Covenant Of Hope Ministries: January 2013

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Take Care in All You Say As It Could Keep Troubles Away

Covenant of Hope Ministries Sunday Sermon_1_27_2012

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Sunday Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff, and the ministry knows me as the Rainbow Minister. You can find us in our blog on Sundays. These are our locations online only:

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Rev. Laura’s Other Sites: Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

We have email available at all times. I will answer. We’re still working this out between the three of us as to what will happen, our Elder, Cal Jennings and I. IM is connected through Facebook alone. I will be informing you further in regard to changes being made. These changes were made due to health reasons. There will be live sermons, when they become possible once more, and the sermon length will be shortened dramatically, but we are unsure as to when that might be.
Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list has grown from last week. This is our current prayer list for this week.

Continue your prayers for Sister Mary. I got an extensive update, and actually saw her Tuesday. Things are not good at this time. There are many setbacks, and currently we do not know why. Due to some of the things that have happened, Mary has been moved to a new facility. They are doing an evaluation and, when that evaluation is complete, she will be moved once more. It will have more intensive 24/7 care, something she desperately needs.

Pray for our family. There are several things weighing us down, I have had a serious fall after a blackout. It caused me to end up with a huge bump on my head. That bump is improving, Praise God, it is now one quarter the size it started out. There are family members who continue to need prayer. Claim that God knows and will be there. Pray that an equitable consideration can be had for one of our many financial issues. There has been a solution given, just needs clarification, and it can be complete. In God’s name we claim that it can be done. Your prayers are very much appreciated.

Pray for Elder Cal, as he has still been feeling pretty rotten. He also has had some technical issues. May God provide him wellness, a method toward better communication, and bring that flicker of hope into a bright and roaring flame.

Pray for friends Karen, Christie, her son Calvin, Art, Heather, Chris and his family, Jackie and her father, Debby, Tom, Teresa, Hope, Joe and his family as they lost his mother-in-law, Robert’s brother and his brother’s fiancee suffering some serious chaos, and several others.

Phoebe Fair is working on her final bout with chemotherapy. Please pray that she heals in a successful fight and remission is managed.

We pray for Teresa and Hope during the start of the year for their issues of many forms.

Pray for Thomas, as he is having a lot of chaos in his life.

Pray for Dawna who has been in a lot of pain.

Pray for Fran who was admitted to the hospital Friday.

Pray for Karen’s granddaughter Cyndal

Pray for Marie’s Aunt Connie.

Pray for our outreach ministries, and all on their separate prayer lists, no matter where in this world they would be.

Pray for all the members of Covenant of Hope and all those who they reach out to. May each of the members find grace and peace in His love.

Pray for our leaders, local, state, federal and around the world. That they make good decisions for the many.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We are blessed and thankful that You have brought so much in the realm of good to our world this week. Bless our efforts in Your name, that we are able to find solutions to trials and tribulations. Bless our friends, our family, our ministry, that, even with the many setbacks, we will remain. Bring solace to those who have lost friends or family this week. Bring understanding to those who are lost and cannot find the path they need. Lord we claim that You can do all of these things, that You can share the blessings of faith and hope and love, not only through Your grace, but through the gifts of unconditional love, and so much more. We give this to You in prayer, Father, through Your Son Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Opening Song: You Raise Me Up http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b861a61f8

Sermon: The title of this sermon could be seen in the title of this particular section of this psalm. That title is ‘David’s care of his thoughts’ which also could be ‘a bridle or tongue for my mouth’. With that title is a reference to I Chronicles 16:41 KJV –And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters.

David’s care of his thoughts should be helped by music and glory brought to God. This is something that can be difficult with humanity as it is, and as it has been. Yet, music does indeed soothe the spirit and the soul. Psalm 39:1 KJV – I said I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

We have spoken many times in regard to bridling the tongue, so we know what it means. As we know, it means to keep our mouths shut, especially when what we could say just might insight anger, wrath, and just plain trouble. This leads us to I Kings 2:4 KJV – That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man of the throne of Israel.

Oh my goodness, look at what this shares! Watch your thoughts, your words, and your path, and you can see the truth, know it, and speak it with heart and soul in full. With that we all can be there in His presence. Now, that’s something to praise Him for, as an opportunity, a hope, and a gift of His grace.

Proverbs 4:26 KJV – Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

What does this say? It actually proves the point I make every time I write a sermon. You have to think about it! You have to prepare yourself! That path will then present itself ahead of you.

Hebrews 2:1 KJV – Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Here again we see that we should take care with our footsteps in the path toward salvation. God is sharing this in many different ways, but in the same theme. The Jews would do this quite often, and, in fact would state the same thing in different words, twice in each verse. What does this do? It makes us think that much more about what the meaning would be.

Colossians 4:5 KJV – Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Wisdom, knowledge and working with that knowledge brings us to wisdom. Our work in understanding the path, and the recognition of what redemption would be. It’s not very easy, but then, nothing is really easy. Think about how we work when it comes to our knowledge and applying it. Sometimes we slip, and so we must work to watch our words, our steps and more.

Psalm 39:2 KJV – I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

Change of words ‘stirred’ to ‘troubled’. What does it mean to be dumb with silence? It means to stay quiet, keep our mouths shut, even when it breaks our hearts to do so. This is never an easy thing to even consider, much less to do. Yet, sometimes there are no choices but to do so.

Psalm 39:3 KJV – My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

Fiery anger, that’s what is spoken of. Yet, David is very frustrated, because God will not answer him. Unlike everyone thinks, free will determines our lifeline. God only knows when, not the reason, and there is always the chance we could change that time.

Jeremiah 20:9 KJV – Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

Jeremiah is fighting, truly fighting, just to keep his tongue from bursting out with wrath and more. He fights, with the help of God in his heart. This is not easy. Yet, it can be done, as Jeremiah shares. We see more yet as we look at our last verse of this week here in Psalm 39:4 KJV – LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.

Oh mercy, what David asks here is something many of us wonder about. ‘What time I may have here’ could be considered the potential change for ‘to know mine end’. How long will God keep us on this earth. Why would He choose that particular amount of time? In this case, only God knows. Regardless that we are born with free will, this is one thing that our free will cannot determine. That would be just how long and what path we will end up taking, tomorrow is a brand new day. Now, that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer Jesus taught us saying: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

Closing Song: Trading My Sorrows

http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b192def7e

~Shalom~

Rev. Laura A. Neff ~ The Rainbow Minister Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster

Mary C. Michel-Lynch ~ Apostle/Shepherd Facebook & Blogspot

Covenant of Hope Ministries

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries and Poetic-Expressions is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the rainbow in the darkness.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Sharing With God the Time Where Giving Up Is Near

Covenant of Hope Ministries Sunday Sermon originally posted_01_20_2012

Welcome to Covenant of Hope Ministries and our sermon or midweek study. You will normally see us posted on Sunday and Wednesday. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. Our ministry was built on the truth of God’s love. It doesn’t conform to society’s wishes. This ministry shares the Word of God, the Spirit of Christ Jesus. Those who know me well will recognize that there are definitive differences in the creation of every sermon from this point forward. It is God’s will that has brought this to be. We wish only that God’s truth will be shared within His words as brought to us by the Spirit as it fills my heart, mind, and soul to be shared with my hands, but with His words alone.

You will find us in the following location: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com

Rev. Laura’s other sites: Facebook & Google+ & Blogspot & Twitter

Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list grows or changes every week. This is our current list.

- Elder Cal Jennings is having even more health issues, specifically his blood pressure. Pray that his medications can be adjusted to where his blood pressure gets regulated. May His love show and bring peace and understanding at long last.

- Sister Theresa is having issues financially, and emotionally. Please give your thoughts toward God blessing her with His welcoming arms and more.

- Be thankful for each day we live as we do not know what tomorrow brings.

- Pray for our nations that the voice of God be heard through the Spirit.

- Pray for our friends and families that their tomorrows bring blessings and pray our own be the same.

- Pray for those suffering as a result of the terrors that have occurred just this past week around this world.

- Pray for our sick and wounded that they may heal.

Opening Song: Help Me Lord!

https://youtu.be/5yL1LrFtx2w?list=PL614A115BF39E5936

Sermon: Well, this segment of David’s writings proves to be very interesting, even intriguing. David is experiencing something many of us are, or have experienced. He is experiencing fear, and wants God to hear him. He needs God’s help and attention. Some of us have forgotten how to ask, how to look at what God’s answers might be. That includes me in that number. It doesn’t matter position, what does matter is how we must remember just what it takes to have God help us. First, let us see how David asks for help and we start that here in Psalm 38:16-17 KJV – For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

In verse 17, to halt can also be seen as for halting.

David is sharing his worries, his fears, because those against him are preparing and reinforcing their numbers to attack. He is ready to give up, and sad at that fact. Many of us get to this point, where we just don’t know what to do next, and are prepared to just give up. That’s where God comes in, with the power of prayer. Though, we don’t always remember that one. It takes, sometimes, another point of view to see that we need that. We’ve all, most likely, seen that exact consideration at one point or another in our lives. Let us see what David shares next here in Psalm 38:18 KJV – For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

We’re not perfect, except through God and Jesus. We often will forget to ask God and Jesus for their assistance, and this is what David speaks about. He says, straight out, I’m sorry, I forgot You were here beside me to help me through every trial and tribulation. Well, David wasn’t the first, nor was he the last. And Job shows us an excellent view of hiding our transgressions under a bushel. We see that here in Job 31:33 KJV – If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine inquity in my bosom:

‘As Adam’ could also be seen as ‘After the manner of men’.

Man and the manner of men would, and could indeed be seen as hiding behind the fear of discovery, that fear of discovering sin as it has been laid out. Adam realized too late, that what had happened was conceived by that which was evil, completely and totally. That’s difficult to see, and sometimes we must admit that much. That’s shared here in this next verse of Psalm 32:5 KJV – I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin, Selah.

We all remember the song that has ‘hide it under a bushel, no’. We often don’t realize we are doing just that when it comes to those afterthoughts, that hindsight, which proves that we are imperfect unless through God. The issue is that we must, absolutely must give our transgressions and our trials and tribulations to God. We must admit to those transgressions, those wrongs, and then also hand over our trials and tribulations. If we don’t do both, we’re just hurting ourselves that much more.

Proverbs 28:13 KJV – He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

This proves the point, that if we just open up and admit things that are going on, mercy can be given, and we can receive it, openly. That’s the whole point of David’s plea. He wants to share that transgression, those trials and tribulations, all at once, and bring them out in the open to prove that he is at least trying to ask God for help.

II Corinthians 7:9 KJV – Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

‘Made sorry after a godly manner’ could also be ‘made sorry we must inform you’.

Learning how to give it up, or share our bad days with God, as they should be shared, is not easy, because we get hit on all sides by sin, by iniquity, by transgressions done by others and witnessed by our selves. We then must look in the mirror to see our own transgressions, and witness them, in order to ask mercy of our Father.

Psalm 38:19-20 KJV – But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.

Word change in verse 19 shows “are lively” to also be considered “being lively or are strong”. Our enemies can be strong, but they can be as much from outside forces as from inside. The forces within can be just as dangerous to our spirits and souls as those from outside. This is something often overlooked. The demons, known as troubles, will attack from all directions, even inside us. You remember those troubles, vanity, envy, lust, enmity, wrath, shame and doubt. We can see those, not only in our selves, but in those around us, and they attack at will, usually when we’re least expecting them. Yet, we should fear no harm from these troubles, if we remember as this next verse shares in I Peter 3:13 KJV – And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

The idea is continued here in I John 3:12 KJV – Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.

We always seem to forget, as David does, that God will only forsake us if we don’t remember. He will be there, if we remember that He is, as He was, as He will always be. He can remove our sins, as He already has through the sacrifice of our Savior, it’s just we forget that. God is our salvation. How is this so? He is such, through Jesus Christ our Savior. The promise given to David, who would know this through God, yet, again forgets as shared here in Psalm 38:21-22 KJV – Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

There is a word change, again, in verse 22 where it shares ‘to help me’ which could also be seen as ‘for my help’. We need to remember that God is always there to help us. Every one of us, no matter our stature, no matter our experience, and regardless that we forget as much as we remember. Let us learn to remember, to share, to lean on His everlasting arms. Next we will see some very familiar words, they exist due to despair over whatever situation there would be. In this case it would be, in some ways, premonition as to what is to come. It also is a repetition Jesus manages while hanging on the cross. You recall, at the end, Jesus said ‘It is done’. He spoke of Salvation and the ability to reach it due to His sacrifice.

Psalm 22:1, 11 KJV – My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

These are the reasons we should always look toward God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 15:2 KJV – The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Isaiah 12:2 KJV – Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Jesus was already known, even as far back as Job, David, and Isaiah, even Moses as well. He may not have been mentioned by name, but knowledge of His existence was felt, even then. Yet, over and over again, we forget that fact. It is fact, not just our thoughts, but pure fact, just as unconditional love is a fact, or we would hardly exist. Now, that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer Jesus taught us saying:
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

Closing Song: https://youtu.be/T1m5h7d_bcA?list=PL614A115BF39E5936

Rev. Laura A. Neff ~ The Rainbow Minister Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster

Covenant of Hope Ministries

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the bringers of the light of Jesus found in the midst of darkness.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Pay Attention to the Good_Bad_& Ugly in Life & God Helps

Covenant of Hope Ministries Sunday Sermon_1_13_2012

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Sunday Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff, and the ministry knows me as the Rainbow Minister. You can find our sermons posted on Sundays by 12:30 PM ET US. We currently have been unable to do video sermons. These are our locations online only:

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Rev. Laura’s Other Sites: Facebook & Twitter & Google+

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

We have email and Instant Messenger available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday 10AM to 2PM ET US via Yahoo IM. We’re still working this out between the three of us as to what will happen, our Elder, Cal Jennings, our Apostle/Shepherd, Mary C. Michel-Lynch and I. The IM is available if you ask first and identify the reason as being part of the ministry. This IM is connected through Facebook as well. I will be informing you further in regard to changes being made. These changes were made due to health reasons. There will be live sermons, and the sermon length will be shortened dramatically, but we are unsure as to when that might be.
Prayer List: We have many on our prayer list. Some wish to remain anonymous, and others only wish to have their first names mentioned. Our prayer list has grown from last week. This is our current prayer list for this week.

Continue your prayers for Sister Mary. I got an extensive update just after Christmas, actually, it was just two weeks or so ago, and can tell you she is better. I have also gone to see her. She is awake, alert, and stubborn as all get out. Things haven’t changed dramatically, but baby steps are seen in her recovery at this point. She is in 24/7 care with a staff that continuously keeps me informed. They do have her sitting up in a wheelchair. She is able now to propel it with one foot. She fights a lot to maneuver on her own. That’s a great thing, and God is good!

Pray for our family. There are several things weighing us down, and they don’t all include my health, or that of any member of the family. Though, those don’t hurt.

Pray good things can occur as a result of the doctor’s determinations for me, and as to the negotiations for other situations in our family. Praise God for the fact that some of those things the doctor’s determinations included, have indeed helped, and without adding medication, but instead reducing them. Praise God for the gift of time for one of our financial problems. Perhaps we might get that improved by His grace. Now, that’s something to praise God about.

One of my family members asked for added prayers. Her name is Emilie, and she needs prayers for her dog Max who had a really bad hematoma and required surgery. Pray he returns to health. Add to that situation my sister has an infection in her teeth, and one is cracked. She must now have a root canal and a crown. My sister is in serious pain. Please pray that the pain goes away and she is healed quickly.

Pray for Elder Cal, as he has still been feeling pretty rotten. May God provide him wellness, and bring that flicker of hope into a bright and roaring flame.

Phoebe Fair has fought well through all the rounds of chemotherapy. Please pray that it is successful and remission is managed.

We pray for Teresa and Hope during the start of the year for their issues of many forms.

Pray for Thomas, as he is having a lot of chaos in his life.

Pray for our outreach ministries, and all on their separate prayer lists, no matter where in this world they would be.

Pray for all the members of Covenant of Hope and all those who they reach out to. May each of the members find grace and peace in His love.

Pray for our leaders, local, state, federal and around the world. That they make good decisions for the many.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. There are so many that need our prayers, our good wishes, and hope that they will heal. We pray for each and every one of them. Let us share the glorious gifts of healing our Saviour and our Father can bring through the Holy Spirit. We ask this in the holy name of our Father, His Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amein and so it shall be.

Opening Song: Trading Our Sorrows http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/c28da8988

Sermon: There are so many ways this sermon could begin. The situation with David is one that discusses compassion, and for him to remember exactly what is going on and why. We don’t always think about our trials and tribulations as being learning experiences, because we forget to look and see, listen and hear, and more. We start here in Psalm 38:6-8 KJV – I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.

I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

We remember wried, which could also be troubled. Many of us in this world suffer from pain, from disease we don’t have methods to cure, and more. Just as David is doing, we talk to God about our pain, our sorrows, our injured bodies and souls, our spirits and more. We even pray for our conscious mind, and our unconscious one as well. We see another view of this through this verse in Job 7:5 KJV – My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.

When we loath something it is like something we would wish to avoid at all costs. This is what Job sees himself as being. The reason is one David speaks of in verses already spoken. When we’re abandoned, by friends, by family, and even by those who remain anonymous, it’s a scary thought. It’s even worse than that, as is seen through the eyes of David and Job. Let’s see how David handles this here in Psalm 38:9-11 KJV – Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.

My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

“It also is gone from me” could also be “Is not with me”.

Look at this, it is very familiar. This is David suffering, in pain, and alone, save God. He is afraid. He is very fearful that he is dying, and alone, being abandoned by everyone, lovers, friends, even his kinsmen. He is very much like Job in this instance. He also is like the man left injured after thieves had overtaken him. An appalling thought, even a priest avoided assisting him. Luke 10:31 KJV – And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Jesus is speaking of the Samaritan, and those who came before him. Those who avoided assisting the poor man who had been assaulted by thieves who first ripped off his clothes and then stole his money, leaving him there in the dirt. At that point, he was half dead. Yet still, it took three people passing by before one of them helped him. David continues with his trials and tribulations here in Psalm 38:12-15 KJV – They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.

Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.

For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

Notice, David mentions listening and hearing. He doesn’t just mention God’s listening and hearing. He speaks of his own. He shows that he acted like a death man, someone who wouldn’t face what was going on. He avoided it, and so he was brought to harm because he did just that. When we ignore the bad things in life, we just make things worse for ourselves. When we don’t ask God for help, healing, ask Him to listen and hear, and then do the same when He answers, then we’re going to be in the same situation as David, and that’s no situation we would like to be in. There is another view of times of trouble, and a savior to help. That comes from Jeremiah 14:8 KJV – O the hope of Israel the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turned aside to tarry for a night?

There are many songs speaking of times of trouble. There are poems and so much more. Not all of them are considered songs for ministry, yet they speak of the viewpoints in Scripture if you pay attention. Now, that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer Jesus taught us saying: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

Closing Song: Thank You Lord http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b5a391d72

Rev. Laura A. Neff ~ The Rainbow Minister Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster

Mary C. Michel-Lynch ~ Apostle/Shepherd Facebook & Blogspot

Covenant of Hope Ministries

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries and Poetic-Expressions is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the rainbow in the darkness.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Defining_&_Understanding God’s View on Discipline

Covenant of Hope Ministries Sunday Sermon_1_06_2013

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Sunday Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff, and the ministry knows me as the Rainbow Minister. You can find us live Sundays at 12:30 PM ET US and These are our locations online only:

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Rev. Laura’s Other Sites: Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

Continue your prayers for Sister Mary. I got an extensive update just after Christmas, actually, it was just last week, and can tell you she is better. Things haven’t changed dramatically, but baby steps are seen in her recovery at this point. She is in 24/7 care with a staff that continuously keeps me informed. They do have her sitting up in a wheelchair. She is able now to propel it with one foot. She fights a lot to maneuver on her own. That’s a great thing, and God is good!

Pray for our family. There are several things weighing us down, and they don’t all include my health, or that of any member of the family. Though, those don’t hurt.

Pray for Elder Cal, as he has still been feeling pretty rotten. May God provide him wellness, and bring that flicker of hope into a bright and roaring flame.

Phoebe Fair and her family had a good Christmas. Phoebe was able to be home. The family was thrilled that she healed enough to do so.

We pray for Teresa and Hope during the start of the year for their issues of many forms.

Pray for Thomas, as he is having a lot of chaos in his life.

Pray for our outreach ministries, and all on their separate prayer lists, no matter where in this world they would be.

Pray for all the members of Covenant of Hope and all those who they reach out to. May each of the members find grace and peace in His love.

Pray for our leaders, local, state, federal and around the world. That they make good decisions for the many.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We thank You for the gifts that we have. We thank You for the hope you bring our hearts and spirits and souls. We thank You for the gift of understanding, and pray that You would bring us more understanding of the things that happen. We bring many friends and family members into prayer. We add those who have died or been injured this week. We also pray for those who have been affected by weather and other situations. We pray that our soldiers are safe, as they protect our world from war and terror. We pray all these things in Your Holy Name through our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Amein and so it shall be.

Opening Song: Without Him

http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/c29ef87de

Sermon: This week I have wanted to try something different. I wanted to see how interpretation can change, not only the way things are said, but also how they are seen and read, not just in the context of today’s language, but even as the ancient language of Hebrew and Greek. The reason would be, I actually, as a child, asked a professor what the difference was between some words, and why they both would be in the same verse, if they meant the same, in essence. Well, the question had a point. My Old and New Testament professor took a long time to describe his answer. In truth, it’s as simple as it can possibly be. When learning any language, we should know the basics, not just the letters, or even the words, but how they are put together as well. In Hebrew, the words were taken quite literally, there are no adjectives, nothing like that, it’s all straight up, straight forward, saying the same thing two ways. Psalm 38:1 KJV – O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

The word rebuke, if you recall, means to reprimand. Chasten means to correct, as in discipline. In other words, we are seeing the same thing, said in different ways. The language of Scripture, if you truly look at it, will often say the same exact thing, in two different forms, thus reinforcing what would be said. In this verse, you see, rebuke or reprimand, So it says, in today’s English, “Don’t reprimand me in your anger; and don’t discipline me in your fury”. Look at it here as it is shown in the NIV from 1979 as it reads here in Psalm 38:1 NIV – O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

Do you see the repetition with, or without the same words? This is all interpretation. It comes from several centuries of difference between the texts, one King James being 1890, the New International was 1979, and the last King James being 1990. They all may be written in different eras, by different translators, but they all are repetitive. They all say the same thing, it is the context that matters. So, let us continue by exploring an earlier verse that is referred to here in Psalm 6:1 KJV – O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. Yet again, we see repetition. In this case, an exact one, from earlier in Psalms. In all of history, no matter the writing style, things get repeated, it is because life is cyclical, it cycles, birth, life, death. Learning, repeating, understanding, living, teaching, and wisdom. We are learning from the minute we are born. As we learn, we repeat many of our lessons over and over again, once we understand them, then we can apply them, teach them, and earn wisdom because of them. Scripture does what it does, because we will read and interpret things differently every time we read. Take a look here in Psalm 38:2-3 KJV – For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

The words ‘rest in my bones’ could also be seen as ‘peace or health’ in my bones.

In the 1990 version of King James, the words ‘presseth me sore’ could also be shared as ‘sunk deep’.

So, look at these verses this way.

Psalm 38:2-3 KJV – For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand is sunk deep.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any peace and health in my bones because of my sin.

In a more modern way, you see how many have ready this same verse. Psalm 38:2-3 NIV – For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me.

Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin.

When we don’t listen, don’t hear, our health suffers. It doesn’t matter what part of our health. We could suffer from an unhealthy Spirit, bones, body, all of it. But, don’t take it as being a bad thing completely. Sometimes the sickness is for teaching patience, perseverance, and more. If we could see each other’s point of view, then perhaps an understanding wisdom could be realized. You’ve heard of walking in another person’s shoes. This is all God wants us to manage. He wants us to understand each other, and our selves too.

Psalm 38:4-5 KJV – For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

What an intriguing view of sin. Do you see the descriptiveness of the words? Look at them here in Psalm 38:4-5 NIV – My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly.

Do you know when you’re over your head in something? Perhaps you have too many things on your mind, bills, family issues, work issues, and more. Sometimes we get to the point of frustration. Well, look at this, our frustration has an answer. He is God, and He can help. We just have to let Him in. Now, that’s a challenge, isn’t it? Our challenge is to do this, LET HIM IN, HEART, MIND, BODY and SOUL. Notice, I said OUR challenge. There’s a reason. Every one in the world, no matter their status or stature, will have days, weeks, and more where burdens will get the best of them. That’s when we need to take a step out of our sandals and see it from another perspective. Sure, it could be better, but then, it could be worse too. It sure gives us something to think about as we pray in the prayer Jesus taught us saying: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

Closing Song: Jesus Is Calling http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/c1852037e

Rev. Laura A. Neff ~ The Rainbow Minister Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster

Mary C. Michel-Lynch ~ Apostle/Shepherd Facebook & Blogspot

Covenant of Hope Ministries

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries and Poetic-Expressions is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the rainbow in the darkness.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The Many Views of He That Hath An Ear _ Let Him Hear

I saw a Scripture phrase that has always intrigued me. He that hath an ear let him hear. That's the King James view. To him who overcomes is the NIV, One who overcomes ESV, Those who are victorious NLT, He who overcomes I will grant NASB. It says a lot to see these very similar translations from the Old English of the King James. In some ways it shares a little of what I was sharing this morning, much earlier than now. If we listen, and hear, we can be overcomers, we then can be, all of us, as described in Matthew 5, blessed where we might rejoice, prove that we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. Jesus said that ALL of us are, and could always be, just what these words share. It doesn't matter what version of Scripture, NIV, KJV, NASB, NLT, or ESV, to be able to rejoice, even when we are poor in spirit, mourners, meek of Spirit, hungry in the Spirit, merciful, pure of heart, peacemakers, the persecuted, all of which are proven to, though they be views of suffering of one form or another, they prove to be things that are overcome, can be overcome, and not just overcome, but so much more. And all because we stop, listen, and hear. So, while we complain, chastise, and more, remember, all we're doing is proving Jesus right. But if we see it from the view of Jesus, we're giving those we do such things toward, about, or otherwise, just as much reason to be expressed in the Beatitudes as we are. Now, even I have to think about that one.

Rev. Laura A. Neff ~ The Rainbow Minister Facebook & Twitter & Google+ & Blogspot

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster

Mary C. Michel-Lynch ~ Apostle/Shepherd Facebook & Blogspot

Covenant of Hope Ministries

Main Site: http://covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com/

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

Our mission for Covenant of Hope Ministries and Poetic-Expressions is not to exploit fear, but to conquer it, and overcome all that is created through fear together as the rainbow in the darkness.

About Us/

Welcome, we are Covenant of Hope Ministries. We celebrate the light in the darkness. There are those of us who need a connection, one to another, whether it is someone we want to learn about, or someone we know and wish to keep in touch with. Ministry is all about sharing faith, hope, and unconditional love. This all would offer peace from the heart. It doesn't matter who you are, where you live, if you are traveling a lot, or otherwise, we serve Christians and Others who are disabled, displaced, disadvantaged and disenchanted in today's world. Licensed Ordained Minister, Rev. Laura A. Neff, Evangelist, Cal Jennings, Outreach Ministers including Rev. Lisa, Pastor Stephen, Apostle Eric, and many others. I am licensed to perform wedding ceremonies in the state of Georgia, USA. I was ordained in 2007 by Rev. Teresa Piercey-Gates. We established this ministry in October of 2008.

MESSENGER

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Take Care in All You Say As It Could Keep Troubles Away

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Sharing With God the Time Where Giving Up Is Near

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Pay Attention to the Good_Bad_& Ugly in Life & God Helps

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Defining_&_Understanding God’s View on Discipline

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The Many Views of He That Hath An Ear _ Let Him Hear