The Wind is Blowing! Get Ready! by Diana Mourey

I have learned in our last 40 years of ministry, that every God given endeavor begins with prayer. For those who seek Him, scripture states : “For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9). When we forget or refuse to seek Him, as scripture suggests, we may experience wars.

Everything we do is bathed in prayer at The Covenant Center, so having intercessors who delight in worshiping Him is foundational in seeking Him and His presence. Receiving His guidance through Holy Spirit is essential.

Richard and I are thankful for Shane Butler and the Tuesday intercessory team ministry. We also welcome Diana Mourey, a General in the Kingdom, who walks in true humility desiring to train others to hear from heaven and release His expression of hope and encouragement. Our Father is visiting these worship times with lovely expressions of His love. For those unable to attend, we periodically stream on Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon (Facebook - The Covenant Center). Thanks also to Richard who helped transcribed the following message from February 7th, 2023. We want to share the waves of His glory and words that are releasing hope and strength to any who are weary. I encourage you to approach these words released by Diana when you have a quiet moment to reflect and “hear” what His Spirit is speaking to you. Be encouraged! Our Father is actively working on your behalf. In His love, Becky

Diana and Robert Mourey

THE WIND IS BLOWING – GET READY! by Diana Mourey

Get ready, for those healings are in the wind. For even though you feel I have forsaken you for a season, I have not. I have been watching. I have been hearing your heart cries.

I will not let you down in this hour. I lift you up under my wings even as I have been preparing you. And you will even climb upon My wing, and I will carry you, I will carry you, I will carry you. No longer will you be hiding under My wing for refuge. For you will come out and declare even My glory says your God. For this is a new season within My body, this is a new season. Yes, hear the wind blow. And even in My anger at things that are going on upon the earth in this hour, I am about to pour out My medicine to declare that I Am God and I do carry through with My promises. Maybe they haven’t come as fast as you have desired, but they are coming. And I will establish that, which I will establish upon the earth, for it is Mine says your God.

Yes, at times the enemy thinks the atmosphere is his but get ready, for you are Mine and I will bring you into that promised land that I have promised. For you have hung on to every promise, you have hung on to every word. You have not been defeated although at times it felt you were defeated. Ahh says your God, listen – listen – listen to the fresh wind for it is blowing and it will take hold. For I’ve seen you. I’ve noticed your situation even when you thought I did not even care, I care. I care. And even when My heart breaks at times for I would love to even come down and even look you in the eye. The time will come says your God. The time will come, so get ready. And listen and listen for the wind.

 GOD’S PRESENCE  - RELEASE OF INTERCESSION

He is awesome. He is God. He is Spirit. They want to know Him and the power. We as Christians want to experience the wonder. What they’ve heard so much. They want to join in. They want to be a part of things. They want to experience even the move of God in their own hearts. Some of them look around and think, “Why can’t I feel that? Why can’t I feel that?” It’s time says the Lord. It’s time. For there is a deep calling within the hearts, though they have not actually felt My presence inside. For even My sympathy for the broken hearted, even My compassion for the broken hearted, for those who are in need of a Savior. A Savior -Yes, I am stirring the depth, and even as intercessors at times, we wonder what’s going on. Even in what we feel in the moanings and groanings is your heart crying.

Release it says God. For it is intercession that comes up from My throne room. It is intercession. It’s that calling – that calling that wants the deep things of God; but do you not know how to move into it? I will teach you says the Holy Spirit. I will teach you. We do not have to figure things out, but you will flow in the manifestation of My Spirit, and you will say It is good. It is good. It is good! For even in my trials and tribulations, even as David said, “It is good!”

You will say - For I have learned the ways of God. For I have learned how to come into His throne room. I have learned how to experience Him. For He is with the broken hearted. He will rise up and fix that broken heart. For even as it has already been said, He is a Finisher of our salvation. He is the Restorer. For the very promises He has promised, you thought they were lost, but they were not. For even on My shelves in heaven, vials of prayer and intercession are about to be poured out on the earth in a way like never before, says your God.

DON’T LIMIT HIM – DEEP CALLS TO DEEP

He is the Restorer. Even the compassion in your own soul, yes, will be contagious. You will find yourself prophesying when you thought you didn’t even know how. You will find yourself saying things even in a simple conversation that will astound you. Even as these words have been spoken and are going out over the very atmosphere. Once again, I say don’t limit Me, there is much to be had. There are still journeys to go on, there are still places I want to take you even in the way of intercession and prayer. Yes, I have to feed babies with soup, but I’m not holding back in this season says the Father. Your babies are even going to digest meat.

And don’t hold back even in your explanations of prayer and intercession, for there are babies that are hungry for the meat and hungry for what I’m doing in this season, even in the so-called ignorance of spiritual things. Why? Did I not have to teach you? Will I not teach them? Hang on says your God. You think you’ve been in a roller coaster ride - get ready - for there will be those that will come to you for answers. Get ready. Get ready to feed them for they are hungry. Don’t lay aside the depth that I am calling them into. You will know the ones. They are definitely hungry for more.

I am prophesying this to all of us, but especially to Becky and Richard. Even as they start this new class on prayer. Get ready says your God. Even in your disappointments that you have had, you will not be disappointed. For I will touch your bodies. I will give My people the strength that they need. Yes, it was a journey and a trial. But even as you’ve crossed through and over to the other side, there is redemption. There is supernatural possibilities - possibilities with your God. For He is able, even in the things that are not possible. He is able to make all possible. Thank you Father! We look forward to it God. In Jesus name. Deep calleth to deep. Thank you Father.

PEACE – REST - TRUST

There is an atmosphere of peace in here. Breathe it in and receive it says the Lord. My church has been in turmoil. The church has been fighting, fighting, fighting. Yes, it is a battle, but I’ve promised you My peace. Peace to the flesh. Peace to the soul. Peace to the spirit man. Peace, breath it in. Even learn to practice My peace says Your God. Come out of your turmoil. Come out! He’s speaking to the church as a whole. Come out of the turmoil and rest. Rest in Me and know what I do, I do have it all under control, though you do have an enemy of your soul. I’m there for you, says your God and I am there for you! So how could it not be done? If I am for you, who can be against you. Even though he tries, I block him says your God. I block him. I not only run interference, I bring the end result and I do promise peace, peace that passes all understanding. Get happy says your God. You said, but God do you really understand what I am going through? Yes, I say rest in me. Even let me develop that peace in you. I’m not done with you. I am only really getting started, says your God. I had to test your faith. I had to see if you would rejoice in all things. I had to see if you would worship Me and thank Me in spite of…Yes, I have found many. I look to and fro, but I did, and I have, and I am still going to find many. The peace that passes all understanding.

Dry bones come alive. That’s your word God. Those dry bones will live again. Those dry bones will come alive. Those dry bones will rise up. Our dry bones will come alive!

Time to trust... Be at peace says your God. I’m not done. We are only getting started. I had to test your faith. I had to see if you would rejoice in all things. I had to see if you would worship Me and thank Me in spite of it. Peace. Peace.

Diana Mourey - received her ministry license while she and her husband Robert were Elders, serving under Karl Strader, in Carpenter’s Home Church, Lakeland, Florida. She has studied under many prophets through the years, and has led intercessory prayer meetings, teaching intercession and spiritual warfare, while serving on several ministry boards. She does not want to be “up front” except in God’s Army in proclaiming what God is saying to the Church; while helping others discover their gifts and callings. She is a published author, “He Calls Me Child;” a prophetic dialogue between the Father and an intercessor for those who thirst after the things of God. Robert and Diana have two married daughters, nine grandchildren and one great grand baby. Contact - info@thecovenantcenter.com

The Lord's Compassion: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

Isaiah 54:10, “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken, says the Lord who has compassion on you.”

Will the Lord continue to be compassionate with us and for how long? Isaiah says until the entire order of the universe is overthrown and then it will still continue. God is saying that it is more difficult to imagine the destruction of everything, than it is to imagine that I will not be compassionate!

God’s compassion is who He is. Compassionate is the Hebrew word rachum meaning God is merciful and forgiving. Merciful is someone who does not punish us even though we may deserve it. Forgiving is someone who pays the price we owe so that we can go free. Being compassionate is not about feeling sorry about someone or sharing empathy with them. It is about action. It’s about doing something that will change the situation. Even though at times we all have probably questioned the Lord’s compassion, based on what the world looks like or what has transpired in our own lives - He remains merciful and long suffering.

It is important for us as Believers to understand that we have walked into a covenant love relationship with the Lord who is very relational. He is the one who leads the covenant and desires intimacy. God has compassionately given us written directions in His Word to help us navigate life while walking in covenant with Him.

Because there is a covenant exchange process taking place, we are experiencing things that He would experience if He were in our shoes. During this time He exchanges our ungodly character for His character. We don’t have to preform to get it, He changes us into the image of Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is the process of transformation! As we conform more to His image we begin to act out of His nature and respond to His directions. We look more like Him. Compassion toward others is one of those characteristics because His compassion toward us and others will never leave.

Since He is exchanging and transforming us, would you describe yourself as compassionate? If so, then be joyous and give thanks!!

In His Covenant Love,

Things I've Learned At The Covenant Center - Heather Celoria

I recently found this word from Heather while reorganizing my files for the new year. What a delight to revisit the wisdom and insight she shares which was nurtured during her season with The Covenant Center. “These are not so much concepts that I have learned but practices I continue to live into.” I believe these are vital to the prophetically inclined voices.” A wise mentor once said to Richard and I, “God is more concerned with your character than your gifting.” As we grow in relationship with Him, he will take us through training so we can successfully walk with Him. Enjoy this timeless, encouraging word from Heather. God continues to equip and prepare His people for greatness! In His Love, Becky

Things I've Learned At The Covenant Center - Heather Celoria

Thinking back to my time at The Covenant Center, the lessons I learned in my ten years in the community are not really “things” that I have, but practices that I continue to live into. These are lessons I learned to learn. I don’t HAVE these things, unless I continue to DO them.

Heather Celoria

Emotions Matter -

When I first came here, I had absolutely no emotional intelligence! I literally had to keep a sheet with lists of emotions to journal with and practice recognizing. As prophetic people, we must have emotional capacity to grow in intimacy with the Lord because we are called to intimacy.

We are in covenant, which is relationship, with an emotional God who loves, rejoices, grieves and has longings. A God who suffers. He created our emotions in His own image, and  It is truly a learned skill, and a practice.

Dealing with emotions can be hard, but it is a learned skill. For those who have suffered much, or for the abused, it can be harder to heal than it was to experience the abuse itself, because we shut down to survive. But God wants to heal our hearts, including our emotions, and bring us back to life.

“Never Let Go of the Presence” by Being Present –

I have also become more able to recognize when I shut down, and I practice being present. When I’m too concerned about my future or past, I start to lose my heart. I find my heart again through acceptance and gratitude for my present life. We can only experience God now, and there are many ways to practice presence.

Pay Attention –

Own your own spiritual life! It is important to be grounded in scripture, to type out your prophetic words and dreams and to journal. Keep a record! Not so that you can live in the past, or be frustrated about promises you’ve not seen come to pass, but so that you can grow in intimacy and learn the unique love language that God develops with you.

Give Expression to the Impression –

God does bless us as individuals, but we are always a part of a larger community and purpose.

Expression of the impression helps to impart what God is revealing to you as well as to others. We are meant to be in a flow of continual receiving and giving out of our lives.

Practice Humility –

My best expression of compassion, pales in contrast to the healing power of the compassion of Christ that flows through me. Humility is not about debasing myself, it is about exalting Jesus and submitting to his life in and through me. Humility is a natural byproduct of keeping my eyes, on Him, and helping others to look at Him too.

Final Word – Trust the Process

I still have to catch myself when I start trying to figure things out. I am learning to make plans and hold them loosely. I am learning that God does fulfill promises and prophetic words, but rarely in a way that I expected. I am learning to wait, and to be in the journey.

In my time at The Covenant Center, I learned from experience in a loving community that God is for me, leading me, teaching me, and has my best interest at heart - while still having the best interest of community and Kingdom at heart at the same time. This is beyond my ability to understand and it requires trust.

I left The Covenant Center seven years ago,  with many beautiful blessings. Looking back, I can see that these lessons, which I wrote about then, are still with me and are the foundation of my walk with Christ: emotions matter, be present, pay attention, give expression, and trust the process.

As you grow together in community, I bless you in Jesus’ name to learn and to become the prophetic people and community God has called you to be.

Heather Celoria
Website: www.heatherceloria.com
Email: info@thecovenantcenter.com

Heather Celoria lives in Lakeland, Florida. She attended The Covenant Center for ten years, completing the CovenantU School of Ministry and attaining Ordination. She continued her studies at Asbury Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 2016. Currently, she works as a marketing professional and enjoys a quiet, simple life with her two adult children and adopted greyhound, Vern.

A Reflection On God's Faithfulness: Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

While in prayer seeking the Lord about the new year and where we are going in 2023, I couldn’t help reflecting on where we have come from. In God’s faithfulness in commissioning this work, The Covenant Center, God has been so faithful to not only build but preserve a kingdom family.

 Looking back in the late 1980s I remember God beginning to stir my heart for the prophetic and Hebraic understanding. At that time, I began to pray and search for more revelation, truth, and practical experiences in these areas. I had no idea this pursuit would lead us to Lakeland, Florida. I simply wanted to know Him more and His ways.

 Surprisingly, by the Summer of 1988 we found ourselves in Lakeland, Florida. We sold everything to go and search for what God had placed in my heart. After 10 years of wandering around Lakeland and working at our education jobs, we decided to attend a prophetic presbytery at Mark Chirona’s church in Orlando where we received a directional word saying … “you have been holding off, you are people who always want your ducks in a row – the Lord says if you wait for your ducks to be in a row you will never do anything. So now is the time to be released into that which He has called you to do. You can’t hold off any longer.”

By 1999 we began teaching and equipping believers and leaders in the gifts of the Spirit in our living room. By 2000 the Lord told us to establish a 501c3 and continue ministering to those who had a heart for the prophetic. It was a sweet time with many visitations with His presence.

As our home group grew we had to move because of fire codes and parking issues. God opened a room on a college campus on Friday nights for children and adults. During the time at this College God once again confirmed to us through dreams, visions, and prophets that we were not a mistake. He asked us to commit our life, fortune, posterity, everything that we had to sustain this thing that God had given us.

After months of packing and unpacking our supplies and equipment the Lord gave us our first building and home, The Covenant Center. Through the years God has not only confirmed and sustained us - He has faithfully directed us in developing the various streams of ministry that have established TCC.

As we approach our 25th year this June 2023 as The Covenant Center, God again has been faithful developing the many streams and ministries within this family. Initially, He explain that we were not to build this work – He would build it. We were not allowed to proselytize, or bring others in – He would bring the people. And most importantly, He admonished us not to throw stones at His others works and families for we are all His Kingdom people.

We are a prophetic people who desire a relationship with our Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Our heart is always toward heaven as we seek in prayer to know Him and better understand His ways. Our School of the Spirit or Prophetic Lab on Wednesday nights is foundational for our community. CovenantU is our online School of Ministry, for those who desire more training or working toward Licensing or Ordination. We are called to also be a House of Prayer. Prayer is tantamount for learning His voice, His desires and developing relationship. Everything is birthed by prayer.

Another stream of TCC is to Equip and Train the Saints. We are a Teaching and Training center. God desires for His people to know their calling, as well as the gifts from God they’ve received. We are all learning and growing in our understanding through practical application, either in our small/home groups or at The Center.

God calls us a Family, who also has a heart for Missions and the Nations. We have gone through numerous times of testing and pruning, not only to mature us as a community, but also to gain His trust in Him releasing an Apostolic/Prophetic Authority as we provide a safe place for people to grow.

Having a prophetic community has birthed heaven’s expression through Writing, Dance, Music, Drama and the Visual Arts. We have numerous books and publications that have been released, as well as pod casts, blogs and newsletters. Many are available through our Bookstore. The Arts are an important part of who God is – for He loves to release His creativity and expression through His people.

We are called to develop Conferences. We have enjoyed instruction regarding Covenant Understanding, Inner Healing, Authorship/ Writing, Prophetic Painting and Dance, Worship, Prayer and Deliverance. We look forward to future events as the Lord leads us.

Many years ago, through a visitation, God instructed us that we would also be a Healing Center: Body, Soul and Spirit. He is building a place for His presence and glory to rest, for He desires His people to be able to come and receive prophetic ministry, revelation, guidance, encouragement, edification, and comfort.

Look what the Lord has done! He has birthed a multicultural Covenant Center Family/community with many facets and precious people who shine like jewels. He has preserved and sustained this family for a quarter of a century. Your support, sacrifice of finances, your time, prayer, discipleship and outreach to others that you have generously given, along with our Father faithfully guiding us is the reason we are blessed as a Covenant Community. Thank you so much!

As we walk forward into this New Year, I pray for you and family now and in the coming year:

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NAS.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.

 In His Covenant Love,

Thanksgiving In Difficult Times - Christy Gilmore

Christy Gilmore is one of our worship leaders with her husband Josh at The Covenant Center in Lakeland, Florida. They have an excellent blend of traditional worship and praise which leads to the prophetic songs of the Lord. Their sensitivity and flow of the Spirit creates a beautiful atmosphere for His presence.

If we want to know the will of God for our lives, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us: “In everything give thanks…” Christy shares a teaching of how she has been learning to “give thanks” in her own life in the hope that it may also encourage you. Christy and her husband Josh are walking out her message with an open heart, allowing God’s Spirit to direct their path. May her message bring peace and comfort, as you celebrate this season of joy and thanksgiving. In His Covenant Love, Richard

Thanksgiving In Difficult Times by Christy Gilmore

Christy Gilmore

We are commanded in scripture to practice thanksgiving, not only because it delights the heart of God, but also because it positions us for intimate relationship with Him. Thanksgiving comes easily on the mountain tops. When everything is going our way it’s natural to thank Him. It’s during difficult times and after heartrending losses as we stumble through the valley that thanksgiving becomes a challenge. As with all other commandments in scripture, there is a transformative blessing that comes when we obey. Thanksgiving doesn’t change our circumstances, but it creates opportunity for God to change our experience.

The following is an excerpt from the devotional Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young:

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction. You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience - at times blind obedience. to people who don’t know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain. Thankfulness opens your heart to My presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.

I read this on Thanksgiving Day. Our family had recently experienced a heartbreaking loss. I was struggling to express thanks and it brought a new perspective that really helped me. It is important to give space and adequate time for grieving, but this helped me understand that it is possible to express thanksgiving (that is truly heartfelt) even while I was feeling sad. I took a step back and looked long and hard at the incredible blessings in my life and it felt like coming up for air.

It may feel inauthentic to offer thanksgiving in difficult times, but it is a powerful expression of FAITH. Philippians 4:6-7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” So, we are instructed to discontinue worry, ask God to intervene on our behalf and then express thanksgiving. He promises to give us peace in exchange. We offer thanksgiving believing that He will answer our prayer as He sees best, as well as thanking Him for His faithfulness. When we practice thanksgiving, our eyes are directed to remembering His faithfulness and our faith increases.

Prayer and thanksgiving go together like ingredients in a cake. Put together they produce something very special! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” A thankful heart is His will for us. I’ve heard it said “A thankful heart is a happy heart.” It’s so true! In my disappointment I’ve found myself expressing the opposite unfortunately (a complaining heart). Romans 1:21 says,“for even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” Yikes! He commanded us to give thanks because He knew it wasn’t in our nature and that it would be a benefit to us in addition to pleasing Him.

Any attempt at moving in the direction of the Lord begins with thanksgiving. According to King David, thanksgiving is the first step to initiating intimacy with the Lord. He paints a picture in Psalms of the high priest approaching the temple. Psalm 11:4 says "“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courtyards with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” I think it’s important to point out that the gates to the city of God are made of pearls. Pearls are formed through irritation.

As Sarah Young wrote, thanksgiving can simply be a “spiritual act of obedience” if we don’t FEEL thankful because of our circumstances. This is when it becomes a sacrifice. In Psalm 116:17, David says I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord.” Our act of obedience to offer thanksgiving may not change our circumstances, but it does create opportunity for God to change how we experience our circumstances. We can experience deep JOY even as we walk through the darkest times because we carry His presence. Psalm 89:15 says, “O Lord, how blessed are the people who know the triumphant shout, for they walk in the radiance of your presence.”

When we offer thanks to the Lord (especially when we are hurting) it is like a compelling fragrance to Him. It is especially difficult and it’s a very special offering. Bill Johnson preached a sermon just days after his wife Beni went to be with the Lord after battling cancer. He said “You can never be in pain and give a gift of worship in heaven. Worship in the midst of pain is only something you can do on this earth. And the pain in that moment makes the incense of worship more valuable. That is how gates of praise are formed. I respond to God based upon His goodness, not on my outcome.” When we give thanks to God in the middle of our hardship, He responds as our Redeemer, taking what the enemy meant for evil and causing all things to work together for GOOD.

Practical application: Will you join me in a Thanksgiving Challenge for the month of December? Set aside a time daily to meditate on the many blessings that He has brought into your life and give the Lord thanks!

Christy Gilmore

Christy Gilmore is a Christian wife and mother who is passionate about knowing and living for Jesus. She is a licensed minister with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Southeastern University. She resides in Lakeland, Florida with her husband, Josh, and their two children Lucas and Kate. Christy and her husband serve as worship leaders at The Covenant Center in Lakeland. Christy and Josh may be contacted at info@thecovenantcenter.com.

His Power Is Perfected In Weakness: Becky Maisenbacher

Rebecca Maisenbacher

Recently I've been reflecting on the many challenges that have manifested in this past season. Through it all I have often heard the sweet quiet whisper of His Spirit encouraging me "My grace is sufficient for you Becky."

As I was reminded of this scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:9 sent to me by a dear friend today, it spoke to me more than ever in my life, as it reads: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness, Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

There is a path of surrender that can appear as weakness that we all walk at times, where we find ourself "out of control." It may manifest in our health, finances, job, relationships, ministry, emotions - just about anywhere and at anytime. Weakness is not a positive word in the natural, but as scripture suggests, weakness in the spirit can be one of Power. This journey of transformation and training is not always pleasant for we struggle in our humanity to fight, to survive or to "win," believing that surrender is not an option. Isn't that what we learn in life? To the victor goes the spoils. And yet as we grow weary of the fight, we begin to find "comfort" in the release of our own desires, laying at the cross all that is too much for us to handle or understand. We lean into the exchange of covenant with God, where He as the Greater party watches over us, the weaker party. In our lack God becomes our strength. He as the Greater party in the covenant. He takes over in our surrender and lack to become the Victor and Redeemer in our battle. His right arm goes before and fights on our behalf.

Which brings me to another scripture that has swirled in my mind for years: "Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Tim. 6:6+). “Contentment” - what a difficult word to achieve, at least for me. This life taught me to succeed, have accomplishments and therefore be successful. Achievement in itself can be very important and I’m certainly not dismissing it. I learned many things from the experiences I was afforded, However, when trials appeared, my success no longer sustained me - I needed a Savior. So I sought His help in these challenges, and He graciously brought situations that revealed my weaknesses and lack of ability to overcome on my own. Nothing like a wilderness to heighten our senses and hearing ability. I became acutely aware of my lack and His supply. I struggled for many years trying to hold on to my own life, when He was patiently waiting for me to lay it down. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it,” (Matt. 16:25).

So if you have wondered or wandered in what seems like a wilderness or difficult season, please be encouraged and know it will spiritually be of great benefit to you, as you learn many life lessons growing in the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." You will also build relationship and intimacy with Him, becoming free of negative belief structures that cause havoc in your life, and as your gaze aligns more toward Him - you'll see darkness turning to light. You will rejoice as He walks you out of the trial and you look back realizing you are forever changed.

Paul taught the importance of maturing in life by whether we abase or abound -"I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." (Phil. 4:12).. We will find our life experiences can give us the opportunity to mature in understanding and truth.

“Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will spring up quickly; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard," (Isaiah 58:8). And you will come forth from the wilderness, the trial, learning to lean even more on your Beloved (Sol. 8:5) as He stands waving a bright, glorious banner over you that will proclaim His heart for you - LOVE!

Strength and grace to you always as you keep walking, keep talking, keep praying, keep trusting, keep believing, keep learning and keep serving Him who will continue to watch over and keep you always!

In His Love,

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From Preparation to Actuation: Becky Maisenbacher

Rebecca Maisenbacher

There is always something about the holidays that causes me to pause and reflect with a heart of thankfulness, for all who have touched my life in some way. From youth to maturity, we scurry through life envisioning what each day will bring. Hoping to find success, we try our hand at making life choices. We research and study to attain knowledge, enter the work force and hopefully build a life that is pleasing and productive. Through it all in our latter years we are given the gift to reflect and see God’s handiwork in friends and family.

Relationships, some lovely and some difficult, are often used to guide us in our life choices. We not only leave a “residue” of ourselves with one another as we meet, but for many, God weaves a heavenly tapestry with His spiritual DNA that causes each person to connect as if you’ve known each other forever. As these “tapestry threads” continue to attach thru relationship and fellowship, His Body forms and a family or “tribe” is birthed.

When we accept God as our Father, we enter a kingdom that has no end. We are linked to Him and each other eternally. We carry His Spirit and that spiritual DNA connects us one to another building the kingdom here on earth. I never tire of the feeling I get when I meet a new person or family who comes to our community - I feel like I have known them forever.. Every person or child who steps through our door is loved and cherished by our Creator and carries endless potential.

With over fifteen geographical moves, I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful friends and acquaintances. I can truly count on one hand the number of people who have been less than civil. Each of you has left and indelibly sweet “residue” or impression upon my heart. Whether a smile, a kind word, fellowship, breaking bread, united in prayer, praise or worship - you are a world changer, building the kingdom by touching one person at a time.

King David’s life demonstrates God’s divine appointments and assignments in life that continually weave a glorious tapestry depicting the threads or connections made in life. As a young boy David was often in the field alone tending to his sheep, but as he grew in favor with God and man, he connected with the hurting and broken - the troubled as well as unsavory ones, and found himself among them in the Cave of Adullam hiding from Saul.

God sometimes allows his precious ones to visit “Midian” or the “Cave” for a season. Moses lived in Midian for 40 years after he exiled himself for taking the life of an Egyptian, Exodus 2:15. In this place, God allows His called ones - and everyone is called- to mess up and make all their mistakes while they, often unknowingly, are being prepared for launching, as they grow in wisdom, understanding and relationship with Him.

After trials, challenges and testing, they are released back into the world as His anointed conduits for change. This was the plan for Moses. This was also the plan for David and his men who found themselves hiding out together in a cave, learning to live together, trusting and supporting one another, 1 Samuel 22. I wonder if they knew while in that cave secretly hiding, while being trained and equipped, that they would one day make David their leader and historically become one of the greatest armies ever to walk the earth?

Just like David and Moses, God also has a plan for you! He has a plan for your children and your children’s children. God views His people generationally, including generational mantles of destiny with futures filled with hope. You may sometimes become discouraged that the years are passing without attaining all you have believed for, but the dreams and assignments God has placed within you will find their way into the hearts of future generations if not completely realized in your lifetime.

I encourage you to lay your aspirations at His feet, work toward the desires placed within your heart, celebrate His provision and guidance, and find comfort in His love and care. As you continue to build relationship with God, learning His ways, He will continually guide you as your personal Navigator as your story expands and your journey unfolds. He has a plan and future for you! You actually enter and walk out your future one day at a time. When He comes to you with a request or assignment - choose to accept - rather than delay and have Him pass His desire onto someone else. He is patient, but He also teaches us to live by His time clock. He is never in a hurry and He is never late. What is in your heart? What assignment has He presented to consider? He is waiting for you…

I personally am so thankful for you! I pray for you and family a blessed Christmas and may you now and in this coming new year experience His presence and glory over your home, Isaiah 4:5, as you reflect on the following promises His word gives to you.

Isaiah 58:11 - And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched placed, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

John 16:13 - But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Psalm 37:23 - The steps of a man are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way.

Proverbs 16:9 - The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

In His Love - Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you!

Can We Deny Ourselves and Still Serve with Intensity?

I noticed in Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Then in the New Testament in Matthew 22:37 it says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” I know Jesus was quoting the Deuteronomy scripture that they prayed twice a day in the Shema prayers, but I was not sure why mind and might came out with totally different words and meanings.

As I thought about it though I knew that the Eastern/Hebraic thought process includes the entire person with heart, body and might representing the whole person, not broken into pieces or categories. It is fine of course to break things apart for teaching purposes, but with God everything works together in the believer. I am also aware that in the Western/Greek mindset there is an emphasis on the mind and thinking with very little emotion.

I was occasionally having a little difficulty implementing and applying the biblical principles of the Bible. In Matthew 16:24 it says to deny myself and In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says to love with Him with all my might. By taking things out of context I made excuses like if I didn’t want to do anything I just would deny myself and not be self-centered.  On the other hand, if I wanted to go forward full blast, I could use the scripture I am loving with all my might!

I do understand why the Hebraic thought process stresses doing and not just thinking though. The Hebrew word might is meod, meaning force or strength… and with all the intensity you have!  Being one of His disciples is not just a comfortable spiritual condition or a warm fuzzy feeling. It is effort, labor, industriousness, and creativity. This goes way beyond obedience or compliance. This is loving and serving Him with our whole heart, soul, and might!

I guess my laboring into rest by doing nothing or just entertaining myself might be taking some scriptures out of context. Unless of course if gives me the opportunity to refuel so I can continue to love Him with all my might! Let’s go for it!

In His Covenant Love,

The Altar of Incense - Elizabeth Weber

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE - ELIZABETH WEBER

Elizabeth Weber

Scripture tells us that the believer’s prayers are a sweet scent/fragrance to God. Rev. 5:8, 8:3-4, Psalm 141:2. Hopefully you see your prayers in this way, but if not, let’s go on a brief walk through the Tabernacle of Moses. Our destination is the Altar of Incense in the holy place where sweet perfumed prayers are offered to God as well as worship and intercession. Exodus 30:1-10, Leviticus 16:12-13, 1Tim 2:1 Luke 18:1

You may be asking, how will a walk through the tabernacle encourage me in my prayer life? Well, the infrastructure and furniture contained in the Tabernacle tell the Gospel story and speak to the covenant relationship we have with the one true God. That makes all the difference.

We know there is no longer a temple in Israel, post the Romans destroying it in 70 A.D. However, Scripture tells us the body of Christ, is now the temple (1Cor 3:16-17) and we are the priests ministering to God. (1 Peter 2:9)

As we approach the tabernacle we note that there is only one entrance. Jesus said “I am the door”; “I am the way, truth and life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Our sin kept us from relationship with our heavenly Father, however, Jesus is the way back into covenant relationship with Father. If you have made the decision to come in by the only door, Christ, then be at peace and know you are restored to Father, accepted and blessed. John 10:7-9,14:6, Romans 5:17, Deut. 28:6, Psalm 121:8.

Now we enter the tabernacle, and immediately encounter the Brazen or Bronze Altar where innocent animals were sacrificed to atone for our sins. We pause and reflect on the truth that now, we have been justified by Christ blood and are saved from the wrath of God. You and I have been declared- Not Guilty! Romans 5:9 – “We have been justified by Christ blood, how much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:14-22).

From the Brazen Altar we stop at the Bronze Basin, Exodus 30:17- 21. The Bronze Basin and its stand was made from the mirrors of the ministering women, Exodus 38:8. As we wash our hands and feet (daily cleansing) we see our reflection in these mirrors. Pausing for self-examination, here we ask ourselves the hard questions regarding where our feet have taken us and how our hands minister; what are my motives, thoughts, mindsets and my expected outcomes of ministry? Anything that does not come from the Law of Liberty mentioned in James 1:22-25 is cleansed away at this time. The Law of Liberty is the law of Christ or the Law of Love, Hebrews 10:22-25, Titus 3:5.

We are now ready to enter the middle section of the tabernacle, the Holy Place. This area is separated by very thick curtains and would be completely dark except for the light from the Golden Lampstand, Exodus 25:31-40.  Amazingly, this candle stick is made from one piece of gold, (reference to the Trinity). The candlestick has a main stem from which six other branches are supported. At the top of each branch were “cups” of oil that kept the lights from going out. In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”. In John 10:30, Jesus declared, “I and the Father are One.” Twice daily the priest trimmed the wicks and added oil so the candle lights always burned brightest. The Golden Candlestick represents the Triune God. We can rejoice and be in peace knowing that we are in covenant with the One True God and He will never break this covenant with us. Isaiah 42:5-9 Psalm 36:9 Isaiah 11:2.

We then move across the room to the Table of Showbread; some refer to it as the Table of Presence, Exodus 25:23. In covenant relationships, the table always represents provision, acceptance, fellowship and peace. If there is any issue between covenant partners, they came together to resolve any issue. The two partners would then share a meal, break bread, together symbolizing that all is well between one-another, and the issue is not to be brought up again as it is resolved. On the table are 12 loaves of bread placed in two stacks of 6 and a vessel of wine representing the covenant meal/communion. In John 6:35 Jesus said “I am the bread of life.” This table is our last pause before going to the Altar of Incense. Here we can exchange anything that is interfering in our covenant relationship with God. For example, I exchange my personal preservation for God‘s servant Spirit, my bitterness for God‘s forgiveness, my worry for God‘s shalom. We are invited and have access to this precious privileged table at anytime, John 6:32, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 23:5.

We finally arrive at the Altar of Incense. We reflect back at what has been confirmed to us as we have walked through the Tabernacle. We entered through the Door, Jesus’ blood has declared us “Not Guilty,” we have washed and have been cleansed by the Word and now serve by the Law of Christ - the Law of Liberty. We are grateful that we no longer walk in darkness but have the light of Christ. We continue to trim our wicks and are filled with Holy Spirit again and again. Lastly, we have a covenant meal exchange with the Lord.

Here at this Altar of Incense we minister to God by praise, worship, and prayers. We minister on behalf of others through our intercession. This altar is placed facing the Ark of the Covenant, which is covered by the Mercy Seat, located in the Holy of Holies. At one time there was a curtain separating the Altar of Incense from the Mercy Seat, but no more as Jesus, our great High Priest has pulled down that curtain of separation by his sacrificial death. Since we are accepted and restored to God, we have assurance that our prayers are heard and accepted as sweet perfume to God, Hebrews 10:19-21.

This square shaped altar (Altar of Incense) receives its hot coals from the Bronze Altar. There are four horns on each corner representing Christ’s authority and power, the premise from which we pray. The altar is made of acacia wood (representing humanity) but is over laid in gold (royalty). Here the “royal priesthood “ministered twice daily by placing a special recipe of incense on the hot coals. Exodus 30:1-10, Leviticus 16:13.

This sacred incense is described as sweet, pure, holy, perfume and is prepared from five different products. Each product is combined together by a beating process. The original characteristics of these products are lost in the beating, but then a new product emerges. 2Cor 5:16-17, Mark8:34, Matthew 10:39.

My hope is that you see that prayer is not intended to be a work of the flesh but instead, a beautiful expression of the unbreakable covenant that we have with God because of the complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 31:31-33, Hebrews 7:22, 8:13.

Be encouraged precious believer! Elizabeth

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

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

We have celebrated Rosh Hashanah (The Feast of Trumpets) by blowing the Shofar and eating apples and honey in hope that the Days of Awe which includes the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) God will judge us kindly and look down on us with sweetness and help us walk into our calling in this next new year!

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) begins October 9th and goes through October 16th. Many individuals will choose to live outside in shelters (booths). This is a remembrance of the time in the wilderness when God delivered His people from bondage in Egypt. This Feast has been celebrated for thousands of years. It recalls God’s faithfulness, compassion, reliability and provision.

This is a time of rejoicing in God’s goodness during the years of wandering. It is a time of undoing the bitterness and complaints of the actual wanderers by reflecting on God’s provision and unwavering grace in our lives. I believe it is also a great time to reflect and focus on God’s goodness during 2022 even though it may not have met everyone’s expectations.

The Feast (Sukkot) today is a time of great thanksgiving when the community honors God’s fulfillment of His promises and we look forward to the completion of His redemptive process. This Feast is definitely a big celebration!  It involves dancing, singing, eating and being joyously thankful. God commands or guides us to celebrate, to dance, to revel in His goodness, and to jump up and down with gladness. A festival of unrestrained jubilation!

Let’s look forward to this Hebrew New Year and celebrate God’s faithfulness and love, even if it may not look exactly like what we expect!

In His Covenant Love,

Richard

THESE DRY BONES WILL LIVE! - Becky Maisenbacher

I’ve learned when I am challenged with illness or a difficult situation, to ask God to come and reveal His truth. When understanding appears, the revelation is of course personal, but I have also found He may require us to live out an experience or become a prophetic picture/act for His people. Take Ezekiel, where historians remind us how he used pantomime, ate a scroll, and slapped parts of his body, to burn the message of God into the minds and hearts of the people.

In my book, “If I’m Healed By His Stripes, Then Why Do I Still Hurt?” I shared life experiences and revelation in certain situations I walked through - life lessons learned - including suggestions and insight for consideration. Maybe you have experienced this too. We are given opportunities, sometimes very challenging experiences to learn from and share, becoming a light of encouragement and guidance – lessons learned and shared for others to glean from giving them encouragement and hope.

Second Corinthians 1:3-5 declares: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”

Apostle Paul continues in verse 6-7: But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort.”

When you ask of Him, He share pieces of the puzzle that He highlights over time and will finally bring them together with a revelation for you as well as for others.

What is Your Truth Father?

I recently experienced one of these moments, certainly revealing personal insight, but also birthing a truth for the Body as well. During a brief vacation, I suddenly experienced excruciating pain in my back, resulting in a diagnosis of fractured vertebrae and osteoporosis. I’ve always taken care of my health so this came as a surprise and puzzlement. “Father, what do You want to reveal to me in this situation? What truth do you have for me?”

First Let’s Look in the Natural – What Does It Reveal?

Osteoporosis - a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. Blood work revealed no nutrient deficiencies. Hmm, let’s search on.

Next, I began to seek in the spiritual definition and understanding, using the “A to Z Symbology Dictionary” by Dr. Barbie Breathitt. Bone – structure, main issue or the underlying substance of something; long lasting support or strength, taking something down to its bare bones, stripping, lack, in need of alignments and proper attachments and covering, famine, death or destruction is trying to hinder; prophesy breath and life as commanded (Exz. 37:1-10), a mighty army; resurrection power; 2 Kings 13:21, an inheritance is coming).

Highlighted in this definition, Ezekiel 37 became highlight jumping from the page and I saw a vision of the valley of dry bones with many saints still alive but exhausted, emaciated, weary from their personal battles and discouraged that their hours of prayer and service have not brought the fruit they hoped for. I could hear their whispers and prayers to God saying, “Father, I’m so tired of waiting; Are you even there?; Did I miss you?; Father, Help my unbelief – I’ve lost my way; Father, I don’t really care to be with the Body anymore; Was this all a dream; Where are you?”

Their experiences of loss, painful events and toxic environments now left them dried out making their bones brittle, disappointed, even bitter from serving in His Body while toxic people and situations drained life from them. Others felt they had lived one wilderness after another, pouring themselves out as a drink offering, waiting in surrender and repentance, but with little hope. I sensed within myself the exhaustion and lack of hope – hope deferred - as they tried to stir themselves up but now had little energy or desire for further relationship or service.

Father, What Do You Want to Say – What Is Your Truth?

I sensed heaven’s decree saying: “You whom I call my servants, who have grown weary in well doing – Hold on – don’t give up!” I am in the resurrection business – I am restoring - nourishing dry bones and breathing life into you again.” He is now declaring over you: “These bones shall live again! You shall live again!”

Let’s Revisit Ezekiel 37

Ezekiel declared in 37: 1-3 (NIV) – “The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. And He said to me, Son of man, can these dry bones live?” I answered, “O Lord, God, you know.”

As I personally began to declare these scriptures over me, I sensed the Lord instructing me to prophesy to your situation – to your bones and body as well. His desire is for you to overcome in His abundant life. If you are battle weary, discouraged, reeling from loss, fatigued or dry, spiritually, mentally or physically – this word is for you as spoken in Ezekiel 37. You may also choose to read and declare the following over you daily.

You Will Come to Life!

“Then He said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.”

You Will Come Out of Your Graves!

“Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the entire house of Israel; behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am going to open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people…. Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. And I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it,” declares the Lord,” (vs. 11-14).

His Covenant of Peace Is Everlasting!

And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and set My sanctuary in their midst forever. My dwelling place also will be among them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. (vs.26-27).

Thank you Father for your truth and revelation. Your word does not return void. Your desire is for your people to prosper and be in health, even as their souls prosper., 3 John 1:2. Come now and breathe Your breath of life again into your people as we decree: “These bones will live! Come alive in the name of Jesus!

In His Love,

Fall Feasts of the Lord, 2022 - Richard Maisenbacher

Fall Feasts of the Lord, 2022

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 2022 are: 

Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) Beginning of the New Year - September 25 - 27 (Sun. - Tues.)

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

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) A Day of Fasting - October 4 - 5 (Tues. – Wed.)

Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles/Booths – October 9 - 16 (Sun. – Sun.)

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,

Wisdom From Proverbs - Becky Maisenbacher

A few months ago during worship I heard the quiet, gentle but sometimes sobering whisper of His Spirit bringing a gentle reminder: “Becky remember to tell my people ‘to not rejoice in the affliction or demise of others. For I am coming to not only expose but bring down those who lift themselves above Me – those who do not fear me and have chosen not to respond to my leading.’” I paused to digest this message of guidance for the coming days. God is always faithful to not only share what is to come, but to teach and remind us how to respond as events unfold.

Richard recently encouraged each of us to begin reading Proverbs. What wisdom and insight we can glean and apply to our lives. In Proverbs 24:17-18, the author, believed to be Solomon states:

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Or the Lord will see it and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him.”

God has established through many voices that we have entered a new era. It is exciting and hope is renewed for many as we look toward the continued release of heaven’s plans. His Kingdom come – His will be done. There is expectancy and anticipation, however there is also continued exposure and correction coming. The King is coming. Heavenly hosts are being released to steward the bidding of our Father.

As ambassadors of His Kingdom, I sense this is an alert to stay in our positional lane without interference and allow God to continue with His plan. Let’s choose to not misrepresent God’s heart or character. It is easy to make mistakes especially in the prophetic anointing when we become too emotional. Calling out sin (which is missing the mark) or choosing to judge or criticize someone’s heart is our Father’s job – not ours.

Paul, in Romans 3:23 states … “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” A position of humility in allowing God to avenge will help you continue to operate in love. God has directed us to demonstrate and walk in the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, gentleness…. which positions us for His right arm to go before us and victory as well as restoration and the blessings of the covenant of peace. Don’t we all want that in our lives – His blessings, restoration and redemption and victory!

So I encourage you to reflect on Proverbs 24 and prepare your heart as evil is exposed and dealt with now and in the coming days. The words of Solomon wisely encourage us to step out of the way and not interfere with God’s plans so He will not be thwarted. Let’s continue to pray with fervor, prayers that align with His will. Let God have His way. As the consequences from unrighteous acts are exposed in His timeing, let’s keep our eyes on Him, thanking Him for His goodness, mercy and faithfulness as He executes correction and justice.

Kim Clement often taught as a Kingdom representative, especially a prophetic voice, we need to be:

Slow to suspect – quick to trust

Slow to condemn – quick to justify

Slow to expose – quick to shield

Slow to reprimand – quick to forbear

Slow to belittle – quick to appreciate

Slow to demand – quick to give

Slow to hinder – quick to help

Slow to provoke – quick to conciliate

Slow to resent – quick to forgive

Romans 2:4 reminds us how we once entered the Kingdom  – may we allow others to enter this way too: “It is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance.” Let’s release His goodness to all as He personally calls and gathers those who choose to accept. “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13).

Let’s allow our Father to faithfully execute His plans without interference as we walk in His love and His ways. “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” John 13:35.

In His Love,

Looking for God Within and Building Supernatural Strength in the Times We Live In - Nicole Welch

Nicole is a prophetic worshipper with a heart that cries out for others to know God and His ways. This message she recently spoke to The Covenant Center family, is full of wisdom and guidance to help us navigate the times we live in and the coming days. I know this word will bring encouragement and hope to you as you forge ahead in your circumstance, persevering in His strength, knowing that victory lies ahead in His name and His covenant. May His grace and peace abound to you always. In His Love, Becky

Looking for God Within and Building Supernatural Strength in the Times We Live In

Summer is usually a time for relaxing and hanging out in the pool. However with some amazement and shock I am looking at the calendar seeing summer is almost over with and we were booked with family, business stuff and caretaking both our only living parents.  I realized how my reserves have been running low and almost empty on a daily basis. Let me remind all of us what the enemy of our soul is currently doing “He will defy the Most High God and wear down the saints..” (Daniel 7:25 TLB)

I spoke recently at The Covenant Center from a book by John Eldredge called “Resilient” (click on this link to check it out https://amzn.to/3RLu9lX) and I will be referring to it in this blog. I believe this book is a must read in the times we are living in.

I have finally come to accept that nothing really is returning to “normal” I realize that I must intentionally adjust my life so that my reserves do not run empty. We must have perseverance or what I like to call “grit” for the season we are in now. We are told we will need it in His word: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay, but my righteous one will live by faith, and I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved, (Heb. 10:36-39 NIV).

So where do I find this inner strength or resilience? The answer is in the question. Strength is given to us by God. I am not talking about gritting our teeth and running the extra mile or doubling down when times get hard. I am speaking of Supernatural strength, like our favorite marvel heroes or DC Comics. There is one thing we have that superman and wonder woman do not have - the prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-15. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Through his what? Power. Where does he strengthen me? In my inner being.

We are reminded in Psalms 73:26 that even though “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Our God dwells within our very being. Everyone has a well that can be tapped into just as in says in John: “out of your belly will flow streams of living water.” Proverbs 20:27 also instructs that “The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.” God is the strength of your heart and you can tap into this strength whenever you need it. However, this world is designed to distract us, fragment us and pull us away from our hearts and from God.

In John’s book “Resilient” he writes about how in times of war, we must dig deep, for we need to navigate these days victoriously. We must do that by turning our attention to Jesus within us in the depth of our very own being. He later describes the three levels of our inner being. The first level is called the Shallows. This is where all of our day to day distractions and fleeting thoughts enter our mind at warp speed most days. Many of us live here.

The second level is called the Midlands. This is what keeps us up at night. For me it is my mom and son’s health, our business and all the worries and cares of my life. The third he calls the Depths. This is where the eternal things dwell like love, hope and faith. This is where I really connect with God.

So how do you start to find God within? Easy, just start by giving him your attention - your undistracted focus on God with all of your heart. The battle is always for our attention and our peace. You will love the fruit of this. If John’s book “Resilient” is too much at this moment, I also recommend his Pause app and going through his 30 Days of Resilience": https://www.pauseapp.com/).

I hope you join the journey of going deep in these turbulent times. The deeper we go with God the stronger we will become.

Nicole Welch is a consultant, author, business owner, public speaker, mental health therapist, a missionary, wife, mom, and a very blunt truth teller. She always gives you practical, powerful tools and steps to overcome relational and communication challenges. She lives in Lakeland Fl with her husband of 25 years and two beautiful children.

Nic Welch

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*“Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times

John Eldredge 2022

Forgetting What Is Behind - Richard Maisenbacher

In Philippians 3:13 Paul states “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,” Paul must have had the ability to pretty much forget what his past was and focus on the future. Most of the time we tend to remember our past to our detriment. I am not saying we shouldn’t learn from our mistakes. Many things still hurt…betrayals, severe criticism, shame, abuse, social media statements, judgements we have made where we end up doing the same thing that we judged others for, just to name a few.

I wonder how Paul says he forgets them. Can we really live in freedom without regrets. What do we need to do to not have regrets or the shoulds? Paul still remembers his Damascus Road experience, but in Philippians 3:13, he is talking about how to have fewer regrets by forgetting what lies behind. Maybe the goal is not to get rid of all of them but have fewer of them. They do serve a great purpose. They remind us of what is no longer true of us. We can voluntarily forget them. We choose not to remember. What Paul does is to put it out of his mind.

I love the way God chooses not to remember in Micah 7:19, “He (God) will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Hebrews 10:17, And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” This is what commentators call the sea of forgetfulness! That’s the kind of forgetting that God does. I need to do a little more of that as I forget what lies behind!

In 1991 Becky and I were given a similar prophetic word from Dick Mills - Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” The enemy seems to enjoy whispering and reminding you of where you missed it in the past. If it keeps coming up the Lord may want you healed in this area. Rather than forget it, He may want you to be healed, set free and then forget what lies behind. You may need to go into prayer, study the Word, seek counsel, bibliotherapy, or any other method God may want.

If a regret or shameful thought enters your mind it is wise to identify where it came from. If you did not initiate it, and God has removed it into the sea of forgetfulness, then the last option is the enemy. You can actually be full of joy with thanksgiving because you do not have to dwell on it anymore and you will experience freedom from condemnation. Thank you, Jesus!

In His Covenant Love,

The Beginning of Wisdom - Richard Maisenbacher

The Hebrew word for fear is yare and does not mean to have a fear of punishment but have an overwhelming awe and reverence for God. There are other scriptures that even relate this fear to love. Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God, require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” So, maybe approaching God in fear, as our English translations suggests, may need to be reevaluated.

Deuteronomy 5:29 says, “Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear me and keep all my commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their son’s forever.” Walking with a love (ahav) in their heart and fear (awe and reverence) was a priority before keeping the commandments. Heart in this verse is not about emotion as much as it is to have a strong resolution or determination of your will to be faithful to God’s covenant. Fear is not a feeling, but a motivation of the heart expressed through behavior. It can be learned by faithful loyalty. Therefore, all human wisdom begins in this covenant behavior. We must start from the knowledge of God (knowing Him) and a dependence on him.

Proverbs 8:11 says, “For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.” All our desires and wants are not in the same category as wisdom. How can wisdom be better than fulfilling all our desires and pleasures of our senses? Solomon tried it and he found his desires and pleasures left him unfulfilled. The beginning of wisdom is a proper relationship and reverence to the Lord, through love.

As we continue to develop a healthy relationship with the Lord, let’s begin with a proper attitude and respect for who God is as we listen and respond to Him. Every insight our father gives brings about a transformation or an internal change in our perspective. If we start desiring things more than His wisdom, maybe we need to take a moment to rethink and reassess if it is what God has in mind for us. Let’s choose life and wisdom and fully satisfy our souls.

In His Covenant Love,

We Have Stepped Into The NEW - Becky Maisenbacher

During our Sunday, June 5, 2022 Covenant Center Pentecost worship and celebration God’s presence and power came - weighted and palpable, He spoke a word to alert and usher us into a new era. The following was spoken, giving not only encouragement, but prayerful consideration as He continues to guide us.

We thank you Lord for your presence, for your love and your goodness. We thank you Jesus that you walk among us. By your Spirit that you come, and you commune with us, and you love us. And you teach us, and you train us, and you guide us and you prosper us.

And even today that you would come with a word of encouragement and direction. And you would say to this house today, I call you a kingdom house. I have sent my prophets and I have sent my word to establish The Covenant Center as a family, as a tribe, as my glorious people. And I have tested you, and I have tried you. You have seen prosperity and you have seen what looked like defeat. But I tell you in those times that looked like weakness and defeat, I came to you, and I challenged you and I watched you like Gideon’s army.

When I sent Gideon to the stream, and I watched. And I said that I would separate those who lapped the water like dogs, and I would put my spirit and anointing on those who drank the water as they kneeled down to Me.

And so, I have preserved a remnant. And in the coming days I have said to you through many voices that we have entered a new era, not just a new season, but a new era. And so, it will be with you oh Covenant Center, because as a family I told you that I would build the house. Keep your hands off of it, I would build the house. And I would bring and make a kingdom family, a family that looks like my body from all various cultures, from all ages, from all backgrounds, that I would bring them in and heal them. And I would make you a picture of what the kingdom of God looks like.

So, I speak to you in this new era to tell you that expansion is here. Expansion is here. But don’t look at expansion by numbers. Erase the lines around the block that would hinder Me. For I will show you in the coming days what my expansion looks like.

And there have been some that have said what will we do now that Becky and Richard are old? What will happen to The Covenant Center? (Laughter) But I tell you, I placed them in this place as facilitators as Aquila and Priscilla. I asked them to hope in their hearts and release my love to the multitudes of people who would come. I asked them to train and equip and prepare and encourage as my Spirit would lead them. And so, they have done.

But now with expansion I say to you (that’s what He said) we have come not only to a new era and expansion to the Center, but we now will begin, I say begin, because the era will not happen overnight. But we are moving into a new order, a new authority, a new government of the house. The new authority will not only expand in this building or just in this community, but to the county we call Polk.

 There will be new structure. We must begin to change, to accommodate those that I am preparing to send in. Because I am going to enlarge you. I am going to expand you. And as I prepare those, we call them in, this generation that does not know Me. The generation that has left Me. My dear prodigals, those that have been wounded and have received toxic mentorship. They will come and be healed in this house. And they will be given destiny.

So as the change comes, as the new authority comes, as the new government comes, as the new structure comes, do not fear. For have I not built this house to accommodate you, your family and your children and your loved ones, and my people? And I will continue to build this house as we step into the new things together. Allow my hand to build it. I have trained you. I have equipped you. I have built a prophetic family, a prophetic tribe, a prophetic people. And you will do great exploits in my name. I love you. I am so proud of you. And know that I am always, always with you, forever and ever. Amen.

Let’s pray: Thank you, Father. You never leave us. You never forsake us. You always come with your plan. You always bring those who you desire to abide together, to honor one another, to love one another, to serve one another. That you build your kingdom person by person. And you give each person the choice to lap the water or to kneel as they drink. And Lord, I thank you that you have made a holy house, a holy kingdom that we desire to kneel as we drink. We honor you, Father. We love you. We praise you. We exalt you. We thank you for your goodness, your mercy, and your faithfulness. We thank you for your lovingkindness that never fails. And even in these dark times, that as the world becomes even darker, you will shine on your people with your anointing to shine even brighter. So, we give you glory today Lord and thank you for your presence that you would come and speak to us and guide us into these new days. Thank you. Thank you, Jesus. You are holy. Father, You are so holy. 

As we step into this new era, may God continue to bless and keep you in His love,

God Pours Out His Love - Richard Maisenbacher

During the month of June, we are celebrating the Lord’s Feasts with Pentecost (His Spirit) and Shavuot (His Torah). However, not everyone may have the enthusiasm or joy to celebrate these Feasts. Some have judged themselves unworthy or will not forgive themselves of their mistakes. They will only recognize their sins, believing that God can never love them, and wondering why God hasn’t intervened in all this world chaos.

Psalm 103:4, “(The Lord) Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” I know I have emphasized that having an intimate covenant relationship with the Lord is very important after we have given our heart to Jesus. This verse states that God pours out his love on all his creation, not just those in covenant with him. God loved us before he made promises to us. He loves us because we were made to enjoy him and glorify him. His help is not dependent on how well we have kept the Law. None of us have done well in that area. He pours out his love when we need him the most, after we have broken our relationship with him.

Hesed (lovingkindness) means he chooses to obligate Himself to us. John 17:24 says “…for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” It is easy to forget or ignore God’s hesed. We can become very discouraged with life and our expectations. Fortunately, God doesn’t wait on our self-improvement methods. We all are part of his creation, and he loves us. He seeks ways to have a love relationship with us.

Yes, we understand his ways are not our ways. Regardless of our guilt, shame, and discouragement, he loves us and wants us to receive his love and promises. That is another reason these Feasts are so important to celebrate with joy. We have his Word being written on our hearts and the Bible (Shavuot), and his Spirit (Pentecost) within us.

Lord, regardless of where I am right now, help me to receive your lovingkindness and compassion as you pour out your love!

In His Covenant Love,

God Is Reorienting Us - Chalis Butler

God is Reorienting Us by Chalis Butler

Chalis Butler

Jesus called twelve young men to become His disciples, and when they said yes, they entered into (and later authored) the most extraordinary story the world would ever hear. They walked with Jesus for three years, watching and listening as He interacted fearlessly and compassionately with all ‘classes’ of people, spoke with authority of a heavenly Kingdom, challenged people with spiritual truth, healed people who had been living with permanent disabilities and diseases, and performed miracles.

The disciples were young fishermen. They had grown up learning the Torah, the Law and the Prophets, and they knew that a Messiah was going to come. But they had an expectation that He would deliver Israel from oppressive, Roman rule and establish an earthly, political Kingdom.

This was their starting point when they met Jesus. I try to imagine what it must have been like for them. As they chose to walk and live with Jesus, they listened and often struggled to understand His radical message. They were witnessing impossible miracles. They must have been having ‘whoa!’ moments all the time! They must have lived in a heightened state of wonder—What just happened? What will He do next? Three years of this, and when Jesus asked Peter, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter knew. He and the other disciples had seen more than enough to recognize that Jesus was who He said He was. They knew Him to be God’s Son, their long-awaited Messiah, their Deliverer.

But remember their expectation. Even when Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, they could not understand. Three times, He told them He would be killed and that He would rise again to life. Once, Peter ‘took Him aside and began to rebuke Him’ (Mark 8:31-33). Another time, they ‘did not understand this saying and were afraid to ask Him’ (Mark 9:30-32). And a third time, Scripture says ‘but they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken’ (Luke 18:31-34).

Because they had such a strong, deeply held belief and expectation that an earthly king would set up an earthly kingdom, they ‘had no grid’ for what Jesus was telling them. How could He die if He, the Messiah, could raise people from the dead? And how could he become Israel’s king if he was killed?

And so as Jesus was taken to be tried and crucified, and His closest friends and followers watched it all unfold, what horror and pain they must have felt. What incredible devastation.  They were now grieving not only the traumatic loss of their beloved teacher and close friend, but also the loss of hope and expectation of the long-awaited deliverance of the Messiah.

They had been on the mountain top with Jesus, and now they were walking through the valley—without Him.

This was their state when Mary Magdalene came to them. Mark tells us that when she came and told them that Jesus was alive, they didn’t believe her. It is understandable. After all they had been through, I’m sure they were not only grieving, but wrestling with what had just happened. I would imagine that in trying to make sense of things, they might have been asking a lot of questions. ‘Who was Jesus, really? If He was the Son of God, why didn’t He save Himself? If He was the Messiah, why didn’t He deliver us?’

God allowed them to experience all of this, even the devastation. Because what felt like devastation to the disciples was, in the heavens, accomplishing something immeasurably, unfathomably good. Only Christ’s death could make possible our salvation, and the redemption of all things.

Disoriented

After all they had been through, the disciples had to be disoriented. Maybe this is why they had a hard time believing when they heard that He was alive.

I believe that like the disciples, we are living in a time that has been disorienting for many of us.

There are many ways we can become disoriented. Difficult circumstances. Pain. Loss. Change. Disappointment. Even mountaintop experiences can be disorienting because when we come back down from the mountain, everything looks different. Emotional healing can be disorienting because healing brings change in perspective and dynamics in relationships. And we have to relearn how to live and interact with people we love in healthier ways.

Like the disciples, I believe God is in the process of uprooting our long-held traditions and systems. He is allowing us to experience a Disorienting.

Hebrews 12:26-27 says But now He has promised, saying, yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven. Now this, “Yet once more” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Reoriented

Now this is the beautiful part of the disciples’ story: Jesus spent 40 days with the disciples after His resurrection. I think of this as such a sweet, healing time for them, reunited with Jesus. Yet more than that, the reality and the significance of what Jesus had just done must have been settling into their spirits, slowly but surely. It was supernatural, everything that had happened. The teachings of Jesus (spiritual truth) and the spiritual realm must have become much more real to them. And during that time, Jesus was tarrying with them there, reminding them of all He had taught them before.

He was reorienting them. Before His death, there were many things the disciples would not understand until afterwards. Now they would be able to hear and understand.

Luke 24:44,45 says Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”  And He opened their understanding that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

In this season, when God is allowing things to be shaken, when we have felt disoriented by much that we have seen and heard over the last few years, God is doing something good. I believe that just as Jesus spent those 40 days with His disciples, ‘opening their understanding’ and giving them a fresh revelation and comprehension of the Scriptures, God is doing this same thing for us today. He is reorienting us.

He has allowed our expectations to be disappointed. He has allowed our systems and traditions to become disrupted, and many areas of our lives to experience a ‘shaking.’ But there is a purpose. God is also adjusting our paradigm so that we will see through His lens, to see things His Way, from His Kingdom perspective. He is bringing the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven close to our hearts, and teaching us how to truly allow the Holy Spirit be our compass.

Power of the Holy Spirit

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave his followers this promise: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me, in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The Holy Spirit did come in a mighty way on the day of Pentecost, and continued with them as they carried out the words Jesus had spoken to them—to be His witnesses and carry His message to the world. Jesus didn’t leave them—His Holy Spirit was with them, the same Holy Spirit that lives within us.

Mark 16:20 records that …they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.

This was written after Jesus had already ascended. He had not left them, but was ‘working with them.’ Today, Jesus is still with us, working with us (and working within us). The Holy Spirit gives us power, not just for signs and wonders (the mountaintop), but for life, faith, obedience, and perseverance in the ‘valley’ of our ordinary, and sometimes difficult, lives.

The Greek word for power is dýnamis, which can mean: force, miraculous power or miracle, mighty deed, and wonderful work.

But it can also mean: ability, abundance, meaning, and strength.

So we could read Acts 1:8 in many ways: You shall receive strength when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You shall receive ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You shall receive abundance when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You shall receive meaning when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

The power of the Holy Spirit is not reserved for the miraculous and mighty deeds only. The power of the Holy Spirit is given to us to live our lives by His strength, in His abundance, and with meaning because of Him.  This is His power at work within us, which invites us to live our every day lives by His ability.

More than any kind of ministry or way we serve God publicly, our lived-out life is what becomes His witness.

2 Peter 1:3-4 highlights this truth so beautifully:

Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by His divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing Him who has called us by name and invited us to come to Him though a glorious manifestation of His goodness. As a result of this, He has given you magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises we can experience partnership with the divine nature, by which you have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world.

Prayer

Father, we love you and we surrender to what you are doing now in our lives. We invite you to re-orient us to Your Ways, and Your Kingdom truth. Thank You for sending us Your Holy Spirit, and for giving us everything we need for life and godliness. We want to partner with Your divine nature, living by the power of Your Spirit, to bring about Your purposes here on earth. Amen!

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

Chalis has spent time working with mission teams and teaching English in Haiti; she lived and worked in Australia for three years before returning home to the United States; she spent 16 years teaching music before switching gears to become a stay-at home mom. She recently published “Return to Real: An intimate Look at One Woman’s Journey of Redemption now available through Amazon and The Covenant Center Bookstore. She and her husband Shane are licensed ministers with counseling endorsements through The Covenant Center; while also facilitating one of the worship teams. You can find her online at LoveDweller.com. or contact: info@thecovenantcenter.com.

Preparation for Pentecost/Shavuot - Richard Maisenbacher

Fifty days after Passover, the Apostle Paul planned his travels so he could be in Jerusalem during Shavuot. It was to celebrate God’s faithfulness with the early wheat harvest (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 2022 Shavuot is celebrated on June 4th - 6th.

Pentecost is a Feast of the Lord recognized by believers on Sunday, June 5th, which is mentioned in Acts 2:1. In Acts 2, the presence of God fell upon the believers with tongues of fire as they began to speak in the native language of those who were listening. In the book of Jeremiah 31, he prophesied that the Spirit of God would come upon the believers and the Torah would be written on their hearts, rather than on tablets of stone.

We look forward to celebrating this Feast with joy and thanksgiving! He has given us His written Word and continues to write His word upon our hearts. This is a time to saturate ourselves with His Word (Law) and Spirit (prayer) as we expect a fresh outpouring of His Spirit to do great and mighty things in His Kingdom during the next several weeks/months!

In His Covenant Love,