Covenant Life Church

By Pastor Dave CrammerSociety & Culture Religion & Spirituality Christianity Education Self-Improvement Philosophy

Covenant Life Church episodes

August 23He is Our Guide Pt. 2
Romans 8:14–16 NKJV
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
Proverbs 20:27 NKJV
“The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inner depths of his heart.”
This means, God will enlighten us—He will guide us-through our spirits.
1. LEARN TO FOLLOW
1 Kings 17:8 NKJV
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.
Verse 16
16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.
2. HE IS LEADING YOU TO THE PLACE
Genesis 22:1–5 NKJV
Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and oﬀer him there as a burnt oﬀering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt oﬀering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar oﬀ. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
Genesis 22:7–14, NKJV
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt oﬀering?” 8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt oﬀering.” So the two of them went together. 19 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and oﬀered it up for a burnt oﬀering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”
Jehovah Jireh
Jireh
to see
To look intently at, to give attention to.
to see to something / make provision
So, literally, Jehovah Jireh carries the thought:
“The LORD has seen it.”
“The LORD will provide.”The post He is Our Guide Pt. 2 first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
45 min
August 16He is Our Guide
John 16:7–8 NKJV
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
The Greek word paraklētos
It literally carries the idea of “one called alongside.”
Comforter
Counselor
Advocate
Strengthener
Teacher
Guide
1. HE IS OUR GUIDE
Romans 8:14–16 NKJV
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
1 Kings 17:2-7
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 3 “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. 7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.
Verse 8
8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.
Verse 16
16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.
2. HE IS LEADING YOU TO THE PLACE
Genesis 22:1–5, NKJV
Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and oﬀer him there as a burnt oﬀering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt oﬀering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar oﬀ. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
Genesis 22:7–19, NKJV
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt oﬀering?” 8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt oﬀering.” So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and oﬀered it up for a burnt oﬀering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.
Jehovah Jireh
to see
to perceive
to look upon
to regard
to see to something / make provision
So, literally, Jehovah Jireh carries the thought: “The LORD will see to it, &“The LORD will provide.”
The post He is Our Guide first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
44 min
August 09Healing Rivers
1 Corinthians 14:1–5 NKJV
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who
speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however,in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, who used SPECT brain imaging to study people during religious practices, including speaking in tongues.
Reduced activity in the frontal lobes
The frontal lobes are involved in conscious control, planning, and self-monitoring.
Reduced activity in language-related areas
The scans showed changes in areas associated with language and speech.
This was significant because participants were vocalizing, yet they did not experience the speech as something they were consciously formulating.
They did the same study with Buddhist monks. Brain was very active. Increased sense of surrender or loss of conscious control (mind got quiet)
1 Corinthians 14:14, AMP
For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive [it bears no fruit and helps nobody].
1. MENTAL HEALTH
Isaiah 28:11–12, NKJV
For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, 12 To whom He said, ‘This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,’ and, ‘This is the refreshing’; yet they would not hear.
1 Corinthians 14:21–22, NKJV …“With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people…
2. PHYSICAL HEALTH
Scientists found that Stress dropped dramatically.
Cortisol levels reduced
Heart rate slows
Blood pressure stabilizes.
Praying and tongues triggers a parasympathetic response the bodies deep rest system.
This is the rest. This is the refreshing.
Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV
He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint
3. SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Jude 20 AMP
But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;
Acts 4:13, NLT
The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
The post Healing Rivers first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
35 min
August 02The Wind and the Fire
Acts 1:4–8, NKJV
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 2:1–4 NKJV
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
THE WIND
Acts 2:2
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind…”
Wind – Greek -pnoē (naw-a)
The breath
The breath of life
wind, or blast.
It is related to πνεῦμα (pneuma), the Greek word for Spirit.
Throughout Scripture, wind symbolizes: The breath of God that gives life
John 3:3–8, NLT
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,* you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.* 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.* 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You* must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
THE FIRE
(Acts 2:3)
“Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire…”
The Burning Bush
Exodus 3:1–4 NKJV
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” 4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
The Pillar of fire
Exodus 13:21–22 NKJV
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
– Mount Sinai (Exodus 19)
– Solomon’s Temple
2 Chronicles 7:1–3 NKJV
When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt oﬀering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.”
Fire also symbolizes Purification
HOW TO TAME THE TONGUE
James 3:5–11, NKJV
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and 2with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. The same Holy Spirit who filled the upper room still fills believers today. He brings life where there is dryness, power where there is weakness, and boldness where there was once fear. We need the wind of the Spirit to breathe fresh life, refresh us, and move us beyond human ability.
The post The Wind and the Fire first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
46 min
July 26The Position of Victory
2 Chronicles 20:1–30, NKJV
It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
Three Valleys:
The Valley of Death
The Valley of Decision
The Valley of Blessing
THE VALLEY OF DEATH
Loss
Destruction
Pain
Heartbreak
Distress
VALLEY OF DECISION
It’s at this place where we choose faith or fear.
Complaining Opens the Door to Defeat
1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NKJV
9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
DEAL WITH THE FEAR
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
James 4:7 NKJV
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Resist: It is a military term, describing a soldier who refuses to give ground.
Philippians 1:28 AMP
And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.
2 Chronicles 20:5–12, NKJV
5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our aﬄiction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them—11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
2 Chronicles 20:13–30, NKJV
13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord. 14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out agains them, for the Lord is with you.” 18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high. 20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:
“Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.”
Notice: praise should always lead the way.
This is how you position yourself for victory
22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 23 For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.
“God does His greatest work at the end of our ability”
– Denise H Burns
THE VALLEY OF BLESSING
2 Chronicles 20:25–30, NKJV
25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped oﬀ for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much.
2 Chronicles 20:26–28, NLT
On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing,* which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. 27 Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. 28 They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord.
The post The Position of Victory first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
53 min
July 19An Excellent Spirit
James 1:22 NKJV
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Proverbs 9:10, NKJV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Daniel 6:3 NKJV
“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.”
Excellent – Aramaic (yattir)
surpassing, extraordinary, superior, exceeding, preeminent.
It carries the idea of something that goes beyond the ordinary or rises above others.
A superior attitude
1. EXCELLENCE IN CONVICTION
Daniel 1:8–16 NKJV
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
James 3:13–18, NKJV
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Daniel 1:9–16 NKJV
Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.” 11 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. Favor may open a door, but excellence keeps it open. Character sustains what opportunity begins.
2. EXCELLENCE IN WISDOM
Daniel 1:17-21 NKJV
As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.
Ezekiel 28:3 AMP
Indeed, you are [imagining yourself] wiser than Daniel; there is no secret [you think] that is hidden from you; Excellence is an attitude before it becomes an accomplishment. Daniel possessed an “excellent spirit” before he was promoted. An excellent spirit is not merely a matter of natural talent or perfection. It is the result of a heart devoted to God that produces exceptional character, wisdom, faithfulness, and integrity.
3. A SUPERIOR ATTITUDE
BEING EXTRAORDINARY WITH THE ORDINARY
Wisdom
Chokmah means:
Skill in living according to God’s ways.
Practical wisdom that produces righteous results.
The ability to make godly decisions based on God’s truth.
Divine insight applied to everyday life.
Excellence is not perfectionism. Perfectionism is driven by fear and the need for approval;
biblical excellence is motivated by love for God and a desire to honor Him.
Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Excellence is doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way for the glory of God.
Daniel 6:1-3 NKJV
It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suﬀer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…”
Proverbs 22:29 NKJV
“Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”
Excellence often opens doors to greater influence.
Excellence is ultimately about glorifying God in every area of life.
Our Commitment
We will pursue excellence through faithful stewardship, intentional discipleship, continual improvement, leadership development, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, so that more people can encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
Why: Because people matter to God, we pursue excellence. This is our motivation.
What: Honor God, reach the lost, make disciples, develop leaders, and see lives transformed by Jesus. This is our mission.
How: Through faithful stewardship, intentional habits, healthy systems, leadership development, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. This is our culture
The post An Excellent Spirit first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
46 min
July 12 Faith with Works
1. HEALTHY FEAR
The fear of The Lord
Proverbs 9:10, NKJV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
James 1:19–22 NKJV
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 22Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Which is able / being powerful to”
δύναμαι — to be able, to have power. Related to δύναμις (dynamis, power). The Word is
not potentially powerful under the right conditions — it is, continuously and inherently, able.
Present tense: always able, constantly able.
James 1:23–25, NKJV
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
James 3:2–5, NKJV
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!
PRACTICE PATIENCE
“A patient person never complains or loses his temper.”
– Lonnie Schrader
Ephesians 4:25–27, NKJV
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.
PRACTICE MERCY
James 1:21–25, NKJV
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.
you cannot genuinely bless the Creator while cursing the creature made in His likeness.
Luke 6:37–38, NKJV
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:27–28, NKJV
But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
HOW TO TAME THE TONGUE
James 3:7–8 NKJV
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Galatians 5:16–18, NKJV
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that •you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
James 3:7–8 delivers the sobering verdict: no man can tame the tongue.
However, the Holy Spirit can, and with his help we can keep this flesh under.
1 Corinthians 14:4 — “he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself” — οἰκοδομεῖ (oikodomeō)
means to build up, to construct. Regular prayer in the Spirit literally builds something in the inner man that begins to govern the outer man — including the tongue.
The tongue is the last thing to be sanctified and the first thing that reveals whether it has been. Start praying in the Spirit every day. Get God-inside minded. And watch what happens to your words — because your words are telling everyone, including you, who is really governing your life.
The post Faith with Works first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
46 min
July 05 Prayer for the Nations
48 min
June 28The Language of Faith
Romans 4:16 AMP
Therefore, [inheriting] the promise is the outcome of faith and depends [entirely] on faith, in order that it might be given as an act of grace (unmerited favor), to make it stable and valid and guaranteed to all his descendants—not only to the devotees and adherents of the Law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, who is [thus] the father of us all. The blessings are received through faith, not through works or law-keeping. That is why the promise is secure for every believer who follows Abraham’s example of faith.
Romans 4:17AMP
As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed. “…God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”
1. YOUR AGREEMENT MATTERS
Romans 4:17
“…calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”
Genesis 17:1 NKJV
Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.’”
Genesis 17:5 NKJV
“No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.”
— God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah:
Genesis 17:15 NKJV
As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.”
2. STRENGTHEN OR WEAKEN
YOUR WORDS CAN STRENGTHEN OR WEAKEN YOUR FAITH
Romans 4:18-19 AMP
[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. 119 He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. You cannot consistently talk defeat and live in victory.
3. MAGNIFY GOD
YOUR WORDS SHOULD MAGNIFY GOD, NOT THE PROBLEM
Romans 4:20 NKJV
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.
Romans 4:20 AMPC
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, When your words magnify God, your faith grows.
4. FULLY CONVINCED
WITH WHAT GOD IS ABLE TO DO
Romans 4:21 KJV
“Being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
Romans 4:21 AMPC
Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what
He had promised.
Greek -Fully Convinced
πληροφορηθείς (plērophorētheis)
This is a form of the verb:
πληροφορέω (plērophoreō)
Meaning
To be fully persuaded
To be completely convinced
To be fully assured
To have complete confidence
To be brought to full certainty
Psalm 19:14 KJV
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
The post The Language of Faith first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
49 min
June 21 Walking with the Father
5 Minutes With the Father Exercise
John 15:5 NKJV
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
I Peter 5:7 NKJV
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
John 15:4 NKJV
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
Joshua 1:8 NKJV
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ‘
Psalms 1:1-3 NKJV
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Nehemiah 8:10b NKJV
Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
I Peter 2:24 NKJV
‘who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
James 1:5 NKJV
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
The post Walking with the Father first appeared on Covenant Life Church.
36 min

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