Christmas Past and Future

 

View a Christmas message from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson:

 

https://www.periscope.tv/w/1ZkJzqoNbwyGv

 

 

What gift can we bring Him, but ourselves?

This Christmas, make room for Jesus in your heart.

Jesus never left a person unchanged after an encounter with Him. 

 

 

Have a blessed Christmas. Let us hear from you.

 

To Contact/Give:

PO Box 155

Christmas, Fl.  32709

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://everlastingcovenant.wixsite.com/theshroud

 

 

 

 



What the Kingdom Declares

 

The Kingdom of God declares transformative truths in the heavens and on earth. They are truths that impact the individual, the circumstances and condition of life, and even the earth, itself.

The Kingdom declares:

the Lordship of God, both in heaven and on earth, and consequently, the Lordship of Christ, who did only His Father's will in the earth (Mt. 11:25, 27, Col. 1:16-20):

"For by Him (Christ) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth...and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist..."

The Kingdom declares: 
that it comes by revelation to those whom the Father chooses (Mt. 11:25):

"...Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."

The Kingdom declares:

repentance that opens the door to the Kingdom. Repentance transforms the destiny of a person, city or nation. Jesus said that after seeing the great works of the Kingdom, we should come to a place of repentance (Mt. 11:20-24):

"Then began He (Jesus) to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not."

The Kingdom declares:

that repentance begins the process of deliverance. As we turn away from darkness, we are brought into the light of the Son's Kingdom (Col. 1:13, 1 Pet. 2:9, Jn. 3:21):

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness..." 

"...ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

The Kingdom declares:
the restoration of "zoe" life. It is the same kind of life the Father has-kedem (eternal) and olam (everlasting): from antiquity, without ceasing, into an unending future. It is life in abundance in every way (Jn. 3:15-17):

"...whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life...everlasting life..."
The Kingdom declares:
reconciliation. The things of the earth have been reconciled with the things in heaven. Man and God have been reconciled by the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Christ (Col. 1:14, 20, 22):
"...having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled."
The Kingdom declares:
that we have been translated (removed from one place to another, changed, to carry away, to pass over, transfer, transport), even as Enoch was translated that he should not see death (Heb. 11:5). We also have already been translated from darkness to light, from death unto life, from corruptible (flesh) to incorruptible. This is the rapture, already accomplished in the spirit, and soon, we believe, to be experienced in the natural (Col. 1:13):
"(The Father) who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son."

The Kingdom of God has declared, and is still declaring, these great truths. Jesus sent out His disciples to carry the truth of the Kingdom to others. They were not just to preach the Kingdom, but to demonstrate the Kingdom. This was even before the cross (Mk. 6:7-13, Lk. 9:1-6):
"And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth two by two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;...And they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."
"And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick...And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where."
Not only did Jesus send out the twelve, but He also sent the seventy-two in the same manner. They were not to be concerned with their provision, nor fear possible rejection. If their message of the Kingdom was rejected, they were to just continue on to the next town. 
The Kingdom of God is not just for us to receive with joy. It is also, by command, for us to take out to others by word and demonstration. It is for us to declare and demonstrate the sovereignty and Lordship of God and Christ, bringing the truth of the transformative power and deliverance of repentance. It is for us to declare the reconciliation between God and man, and between things on earth, and things in heaven. We are to show that not only are we reconciled, but we are translated. As His disciples obediently went out in power before the cross, how much more should we be demonstrating the Kingdom and converting others two thousand years after the cross?
This week, and in the coming weeks, it is not enough to treasure the gospel to ourselves. In these days when men are perishing, it is a necessity to be the Kingdom to others. Jesus has sent us out. What is holding us back, and what report will we bring back to Him?

To contact/give:
P.O. Box 155
Christmas, FL. 32709
http://everlastingcovenant.wixsite.com/theshroud
 



Understanding the Kingdom

 

In order to have and be the Kingdom of God, we have to understand the Kingdom. This understanding can be elusive for us because the Kingdom is totally unlike the systems and expectations of the world in which we live. Even the religious experts and scholars of Jesus' day did not understand the Kingdom. Jesus' own disciples struggled with it, trying to fit it into a worldly understanding. They expected the Kingdom to manifest in a natural, visible manner. Even after seeing Jesus minister in miracles, they were asking how and when the Kingdom would come. Jesus answered:

"The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation. Neither shall they say, Lo, here: or, Lo, there: for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you."   Lk. 17:20-21

The Kingdom is not in a building where we can go, nor at a location to which one may make a pilgrimage. As they say, "You can't get there from here". The Kingdom can only be found inside you, inside me. This is something foreign to worldly thought, foreign to even religious systems that have modelled themselves upon worldly concepts. Jesus went even further in describing the Kingdom of God at the questioning of His own disciples, who witnessed the Kingdom every day with Him:

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them. And said, "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name, receiveth Me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."  Mt. 18:1-6

Even His disciples could not separate the Kingdom of God from their worldly mindset. They thought it must be that there are greatest positions, and titles to be had in the Kingdom, as there are on earth, and asked how to get them. However, Jesus told them that child-like love, faith, trust, dependence and humility were the measuring sticks of greatness in God's Kingdom. Those who despise these things as unimportant will never even get into the Kingdom! Those who bring harm to these precious child-like lovers, and believers of God, will find themselves to be most tormented.

How can we attain this child-like spirit upon which the Kingdom rests? We must be converted. The Greek meaning of converted means to turn one's self around, to revolve, to change one's mind, to turn back again. We can see this in the example of the child, as Jesus instructs us to change our minds from our worldly thinking, and to turn back to the  love, faith, trust, and humility we started out with as children, but grew away from because of our worldly experiences, attitudes and education. The perceptions of this world will never inhabit the same place as the Kingdom. We must also be careful of whom we judge to be unimportant, or not worthy of honor in the Kingdom. God's standards are not the same as the world's.

שׁוּב

The Hebrew word for converted is shuwb. It means to return, turn back as in the Greek. However, it also includes the idea to reject, refuse, relinquish, repel, repulse, hinder, and return to the starting point. We are rejecting and refusing the worldly attitudes, and instead, we are turning back to our starting point (like the child). Each of the letters of the Hebrew word, shin, vaw, beth, show us a spiritual picture of consuming and destroying, in this case, the worldly ideas and character, and being joined together, dwelling inside, within, amid. Jesus spoke about this in regards to the Kingdom: 

"If ye love Me, keep My commandments (Mt. 22:37-40). and I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him, but ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."   Jn. 14:15-18

With the Kingdom inside of us, comes also the presence of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit dwelling with us, and in us. Again, Jesus says that the world cannot receive this, because it cannot see this, nor know (understand) this.

 

With the inward dwelling of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which is the Kingdom, comes the character or qualities of the Kingdom:

"For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."   Rom. 14:17-19

Though the Kingdom cannot be seen, the evidence of the Kingdom can and should be seen from each of us. Righteousness used in this scripture is not a religious concept (Mt. 5:20), but it means an equity of character, to be holy, innocent, and just. It is meant to be evident, or seen. Peace extends beyond the idea of the absence of turmoil, but includes quietness, prosperity (Mt. 6:31-34), atonement (unity through reconciliation). Joy is delight and exceeding gladness to be found in His presence within us (Ps. 16:11). The word joy in Greek, chara, is also the root of the word for the gifts of the Spirit, which we treasure so highly.

These things, which make up the character of the Kingdom, with which we serve Christ, makes us approved by both God and men. This character of the Kingdom also edifies the Church. 

The Kingdom of God is not of this world, nor like this world, and to attain it, we must be converted, and we must enter it as humble little children. To enter the Kingdom, we must understand it.

 

 

To Contact/Give:

P.O. Box 155

Christmas, FL. 32709

 

http://everlastingcovenant.wixsite.com/theshroud

 

Developing a Kingdom Focus

 

 

Most of us would consider ourselves, even part of our identities, to be as citizens of our nation. Having just been through a presidential election, our identity as Americans is even more pronounced in our minds. There is no question that we feel a loyalty and love for our country, and a connection to the governing powers of it.

However, as Christians, we are not identified by our nation. Christians are aliens and foreigners in all of the earthly kingdoms:

"These all...confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."   Heb. 11:13

"Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God...I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 

                                                                                                                    1 Pet. 2:10-11
 

 

Why is it so important to understand our alien identity? It changes our perception of who we are. It changes how we relate to the LORD, and it changes how we relate to this world, and its circumstances. We are from a Kingdom that is not of this world, nor are we connected to the systems of this world:

"Jesus answered (Pilate), "My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, ...but now is My kingdom not from hence...Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice."   Jn. 18:36-37

 

As aliens and pilgrims, we bring into our daily lives the principles of the Kingdom from which we have come. Its Truth is not the same as the ways of this world. Jesus contrasted the Kingdom to the ways of the world as He told His disciples not to be troubled about even the most basic needs found in the world (Mt. 6:25-32). He said:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."  Mt. 6:33-34

Focusing on the cares of this world rather than on the Kingdom of God is likened as serving two masters, which no man can successfully do (Mt. 6:24).

What we are to focus upon, seek, and consider has nothing to do with the systems and circumstances of this world:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things that do appear."

                                                                                                                      Heb. 11:1-3

The unseen is considered a creative substance, and the seen things come from the unseen. These things are part of the Kingdom focus. Natural circumstances are ruled and determined by Kingdom faith and its reality. They exist in the invisible first, and then become manifest in the visible realm (v. 5-9). This focus on the Kingdom allowed Enoch to be translated and changed in body from corruptible to incorruptible, so that he did not see death, but walked with God. Noah could "see" the yet unseen coming flood, and he prepared the salvation of his household. An elderly childless couple, Abraham and Sarah, embraced the Kingdom promise of God, believing and seeing their yet unborn child. As a result, they were restored to their youth, so they could have the strength to conceive and bear that child. That child's generations would bring forth the Messiah. These elders lived and died in this creative faith of the Kingdom, receiving the promises, "seeing" them afar off, being persuaded of the truth of these promises, and embracing them. This single-minded focus on Kingdom promises by faith, before they could ever be seen in the natural, led them to confess that they were indeed aliens in the earth (v. 13).

All of the elders of faith understood that as strangers here on earth, they desired a country that is heavenly, with a city prepared by God, who was not ashamed to be called their God (v. 16).

Similarly, our worship and being is not connected to an earthly visible temple built by men's hands. We are instead, the living stones that create a living temple, inhabited by our spiritual priesthood. This living temple contains the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

(1 Pet. 2:4-5). Walls built by human hands mean nothing, but rather the foundation and walls built of precious jewels of faith and truth of the Kingdom, as we are called to be.

The prophet Ezekiel is told by the LORD to "show the house to the house" of all it is supposed to be, its form, its fashion, its laws and ordinances, its goings in and goings out. The form of the House of God is not like the houses of the earth, and we cannot treat it so (Ez. 43:10).

As we understand and walk based upon a Kingdom focus, Isaiah describes how we strangers and pilgrims bring the Kingdom of God into manifestation in the midst of the kingdoms of men:

"And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Paths to Dwell in....not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words."   Isa. 58:11-13

It is this Kingdom focus that brings the unity of the faith, the perfect man, the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the Body (Eph. 4:11-13). We are not there yet, but by changing our focus, we will change our understanding, our nature, and our perfecting in the Kingdom. The thing upon which we focus becomes - us.

Is your focus on the Kingdom?

Redeeming the Time

 

 

 

Like never before, the signs of the times indicate that the end of this age is approaching, and the return of Jesus Christ is near. However, there is little sense of urgency in the Church. The apostles of the New Testament, and many of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers of the Church today, continue to urge the believers to recognize the signs of the times in which we live, and prepare for what God is calling us to be and do. 

As we see evil accelerate around us, the apostle Paul teaches us not to be partakers with evil conduct (Eph. 5:1-7), but to be children and followers of God, being and walking in the light of Christ:

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk ye as children of light....See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."   Eph. 5:8, 15-17

We become "redeemers of time" by understanding, being, and doing the will of the Lord. Evil has tried to become sovereign over the day, but the will of the Lord, as He defined days, was by His creative work (Gen. 1:4-31). He pronounced each work, and each day as "good", and "very good". Creation is groaning for the manifestation of the children, the sons of God to be the Christ light, the "or" light shining into the days to redeem them from the hold of evil. This "or" light of Christ is the light of day, prosperity, life, instruction, illumination. It is described as glorious, fire, and shining. For what communion hath light with darkness? We are not of the night, nor of darkness (2 Cor. 6:15, 1 Thess. 5:5), and all of our ways must reflect this, if we are to redeem the time.

Moses, the man of God, prayed in Psalm 90:12:

"So teach (to have intimate knowledge, to reveal, to experience) us to number (prepare, appoint, ordain, divide out) our days that we may apply (enter into, bring, attain) our hearts unto wisdom (be wise, show wisdom, teach wisdom).

This wisdom, revelation, intimate knowledge, and preparation comes from searching the scriptures. Jesus said to those who prided themselves on their knowledge and study of scripture:

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me...there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me."   Jn. 5:39, 45-46

Searching the scriptures refers not just to reading or learning, but to "seeking, considering, enquiring, reflecting upon, and inspecting". It even means "ploughing", or digging beneath the surface for the intimate knowledge to be revealed there. So many of those to whom Jesus spoke this studied the scriptures to bolster their already held positions or beliefs. They used the scriptures to argue and debate. They used them to create a religious system of rules to establish their own righteousness. However, the LORD looked down from heaven to see if there were any that did understand and seek God, but there were none that was doing good, not one (Ps. 14:1-3, Rom. 3:10). They read the scriptures, but they did not search them for the heart and will of God. If they had, they would have discovered Christ in them.

Paul wrote about visiting with a people in Berea, who heard his Gospel message with all readiness of mind, but then went to scripture to search them daily to see for themselves the intimate truth revealed therein (Acts 17:10-12). Not only did many Jews believe there, but also Gentiles because of this willingness to delve deeply into God's will. The word "Berea" means "well watered". They were indeed a people who were well watered in the Word of God. We are called to be Bereans in our time, searching and seeking daily, the intimate knowledge of God in His Word. It is not enough to be hearers only, but we must search it out ourselves, in order to become "doers".

There are many today who do not know, nor believe, the signs of the times in which we live. There were also those in the time of Christ (Mt. 16:1-4). For those of us who are aware of the lateness of the hour, and the signs of His coming, there is something expected of us. We are to redeem the time, we are to be the light of Christ in the darkness of surrounding evil. Our days, hours, and minutes are not our own, but are ordained, divided out, and appointed with this calling. Search the scriptures, find in them the testimony of Christ, and be that light.

To hear the complete message from Apostle Ken Stevenson visit
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

To contact/give
Everlasting Covenant
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709



Thanksgiving and the Coming Feast of Dedication

 

 

This season beginning with Thanksgiving and  ending with Christmas is usually a time of food, sales, and super-shopping.

 

 



Historically, in this nation, the Thanksgiving season marked the deliverance from near starvation for the first New England settlers with the help of a compassionate Native American, Squanto. It was also the beginning of acts of extermination committed against the Native Americans of the region. These acts were so malicious and perverse in viciousness, they make us hang our heads in shame when we read the historical accounts*.

As the nation became united under a central government, Presidents Washington, and later, Lincoln, called this nation to dedicate a day of Thanksgiving to God for the blessings He has given to us**.

Spiritually, the season between our Thanksgiving, and the approaching Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah), which coincides with Christmas this year, has a profound meaning. The word "thanksgiving" first appears in scripture in Lev. 7:11-17. It is associated with sacrifice and offering in the tabernacle. Bread and oil were offered, and a flesh peace offering was sacrificed. The Hebrew word for thanksgiving used here is todah. It means extension of the hands in confession, thanksgiving and praise. The pictographical meaning of the Hebrew letters of the word, tav, yad, daleth, he, is "Behold, the cross, the hand (a finished work) and the door". This goes way beyond food, sales, and shopping, and we, God's people, are to be aware.

 

 

Jesus, at the time of the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem spoke of being The Door of the sheepfold (Grk. aule- courtyard of the tabernacle/Temple in Jerusalem):

"I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."   Jn. 10:9

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who gives His life a sacrifice, for the sheep (v.11). The Father in heaven loves Him because of this sacrifice, and His power to take His life back up again (v. 17-18).

The lifting of hands in sacrifice, thanksgiving and praise- this is our Thanksgiving. It leads us into that spiritual place for the coming Feast of Dedication. This feast commemorates the cleansing and re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, after it had been desecrated and defiled by an invading foreign leader. He had offered a pig of the altar to mock God, and to exalt his heathen gods in this holy place.

The purpose of the Temple, as originally dedicated by King Solomon, was to be a place of sacrifice and offering to God:

"Behold I build a house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him sweet incense, and for the continual showbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance forever to Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods."   2 Chron. 2:4-5

It is the place where God sees, hears, forgives, and heals:

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctify this house, that My name may be there forever: and Mine eyes and Mine heart shall be there perpetually."   

                                                                                                 2 Chron. 7:14-16
 

 

We are this living tabernacle of His name, and from this place we extend our hands in confession, thanksgiving, and praise. We are the living stones from which this great tabernacle of God's name is built:

"Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."  1 Pet. 2:5

This year at Thanksgiving, let us extend our hands to God, making confession for this nation, especially for the sins against the Native Americans of the Northeast, and for our own individual sins, and offer Him the sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise for His mercy and blessings towards us. As His holy, living temple, the place of His name, this is our purpose, and it begins within each of us.

As the year draws to a close, it is time to "do over", "to transmute" as the Hebrew meaning of the word "year" means. The letters of the Hebrew word shaneh are "shin, nun, he", and have the meaning "Behold, the heir to the throne consumed, El Shaddai". As Jesus had the power to lay down His life, and take it back again, He is indeed El Shaddai.

This season of Thanksgiving and the Feast of Dedication calls to each one of us, especially at such a time as this.

 

 

*List of Massacres against Native Americans

**Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

**Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

 

 

To hear the full message from Apostle Ken Stevenson please join us at https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

 

To contact/ give:

Everlasting Covenant

PO Box 155

Christmas, Fl. 32709

 



Open Letter: Relaunching The Titanic

 

At the launch of the HMS Titanic on May 31, 1911, an employee of the White Star Line proclaimed, "Not even God Himself could sink this ship." Less than one year later, on its maiden voyage, that statement would be proven incorrect. The ship was done in by a very simple thing-an iceberg, most of which was hidden beneath the water. The resulting deaths made that sinking the greatest peacetime maritime disaster in history. There is a lesson here for all of us. As we repeatedly remove our nation from the covering of God, are we re-launching a Titanic into the annals of historic disasters?

Many Americans believe that God and His principles, have no place in government. Many base this belief on a comment made by Thomas Jefferson in a letter* to a Baptist church in Danbury, Ct.. The Baptists had come under the persecution of the local government, and the elders of the church had appealed to Jefferson for his help. The resulting comment that he made about the separation of church and state, had nothing to do with keeping God out of government, but keeping the government from establishing or favoring one church denomination, while persecuting a minority denomination. He even concluded his response letter with a benediction to the Baptist elders.

God has everything to do with government. He IS government, and appointed man to establish rule and reign in His likeness and example in Genesis 1:26-28:

"And God said, "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion (rule, reign) ....over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

A key identity of Messiah would be a government after God's likeness and image, establishing order, peace, and justice, earning Him the name Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6-7).
God has told man what He requires of them:"...to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."    Micah 6:8
Paul describes God's kingdom and government as not being defined by temporal things, but as "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."   Rom. 14:17
God's kingdom is not a place where sin that destroys the souls and lives of men is made the law of the land and accepted. God, instead, delivers from the death of sin, and brings man into His kingdom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
Our nation's liberty should not be the headlong rush away from God and into spiritual and natural destruction, but the light of this liberty should be such as to lead men from the way of death and into the life of God. This is the purpose and promise of America to all the nations of the world-a government and people after the image and likeness of God.

God has never separated Himself from government, nor from those who govern. Man is only allowed to govern, not as his own representative, but as God's representative on earth. All governments that have tried to rule without God have suffered defeat and sinking like the Titanic. Like the iceberg, God is not going to move out of a government's way, especially as it exercises dominion over man and the rest of God's creation. God makes it clear in His word that He raises up kingdoms, and He removes them (Dan. 2:21).
In Gen. 11:1-6, a group of people came together under a common goal and decided to establish a work, a tower. The purpose of this tower was to seek the planets and stars, rather than God.  The LORD came down and confused their language so they could no longer accomplish this godless work. God does not keep His hand from the affairs of men.

In Daniel 4, an arrogant king forgot that it was God who had miraculously raised him up in victory after victory. As that king began to consider himself "unsinkable" and to persecute God's people, the LORD humbled that king by removing his sanity until he became beast-like. As the beastly former king eventually looked up to heaven, and humbled himself before the sovereign God, he regained his right mind, and was restored to his kingdom.

In Daniel 5, a prideful king decided to use the holy vessels of God's temple for his own enjoyment, and to impress men. In dramatic fashion, with a hand writing words on the wall, the LORD announced that this king had just lost his kingdom. That night, the Medes and Persians captured that king's mighty city Babylon, previously thought to be "unsinkable", and the king lost his life. Kings and governments disregard God at their own peril. The opposite is also true.

A king, by royal decree, commanded repentance after the LORD delivered the word of judgment against his great city, Nineveh, by the prophet Jonah (Jonah 3:1-9).
"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil that He said that He would do unto them; and He did it not."  (v. 10).
In this case, a government and a people "believed God", repented, and changed their impending destruction into salvation.
Our America is like the Titanic, sailing its own course confidently, believing that it is unsinkable, even by God. However, America, there is an iceberg of judgment ahead, and it will not profit us to shake our fists in the face of God. If we are wise, instead of rejecting God from our lives and government, we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, God promises that He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14).

An open letter to the new President-elect is being sent by Apostle Ken Stevenson on this subject, as similar letters were sent to three previous administrations. America, let us hear the word of the LORD, and "believe God", and turn our hearts back to Him.


*Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptist Church elders


To hear Apostle Ken Stevenson's message in its entirety follow us on Twitter/Periscope
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

To Contact/Give
Everlasting Covenant Church
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709



Choose You This Day Whom You Will Serve!

As this nation chooses a president, an even more important choice stands before us.
The above quotation from President Lincoln was given when a person made a comment to encourage him during the Civil War. The person stated that he believed God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln responded that it was of greater importance that both he and the nation be on God's side.
We would probably assume that God's people would agree with Pres. Lincoln's heartfelt desire, and would also want and choose to be on God's side. However, a heart filled with unrighteousness will not make a choice for the righteousness of God.

In Numbers 16, scripture describes a situation where a small group of Israelite men, took men, and stood against the authority of the servants of God, Moses and Aaron. They did not believe that Moses and Aaron should be the spiritual or governing leaders over the people of God. They argued as if Moses and Aaron had chosen themselves for that position, rather than being chosen by God.
Those challenging Moses and Aaron told them "Ye take too much upon you..." (v. 3). They gathered 250 of the princes of the people, men respected and renowned, to stand with them against the leadership and priesthood of Moses and Aaron. They argued that all of God's people were holy, and therefore qualified to function as priests, and in the roles filled by Moses and Aaron. They all coveted the responsibilities of the priesthood, having taken up censers, and the offering of sacrifices to God. Though some were Levites, those of the rebellion despised their calling, and desired more- to appoint themselves as priests:
When Moses heard their accusation and challenge, he fell upon his face (in prayer).
Moses received the LORD's direction in the matter. The LORD would demonstrate who among the people were on His side, and who were not.
Moses pleaded with the rebellion's leader, Korah, and the other sons of Levi:
"Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? And He hath brought thee near to Him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?"   (v. 9-10)
The LORD had chosen them from out of all the people, but they chose themselves, rather than choosing the LORD. That choice became their judgment and destruction (v. 32-35). They were privileged to work closest with the LORD, yet the pride and covetousness in their hearts led them not to choose God's side, but to oppose it.

As Joshua, the servant of the LORD who led Israel into the Promised Land, addressed the people for the last time, he told them that they had a choice to make. He repeatedly told them that they, as a people, had been brought from the other side of the flood (river), into this new land by God, Himself. It was a land of beauty and prosperity. Joshua told the people not to choose to worship the gods from the other side of the flood:
"Now therefore, fear the LORD, and serve Him in sincerity and truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD."
                                                                            Joshua 24:14
Joshua was not just talking about a physical move from one side of a flood, or river, to another. He was also describing a spiritual change. The Hebrew words used are describing passing over, or passing through, radiant beams of light. This passing from the other side is the word "eber", from which we get the term "Hebrew". It is the meaning of "Hebrew"- to pass through, or cross from, the other side. He used the term "from the other side of the flood" four times to describe the difference of where the people had come from, to where they now were. As people who had crossed through the radiant light, a choice was put before them:
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."     Josh. 24:15
This same choice is put before all of us who have passed from the other side of the flood. It is a choice to be made sincerely, and in truth (v. 14). It is not a choice in heart only, but a choice put to action. We are to put away (remove, turn aside from, reject, abolish) those gods from the other side- those gods who represent the unrighteousness of heart, the rebellion against God, and the choice for self.
God judges a land based upon the condition of His people, and their sincerity in choosing to turn to Him, and to His side (2 Chron. 7:14).
God made the choice to call us from the other side. He chose us from out of all the people to draw near to Himself. Have we, in turn, chosen Him? As we choose a president, a more important choice stands before us. Instead of debating which side God is on, which side is the right side, as Abraham Lincoln stated, let it be our hearts' desire, instead, to be on God's side.
Choose you this day whom you will serve.


Follow us on Periscope, and see Apostle Ken Stevenson's full message:
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Contact/Give:
Everlasting Covenant
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709

 

The Fall Feasts-The Feast of Tabernacles

Booth (Sukkah)

 

"The Season of Our Joy"

 

The seven day fall Feast of Tabernacles follows the Feast of Trumpets, and the Day of Atonement. It is described in Lev. 23:33-44, and is marked by the building of sukkot, or booths. These booths are a memorial of the booths built in the wilderness when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt. The faithful presence of God in their midst, and His provision for them is symbolized by these booths.

Unlike the other two fall feasts, the identifying characteristic of Tabernacles is the command of the LORD to rejoice in unity:

"Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: and thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow that are within thy gates."    Deut. 16:13-14

"And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem."   Ezra 3:1

" ...for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength...and the people went their way...to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them."   Neh. 8:10-12



 

 

At the close of this seven day joyful feast of ingathering of fruits, especially grapes from the vines, the latter rains of the year would begin. This feast then also became associated with the outpouring of water, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit:

"For I will pour water upon him who is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thy offspring."  Isa. 44:3 (see also Joel 2:28-29, Isa. 12:2-3)

 

Jesus referred to this when He stood at the Feast of Tabernacles:

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, "If any man thirst, let him come to Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive...)"  Jn. 7:37-39

With this announcement at Tabernacles, Jesus was publicly declaring His fulfillment of this feast as Messiah. No wonder the Israelites were commanded to observe this feast with prophetic rejoicing!

Apostle Paul also speaks of this fulfillment through Christ as that spiritual Rock that followed the Israelites and provided water to them in the wilderness. He said that this example was provided as an admonition for us upon whom the end of the age has come (1 Cor. 10:4, 11). Therefore, the fulfillment of this feast is especially important for us in these Last Days.

Through this fulfillment by Christ, the shadow of the booths of this feast has become the manifestation of the Tabernacle of God among men:

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God...And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."    Rev. 21:3-6

"In that day, there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness."   Zech. 13:1

"And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem...and the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD and His name one...And it shall come to pass that everyone that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall come up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles."  Zech 14:8-9, 16

The Feast of Tabernacles is the prophetic shadow of the reign of Christ on earth. It is the day when all things, even the common, shall be "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD"  (Zech. 14:20)

In Jesus' last discussion with the disciples before His arrest, He spoke of things that should bring to mind what we have learned regarding the feast of tabernacles. He spoke of these things to assure His disciples of the provision that has been made for them in the time that would come. He spoke of the spiritual Vine and its fruit (Jn. 15:5), and of the joy that has been ordained for them, even in the midst of coming persecution (Jn. 15:11, Jn. 16:22, 24). He told them about the Holy Spirit that would come to them ( Jn. 16:13-14), and the unity of the indwelling of the Father and Son in each one, and their unity with each other (Jn. 17:21-23).

All of these things of which He spoke are the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles in each one of us who believe. We who have received this outpouring of living waters, the Holy Spirit, should, above all, rejoice, being filled with joy unspeakable and full of His glory (1 Pet. 1:8).

Even as God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness was found in His booths, so our provision in the wilderness of the Last Days is to be found in His Tabernacle with us.

As God has commanded, "Rejoice!".


Hear Apostle Ken Stevenson's full message "Sukkot" on Twitter/Periscope:
https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Contact:
PO Box 155
Christmas, Fl. 32709


The Fall Feasts - Day of Atonement

 

The Covering

 

The Hebrew word for atonement contains the meaning of "a covering". On this feast day, the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, under the first covenant, the high priest would sprinkle a blood covering over the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies. He could enter once a year only, and this blood sprinkling would provide the atonement, or covering for sin, for one year (Lev. 16:1-34). This blood covering brought reconciliation between God and man for that year.

However, God's desire and plan for covering man did not begin nor end there.

We see the heart of God as He covered Adam and Eve after they broke their relationship with Him.

We see it as God designed a covering ark for Noah, his family, and the animals of creation, and covered that ark with pitch. The covering pitch (same Hebrew word for atonement) protected and lifted the ark above the waters of judgment that covered an earth filled with violence and corruption.

As God taught Israel about the Day of Atonement, the animal sacrifice blood covering of the atonement applied by the high priest was for himself, his family, the people, and the tabernacle (Lev. 16:33-34). This blood covered the Mercy Seat, which covered the Ark of the Covenant, which covered the tablets of the law, which is the standard of perfection, the rod of Aaron that budded, which exhibited resurrection life, and the manna, the daily bread provided from heaven. All of this was, in turn, covered by the smoke from the cloud of incense (Lev. 16:13), representing prayer, which also covered the glory of God, which was covered by the golden wings of the Seraphim angels above the ark.

Even the Hebrew letters of the word atonement give us a picture of the covering. The first letter, kaph, means "a wing, to cover, the open hand, the power to suppress or lift up". The word ends with the letter resh, which means "the first, the top, the beginning, the highest, the most important, the chief". One thing these letters therefore tell us is that this spiritual covering is the most important, the highest, the chief and first thing to God, and the highest, most important, first and chief thing we should know about our God.

Rabbis teach that the Day of Atonement is reconciliation with God through repentance and confession of sins, expressing a hope, "May your name be written in the Book (of Life)". This feast day is indeed marked by fasting, afflicting the soul, and repentance (Lev. 23:26-29). However, make no mistake, there was no atonement covering without also  sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice:



"And he (Aaron) shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat and before the mercy seat: he shall make an atonement for the holy place because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins..."    Lev. 16:14-16

And almost all (things) are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood, there is no remission."     Heb. 9:22

This atonement blood covering is so important to God and to us for a reconciliation, that God ordained this feast day as a type and shadow, fulfilled by Christ, to be kept through all generations.

The Day of Atonement was fulfilled by the blood of Jesus, our High Priest, who didn't come with the shadow blood of animals, but with the better, perfect offering of His own blood, His own life, because His blood was His life (Lev. 17:11). This blood atonement wouldn't last for just a year, as with the shadow under the first covenant, but would cover for all eternity, not just in the earth below, but in the heavens above (Heb. 9:11-14, 20-25). The fullness of the atonement through the blood of the Messiah no longer carries a shadow of hope that your name may be written in the Book of Life, but now carries the assurance (Heb. 10:22) of this great conversion from sin to righteousness, from corruption to incorruption, and from death unto life (Rev. 20:11-15).

How this shows God's greatest desire to cover us! Jesus expresses this desire as fervent, almost covetous: "With desire I have desired..." (Lk. 22:15), in describing the moment of His sacrifice and the new covenant, the better covenant, in His blood. He desires to bring us under the covering of His wings (Mt. 23:37, Ps. 91:1, 4, Ps. 17:18, Ps. 61:4, Ruth 2:12). It was the most important thing of all that He desired to do for us, and He gave everything He had in order to accomplish it. He provided the eternal atoning blood covering for us out of His love:

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."    1 Jn. 4:10 (Jn. 3:16-17)

Jesus sprinkles the atoning blood in the Holy of Holies of our hearts, a tabernacle not made with hands, but a greater, more perfect tabernacle (Heb. 9:11).

This Yom Kippur, as we pray, confess, and repent, let us also remember His blood, His living love, that atones and covers all sins (Prov. 10:12), and allows us to boldly enter the holiest place through the veil of His flesh.

 

Based upon:

Lev. 16:1-34

Heb. 9:1-25

Heb. 10:1-25
Rev. 20:11-15

 

 

Join us on Twitter/See Apostle Ken Stevenson's message on the Day of Atonement:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Contact us:
PO Box 155
Christms, Fl. 32709

 

The Fall Feasts-The Feast of Trumpets

Tekillah Shofar Blast Click Here

 

The Feast of Trumpets, also called Rosh Hashanah (The head of the year) on the civil calendar, along with the other fall feasts of the LORD, is described in Lev. 23. It is to be observed on the first day of the seventh month. All are to come together in a holy assembly, and the day is to be treated as a Sabbath. Trumpets, or shofars (ram's horns), are to be blown in one long blast called a tekillah (listen above), as a memorial to the LORD (v. 23-25). This single long blast proclaims the Kingship of the LORD, and His crowning. When we hear this sound, it reminds us to crown the LORD as King in our own hearts and lives.

Earthly rulers come and go, and their power ultimately corrupts them. They rule to benefit themselves and the state at the expense of the people. Even King David, called a man after God's own heart, used his position as king to number the people, and to take another man's wife. To cover up his adultery, David used his kingly authority to send the husband, his loyal servant and soldier, to that man's death on the front lines of battle.

God's reign as King, on the other hand, is to benefit His people and all of creation. He rules as a Servant, as a Father, and as Justice for those who would never see justice otherwise. Those around us should be able to see this Kingship of God through His Kingship in our own lives.

Many Christians do not understand the significance of observing the feasts of Israel. Jesus, and the New Covenant in His blood, are not separated from the fall feasts, but rather, are the fulfillment of them. These feasts are a pattern on earth of the heavenly:

"...we have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the LORD pitched, and not man."  Earthly priests "... serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things."       Heb. 8:1-5 excerpt

From His position of power and Kingly authority in that heavenly tabernacle, Jesus is the mediator of an even better covenant  (v. 6). He ascended to this position at the right hand of majesty "far above all heavens, that He might fill all things."  (Eph. 4:10)

 

Shevarim Shofar Blasts Click Here

 

We can see Christ fulfilling the other fall feasts, as well.

The three wailing shofar blasts called shevarim (listen above), blown on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, represent the sobbing of hearts in repentance, and the desire to be reconnected, or reconciled, back to God. This is a day to afflict the soul, as well as a day of fasting. It is a Sabbath. (Lev. 23:26-32).
Jesus fulfills this feast as He is our reconciliation with the Father, and calls us to a ministry of the same reconciliation (2 Chron. 29:24, Ez. 45:15, Heb. 2:17):

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."  2 Cor. 5:18-19
Like David's repentant cry, the cry of our hearts should be:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."  Ps. 51:10

The shofar call of the Day of Atonement is a call to examine ourselves, judging ourselves that we are not judged and condemned (1 Cor. 11, 28-31-32), to grow up into Him, our Atonement, Christ (Eph. 4:13, 15).

 

Teruah Shofar Blasts Listen Here

 

The nine quick shofar blasts of the third fall feast, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, are called teruah (listen above).The rabbis refer to these blasts as a "spiritual alarm clock" to awaken us from spiritual slumber.
Jesus taught the same idea as He told the parable of the ten virgins. He said that while all slumbered and slept, the awakening cry went out, "The bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him."  (Mt. 25:5-6). We are to be prepared, and to make ourselves ready, for this awakening call of our Bridegroom as He takes us into His tabernacle, to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

On this holy convocation of the Feast of Tabernacles, which lasts seven days, we are to build booths out of the greenery of goodly trees to remember how God provided  tabernacles, or tents, for His presence, and for His people in the wilderness after He brought them out of Egypt (Lev. 23:33-44). He was with them every step of the journey.

The New Covenant tabernacle of God, and of our dwelling, is described:

"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself, shall be with them, and be their God."   Rev. 21:3 (Lev. 26:11-12)

The fall feasts, like the spring feasts, are not limited to the Old Covenant, nor only to the Law of Moses. They are a pattern and shadow of the work of the Father and His Son in heaven, and in each one of us in earth. "Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.". 

See Us on TWITTER

Contact Info:
PO Box 155
Christmas, FL. 32709


 





Preparing for the Feasts:Learning How to Pray

 

 

The upcoming fall feasts of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Succoth (Tabernacles), this year falling on Oct. 2, 11, and 16, become even more important as we see the unfolding of End Time events, and the imminent return of Jesus drawing near. Jesus will fulfill the fall feasts just as He fulfilled the spring feasts of Israel.

As Israel and Jews and Christians around the world observe the feast days ahead, it is at a time when Israel, as a nation, observes its 68th year. Daniel, the prophet, describes the major events of 69 weeks of years, so we must consider this time in the history of Israel to be significant.

As the feasts approach, prayer becomes a vital preparation for all of us.

The disciples knew that there was something powerful about Jesus in prayer that they desired to know. Even after they had returned triumphantly telling Jesus that the demons were subject to them, Jesus informed them that there was something greater in which to rejoice:

"Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."    Lk. 10:20

 

It was immediately following this, that the disciples noticed the special time of prayer that Jesus experienced. They asked him to teach them about it (Lk. 11:1-4):

"And He said unto them, "When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name."

Jesus instructed them to speak directly to our Father in heaven. It is not prayer, according to the teaching of the rabbis, unless it is spoken to God. The Israelites sought to escape from direct communication with God when God descended upon Sinai. They begged Moses that they should not talk to God, but rather Moses do so for them:

"...let not God speak with us, lest we die."     Ex. 20:19

Many believers also pray to others, rather than praying to God, Himself. However, Jesus did not teach this, as we can see above. By using the address "Father", He also emphasized having an intimate, loving, familial relationship with God, as a child with a father.

Jesus continued teaching:

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth."   Lk. 11:2

We recognize that the purpose of prayer is to agree with God's will. His will is His Word-they never contradict each other. We recognize that His will should be in our mouths, rather than our own.

"Give us, day by day, our daily bread."   Lk. 11:3

We attest by our mouths that God sustains and provides us with all we have need, not only the physical bread for food, but the spiritual bread of life, His Son, His Word. Jesus asks His disciples, "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish, give him a serpent?...if ye then,...know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"  Lk. 11:11-13

He will not ignore our needs, as we ask Him.

"And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us."   Lk. 11:4

We come to God asking for that mercy blood of Jesus that cleanses us of sin, and resurrects (redeems) us from death. Even though by our own efforts, we are not righteous, we can approach Him with confidence knowing that we have been rescued from this condition by our Savior.

Equally important, as we rely upon His forgiveness of us, we must also forgive others. How can we come before Almighty God bearing unforgiveness towards others? How can we come before Him without first examining our own hearts? Let us approach with a reverent heart, a humble heart "...forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Eph. 4:32)

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."   Lk. 11:4

Let us know that there isn't one of us who is beyond temptation. Temptation comes with every thought, word, and deed. Jesus says that we need the help of our Father to guide us away from these evil things.

 

 

Jesus told us that when we see the signs of the end begin to happen, "...look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."   Lk. 21:28

We certainly see the signs of the end of this age all around us. As we prepare for the feasts, we are also preparing for the nearness of our redemption. All creation is waiting and groaning for this redemption, through which we manifest as the sons of God. We ourselves, along with the rest of creation, "groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies."   Rom. 8:19-23

We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. The communications out of our mouths, and the thoughts of our hearts should reflect this Seal, and not grieve Him. (Eph. 4:29-32).

Prayer, as a type of communication acceptable to the Holy Spirit, reaffirms our seal in Him as we await that redemption. The word "pray" in Hebrew is spelled with the letters pe, lamed, lamed. Pe means to open the mouth, to command, to speak, a beginning. Lamed, which is used twice in the word for emphasis, means a shepherd's staff, to teach, to learn, to urge forward, tongue. As Jesus taught about prayer, it is as much a preparation, and an affirming, as it is a petition.

 

 

As scripture emphasizes the communications out of our mouths as all creation awaits the soon-coming redemption, or resurrection, of our bodies, God talks about "tabernacling" with our mouths:

"And the LORD said unto him (Moses), "Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."   Ex. 4:11-12

This is the very definition of the letters of the Hebrew word "pray".

The communication that should be in our mouths, as Jesus and Paul taught their disciples, is the same communication that God instructed Joshua:

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night...Have I not commanded thee?...For the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."   Josh. 1:8-9



God promises that as His Word is in our mouths, He is in our mouths.

Daniel told us that in the Latter Days:

"... the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits...and they shall be wise that shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they shall turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."   Dan. 11:32, 12:3

We desire to do exploits for God, even turning many to righteousness. What greater exploit can there be than to open our mouths in prayer being led, taught, and urged forward by the Shepherd's staff, with the promise of God that He is with us, and with our mouths? It is the prayer out of our mouths that prepares creation and ourselves for these fall feasts, and the soon-coming Redemption.

 

To hear the full message, please visit:

http://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net

 

https://twitter.com/search?q=everlasting%20cov%208&src=typd

 

To Contact:

PO Box 155

Christmas, FL 32709