Promise – Life Lesson # 2 The Promise of an Eternal Covenant:
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah — not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34
God’s purpose is to keep His promises to His children. I’m going to step on some toes here because most people don’t like to talk about money, except to say they don’t have enough. How do I know this? Because I’m one of those people!
I’ve sowed, I tithed (and still do), I give offerings (and still do) and I’ve even called the 1-800 number for the “Let’s Make A Deal With God” evangelist (don’t do anymore). I’m learning that God wants us to love and honor Him, not believe He is going to help us strike it rich, or strike us dead if we don’t do something we just assume is God. God WANTS to bless us. This is why He has created principles of giving. These principles work because they are God’s principles not mens. Some men and women take them and use them as tools to extract money from others. But, I even though it appears some are prospering, God will always take care of those that know and love Him.
When I was living in the world I foolishly flushed a lot of money down the drain. I also opened the door for Satan to sift me dry. Many times I blamed God because I didn’t listen to Him when He was trying to talk to me. I was also trustworthy and loyal which made me an easy mark for preditors. This is one reason why we can’t be double minded. It makes us unstable.
Accumulating wealth, and keeping it are two differnt things. You might say in my case, “it was gone with the wind!”
But, the day came when I had the responsibility to take care of my two little boys. I learned really fast how to earn, preserve, spend and save money. My sister-in-law helped me learn how to budget and save. God taught me about sowing and reaping and staying in His Word. Practicing these earthly and spiritual principles, I began investing in others and the works that God was calling them to.
We began having Bible studies in our home. I would get the main course, “Buy One Get One” whatever was on sale. Our friends would bring side dishes, chips, dip, soft drinks and desserts. We had leftovers for days! My friends began to multiply and we began to go and do things for God’s Kingdom. Our kids grew up having fun instead of feeling like they didn’t have anything. God always takes care of His children.
I remember one night going to a women’s retreat and an evangelist asked me to get my checkbook out and she prayed over me. She took my check book right out of my hand and said,
“You have sown and sown and sown into other’s lives. The enemy has tried to steal the blessing, the promise and the covenant God made with you concerning you and your offspring. He is your husband and so I say to you today. You will be a giver and you will receive back not 100 nor 200 but 300 fold what you have given..
She then slapped me with my checkbook not once but three times each slap saying, “See it done, in Jesus’ name, see it done, see it done! – in the name of Jesus!”
Now, deep down after this woman prayed over me and being a broke single mom I have to say I was more than a little excited! Somehow I did wonder if God was going to give me a million dollars. If He did at that time it would have been a mistake. God’s economy can not be measured by your bank account, but if you have a large one, I know the Lord can use you to help others in a mighty way by sowing into good soil. I’ve watched my daddy when he was alive sow many a seed into the ground. He never doubted a young plant would come up from it.
Some would look at me and say, “Marlene you are not a wealthy woman, but I say, No, not so… I’m the wealthiest single woman on the planet. I’m married to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and my wealth is not of this world but of a world that is not seen. God has blessed me through my offspring!
Joel 2:25 – “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker-worm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer-worm, my great army which I sent among you.”
Some of my brothers and sisters know what I’ve endured, or the doubts, thoughts and insecurities that plague me at times. When I take my eyes off of my Redeemer I begin to sink.
But, when I have the courage and declare God’s glory and move by His Spirit I am invincible, indestructible and unmovable not by my own strength but by the Spirit of the living God.
“Do I walk in this daily?” “No, but God has given me the courage and the boldness to go and do things, I can’t believe that I’ve done because I couldn’t have done them any other way!”
His promises are “yes and amen”. They are not just for me but available to every soul on this planet who will choose to receive them. They are available regardless of race, creed, culture or bank account.
The gift of God’s love does not cost us anything, and it is priceless. Once we truly receive His love and forgiveness for our own sinfulness, we begin to walk in a truth that can not be overshadowed by doubt, fear and unbelief. We are able to share God’s love and plan of salvation with others.
Are we promised to be a millionaire? I don’t believe so, but inside we will feel like we are more than a millionaire. When we truly follow Him, our concerns will not be so much on earthly things, but on truly listening, loving and giving to others what God says to give. He knows exactly what each of us needs to help us be wealthy. This is how true treasure is found and wealth is accumulated.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58
When I was in Africa preaching the church was packed. People walked for hours to get to church every night. The church Pastor Mary and I were at was in a slum. Little children and people were standing outside. The “offering” was taken up to buy our dinner. The people gave all they had to bless us with a home cooked meal. We were so blessed. Pastor Laban’s mother and father prepared it and we went to their home and fellowshipped. God showed up there and blessed us, but He showed up in everyone’s life who was there those days and nights.
Below is a man that had a gnarled foot, He came in the first night on a cane. We prayed for him and he came back the second night without his cane. By the third night his foot was completely healed. Don’t you know this man was blessed! He became a wealthy man that night, able to work and walk without a limp. He was jumping and shouting for joy.
For the past 4-5 months my left hip has been out. The doctor’s couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I finally went to the emergency room and they took Xrays. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t lift my foot to put on my socks without crying out loud.
I prayed and told God, “I know you are the healer. If I’m to walk with a limp for the rest of my life, then please just take away the pain so I won’t be miserable and make everyone else miserable that lives with me.”
I felt God had heard my prayer, but I went on to the emergency room. The ER doctor said I had arthritis and would probably need a hip replacement.
I told the Lord, “I don’t have time for surgery or a hip replacement. You are going to have to fix this, especially if you want me here.” My appointment was for 10 days later. For the next 10 days, I had no pain. None whatsoever. I almost canceled my appointment but I wanted to here what the doctor said.
When the doctor came in he questioned me. He had seen the XRays. I told him that I had been healed. I didn’t think I needed surgery. He agreed, “You don’t have very much arthritis. It’s not bad at all.”
I told him my whole story. I fell and twisted my foot when I was in Ohio. I thought I had snapped it in half. The Lord reminded me of when Paul had been beaten and left for dead. He was thrown outside the city gate. Paul got up and walked away. I got up that day and walked away. No swelling, no pain, just a black ring around my ankle for a couple of months.
Then I moved back to Florida and was walking on the beach, I felt this pull, snap and sharp pain. I said, “That’s not good.” I kept on walking and didn’t think anything of it. For about 8 months I had trouble walking. I finally went to the doctor, and he took XRays. He said your Achilles tendon has come off the back of your heel and it’s healed back over with bone fragments in it. Surgery will be 6-7 weeks off your feet.
I said, “I can’t afford that.” I went back to work. So then, walking with a limp pulled my hip out of alignment. I went to the doctor and he fixed me up. Then I moved to Alaska. A couple of months after I moved to Alaska the pain and the limp started and you know the rest of the story. My King reigns and made me the wealthiest single mom on the planet!
My King
My King was born King; the Bible says He’s the seven way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a national King
He’s the King of righteousness, He’s the King of the ages,
He’s the King of heaven, He’s the King of glory,
He’s the King of Kings and He is the Lord of Lords,
Now that’s MY KING.
Well, I wonder if you know Him, do you know Him?
Don’t try to mislead me – do you know MY KING?
David said, “The heavens declare the glory of God
and the firmament shows His handiwork.”
MY KING is the only one, whom there is no means of measurement
which can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline
of His shore less supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
He’s enduringly strong, He’s entirely sincere, He’s eternally steadfast,
He’s immortally graceful, imperially powerful and impartially merciful.
That’s MY KING!
He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior.
He’s the centerpiece of civilization, He stands alone in Himself.
He’s awesome, unique, unparalleled – He’s unprecedented.
He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of
everything good that you choose to call Him.
He is the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves. He for guards and He guides.
He heals the sick. He cleanses lepers. He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know HIM?
Well, MY KING is the King of knowledge, He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway
of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the Master of the mighty. He’s the Captain of the conquerors.
He’s the Head of the heroes, and He’s the Leader of the legislators.
He’s the Overseer of the over comers. He’s the Governor of governors.
He’s the Prince of princes, He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords.
That’s MY KING!
His office is manifold and His promises are sure. His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting and His love never changes.
His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well, I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable!
He’s incomprehensible, invincible and irresistible.
I’m trying to tell you the heaven of heavens can not contain Him,
let alone a man explain Him!
You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands.
You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.
Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their
testimonies to agree and Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
That’s MY KING!
Palmer is Palmer Alaska is located off the icy glaciers at windspeeed sometimes of over 100 mph! Alaskans must be prepared for this type of weather on a regular basis even on a clear day as shown by this picture!
