There Is A Savior - Becky Maisenbacher

Sometimes what we observe is difficult to articulate. So we pray. We cry out to God. We try to support and serve others, doing all that is possible within ourselves to ease the pain and heartache that is experienced in this life. We wait and wait on our Creator to act, and even though we know in our heart He is actively engaged – we grow weary.

 Maybe you can relate? When will You come? When will You manifest Your majesty? When will You manifest Your justice. When will you appear to the lost and hurting world? How long will You allow the atrocities to continue? The constant swirling of negativity and disdain in humanity – how dark must the world become before You are once again exulted Father?

In these prayerful moments, deep in the night, when I am awakened to pray, I find myself, at times, almost pleading for God to act. Do something Father! And as I sit quietly anticipating His reply, I learn once more patience as I wait. My heart reminds me that God is not in a hurry. He always has a plan and is never caught unaware of our earthly situations. Then, as I thank Him for His great love for His people and creation, I begin to faintly hear a symphony, playing heavenly music that guides and comforts me and then He speaks – “Becky, There Is A Savior.”

As I close my eyes, I am immediately taken to a quiet place to savor the words and sounds, and my spirit begins to rest. My thoughts are no longer cluttered. The lyrics to this classic song, remind me of the hope we have in Him each day and the promise of His extraordinary mercy, forgiveness and great grace. The message expressed encourages me to keep my eyes and thoughts focused on Jesus, and to remember how marvelous and glorious His love truly is.

Through life I have hoped for many things, maybe you can relate – friends, jobs, cars, homes, wealth, healing, even a simple vacation - the list is long. But I have learned in studying Hebrew, “hope” (תקוה/מקוה) is not putting trust in our own strength or ability. This Hebraic term expresses confidence, not in a future outcome, but in a present divine strength.

The following lyrics ©1968, authored by Greg Nelson, Bob Farrell and Sandi Patty, often resonate in my mind. As they come to me I try to pause and savor each phrase, refocusing and once again setting my mind on the things above. His peace finds me and once again strengthens me as I choose to trust. I hope these words will give strength and confidence to you also my friend, as we motor on in this tumultuous world.

There is a Savior what joys express, His eyes are mercy, His word is rest

For each tomorrow, for yesterday, there is a Savior who lights our way

Are there burdens in your heart, is your past a memory that binds you?

Is there some pain that you’ve carried far too long?

Then strengthen your heart with His good news

There is a Savior and He’s forgiven you.

There is a Savior what joy express His eyes are mercy, His word is rest

For each tomorrow, for yesterday, there is a Savior who lights our way.

There is a Savior who loves you and desires relationship with you. He holds the answers to life. He desires to walk with you, strengthen you and be the Light to guide your path. I encourage you to talk to Him and look toward His face. The things of this world will begin to dim in the time spent with Him, as you are captured and enveloped in His love and amazing grace.

God bless and keep you always in His love,

Passover Preparation - Richard Maisenbacher

Leviticus 23 includes Passover and Unleavened Bread, as well as Firstfruits 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 have 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 15th through April 23rd, 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, intimate love, enjoying His Word, and rejoicing because of the freedom our Passover Lamb has brought us!

If you are near Lakeland, Florida on Friday, April 15th please feel free to join us. We will be celebrating this Feast with a Passover Seder at 7:00p.m. at the Covenant Center.

In His Covenant Love,

You're Good Enough - You Qualify! - Becky Maisenbacher

I was reminded recently in a dream of one of the oldest tactics of the enemy of our soul. You know him as your adversary. He whispers untrustworthy thoughts, deceitfully mimicking the insightful, guiding whispers of Holy Spirit. When he is near he assaults you with whispers like: “You’re never going to make it. No one likes you. You’re ugly. You’re stupid. God doesn’t love you. You will never be happy. He will never forgive you.” The constant barrage of wearisome thoughts that pummel your mind always come to discourage, shame, condemn and ultimately destroy you.

If you have never heard or entertained any of these thoughts then you are a walking miracle. Because the accuser of the brethren is set on taking you out, but God has preserved you to finish the race.

When God speaks through dreams he often comes to encourage, expose the works of darkness, bring healing, peace and comfort, direction or pinpoint what He wants to work on with us. This dream came with a lack of color. It appeared in muted grays which can signal God is letting us in on the plans of darkness so we are not caught unaware.

I was in the second story of a very large furniture store as a salesperson. I noticed there were many associates and sales people working beside me. We took people throughout the story, guiding them through the array of beautiful pieces and assisting them with their purchase, which included antiques. While working on the second floor we hear the “manager” speaking loudly below us in the first floor warehouse. As we all lean over the balcony railing he says: “I want to hire a person for a higher level position, who will be on time each day and do what I ask.” His voice is harsh and demanding and I wonder why I am working for such an unkind manager. But I reason in my mind thinking, “Well, I am always on time and I think I could qualify for the position?” As we lifted our hands to qualify and be considered for the position, the manger emphatically states: “Don’t you get it! You don’t qualify! You’re not good enough!” Repelled by his harsh condemning declaration we all lunged back from the railing, reeling from his negativity.

Let’s look at the symbolism and what our Father may be revealing right now.
Furniture – to supply what is needed to equip and to give needed supplies to make life more comfortable. Presents, inheritance, material goods, promises, or internal affairs of how one structures their life.

Are you a furniture salesperson who has a desire to help others? Do you know you have an inheritance in God that He hopes to see you fulfill? Maybe you have laid down dreams or you’ve followed the deceiving whispers that “It could never happen for me – I’m not good enough.”

If you have encountered mean spirited people in authority at some point in life like a sibling, well-meaning friend or parent, coach, teacher, even a pastor who has spoken cruel words over you and may have accepted the lie as truth.

So here is the deal, Beloved. The God who knew you before the foundation of the earth and before you were formed in your mother’s womb – He knows you! He loves you! He has a future and hope for you – destiny and life as He waits for you to embrace yourself and declare: I have value. God loves me and I qualify for life and destiny.

We as furniture sales people, in His body, are assigned to give out, teach, equip and supply what is needed for others to understand life in this world, by sharing God’s love, His gifts and inheritance as well as material goods. As we reject the lies and stay focused on His truth and the promises of God we can bring life to weary souls and help build healthy structures for their lives.

God desires for His people to soar and live an abundant overcoming life. He wants you to know He has qualified you. Through the cross, you are qualified. You are good enough and therefore appointed to live in His covenant of peace where there is safety, security, strength, prosperity, health and increase. Let Him become the Manager of your life, and He will guide, teach, comfort, and direct you toward reaching the “position” and destiny in life He has designed for you. He loves you and declares - You are good enough!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

 In His Love,

Darkness May Reveal His Light - Richard Maisenbacher

It has been challenging for all of us to discern what the Lord is doing with His rhema personal words, prophetic words, and various streams of technology as well as personal opinions. It’s encouraging to receive a reminder that He is The Master of the Universe and His ways are not our ways.

This past Sunday, February 27, 2022 as our worship team released heavenly sounds and prophetic expressions the Spirit of God came with His presence and revelation when the following word was released by my wife, Becky. This word encourages us to trust and to understand that sometimes darkness leads us to His light. In His Covenant Love, Richard.

(Becky) You, the psalmists and musicians, all have tapped into a stream of the Lord. We don’t always talk about it, but it is who He is. As you, particularly as musicians, tapped into the discordance that was taking place so magnificently. That’s what He’s teaching us all isn’t He? To hear and see and know and understand what He’s speaking to us. And here is what I heard Him say in response to your worship, prayers, praise and declarations. So, I’ll share this, and you all weigh it. It’s sobering to me. But that’s a part of Him too, isn’t it?

I asked Him what He wanted to express with the unusual sounds and dissonance coming forth. The music was beautiful, unusual and very striking:

“I AM the Master of this Universe. I am the Master of this Universe. You say you desire to know My ways. You say you want to know more of Me. And I come to you with what you can handle. And we talk of the world becoming dark. And yes, the world will darken, because the days are nearer to my Son’s return. My Son will return. But I say I AM the Master of the Universe. And guess what? I am also the Master of discordance and dissonance. I am also the Master disruptor. I AM the One who allows darkness to walk into My light. I choose at times to remove My light so the darkness may have permission, that I will allow it to enter and let its’ presence do its’ work; so that those who enter into the darkness will turn their eyes to the light and see Me.

My plans are greater than your understanding. My ways are higher and wider and deeper than your understanding. But I am at work, and I have My plans and as the Master Disruptor you have even seen Me enter your lives at times when I have allowed divisions, I have allowed disappointments – even derisions. I have allowed things to take place because in that darkness as I begin to shine My light I guide your path. Does My scripture not say that I am the One that guides your path? I am the One that opens doors that no man can shut. I am the One that closes the doors that no man can open.

I have been looking for a people who will allow Me to be Me, who will not put Me in a pretty box and say that I am just sweet. I have been looking for a people that would allow Me to be Me and not be afraid of the darkness knowing that My Light surrounds it. I have been looking for a people that can smile in the midst of the storm and know that I ride upon it. I have been looking for a people and I have found you -  You are My people!

For you have walked through many valleys and walked through many disappointments and you have walked through much pressure early in this life and you have said at times, “Oh God I don’t even know if You’re real anymore. I don’t even know if I want to know You anymore.” But I tell you my beloved, I have used these times and I will continue to use these time of trials and challenges because My plan is greater than your understanding. But know My love, as they sang today- ‘I am your reality,’ My love is greater, and wider and deeper than anything you must walk through, any trial or testing. They will never overtake you. But know as I reveal more of Myself today to you, I am also the Disrupter. But I do not disrupt to harm. I disrupt to open pathways that are new that will guide you into the truth and the destiny that I have for you, for this world, and for each nation.

So, for you today who will allow Me to reveal more of Myself to you… you see there is a human side of Me too. When I have one of My children say, ‘I don’t want to know you anymore.’ You know how that feels. It hurts My heart also, because that was never My plan. That was never My reason for doing what I must do. So, I pray and I delight in your love.

And I am building within you an understanding of My ways -  to a place where you trust Me totally; where you trust Me totally! So even though you’ve walked through challenges and even though you’ve walked through pain, some more than others have experienced much deeper pain, know I will come and continue to give you understanding of My purposes and My plans and My redemption and My love so that I can continue to fill you with hope as you continue to desire Me.

So, I pose to you My children today: May I reveal more of Who I am to you? Will you be disappointed in who I am? Or will you be able to take Me from the vastness of my greatness as Master of this Universe and trust Me? And trust Me? I want you to know Me. I want to expose more of Myself to you. I want you to have greater understanding of Who I am. But I’ll give you what you can handle, because My heart for you is always Love, My heart for you is always Goodness, My heart for you is always Mercy.

Even though in these days you will continue to see darkness, try to remember I, in My light, surround the darkness. I, in My light, surround the darkness! Do you hear Me? There’s no place the darkness can hide. There is no place that My light can’t shine. I raise kings up and I let them fall. And I raise empires up and I let them fall. Look to Me. I ride upon the storms, and when you agree I ride upon the storms, you will be saved.

Isaiah 45:5-7 - “I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these.”

Living In Peace In Troubling Times - Pat Stark

Pat Stark shares insightful words of encouragement and hope. Her messages are full of prophetic insight as she gives understanding to the times and seasons we live in. I believe she has important keys to share as we learn to walk victoriously through troubling times.

God instructs us to be at peace and trust in Him, but God’s peace may look a little different than what we imagine.  Pat shares the following:

“How often he comes to us in a different way than we’ve previously experienced him. We think it’s the enemy, and the enemy is often involved, but God is using the situation in a different way to actually free us from false pictures we didn’t even know we had.”

This is so true! I encourage you to read this word from Pat as we continue to learn His ways while abiding in His presence and peace. Enjoy this word and be encouraged that God cares about you! Becky

Living In Peace In Troubling Times 

Pat Stark

Almost everyone is feeling the effects of the turmoil of our times. You almost have to be asleep to be not affected in some way. We are also seeing the shaking play out in our own lives and affecting us personally — relationally, financially, emotionally, health wise, even our freedoms are being challenged on a daily basis.  All our securities, the things we so easily trusted in, are being challenged.

Definition of Security: “The state of being free from danger or threat”

So what is God doing in us during this season of personal, national, and global uncertainty?

God often uses times like these to bring change deep within us as he allows our false foundations to be shaken and challenges the way we have interpreted life. So what are some of the things he is changing within us? 

He is teaching us that “He will be the sure foundation for our times.” Isaiah 33:6:

Not our finances, our jobs, ministry, health, the government, or other people. Sadly they can all become our false securities without our even realizing it.

He is changing our ways.  The way we have interpreted life and believed it was supposed to look, our false pictures of our entitlements, or even the religious pictures we have picked up along the way. Intimacy with God requires the changing of our ways of seeing.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

One of his ways is that sometimes he comes to us in a “different form” than we are used to. After Jesus had resurrected from the dead, we read in Luke 24:14-17, 19-21 NIV:

“They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel…”

How often he comes to us in a different way than we’ve previously experienced him. We think it’s the enemy, and the enemy is often involved, but God is using the situation in a different way to actually free us from false pictures we didn’t even know we had. 

But we had hoped… How often is our hope deferred.  We hope God will do things a different way, show up sooner than he does, or that things will turn out differently, and we are disappointed. The disciples had an earthly perspective of how they believed it was supposed to turn out, as too often, so do we.

How many times does God seem to thwart our plans!  How many times throughout my life, I have silently demanded or expected God to do something in a certain way, or have needed him to come through in my picture, or in a certain timeframe, and he doesn’t. He remains silent. He leaves me hanging! And then it’s not until I finally surrender the outcome to him, that he comes and causes the phone to ring or releases something I’ve needed.

We often have an earthly, worldly, human perspective of how things need to look for us to have peace, but he is lifting us higher into seeing from his Kingdom perspective and learning to walk in his ways.

“For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.” Job 5:18 NIV

His intent is never to harm us, but he does wound us in order to heal us and to bring us to a higher level of trust in him and in his ways so that we can walk in his peace. When we come to him quietly demanding, or with our own expectations of how he should act, he is often silent.

Quote:  “God is more interested in our transformation than our happiness." John Eldredge

He is breaking our boxes — the ones we have used to neatly file alway all our Christian pictures, our interpretations, and opening up our way of thinking. He is exposing our views of the way we think things need to play out in order for us to have peace, and messing with even some of our former Bible interpretations.

Instead he is teaching us to have peace in the midst of the storm, peace in the boat with him as the waves are crashing all around us. It is his storm.  And it’s often in the storm with him that we discover peace right there in it’s midst.  Going through our storm with him, we discover the following verses to be true: 

“See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:16-17 NIV

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NIV

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely,” Isaiah 32:18-19 NIV

 He is exposing our old survival systems. Our survival systems are the things we have trusted in to make life work for us so we can feel OK and have false peace. For Christians they can be even good things like ministry, relationships (that are actually on-dependent), our gifts, prayer, even the Bible.  I used the Bible for years to get a false identity.  It wasn’t until everything in my life began to fall apart that I allowed God to show me it was a false system to try to keep my life safe, and to get worth from my Bible “knowledge”.

Good things that we eat from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” come from the wrong tree and from it we get twisted motives. Instead we need to receive our peace from eating from the “tree of Life” who is Jesus. Good things can become twisted because of the motives and intents of our hearts that can be buried within us without our knowledge.

“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2 NIV

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV

JESUS IS THE WAY (in the present circumstances and into our future)

JESUS IS THE TRUTH, (of life itself)

JESUS IS OUR VERY LIFE  (that is fully alive!)

Pat Stark has worked with hurting people for over 30 years in the area of deep spiritual and emotion healing. She is an author and conference speaker. Her books are available on Amazon, Kindle and The Covenant Center Bookstore: The Story of Life - The Life We All Try to Find; Born To Fly - Pursuing The Life You Were Meant To Live…Free; Lost Heart? A Guide To Living From The Heart In A Broken World.

Prepare For The Enemies Schemes By Standing Firm - Richard Maisenbacher

Ephesians 6:10-11 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

The word “schemes” in the Greek is methodeias meaning methods and travel with. His schemes are not just paying attention to major things or moral sin that is obvious to us. It also includes Jesus’ warning of the tradition (paradigms) of men and the elders. It is how things are usually done without God, including cultural things we tend to accept naturally that the Holy Spirit is not a part of.

Therefore, one of the schemes of the enemy is to make us believe God is into all the cultural and religious traditions that we have been taught, believed and participated in. Step one is for us to take notice and begin to challenge some of these schemes!

Verse 13 says, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” We are also exhorted in verse 14 to stand firm again with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, as we pray at all times in the Spirit.

Even though these weapons are not literal, they are significant spiritual weapons, which are extremely important! In other words, come prepared, not to make an attack, but to stand firm and hold ground that God wins for you. Don’t retreat! We are protected as God is destroying the enemy around us. We trust in His battle plan and stand firm, which is the Hebraic idea of truth.  In addition, we should not be presumptuous to engage in a battle that we have not been asked to enter.  

Even though comfort, peace, security and walking with God is much more pleasant, sometimes He does ask us to stand or engage in the battle. Putting on the whole armor of God does not always imply we are at war. Actually, Scripture never tells us to take it off. I encourage you to wear His armor every day.

We should always walk prepared for difficulties and challenges that will eventually come. Rather than just focusing on comfort and peace as the goal of a believer; putting on His spiritual armor and standing firm seems to be an equally important part of our walk. Recognizing cultural traditions or paradigms of men and elders, that we may have accepted as being from God, will also help you to stand firm in His truth as He fights your battles and alerts you to engage when necessary.

Father, we thank you for teaching us in your Word how to wear your armor, stand firm, and only engage in those battles that You are fighting.

In His Covenant Love,

We Are Family - Becky Maisenbacher

Webster defines Family as “a group consisting of parents and children living together; a group of people related to one another by blood or marriage; all the descendants of a common ancestor.”

If He lives in you, the we are connected by Christ’s blood and He is also our common “Ancestor.” How joyous and wonderful it is to be in God’s family, where we can love, support, pray for, cheer on, dwell together and support one another through this life. Psalm 133:1 declares: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”

We are family! it seems fitting that God is reminding us who we really are today in this world, just like the Apostle Paul in ancient times. Whenever he spoke, especially to the Ephesians and often to Timothy, he encouraged each person to embrace and recognize their position in the Family of God. Ephesians 2:18-19: “for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God’s household.”

Over forty years ago as He called Richard and I to full-time ministry, He asked us to build a spiritual family, I was taken back at His request and just had to ask Him, “Why do You need another ‘church’ when it seems like you have almost a church, bank or gas station on every corner?” We were very content to serve and support our pastors and had no desire to leave.

Then, He began to teach me that these special families were all part of His Kingdom - His household. Their various assignments made them Kingdom Households for Him to enjoy and have relationship, as well as to fulfill His desires here on earth. He gave them various assignments and strengths. Some were more evangelistic, some excelled especially with training, healing, missions, the prophetic and more. Every “church” in His eyes was an extension of Him and He called them His family.

I was recently reminded of the many waves of revelation or dispensations through the years we have been privileged to experience. Healing of the 50’s, Evangelism, the Jesus movement, Charismata and Holy Spirit of the 60’s and 70’s, Prophetic movements with treasure hunts, dreams and visions, with evangelistic outreach of the 80’s, Home Group movements, House Churches and Mega Churches of the 90’s, to the present with the Apostolic movement, all with His “anointing” and “gifts.”

Over time, at least to me, I sensed some of His places of habitation became more like “institutions” in reaching people with their “specialties;” becoming more divisive as they celebrated numbers and competition with spiritual gifts, rather than inviting people into a relationship with our Father and one another. It seemed that growing as a family and learning about God’s ways was no longer “enough”

This dialogue and revelation changed my perception of His ways and purposes as well as His desire to build His Kingdom through “Families.” God’s plan is to build communities of and for His children; include brothers and sisters, elders with moms and dads, grandpas and grandmas - to encourage, teach, train, guide, mentor, watch over and pray for, while supporting each other - and most importantly – loving one another. God is able to reveal and model His family plan to all who know and abide in Him.

Honestly, it was a challenge, to think of stepping into a “pastor” role with Richard. But with this revelation, I could accept our full-time call to facilitate, like Aquila and Priscilla, and allow God to lay and build His foundation for a family. Even to this day, when I pass by a church building, I see a Family of God, who He has assigned and knitted together; understanding that the building is just a building, and His church, which is really the people and family inside, are my family too.

As we continue in Ephesians Chapter 2:20-22 Paul continues to instruct us of our positioning in God’s Kingdom: “having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone. In whom the whole building (body), being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you are also being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

I love this so much! We are being fitted together, a part of His temple, being built together as His dwelling place.  We need each other! God has built His Kingdom where there are never to be “lone rangers.” Yes, we all at times have been wounded by issues and misunderstandings, but we need to be connected in relationship with Him, as well as in Spirit, and when possible in person with community. We gain our peace, strength and power when we gather and commune together. We gain understanding and revelation as well as strength and endurance when we align together. God loves relationship! He has built us to desire relationship with Him as well as each other.

I believe we will begin to see divine direction for some communities to return, or even new communities birthed, to the heart of God and his desire for a fresh family structure and supportive body, that will draw the prodigals and youth that long for connection, long for love and support; who need guidance, wisdom and counsel, and the dynamic of family they have possibly never known.

As we allow God to work deeply within us, let’s surrender to His plan of transformation to become the family that no longer expends their energy through, criticism, elitism or competition. Let’s be His body rightly fitted together as we pray for one another, celebrate and cheer on one another, support one another, giving hope to each other in His love, knowing we all form His Temple – a place for Him to dwell. And as the author of Hebrew extolled thousands of years ago - and still very relevant today:

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

You are invited to come and be apart, as He continues to build His Kingdom, through relationship and family, that has no end - “and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end,” Luke 1:33.

In His Love,

PS - Here are a few of my favorite Scriptures as we continue to study His ways.

Corinthians 12:12 NASB -“For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one part, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has arranged the parts, each one of them in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But now there are many parts, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again, the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor, and our less presentable parts become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable parts have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same care for one another. And if one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if a part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.”

Psalm 40:8 – “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”  

Psalm 25:4-5 –“Show me Your Ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are My Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 – “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

Scriptures taken from the New American Standard Bible, © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved (www.Lockman.org).

Hope - Richard Maisenbacher

It sure seems like hope is something the body of Christ is challenged to activate on a spiritual and emotionally level. Most of us are familiar with 1 Corinthians 13:13, “But now faith, hope, love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Therefore, our focus most of the time will be on love, which is extremely important! However, hope seems to be extremely foundational in this verse also.

Hope means to wait, look for, expect, waiting, and look for eagerly. It has to do with our future and cannot be known for sure. There is One who does know the future and is able to affect its outcome for our benefit. Otherwise, we tend to hope in our own or other’s ability or the promises of our government.

Because God is with us our hope rests in Him. This does not necessarily mean all my dreams, expectations, and hope become a reality. Even though my walk with the Lord will not be crystal clear, I am still a part of God’s plan. I hope in God’s character and His faithfulness. I trust in His covenant promises. My hope is He will deliver in His time - His way. If I trust God then I will have hope.

Psalm 119:114 declares: “You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for your word.” Wait for means hiding place, covering, protection. If we believe the protection and security of the Lord, then behaviorally (Hebraically) we will be waiting for His word. The Hebrew word is “yahal” and means not only to wait but also to hope. It means a sense of expectant anticipation, not stagnant reclining. We don’t necessarily recline comfortably and sleep expecting the Lord to wake us up with His next word. Are we hunger and thirsting after Him? Are we on the edge of our seat straining to see or hear Him?

I cannot say that I have been this diligent to hear or see His next word or revelation for me. However, I am motivated to implement this method of seeking Him and allow hope instead of discouragement to influence me. This would probably be a great New Year’s resolution. Even though the Hebraic new year has already started back in September it’s never too late to start. So NOW is the time to hope and receive His protection by actively waiting for Him!!!

In His Covenant Love,

I Am The Master Strategist - Becky Maisenbacher

During a recent Saturday prayer time at The Covenant Center (Dec. 4th), a vision appeared in my mind's eye of a chess board with chessmen positioned. His hand appeared and began to move and reposition some of the chessmen on the board.

Then I heard, "I have been repositioning people. You will see some ministries moving to different locations and buildings/structures, even geographical relocation, as well as businesses, schools, individuals and families.

I am the Master Strategist and I will strategically place those in preparation for what I am soon releasing. I will guide and position those that I desire to elevate as well as those I will demote.

I will bring fresh alignment of ministries together, even finances, to support and compliment one another in the visions, call and plans I have assigned them to fulfill.

Do not fear the changes coming, trust me and know I am working on your behalf and will guide you - for it is written: 'Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purposes that prevail.'

I am a Father of great mercy and grace and will give victory to those in my covenant. Prepare your heart and you will see my plans and strategies unfold and rejoice."

This vision was very comforting to me, reminding me He knows the beginning and the end, and his vision and plans often are far more expansive than we can understand. I love and appreciate when God gives a glimpse of the future that helps us navigate life.

Then on the night of December 20th, he once again came with an encouraging dream. I was in a meeting with our Covenant Center family, when Richard called out,”It’s beginning to snow!” Now even in the dream I knew we lived in Florida and it was very, very rare to hear of this. I looked over at the large picture windows of our building and immediately saw large, plump, beautiful, hand size fluffy white snow flakes swirling about with some touching our windows and leaving their individual imprints, then floating to the ground.

I was so excited to see this most unusual phenomenon that I quickly ran outside where the dainty flakes enveloped me and others. Looking down at the ground which was almost covered, I realized I could build a snowman. I had never seen snow in Florida. Trying to catch some of the flakes in my hand I gleefully exclaimed: “It’s been twenty years since I have seen snow anywhere!”

In the next scene, I was sitting by a well known woman with a national prophetic platform, who I knew had recently declared that our nation would see snow in unusual places. There was another young man beside her and I spoke to them: “is it possible this is one of the signs you spoke of that snow would appear in unusual places where it doesn’t usually snow?” She responded with a sweet smile and I awoke, encouraged and curious to know more.

Our Father is bringing encouragement to us in this challenging season. What may appear dark and brooding, even invasive to our lives and our nation, is the perfect backdrop for the Lord to break forth in his majesty and glory.

In researching these visitations, here are some of the dream definitions and insight: Snow: is a symbol of a clean fresh start and purity; translucent or transparent; angels, clean heart, refreshing; and can represent the change of seasons. Twenty: which I yelled out as years since seeing snow represents: redemption; crowning achievement; divine order; completion for spiritual perfection; holiness; waiting with expectancy; number of recorded dreams; Jacob waited 20 years for possession; Israel waited 20 years for deliverance; the age of warriors.

Our Father is speaking releasing bits and pieces of the plans of heaven for you and your family, as well as this nation. The season is changing and his plans for redemption, aligning things back to his divine order, with a clean fresh start, and his spiritual perfection and holiness have arrived. The patience we have learned in waiting like Jacob and Israel will give way to spiritual completion to some in their assignments - some will even experience crowning achievements orchestrated by our King.

We of course must be prepared for the shifting and changing of the season drawing near. It will be important to keep our eyes and heart fixed on him, trusting him even when life seems dark. He loves you! He has a plan for your life! He is your greatest advocate and cheerleader, smiling and cheering you on toward your victories. He sends Holy Spirit, as well as his angel forces and heavenly hosts to guide, protect, counsel, give understanding, encourage you and gird you up with wisdom, revelation and understanding. His grace and mercy will wash away any moments of missing the mark as he walks by your side.

Darkness has come to the world but he desires for you and your homes to be filled with his glory and light. Egypt was very dark, a darkness that could be felt, but all the children of Israel maintained light in their homes. God desires for your home to be full of light, as well as joy and love.(Proverbs 3:33)

“He will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go and he will counsel you with his eye upon you,” (Psalm 32:8).

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way,” (Psalm 37:23).

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord,” (Proverbs 16:1).

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps, “ ((Proverbs 16:;9).

“And your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or to the left,” (Isaiah 30;21).

It has been a trying 2 1/2 years for everyone. But our Father is never without plans. You are always in my prayers that he will manifest himself to you, guide, protect, provide, bring health, joy and peace to you always. Let’s continue to place our trust in God, who is The Master Strategist, knowing that he desires to place a canopy of glory over your home (Isaiah 4:5), keep you in his health (Psalm 91:10, guide you and watch over you (Jeremiah 29:11), and give you the desire of your heart (Proverbs 10:24b).

“And let us not lost heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary,” (Galatians 6:9).

“And finally let’s not forget each to clothe ourselves in the armor of God: “Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm, stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Here we go dear friends! as we welcome 2022! God bless and keep you always - Onward!

In His Love,

Progressive Revelation - Richard Maisenbacher

Recently I saw a vision of new life sprouting up in several low growing fresh evergreen shrubs. As I focused on this new fresh growth, I noticed they seemed a little blurry. I realized that the Lord’s new growth and life for the Body wasn’t totally clear with the fullness of revelation that I wanted. I desired a scripture to help make this vision a little clearer; because I enjoy knowing exactly what the Lord is doing without any surprises…which lately hasn’t seemed to happen very often.  

In Ephesians 1:9 it says, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.” Then I realized, much of the time God’s eternal purposes are hidden from us. Yes, we receive most of His revelation through His Word, prayer, gifts of the Spirit, circumstances, and maturation. However, some of His revelation is a mystery hidden in God’s big picture. It unfolds in the form of progressive revelation.

Abraham had to wait many years to obtain the promise from God. Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and he never did walk into the promise. No one seemed to understand the purpose of Christ’s death and resurrection at the time. In the Old Testament the prophets spoke, and the people/kings usually ignored them or misunderstood God’s purposes. Many purposes of God took hundreds of years to be revealed after the prophets spoke.

There are some obvious plans that God has for us. He desires for us to worship, seek intimacy with Him, pray, have community, be transformed into Christ’s image, and show His glory. As obvious as these plans are for us, His eternal purposes may still be hidden or be a mystery.

As a believer who enjoys hearing from God for myself or through others, not knowing what is happening in my life, culture, nation, and world can be somewhat frustrating. Having the vision of new growth and life, even though everything happening may not be totally clear, is ok. He may not reveal his purpose yet. I may be seeing through a glass darkly. I can embrace progressive revelation as it unfolds.

In my relationship with God, I know that He is not keeping revelation from me due to any unrepentant sin, or that he doesn’t love me. God always wants to speak to His children. I rest in the fact that His ways are not my ways, and there may be a mystery that is yet to be revealed. I can relax in His covenant of peace and continue to seek His face and be content if I am not hearing Him answer every question I have. His sovereignty, His covenant love, and character have produced a peace like nothing else!

In His Covenant Love,

God's Gift of Love - Becky Maisenbacher

Lately I have found myself humming and old gospel hymn reflecting on God’s great gift of love through Jesus. Here are some of the lyrics: “No one ever cared for me like Jesus, His faithful hand has held me all this way, and when I’m old and grey and all my days are numbered on this earth, let it be known in you alone my joy was found…..my treasure is in heaven and you are everything to me.”

 Charles Weigle, was an itinerant evangelist and hymn composer, writing this song in 1932. After an evangelistic crusade and many days away from his family, he returned home to an empty house. His wife had left him, and in his sorrow and loneliness, God met with him, encouraged and comforted him.

 As Rick Warren once share: “God’s love is like an ocean; you can see its’ beginning, but not its end.” I have found God’s love to be steadfast and eternal. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. When we feel alone in surrounding darkness, he comes to us, like he did to Charles Weigle, and reminds us of his great love and friendship. We are never alone.

 John, the Apostle, wrote from his experience: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love,” (1 John 4:7-8).

 It is traditionally suggested that John was in advanced age as he composed and spoke these words possibly at Ephesus. I wonder, after living with Jesus and observing his many various expressions of love, if John wanted to once more, share his understanding and acquired wisdom to encourage and guide others?

 Is it possible that through everything he observed and learned he also came to the conclusion that God’s kingdom boils down to one word – “Love?” Did he also, through the highs and lows of his life, also find the One constant, that forever remains and faithful and never changes – Jesus? In my 66 years of knowing him, and 46 years of serving him, he still remains the same no matter my circumstances – He is Love.  

 Especially during this month, I hope you can find a moment to pause and reflect on the following scriptures, as we enjoy this festive season of Light; reminding us when love in the form of Jesus came to earth and became a tangible and ever present gift of love and life.

 Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah!

In His love,

 God loves you so much he sent his son and nothing can separate you from His love -

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor power, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:37-39.

God gave his only son to the world so you could have eternal life -

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16.

I have learned that God is always with us – He is always with you too -

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior, He will exult over you with joy, He will quiet you in his love, he will rejoice over you with shouts of joy,” Zephaniah 3:17.

 If you accept him into your life – he calls you his child –

 “See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him,” 1John 3:1.

 He desires to be your loving Father that through his correction he demonstrates his love for you –

 “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and disciplines every son whom He receives,” Hebrews 12:6.

 He is patient and attentive, and slow to anger. His faithfulness, mercy and great love is unfailing –

 “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth,” Psalm 86:15.

 He keeps his covenant and steadfast love –

 “Know therefore that the Lord your God , He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and steadfast love (lovingkindness) to a thousandth generation with those who love him and keep his commandments,” Deuteronomy 7:9.

His love was made manifest on earth –

“By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins,” 1John 4:9-10.

A prayer for you -

Father thank you for Jesus and this beautiful season of love. Reveal your truth of Jesus in each heart and please teach us to love the way you love. Teach us your ways.

Paul's Method of War - Richard Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Covenant Love,

Let Seasons Have Their Perfect Work - Becky Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Negative Beliefs:

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

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

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

God will punish me if I make a mistake.

His good news and Scriptural Truths:

God is merciful. His mercies are new every morning.

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

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

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

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

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

Scripture Mediations – It is written:

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

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

Prayer:

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

Blessings to you in this new season and new era,

Fear Verses Anxiety - Richard Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Covenant Love,

The Importance of Discernment - Becky Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Love,

The Fall Feasts of the Lord - Richard Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Covenant Love,

The Gift of Adversity - Becky Maisenbacher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Love,

Catching Fish

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Covenant Love,

The Oil of Gladness for Mourning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Are Not Alone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His Oil of Gladness

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

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

In His Love Always,

TCC Schedule for July - Richard Maisenbacher

The Covenant Center Schedule for July

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

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

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

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

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

In His Love,

Richard and Becky