The temporary sukkah tent was the shelter representing the tabernacle that God provided for His people in the wilderness.  

Jesus it the ultimate tabernacle in our hearts! He doesn’t just give us life, He is our life, love and peace. The Feast of Tabernacles is about coming into the presence of God’s shelter where we can find His covering and care. Every year God’s people are required to remember His provision and protection; not just in the wilderness, but as a reminder of His continuing grace each year of our lives.

To see the faithfulness of God in the present is to experience a celebration that connects us with the same God who cared for all the freed slaves. I think He knows how we need reminders. He knows the chaos of the world and how we can be distracted from His grace and goodness.

You might not have gone into a booth or tent, but you may have memories of a tent when you went camping or fishing or if you were in the military and went camping during bivouac. Part of the purpose of this Feast is to remember that He is the Lord who brought us out of a house of bondage! Part of this festival is its’ emotional tone. This is a time of rejoicing in God’s goodness during the years of wandering. It is a time of undoing bitterness and complaining to focus on His provision and grace.

Even though the world seems to be in chaos right now it is a time of thanksgiving; when we as His body honor God’s fulfillment of His promises and we look forward to His redemptive process. Sukkot is a festival, which comes from the Hebrew word hagag (to feast). It involves dancing, celebrating, eating, leaping, feeling giddy, and making a pilgrimage.
Even though we presently are walking through challenging, even to some devastating circumstances, He wants us to choose to look to Him and find joy in His presence and celebrate! God bless and keep you!

 In His Covenant Love,

Richard Maisenbacher
www.thecovenantcenter.com
www.info@thecovenantcenter.com

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An Update For Our TCC Family by Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Dear Covenant Center Family,

Just an update for everyone. I know the closing was abrupt as we are also witnessing businesses, restaurants, even educational institutions and other churches closing. These are unprecedented times, and I know for many of you it has been difficult and some of you have shared the depth of your grief in the closing of our gathering place. We identify with you. This has been tough! However, God has built us all to be overcomers. He has imparted in each of us the ability to endure and persevere in difficult times.

During prayer, the Lord has been reminding me today of Moses in the desert with a vision of the Israelites circling round and round, only getting mana waiting on the Lord’s direction. As they hoped to get guidance and direction, they looked to Moses asking what are we doing out here? Holy spirit spoke to me, “Little did they know through their stress and uncertainty, I was teaching them to not look to man nor look to food or drink or clothing but to look to Me.” This is a deep to deep moment.

As a prophetic community it’s not unusual for God to use the experiences we walk through as a message to others who can see and hear His messages.  I think it’s important to learn from our forefathers during this time of waiting for the Lord, to be careful of what we speak or think. Even this morning Becky came to me and shared that the Lord opened her ears to hear the demons and what they were saying.

In this uncertain time of transition, not only for us, but also for the world, they are strategizing to entice the Body of Christ to become critical, judgmental, fearful, disillusioned with one another, to cause us to open the door to the destroyers. This is a serious thing.

1 Corinthians 10:10 – “Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” Verse 11, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

In uncertain times, in our humanity, it is easy to become fearful, critical, judgmental, even murmur or complain. This is an important scripture that I have referred to in our meetings, because I do not want you or myself to be destroyed. We know from our training that these choices open the door for the enemy to attack. We’ve come too far individually and as a community. We know too much of his ways to engage in fear, murmuring, or disillusionment.

So, I encourage you to hold fast to what is set before you. We need to be looking to the Lord and listening for His direction. He has actually given us all time to slow down, take time to be with Him and hear from Him as we prepare for the new year. In the coming days things will become clearer. But for now, as the Lord has spoken to me before in prayer, “Do what you know to do until I give you specific directions.”

We have been busy these past 3 weeks, organizing, storing, purging, packing, materials and closing out our building location. We received unexpected, specific contributions to pay for our monthly storage units and a contribution to help pay for the moving expenses. These were God gifts. Thank you and thank you Lord for all contributions.

For those who feel led to continue to contribute to Covenant Outreach Ministries, Inc. we appreciate it very much! We still will maintain our website with news, message posts, and Covenant U classes to help those licensed and ordained ministers and others to move out in whatever ministry God has led them to at this time. Or you may want to take a class to simply enjoy and grow in understanding of topics that may interest you. To have technology is to invest in technicians and we are thankful for ours. As much as our technicians generously give of their time, this is also their business. This will still take time and finances to continue our communication and training. Thank you all for your continued giving and investing in future kingdom builders!

LIdy and Susan will continue overseeing administrative communication, like info@thecovenantcenter.com, emails, prayer, counseling, accounting and finances. I will continue engaging with our Covenant U students, other ministry consultations, home groups and of course prayer.

I am personally waiting for specific directions for Covenant Outreach Ministries, Inc. We know retirement is not in God’s vocabulary, so we will be refreshed by this break, and even though transition is messy, we look forward to this New Year and His continued guidance and provision.

I thank God for you! Your love, support and dedication to His kingdom continues to be a great gift. Shana Tova and a sweet Rosh Hashanah to you and family!

Richard
info@thecovenantcenter.com

 

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Here Comes the Fall Feasts of the Lord - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Here Come the Fall Feasts

We find described in Leviticus 23, God's feasts or His appointed times of celebration and consecration. The Fall Feasts are a time when God wants His people to learn to rest in Him. Let’s review first: The Feast of Passover teaches about God's peace. The Feast of Pentecost instructs us on God's power and the Fall Feasts give understanding about God's rest.

Even though the 30 days (Days of Elul) before the Feast of Tabernacles were a time of repentance and reflection, they celebrated the final ingathering of the harvest whereby God blessed the people for the year. The fruit of the land had been harvested, so the people could now rest from their labors. It was a time of great rejoicing! They would celebrate and thank God in advance for the next harvest.

The Fall Feasts 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.

The dates for this year’s Fall Feasts 2024 are: 

Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) Beginning of the New Year - October 2-4th (Weds. - Friday)

Days of Awe -Include the 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur October 2- 11th (Weds. - Friday)

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) A Day of Fasting October 11-12th (Friday-Saturday)

Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles/Booths – October 16- October 23rd -(Weds. to Weds.)

God is working behind the scenes during this time of transition, restoration and reformation. I know during this Fall season God is going to move in a great way, 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 still believe there is a correction coming to level out the playing field and begin to restore what has been stolen from His people.

We find in John 7:37-38 the words of Jesus included in John’s letter: “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’”

Enjoy the Feasts of the Lord and look forward to this New Year! “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,” we thank you Lord! (Eph. 3 :20)

In His Covenant Love,

Richard
info@thecovenantcenter.com

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Stay Tuned! The Shift is Here!

Stay Tuned! The Shift is Here!

Dear Covenant Center Family,
This past Sunday was a very special gathering as we as a family and tribe worshipped, sang, danced, prayed and played our last moments together celebrating our King and His goodness in our Covenant Center building. For twenty-six years God has preserved and led The Center community and He will continue to do so. Every month was met with a miracle as we paid the monthly bills and sent out the checks to workers, missions as well as benevolence to the needy. It has been a glorious time serving with you and standing together to touch a world in His name. And it is not over! This month we are simply relinquishing the use of a building due to the inability to sustain the payments any longer.
I’m sure you have questions, so we trust this letter (sorry it’s a bit long, but lots of news and so much of His love and wonder to share) will give you insight as we transition from our current building location. Stay tuned!

First and foremost, the building to us has never represented the church. YOU ARE THE CHURCH! Please always remember your importance and dominion as a representative of His Kingdom.

Secondly, our intercessors, especially Kathy Johnson, whom I have constantly been in contact over the years as we sought the Lord with the Revelation Checklist of our Church – God has continually assured us that we stand in His will and design. The Lord has declared The Covenant Center lampstand is secured! There is not sin in the camp or any person(s) or other negative reasons why finances could no longer sustain us. You have been faithful as you have committed yourself to service to Him and our community. He is simply taking us all into the 2nd phase.

Third – We have been called many “labels,” but now we can tell you we as a family have been A School of the Prophets. If you have been assigned at some time in the last 26 years, God has sent you to The Center for prophetic training. He has never asked us to describe us as a training center for the prophetic, because as we know, declaring it only opens the door to those around the world to come when they are not called, and God our Father has always demanded that He will bring the people; He will assign them, and to always remember those who come belong to  Him not to us. He has never allowed us to once try to “collect” people or count numbers. This is His work, His community, His tribe, His organism – You will always belong to Him! He has simply joined us all together as Family to co-labor with Him and He has caused us all to be successful in training and equipping a generation to intimately have relationship with our Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, to hear His voice and to learn to use the gifts of the Spirit with integrity.

John Paul Jackson once taught in his dreams and visions class that the prophet training is the most strenuous and taxing training of the entire five-fold including intercessors, and he concluded with John Sanford of Elijah House - the training takes a life-time. I hope this helps explain the purpose of those called and arriving at The Center who were often met with challenges after joining our family, because they stepped into their training calling and met the King and His stringent deep to deep work to first develop the character, heal the wounds and purify the servant to be prepared to carry His presence into the land.

We have literally had thousands come through our doors, as they have been confronted with the choice to train, serve and work on their character and prophetic training. To some they said, this is “nice” but it’s not for me. Others would say, “Well, I like this, but can I take some of this with me,” and others have come and recognized “What is in you is in me. I have to be in this all the time. Can I join you?”

We have talked about entering this new ERA and we have discussed seasons and the new season we have entered. We are a family of Seers and Nabi prophetic people, so we know that many of you by the Spirit have known something was up or changing. Good for you and well done.

Our antennas should always be leaning into Him and alerted to His activities as He wants us to be aware and prepared for the future, so we can always ask, “Lord, What do I do with this important information? Pray, or share? Take action? Some of you have been trained like stealth fighter pilots, others as uncover agents or you may be sent out as reconaissance - all in His army to serve. We commend you for staying your course in training with Him and holding the line. Well done!

Now to Answer More Specific Questions and Answers:

- We are not going “away,” we are in transformation to a new body structure.
We are not retiring. Richard and I in our time seeking the Lord regarding “retirement,” received His replay years ago as He declared, “There is no retirement in My Kingdom!” That was funny Lord! We signed up for eternity as you have also, so we will continue to serve as He changes us from glory to glory. 

- We are all stepping into the NEW structure of the church (body of Christ) and He will begin to unfold what it will look like for each of you. As a forerunner family it is not a surprise that He is revealing His future plans for the Body of Christ, for all to see, as a prophetic image of what God is working not only in us and the shift in our community, but the entire church body at large. Remember, He always speaks to His prophets and tells them ahead of the action. And often uses their experience as a visual message to the world. Whew - I sure am glad we are not called like Isaiah the son of Amoz to walk around naked for three years as spoken in Isaiah 20: 2-3. Thank you Lord!

 Here are a few points to remember–

 - Your certification licensed or ordained certificates through TCC remain active. All class records, training records, Covenant U records will continue to be maintained, just not in our present building.

- Our online presence will continue; however our title or branding may look a bit different. Our 501(c)3 corporation is actually listed as “Covenant Outreach Ministries.” This has always been our heart to train, equip and send out. Isn’t it amazing that we were directed to declare our corporation as “Outreach Ministries.” We believe we are entering the second stage of our TCC Family taking Him to the streets, developing future plantings with you who have trained and are well prepared for your heavenly assignments.

Be watchful for title changes possibly regarding our FB feed, private TCC community for connection, prayer needs and directives and possible website title changes, etc. We want to remain in contact with you and be of continued service and support to you. Activities and messages will continue as we walk together through this shift. We will advise you as it all unfolds lead by His Spirit. Again, please stay tuned..

I shared on Sunday, remember Kim Clement who traveled the world, shifted to an online streaming content in his entitled “Den” and reached a world with his teachings and prophetic training. Richard will be in prayer and await our Lord’s leading for these future steps.

- Covenant U online school will remain active for continued training,  Our courses are transferable to a regionally accredited university -SEU.

- Your offerings and/or tithes are still important for management of our online presence, records storage, continued training and communication. We are thankful for all our technicians who keep communication lines working as well as managing Covenant U. You can still send your gift to our PO Box and our website “Giving” button will still be functioning. Address: The Covenant Center, PO Box 524, Lakeland, Florida 33802-0524. We thank you so much for your continued support and prayers.

Time for the Butterflies to Fly - God’s Amazing Confirmations –

As we find ourselves in the preparational time before Rosh Hashanah, we have learned that this is always a time of reflection and repentance, as we prepare our hearts to be found faithful, purified and prepared to receive His fresh assignments as we walk into the New Year. What an amazing time for God to come and let us know the second phase and shift is here for us. This is not loss – this is victory!

In the last 6 months it has been evident that God was beginning a shift in our TCC Family. He is the God that opens doors that no man can shut as well as close doors that no man can open. The angels have been very active and His beautiful presence has been very weighted. As we sought Him for direction, I was impressed to contact several of our intercessors to please seek Him and let us know of anything they receive. Months passed without special insight or direction other than, “Keep going forward. Keep doing what you know to do.” Finally, this past week, Richard came out of his prayer room and shared that it was time to close the doors of our building we no longer could financially sustain.

Now, I must add that the sweetness and love of God for His servants can leave you breathless as He confirms His plans and orchestrates the movement of His people. Remember He is the Great Maestro and King of the Universe. As of this past Sunday morning, September 8th, we literally stepped out our frontdoor preparing to head to The Center knowing this was our last physical gathering in this building – Twenty Six years together sustained by you all and His mighty hand.

As I opened my phone and looked at the text, one of our intercessors Judy Ehlenbach, sent the following message she received in prayer on September 3rd. I share this with you to encourage you that you are secure in His plan for you. We are all secure in our future service to Him.

September 3, 2024 received by Judy Ehlenbach –
The blessings of the Lord are and have been over you.

There is a new transition upon you, some might say, “Oh no.”

Trust Me for I know what I am doing.

There are seasons and changes. Many changes are uncomfortable, BUT
t
his is ME, the Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Each of them had many seasons and steps in their walk with Me that
through their faith in ME, not their circumstances, they thrived.

Fear Not. This is the closing of 1 door to open 100 more. What might seem sad
simply is a new beginning.

Like a child being born the baby leaves their precious mama for a new life,
with many open doors and opportunities.

 The Lord is greatly pleased with your obedience for decades. Covenant Outreach
was a healing, teaching and safe haven for all who walked into the doors.

 Now it is time for a completely new beginning.

 It will be a beginning of rest and stepping back. It is time for the beautiful butterflies
to fly away.

 The cocoon is no longer to be their safe harbor.

 It is time for their beauty to touch the nations. They ALL are stunningly beautiful!
And it is their time to fly.

The blessings of the Lord are upon each one. They are My beloved sons and daughter,

as are you and Richard.

Fear not, this is ME. Some might say, “You didn’t’ do this,” or “You didn’t do that.”

Do NOT listen for I the Lord am doing this.

Doors close. Seasons change. It is ME. Fear not when the door closes.

I will lead MY people! My love will go before each of My children
for I the Lord love you with an everlasting love.

Blessed is the Name of the Lord.  Judy E.

 I’d like to pray with you as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and launch into the New

We thank you Father for Your faithfulness and perfect timing of Your word. You are never late or early. You are always on time. We give you praise for these twenty-six years together and we as a family now receive the new assignments to accept your call to the Nations. Whether in a word to family or friend, a letter or email, a blog post, a podcast, a social media post, a video, a book or training manual; during a neighborhood walk, downtown, at the beach, in a store, buying groceries, in their travels, in their dreams, in a home group or home church, It is time for your prophetic people to hear your voice, activate their gifts, surrender to Your will, obey, take action and touch a world in Your name.

We thank you for every person who has walked through the doors of the building you provided. We thank you for the psalmists, musicians, artists, writers, and all creatives you have sent to share their gifts and skill training with us. We praise you for the connections you have built as You formed us into a Covenant Family. We thank you for teaching us the importance of covenant, and the connection of being not only one of Your many families but being a part of Your amazing worldwide Body. How good it is for your people to dwell together. And most of all Father, we thank you for Your amazing Love and Your presence that breaks every yoke and heals every heart. Your love is truly amazing and a gift to all who choose to receive You. Now we look forward to Rosh Hashana and the New Year as we enter this New Era and New Season. May your perfect will be done and may You always be glorified in Jesus’ name.

Again, we love you and thank God for you. Stay tuned!

Our trust is in our God not in buildings or materials things.

Shields up and Onward! Let the New Year begin and His Kingdom reign.

 In His love,

Becky and Richard Maisenbacher
info@thecovenantcenter.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Elul And Fall Feast Preparation

Richard Maisenbacher

Elul and Fall Feast Preparation
Elul is the Hebrew month before the Fall Feast which begins October 2nd, 2024 with Rosh Hashanah. It is the last month before the beginning of the New Year. Elul is an acronym for “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (A verse from The Song of Songs 6:3) It is a time of drawing close to God and increasing our intimacy with Him.

During this month you may feel an energy shift. This is a serious time of introspection, as we surrender to the work of Holy Spirit causing us to look more like Him. The shofar is blown each morning except on Shabbat, to awaken our soul and spirit as we prepare for this season of repentance.

Psalm 27 is read daily giving support as we continue our transformation process. Elul helps guide us to be honest with ourselves without guilt, shame, or harsh judgment. It helps us reflect and be truthful regarding our thoughts and behavior.

We look forward to the New Year as we flow in the gifts of the Spirit, enjoying the Tree of Life. In this time of contemplation and reflection, I suggest you take time to study, read scriptures, seek forgiveness of those times where you have missed the mark, and most of all enjoy His presence.

During this month God will make some decisions on what He will present to you in this upcoming New Year. If there was ever a time to be intimate with God in this covenant relationship that we have accepted, now seems to be the time, the month of Elul!

In His Covenant Love,

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Addressing Anxiety - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Addressing Anxiety - Richard Maisenbacher

Negative circumstances in the world and in the U.S. are causing many to question God’s authority and/or love. If He really loved us, He wouldn’t allow this or that. Many have lost faith or trust that He has any control. On top of that the enemy (the spirit of fear) is totally agreeing and whispering those thoughts to us. The enemy is getting us to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil by desiring for us to know what’s good for me and what’s bad for me. As opposed to having a relationship with the Tree of Life (Jesus, God, and Holy Spirit).

In Matthew 6:25, “…do not be anxious for your life.”  That is easier said than done. Anxiety is being afraid of things that are not real, or things that might happen…what if thinking. I do not feel peaceful about here and now because I am worrying about what is to come. Anxiety discounts God’s promise to watch over us. It is disbelief. We might say or think to God, “I don’t believe what you promised.” Jesus knew that we would be afraid of being powerless over the future. However, He is still saying to trust in God’s promises.

He is telling us that anxiety comes from the illusion of control, and control can be destructive. Why be anxious? Because I have no control. I fear something I cannot prevent.

With fear I am going to try to control anything that threatens me rather than possibly find the reason I am afraid. We can’t say that our covenant relationship with God is most important, and then act in ways we believe can control our future, which we may perceive as chaotic. Jesus says we will serve God or ourselves.

He tells us to let anxiety go because it can cause us to serve two masters. Anxiety disrupts our ability to serve God because it convinces us that He is not in control. Then, if He is not in control then it is all up to us. We are not saying bad things can’t happen. They can and do. Jesus says we cannot provide for our future on self-reliance or self-control. The universe is not in my control. The enemy whispers that you can’t count on God. Take care of yourself.

Jesus says God is in charge. Align with Him. We do have complete control on how we respond to the universe. We have freedom on how we react. We may not understand what happens, but God knows this and He’s still in charge. Focus on His mind. Follow His Spirit. Even though the God who reveals also conceals at times (so that we can search it out…Proverbs 25:2). However, God loves us. We are in covenant with Him. Eat (have an intimate relationship) of the Tree of Life and trust Him.

In His Covenant Love,

The Tree of Knowledge - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

The Tree of Knowledge

There are many foundational truths derived from Genesis 2 and 3. We are given the freedom of choice which comes with consequences, accepting responsibility for sin, and understanding the two kingdoms and their nature. 

Genesis 2:9 states, “and out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”  When God created the heavens and earth it included all the trees, but these two were particularly pointed out.

Genesis 2:16-17 says, “and the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.”

Now there was a result for eating from the wrong tree. Even though an actual physical death was not one of them, many consequences occurred in Genesis 3 when man decided to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. The serpent had a part to play in this test, but man ultimately was able to make the final choice.

The two trees in the garden represented a freedom of choice. The choice was to believe the Creator- God, or the creature- the serpent. Animals could obviously communicate with man in the garden, thus the set up for the lie occurred. Adam had already been involved in an intimate covenant relationship with God before eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge in Genesis 3. Afterward, because of disobedience the relationship was broken, resulting in many consequences.

In Genesis 3:6 it says, “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” The serpent convinced Eve and Adam that there were some positive things that would happen if they ate from the Tree of Knowledge. It seemed that Eve believed that she could help God out and not have to bother Him with every little decision she had to make. Their eyes would be open so that they could have the ability to perceive when something was wrong.

It is not just the Tree of Good and Evil; it’s the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In the Hebraic it is the desire to know the difference between good and evil. So, the real issue regarding the Tree of Knowledge becomes my choice to decide for myself what is good and what is not good for me. If I can determine what is right and wrong for me, then I can control my ethics and morality. However, morality is a function of what God says is right. Making all my choices on what I think is right or wrong can easily lead me away from a relationship with God and having little if any desire for the Tree of Life and His Spirit. It cuts off the presence of God and His creation.

God has put in place many methods to be able to communicate with us: his Torah, his voice, visions, dreams, through counsel and teaching, gifts of the Spirit, through circumstances, a sensing, experiences, and other unique ways He may speak. He might tell us that we may make a particular choice on a matter, but it all comes from an intimate relationship of love and hearing Him. 

It seems we all have had an increase in battles and challenges lately, but choosing to seek Him first as opposed to making our own choices of what is good or bad for us from the Tree of Knowledge, is very important!

 

Pentecost and Shavuot

Richard Maisenbacher

Pentecost and Shavuot - Richard Maisenbacher

Many believers recognize that Passover and Resurrection Sunday (Easter), usually are celebrated on the same Sunday in the Gregorian calendar. However, this year Resurrection Sunday was on March 31st and Passover was celebrated on April 22-30th.

Pentecost was celebrated this year 2024 on May 19th and Shavuot, which is described below, will be June 11-13th. Let’s review what the feasts of the Lord are about.

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

When Paul was at Ephesus, he found some disciples and he asked them in Acts 19:2-6, “And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized? And they said, “into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.”

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

The Jews celebrated Shavuot when they received the Torah from God in Exodus 20. The presence and the revelation of God appeared on top of the mountain in the form of fire. Torah or the Word of God was then given to them on tablets of stone. This year in 2024 Shavuot is celebrated on June 11-13.

We look forward to celebrating these Feast with joy and thanksgiving! He has given us His written Word and continues to write His Word upon our hearts. We are in covenant with Him and blessed to have the opportunity to be intimate with Holy Spirit and communicate in many various ways! This is a time to saturate ourselves with His Word (Law) and Spirit (prayer) as we expect a fresh outpouring of His Spirit to do great and mighty things in His Kingdom during the next several months. This is a new season and era! Let us rejoice!

In His Covenant Love,

 

Passover Preparation 2024 - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

In preparation for this Passover, beginning April 22nd through April 30th, we can cleanse our “house,” get rid of the leaven, and celebrate as we experience His presence, joy and blessings!  Let’s take advantage of this time with Him in prayer, enjoying His Word, and rejoicing because of the freedom our Passover Lamb has brought us!

If you are near Lakeland, Florida on Monday, April 22nd please feel free to join us. We will be celebrating this Feast with a Passover Seder at 7:00p.m. at the Covenant Center. Please call the office at 863-802-5171 to sign up.

In His Covenant Love,

Hebraic Wisdom - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

James 1:5, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  James is not Greek, so his understanding of the word wisdom is quite different. Skip Moen’s word studies between the Greek and the Hebrew is very helpful.

The word wisdom in the Greek is sophia but, in the Hebrew, it is hokmah. In the Greek sophia is the accumulation of theoretical knowledge, based on intellect. Getting the right information or facts in the right order so we have true insight into the nature of things. In education we train the mind. Success is based on wisdom. We plan our way to prosperity. We believe we can reason our way to peace and proper action.

However, the Hebrew is different. Wisdom (hokmah) is a gift from God, not from educational training or mental development. Wisdom is not centered in the mind, but it is centered in the will. Wisdom is also practical, but it is not based on a bunch of information. The wise man or woman acts as God would. James even reminds us that someone who knows what to do and does not do it misses the mark or sins. The wise person has respect for God. My behavior is determined not by my reason but by God’s revelation.

God gives us wisdom to anyone who asks. It is not mental ability. God gives instruction in righteousness. God tells us how to live, how to think, how to act and how to love each other. If we don’t know what to do…ask Him. He will tell us what will delight Him and to keep the covenant with a relationship of love.

I really appreciated the time God spoke to me in prayer several years ago. It was to try to deter any performance orientation that may be hanging around. He said “Don’t do things to please Me, after a long pause he spoke: “Find out what pleases Me and do those things!” This began to make a big difference in my relationship with Him. I began to check the root of my motivations more often.

God supplies instruction in holiness. Wisdom is not rising to new levels of success and freedom in six easy steps. It also doesn’t mean all our troubles will fade away. We will experience life from God’s perspective, like Jesus did, but the end brings Him glory! I hope you enjoy applying your will when receiving God’s wisdom in your decisions.

I notice in the prophetic sometimes there are disagreements with revelation and what God has spoken. It is important to discern and judge the prophetic words. However, prophecy is basically supposed to bring encouragement, exhortation, and comfort. It is very important for believers to be encouraged by the Lord because of the many challenges we all face. Sometimes the words are for prayer and other times it involves wisdom so that we can take correct action. Believers hear or see differently, have spiritual giftings that are varied, and have different personalities that are all encouraged by God.

If the word you hear is different from someone else, there are a few options, you can take.

1) You can allow them to think differently from you.

2) You can have a positive discussion with them even though there may be different opinions.

3) You can allow pride to have its way, judge them, and get mad.

4) Pray for them that they will walk in God’s wisdom and release peace.

God does not always emphasize the same wisdom, revelation, truth, or the application.

Since the enemy is desiring to create strife in the body, this is a wonderful opportunity to communicate with one another in a loving way and still receive the encouragement or correction the Lord is bringing in the prophetic realm!

In His Covenant Love,

Hope Does Not Disappoint - Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

God, in His covenant with us is much more intimately involved in life, not just thoughts. He acts, feels, and speaks. The Hebraic worldview is more doing as opposed to the Greek way of just thinking. To meditate in the Hebrew is not just to sit quietly and focus on things. It is to interact with the Holy Spirit and the community and bring those thoughts into reality. It then becomes relational. This has become a challenge for me and especially for my wife Becky because I like to be quiet and listen more than verbalize. It has been exceptionally challenging for her since one of her love languages is verbal connection. Consequently, I am continually working on that!

I asked the Lord recently if there was anything He would like for me to share about and I heard Him say, “disappointment.” Then the first scripture I was led to was Romans 5:5, “…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out with in our hearts through the Holy Spirit wo was given to us.”

The beginning of that verse, “…and hope does not disappoint…” It seems I may need to understand hope a little also, so I do not get into too much disappointment. On the drop-down blog posts on www.thecovenantcenter.com Elizabeth Weber wrote a great blog post entitled “Hope.” I encourage you to read it! Her condensed version of hope is “waiting well.” Therefore, Hope… waiting well does not disappoint.

 It seems important that we must confront our disappointment with God’s truth. We need beliefs that work when life doesn’t meet what we expect.

 The word disappoint in the Greek means “to make ashamed, to dishonor, or to disgrace.” In other words, what God is doing will not make us ashamed. Since we are in covenant with Him and under His direction our experiences will not disappoint us because His love carries us through. I believe God knows what He is doing with me. I may not see His plan, but I know His character and compassion, so I can say “I trust You.” You are my hope, and I am not ashamed to follow where you lead.

Disappointment does imply that I have been frustrated. I can only be disappointed if my expectation doesn’t come to pass. My emotions are dependent on His compassion, grace and mercy and the direction of the Father and Holy Spirit.

I have very high expectations of God. However, I have learned to give Him lots of time to do what He thinks is necessary. I also have pretty high expectations of others who have proven themselves as trustworthy. Having said that, I have low expectations of others. That’s way I am not angry all the time.

This era we walk in now has challenged all of us. We can rejoice in difficulties because they produce patience. We embrace patience because it produces character and is a fruit of His Spirit. We are not disappointed because God’s love is poured into our hearts through that intimate covenant relationship.

Remember, “Hope does not disappoint.Waiting well does not make us ashamed, dishonored, or disgraced. Why…because His love envelops us and encourages us in a close covenant relationship.

In HIs Covenant Love,

 

 

Prayer and Preparation to Walk Through the Open Doors in 2024: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

As we step into 2024, the Hebraic year of “Open Doors” I believe we need to be prepared for various shifts and changes within not only our nation but the body of Christ. We have stepped into a new era of reformation. God has been telling us to set things in order, set men and prepare for this new era.

Our focus this year, more than ever, has become time with Him in prayer. I personally have been focused on listening to Holy Spirit to guide my prayers and pray what He desires, rather than petitioning Him for everything I want. Prayer is becoming a major focus for me. Rather than presuming our idea is from Him, we are consulting with our intercessors and others in our body to find out what they are “hearing” from the Lord.

Proverbs 20:18 states: “Prepare plans by consultation and make war by wise guidance.” Obviously, this is a spiritual war, as we learn to align with heaven and His angelic forces.

As we celebrated our twenty fifth anniversary of TCC last year in June, the Lord also gave us the words “preparation and expansion.” There are many impressions of what expansion can mean, but we are seeking Him to bring the reality of this word to TCC. He has spoken that it has taken twenty-five years to mature and unify us to move into this time. We have gifted and anointed people positioned in all areas or streams of The Center including, Children and Youth Teachers, Instrumental Worship, Praise and Palmistry, Dancers and Flags, Prayer and Prayer Teams, Teachers of the Word and the Prophetic, Counselors, Artists, Writer’s, Deliverance Team, Missionaries, Healing Teams, Streaming, Video and Sound Technicians, Administrator and Facilitators. Everyone has a place and position to release the gift of God within them.

I look forward to this year as we continue to assist believer’s, helping them to walk into their callings and destinies that our Father has deposited within them. Even though we can expect challenges to come, His light will continue to shine through His covenant people.

In His Covenant Love,

 

 

 

 

Wisdom in Biblical Freedom: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained (para), but happy is he who keeps the law.” Para (unrestrained in the Hebrew) means to let go, to loose, unruly, unbridled, undisciplined, or in another form it means to act as a leader. In other words, do what he wants to do like a pharaoh.

When we no longer think we see God move in our life we may become our own god or leader. We do not seek to please Him. We find things to please ourselves. My freedom becomes bondage to myself. I don’t fail because I don’t hear from Him. I have the Bible and other prophetic words that guide me. I just don’t see Him working the way I think He should if He really loves me. Rather than look to Him I end up taking care of my own needs. It can also become a major distraction to help someone else meet their needs.

In my prayer time several years ago, I heard the Lord say, “Don’t do things to please me…” Then there was a long pause and I thought to myself: really?! Then He said, “Find out what pleases Me and do those things.” I realized He was helping me get rid of any performance motivation. I obviously had been doing some things that I thought would make Him happy so He would bless me.

I then realized that He was pleased when I was intimate, in my covenant relationship with Him, and followed the things He though was important… like His written Word in my life. His purposes became my priority. Serving others was important.

Solomon tells us that happiness is found in keeping Torah. Happiness in not achieved by living unrestrained. Pharaoh was not happy. He was free to do what he wanted, but happiness was not the result. Being blessed or happy is a result of walking in an intimate covenant relationship of hearing and seeing what God wants us to do.

Freedom and repentance go hand in hand. Both are important. Any person who thinks they are free but refuses to repent of harmful choices of the past is not free. However, the past can be redeemed by a new future.

We have the freedom of choice to be a volunteer servant of God. The biblical model is not based on my freedom as an individual. Freedom is not the goal. It is to be a servant to a benevolent covenant master: Shema – Hear and Obey.

I believe we are in an era where God is encouraging believers and unbelievers to seek an intimate relationship with Him. There is major healing coming… not just physical healing but healing from wounds caused by life. He is highlighting loving Him in prayer and releasing His love to others. Many will sense this time of healing and either rededicate their lives or they will understand for the first time what it is like to really believe and express His love to others.

In His Covenant Love,