“On the other hand, some within the Church suggest that gentiles are responsible for keeping part of the Torah, often advocating the Ten Commandments. However, even within this viewpoint there is some variation: many believe that the commandment for Shabbat now applies to Sunday” (p. 2).

                COVENANTS

Edenic covenant – Genesis 1:26-28, 2:15-17

Adamic covenant – Genesis 3:14-19

 Noahic covenant – Genesis 8:21-9:17, 24-27

Abrahamic covenant – Genesis 12:1-3ff.

Mosaic covenant  – Exodus 19:5-8ff.

Palestinian covenant – Deuteronomy 28:63-68; 30-1-9

Davidic covenant – 2 Samuel 7:12-16

New (Renewed) covenant – Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:6-13

“When covenants were renewed, new documents were prepared which brought up to date the stipulations of the earlier documents. However, one covenant does not set aside another; one does not invalidate another as to nullify its stipulations. Rather, it renews, expands, adapts, updates.” (p. 32-33).

The Hebrew word for covenant is brit (ברית ). While the original meaning for this word is somewhat debated, we do know that “the term came to mean that which bound two parties together.’” In biblical times, there were several types of covenants. Some functioned between people, such as personal loans or wedding covenants; others, commonly known as treaties, bound together two or more nations. The covenants in the Bible itself represent agreements between man and God (p. 18).

By studying documents written in cuneiform on Ancient Near Eastern tablets, scholars have discovered that these ancient covenants have a great deal in common with those found in the Bible.

Because of this religious element in the ancient covenants, they also carried an important sacrificial motif. Animals were sacrificed both to the gods and for mutual consumption of the covenanting parties. The meal, therefore was a religious act. One common practice was for an animal to be sacrificed and all its parts cut in half. The symbolism illustrated a grave consequence for all the party who failed to uphold the terms of the covenant: “Just as this [beast] is cut up, so may X [the party who failed] be cut up.’ The recitation of such a formula was probably in the nature of a self-imprecation. The man who recited it thus, declared his expectation of the fate that would befall him if he broke his treaty obligations” (p. 19). (Geoffrey W. Bromiley, gen. ed., The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (“ISBE”), Vol. 1, p. 790).

The other feature common to the Ancient Near Eastern covenants is the use of covenant signs. When an ancient covenant was made, an appropriate sign often accompanied the event. This generally took the form of an outward, visible symbol that served the parties of the covenant and its terms (p.20).

Book reference:

Berkowitz, Ariel and D’vorah. Take Hold: Embracing Our Divine Inheritance with Israel. Littleton: First Fruits of Zion, Inc.

Waddling across the main hall I head for the kitchen. Is there water today? With a last sleepy yawn I turn the tap. “Ahhh … water! Thank you for this blessing today, Lord!”

Okay! Now it’s time to open the kitchen window and fill my lungs with the invigorating morning air. I love this time of the morning – fresh, uncluttered with demands, allowing for moments of quiet reflection before the rush of the day. With difficulty, I lean across the deep kitchen sink to unlatch the windows. My swollen stomach is in the way. With a final lunge, my well-practiced fingers pry the tiny latches to release the steel bar from its secure holding. With deft fingers I fling open the windows.

“Ahhhgggg!” I scream. A wild man is standing at the window. I recognize him. He’s the old beggar that I’ve often seen on the main road scrummaging through the rubbish for a scrap of food and always lugging behind his worn out figure a soiled duffle bag hosting his worldly possessions. But I’ve never seen him here before … at my house! With wild gesturing and incoherent words the dirty, unkempt beggar proceeds to tell me something.

I’m struck with horror, alarm! Does he have plans to attack me? I can’t understand what he’s saying. Panicking, I call for reinforcements. “George!” I bellow, unable to flee as my feet are planted to the floor in paralyzing fear.

Abruptly woken by my scream, my darling husband George rushes from the bedroom and into the kitchen. Disheveled and still groggy, he arrives ready to annihilate the intruding large hairy spider that he thinks has dared to enter my personal space. With eyes bulging he discovers the cause of my alarm – the frenzied beggar man grunting and groaning at me through the kitchen window!

I relax. George is here now and talking to the pitiful man. Numerous questions course through my mind, What’s he doing here? Why is he yelling at me through the window? Does he realize how scary he looks? My mental investigations are suspended with a directive from George. “He’s hungry. Quickly make him some food and tea!” With urgency, I reheat some of last evening’s meal and boil fresh Indian tea. My own need for a ‘cuppa’ is suspended for the moment. I start to pray as I ready the meal.

I can hear George sharing the gospel with the poor, wretched man. Shortly, I carry the beggar’s food and tea on a tray out into the front compound. Placing the food before him with a prayer of blessing, I stand back to allow the starving man to eat in privacy.

The forming child in my womb suddenly moves and I affectionately rub my bulging stomach, delighting in the miracle of new life. Lifting my eyes I’m drawn to the beggar once more. I scan his face and figure. He’s very old and obviously sick. His clothes are rags, his skin is caked in filth. His meager belongings of a chipped enamel cup, a few old tins and another scrap of threadbare cloth are retrieved from his bag. My heart cries out with compassion and prayer. Does he know about eternity? Will he accept Jesus and enter into heaven when he dies?

The hungry man swiftly finishes every last morsel and sips his tea. All along George talks to him, sharing with him the love of God. The thought that he may leave our house unsaved is truly unbearable. Fervent prayer gushes from my heart for his salvation – here and now! He may not have a tomorrow! All too soon the nameless beggar heaves himself with great difficulty from the ground. He has other beggarly duties to attend to. George and I watch him slowly lumber up the street towards the main road, to his usual dwelling place.

“That’s the first time he has ever come here!” I say to George, “I’m so glad that he came.” “How did he respond to the Lord?” Is my first question. George’s reply will be forever impressed on my heart and mind, a story of the remarkable love of God.

“I’ve been praying specifically for him for some days. He will die soon. The Lord has directed him here so he can be saved before he dies. He has heard the gospel and accepted Jesus.”

Tears stream down our faces. We are speechless, overwhelmed by the depths of God’s love and mercy for a shunned beggar – forgotten, ignored by men, but not by his Creator.

My mind swirls with the early morning events: God inspires George to pray for an unknown beggar’s salvation. The Holy Spirit compels the beggar to leave his search for food in the rubbish heap and to instead visit our house. Having been prepared through prayer, George is ready to share the gift of salvation to the dying man! Did he know that God was ordering his steps? All events orchestrated sovereignly by a merciful God. Simply awesome! Simply the amazing love of God!

That was the last ever seen or heard of that beggar.

One beggar among millions. One man’s eternal destiny decided! Only one salvation for all.

Missions – is it worth the inconveniences, long separations from family and friends, deprived of the ‘norm’ of familiar culture, unbearable weather conditions that weary body and soul? Is one soul worth it? Oh yeah!

Karen Elengikal 15/12/05

Karen Elengikal is an inspirational, published writer from Sydney, Australia. Karen’s first book ‘Kidz Battle Zone’ was released in 2007. (see FW Book Review).
2006 Karen Elengikal

My Websites:

www.Godinspired-PhotoArt.com

www.kidzbattlezone.com

Jesus the eternal Son of God, when he walked in this world used a wonderful parable to emphasize “it is OK to come back to God” in Luke 15:11-21. He said he came to this world to seek and save the Lost, No matter how lost or far away you are from God you can come back to him.
Jesus has promised “whoever comes to me I will never drive away” John 6:37

How we go away from God:
There were two sons for this loving father, the younger son said to his father, I don’t need you any more just give me your blessing I will go away from you and live in my own way. Have you ever said this to God? I don’t need you. I will live my life away from you. Please don’t forget he gave you this life to you. The young son went away from the father as far he can go and lived a sinful life and spent away all his possessions with friends who ran away from him when he did not have money. Do you feel that you are living life very far away from God? Have you spoiled your soul and life? Do you see people going away from your life because you lost your Job?

Famine came in the Land:
There was a famine in that land and this son was without food and starving for his basic needs. This famine made him to realize that he has a father who is rich and loving. Are you starving for survival my dear friend, Is this famine hitting you hard? Are you concerned about your family’s survival? Do you fear whether your marriage will survive?

Coming back to God:
This young son came to his senses and realized how good it was when he was with his father. Understood that the father is the source for all his blessings. He confessed to the father that he has sinned and came back to his father. When his father saw him in the distant he ran towards him and gave a big hug and kissed him and restored him. Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
My dear friends this is the only place in the whole Bible it is written that “God Ran”, Jesus expressed how deep he loves his people. Please do not stay back and take wrong choices. The Devil wants to kill and destroy your life. Take one small step to walk towards God; you will be received by God with a great Hug and Kiss.

Do you have questions about coming back to God?
* I am an atheist will God accept me, Yes he will

* When I had everything I rebelled against God, will he accept me. Yes He will

* I am worst sinner will he accept me. Yes He will

* I have mocked and scoffed God always will he accept me. Yes He Will

* I am crook will God accept me. Yes He Will

* I went away from Jesus, will he accept me and help. Yes He Will

My dear beloved he will accept you as you are, just turn back and ask his help, He is your father.

It is OK; it is OK to come back to God! He will restore and rebuild your life.
Jesus said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Prayer: My heavenly father, I humbly come to you as I am and I confess I have sinned against you. Please forgive me and accept me as your child. I thank you for sending your son Jesus to die for my sins. Help me to live a Holy life. Please come in to my life and help me in these tough situations.

Amen Note: Please contact me if you have any questions or doubts or take help from your local pastor.

Copyright – Jaisam Daniel (2009) This article has been copyrighted to prevent misuse.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NAS)

You talk about how you’re living by faith. But are you really?

I was visiting with a dear friend who is also an entrepreneur. We discussed the trials of not knowing what tomorrow brings and what finances will be available – if at all.

She said, “Janice, before we became entrepreneurs we didn’t know what living by faith was all about. Now, we live the true meaning of ‘living by faith’ because all finances must be provided by God!”

Owning my own business made me more conscious of my prayer life, my spiritual walk, and daily routine. I must be very focused, prayerful, and ready to do what I believe the Lord is showing me. That’s when I realized that I wasn’t really living by faith until now!

From childhood on, I’ve had provision of some kind. Either from my parents, or I had a very steady job. That is, until I felt the Lord leading me to open my own business as a Life Coach. Then reality set in. Every dime must be prayed in, believed for, and I must maintain a thankful heart! That was the day I really started living by faih.

I’m not saying that everyone should quit their jobs and open their own business. But what I am saying is that our trials are opportunities to live by faith. As Paul said to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15:58, we are to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord” and “be steadfast, immovable” in your faith!

Stand strong! When you stand by faith, then God will reward you  greatly (Matt 21:21).

During your trials, take this opportunity to praise the Lord. Believe that He will really do exceedingly abundantly above anything you have ever imagined (Eph 3:20). Why? Because He does – and He will!

Resources:

1.     The Cross At Kerrville

2.     Max Greiner, Jr.’s God Inspired Art

Over the last few weeks, God revealed to me that He is repositioning His people. Those who lost their way will be redirected to their original calling. Those who became comfortable in their lifestyle will no longer be comfortable until they move with the Cloud of God. The Cloud of God still directs us as it did for the Israelites (Deut 1:33).

What does this mean? Very simply, it means it’s time to move where God’s Cloud is moving. Either He is convicting you to move to a new career or lifestyle. Or He’s convicting you to make significant changes.

When we are not living the life we were created to live, things don’t fall into place as they should. In fact, you feel everything and everyone is against you! That’s when you should realize you’re trying to put a square peg into a round hole; things just don’t fit. However, when you move (or begin to move) in the direction God directed for you, everything begins to “shift” into place. Things begin to line up and make sense. That’s also when the provision and resources become available.

However, before you make major life changes, ensure you are not making decisions that are in conflict with the written Word of God; ever.

Seek wise, godly advice from your pastor or ministry leader. This is a vital time to hear from God. The extra effort to hear accurately from the Lord is very important.

I also recommend you and your spouse be in complete agreement. The marriage covenant is sacred and very powerful. If it’s God, trust Him that He will direct your husband or wife.

Moving in the direction of your emotions can be devastating; or even deadly. Your emotions can (and will) fail you many times. Trust that God confirms His message through the Bible, others, your situations, and miracles. Remember, your design was first His desire.

Lastly, make time daily to listen to God in the morning and/or in the evening. Write in your journal all you believe He is revealing to you. “Journaling with God” is a very powerful tool. You will find as you write what God is showing you, He does wonderful miracles. That’s when discover yourself “checking off” all the magnificent things you wrote during your prayer time.

Being happy (or sad) is not always an indicator that God’s Cloud moved. However, if you and your situation are the same as before, but you’ve come to a place of misery. This may be an indication that God is repositioning you. Be aware and listen to the heart of God. Know that the Lord has your best interest at heart. He is the creator of your purpose and He does not want you to go in the wrong direction. He also knows that your greatest joy will come by serving Him in the calling He created within you. That’s when your spirit leaps with joy!

God’s Cloud moved. Did you?

Breakthrough Resources:

1.     God’s Healing Plan Retreat – This is a powerful women’s one-day women’s retreat (FREE, I might add). You do not want to miss this opportunity. There is limited seating, so sign up today!

2.     Clearing the Land: Preparing for Deliverance, by Geri McGhee is a powerful tool to break you free from curses as put you into position for blessings.

The biggest mistake we can make is to assume we can be in blatant rebellion without punishment from God. We are responsible for our actions and God warns us for our own protection.

Galatians 5:19-21 says, “Now the deedsof the fleshare evident, whichare: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Not inheriting the Kingdom of God is a severe consequence of our sins. That’s why 1 Cor 10:14 warns us to flee from idolatry.

If you find yourself in a situation that everything seems to be going wrong, there is a possibility God may be speaking to you about your lifestyle. If, for example, you are having an affair, and you continue with your affair despite warning signs, then you will experience a serious fall sooner or later. Rebellion will be punished.

The Lord expects obedience from his children. In fact, the very essence of Deuteronomy 28 is to hear, obey, and live. God doesn’t change (Mal 3:6) nor does his Word go away (Matt 24:35). Why would we expect anything different today? We shouldn’t. That’s why when things go wrong, we should always first stand back and assess our lifestyles. We are children of God lead by His Spirit (Rm 8). As children of God, we are “lead by His eye” (Ps 32:8-9) and we, as His sheep, hear and know His voice (Jn 10:27).

We want to hear about all the wonderful blessings and happy things

God will do for us. But we struggle with those things that are corrective. It isn’t an easy message. But we need to make a change in our lives to experience the fullness of His blessings; because He does desire to bless you (Jer 29:11).

What are the Three “Rods of God?

1. The first Rod is Conviction

     a. Conviction is Godly sorrow until repentance.

     b. Chastening: Greek – Paideuo (Heb 12, Gal 6): to train up a child; discipline by punishment; instruct teach. It is a slap on the hand.

     c. God first speaks to our hearts – through scriptures, or a message that is preached, visions, dreams, music, etc.

2. Receiving correction from others.

     a. Rebuke – Greek: Elegcho – Admonish; convict; tell a fault; reasoning; convincing; present evidence before a jury.

     b. Fathers to children

     c. Families correct one another such as in Ephesians 3:18-20 and in Proverbs 27:6

     d. Covenant friends such as in Proverbs 27:6

     e. Leaders to the Church as described in Hebrews 13:17

     f. Employers to their employees.

3. Diseases and Confusion (Note: Not all diseases and confusion are forms of correction)

     Deuteronomy 28

4.  Generational Curses

     a.  Exodus 20:1-6

5.  Destruction of the flesh.

     a. As described in 1 Corinthians 5

     b. Death is the ultimate destruction of the flesh

What do we do to break free from the chastening of God? Fall on the rock (Matt 21:21-24) – don’t let the rock fall on you. Repent (turn away from, don’t agree with any longer) and be spiritually and symbolically cleansed (Mikveh/Baptism – symbolic cleansing of your sins).

Note: For more information on the Mikveh, please Contact Us.

When you were a child, you had moments when you caught a vision of your future and announced what you would be when you grew up.  Do you remember what you said? What job did you envision yourself doing when you were older?

Sometimes when your vision is blurred, you develop your own idea of what you will do by creating a close visual of your perfect job. One example is if your purpose is to be a great leader in your community, you may have imagined yourself as a police officer as a child.

Many of my clients believe they missed their calling. What makes it more upsetting for them is that they don’t know what God created them to do. This feeling of not knowing you were designed for a special purpose is not only miserable but also develops into an empty feeling.

If you believe you missed your calling, I want to give you an assignment to help you explore God’s design for you.

• Be at peace. Go to a peaceful place and place your favorite soft music. Or, if you prefer complete silence, then turn everything off that makes noise, including your cell phone.
• Focus. Focus on the future as a very elderly, accomplished adult. See everything you were able to succeed in and look at your surroundings.
• Write a letter to yourself. As the elderly you, I want you to write a letter to yourself in this time. Have your elder-self give details on how he/she accomplished so much and the path they traveled, in detail.
  • Write down what you accomplished a year from your current age and all your wonderful accomplishments
  • Write your great accomplishments 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years from today
  • Describe how you overcame your great obstacles
  • Describe your home, family, and friends
  • Put your letter in a sealed envelope. Write the date down you desire to open your letter and do not open it until them (I recommend 5 years from now).

When you envision yourself as the accomplished person God created you to be. You become the wonderful vision within a very short period of time. In fact, after writing the vision, my clients reach their vision, many times, within a couple of years.  When the vision becomes clear, it’s easier to achieve. In fact, because it was first God’s vision of you, it’s impossible to fail.

After Operation Iraqi Freedom, I determined to heal from the emotional wounds I suffered. The abuse, abandonment, search for my son in Iraq, and my returning homeless were the worse trials I suffered in all my years. Yet that pain only resulted in a plan for healing – for me and for you.

God’s Healing Plan will reach around the world to offer hope for the hopeless because I see the vision in you.

Thank you for your love and support of this ministry.

With purpose there are always obstacles to overcome. But these obstacles are never too big, too scary, nor too difficult for God. He will help you – but you must be willing to push through.
Below are a few tips describing how to push through to victory:

1. Be determined. Jack Canfield says, “Be willing to pay the price.” Be determined to do what it takes to reach your dreams. Be determined to pay the price upfront and reap the great harvest of blessings in the end.

2. Create your own breakthrough. Tony Robbins teaches that the power is within you. He’s certainly right about that statement. The power of Christ is within you. The Holy Spirit has already equipped you. God gives you a choice. Do you want to walk in His best or do you want to be limited by your own fears? You have a choice to choose breakthrough. You have a choice to choose God’s best. Choose wisely.

3. Make a Lifestyle Design Change. Tim Ferriss says to free your time and increase your income you need, “Definition (focus on what you do and how you do it), automation, liberation, how to use time and fill the void”.

4. Know the difference between a failure and a mistake. Seth Godin states that the difference between a failure and a mistake is,

 A failure is a project that doesn’t work, an initiative that teaches you something at the same time the outcome doesn’t move you directly closer to your goal.

A mistake is either a failure repeated, doing something for the second time when you should have known better, or a misguided attempt (because of carelessness, selfishness or hubris) that hindsight reminds you is worth avoiding.
We need a lot more failures, I think. Failures that don’t kill us make us bolder, and teach us one more way that won’t work, while opening the door to things that might.

School confuses us, so do bosses and families. Go ahead, fail. Try to avoid mistakes, though.

5. Fight for a new life.TD Jakes in his book Reposition Yourself states, “You can have a better life. The question is: Are you willing to fight for it?” Don’t settle for less. Go for a better, greater, blessed life. That’s what Jesus died for – that you can live the purpose you were created to do.

6. See the vision – achieve the vision. Last week I wrote an article on how to create a vision board. When you are able to see the vision daily, your life moves in that direction. Create your vision board and see the success it produces in your life!

God created man to achieve so much. But after the fall, we began to doubt, live in fear, and blame. Those fallen traits hinder us from reaching our ultimate purpose. However, there’s good news. God made away by breaking those curses on the cross. We have a choice to receive the blessings of breakthrough in Christ. We have the ability to go beyond doubt, fear, and blame. By choosing faith, determination, and vision – we become the definition of success. Then others see their own potential through your victory.