Covenant Of Hope Ministries: March 2020

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Find Hope In a World Forced to Exist In Isolation ~ We Are Not Alone

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 & 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.

- A colleague’s son has contracted the Coronavirus, Covid 19, please let us pray for this young man and for all those suffering this deadly disease.

- Please pray that the panic due to our latest deadly disease eases and people continue to work toward ending this virus infecting so many.

- Please continue to pray for Elder Cal Jennings and his health issues, which are numerous.

- Please pray for job opportunities or offers to help bless Sister Theresa Bogard.

- Please pray for a dear friend and colleague who has learned they might have very serious problems. Help me help this friend of mine with strength of compassion 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.

Prayer: Father in heaven, this is our prayer today, that those with the skills find a path toward a cure, a solution, for the many deadly viruses and infectious diseases that afflict so many around this world. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, friends, neighbors, in this epic fight for survival. Help us keep watch over those who are the most vulnerable. We pray for faith and hope and Your Loving Presence in our lives no matter how far apart we would be while we worship You in the only methods available in these trying times. For each of these we pray in Your Holy Name, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: Will the Circle Be Unbroken https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bRJLkNqNXI

Sermon: Our dear, kind-hearted Elder Cal Jennings was chatting with me yesterday and I have to agree with his thoughts. People are seeking better outlets, more methods to see and speak with each other. This is one method, as is a live online show. I am working toward getting the ability to go live once more. My voice is almost there. Though the Lord speaks through my hands and eyes and thoughts, it is better that you hear those words He brings me in a clear voice that is not overwhelmed by the sounds around us. We have been discussing HOPE. The thought and the absolute need for this gift of God is palpable in today’s world with the COVID-19 chaos and all the other issues it brought with it. There are days where we might all feel like Paul did here.

Acts 23:6-7 KJV – And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

No matter what they went through, the Apostles and other followers of Christ, were willing to face anything this earthly, worldly chaos might throw at them. Today, those of us who are believers need to bring the truest form of HOPE to those around us, even if we can’t get out there and hug each other, walk into a building and sit with a huge crowd of people to worship God. This is just one reason Covenant of Hope Ministries came into being. It is just one small idea that has become bigger and bigger as the years have come and gone. Thirteen years, and then some, and even in the worst health issues that some of us have had, still we are here. That’s the true gift of Hope and Faith in our gracious and blessed Savior Jesus Christ. Paul shares still more of that faith and hope here.

Acts 24:15 KJV – And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

We know it’s not easy to be fully good and virtuous in this crazy world we live in. There are so many temptations to overcome we often forget how to be straightforward in our love for God while we are cramming fast food down our throats, forgetting to sleep, eat, and take care of our health the way we should. This is something that often causes others to rush to judgment. Now, you know I am one of those who has said do not judge unjustly. It’s one thing I say even now. Watch, just watch, how you react to things like this Covid-19 Coronavirus chaos. Let us remember, panic gets us nowhere we want to be. Paul was a Pharisee, a rule-maker, in Israel, thousands of years ago. He often said it was Jesus, who forgave him his sins, and had him wanting to share that amazing experience and the gift of hope afforded because of that meeting. Watch your words, actions, and even your thoughts, because all of those will be gone through at the end of days.

Acts 26:6-7 KJV – And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

This particular pair of verses references several other verses throughout Scripture. We need to look at the past, present, and future when it comes to what the gift of HOPE can be in full. For this reason, we absolutely must pay attention. Jesus Christ is the Savior, the promised one God offered first to Adam and Eve, then to Noah, Moses, Abraham, and all the rest. The hope that is in God’s Word would truly be God’s Word made manifest.

Deuteronomy 18:15 KJV – The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

I find this verse to be a distinct version of a peek at the hope that the future holds. There are so many, even now, who hold out hope that the future will be a better place for all of us. That takes belief, not just in what we can do individually, but in what we can do collectively, no matter how close we are to each other, or how far apart. Sharing in something we love, with others who also love the same things, brings us together, no matter if we are sitting in the same room, or chatting from locations around the world. The promise of Jesus’s gift of eternal life was shared over and over again, even hundreds of years before His birth, life, ministry, betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. Think about it. In those days, children were taught, not with pencils, pens, or anything else, they learned everything orally, and memorized every inch of the Scriptures because they were taught to recite them from a very young age and on through their lives even to the day of their death. It is a lost art, when it comes to learning Scripture and putting it to use in our world today.

2 Samuel 7:12 KJV – And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

We all hope that, even with the terrible things around us right now, the future holds something more for those who follow after us. It is times like these we are going through of late that force us to realize that life is shorter than we ever think it is, no matter how many years we live upon this earth. With these types of trials and tribulations, men and women like the Apostles and Disciples of Christ had to remind those around them that there is hope, no matter what may happen. There is always hope. David realized this, even if he was a sinner in many ways.

Psalm 132:11 KJV – The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

The birth of Christ was foreshadowed many, many times in Scripture. His existence, even in hope of the future, was exactly what was needed in the days of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and many, many others who shared their belief. Here we see that Isaiah is sharing the view of hope that needed to be seen then, and still needs to be realized and recognized now.

Isaiah 4:2 KJV –In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV – For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Paul and the other Apostles of Christ worked very hard in the wake of our Savior’s death and resurrection, to ensure that what they were in the middle of would not be how the work Jesus had done for more than twenty years would end. We, as modern-day Christians, need to continue that work, even if we are doing so virtually, through a blog, through video conferencing, through live sessions online, even through the mail, email, and so forth. Sharing the truth of Scripture is vital for all Christians so that we never forget how much God loves us.

Acts 28:20 KJV – For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

No matter what happens in the future, near or distant, remember God loves us, unconditionally. He wants us to remember that even if we must be alone and isolated from others in the midst of this virus that is spreading like a wildfire in a bone dry forest. Remember His love for us is stronger than anything this world can throw at us. Stay safe, stay secure, stay hopeful, every one of you. Now that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us saying:

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)

Closing Song: In the Sweet By and By ~ Loretta Lynn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Tdet-toF0

~ Shalom ~

Rev. Laura A. Neff

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Elder Calvin Jennings

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Covenant of Hope Ministries Main Site: http://www.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, March 22, 2020

Hope Is A Lion, A Gift of Unconditional Love We Need To Explore

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

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

- A friend of mine, Marci’s mother has suffered a devastating stroke and is in critical condition as a result. Prayers for her family, strength, hope, and comfort in Christ’s holy name.

- Please continue to pray for Elder Cal Jennings and his health issues, which are numerous.

- Please pray for job opportunities or offers to help bless Sister Theresa Bogard.

- Please pray for a dear friend and colleague who has just learned they might have very serious problems. She has had so many issues that this week the doctor has insisted on special tests to determine what is going on. Help me help this friend of mine with the strength of compassion and more.

- Please pray for those suffering COVID-19 Corona Virus, Influenza, and all the other diseases being suffered around this world. May they be cured, healed, and praise the LORD for the gifts of life and health.

- Pray for the friends, family, and fans of Kenny Rogers, country crossover singer and actor after his loss at the age of 81 just this past Friday night. May he continue rocking the world with God’s Heavenly Choir.

- 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 amid the all-consuming quarantine reaction to the COVID-19 Coronavirus chaos.

- 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.

Prayer: Father in heaven, this is our prayer today for seriously needed relief of those who have been suffering illness or pain, that they will be given comfort and healing. We pray for those suffering this latest deadly international virus, COVID-19, and those who are quarantined while they work their way through this illness, preventing devastation. We pray for blessings in the midst of pain, sorrow, terror, and more, so that this year is a better one for all around us. For each of these we pray in Your Holy Name, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: He Showed Me Love ~ Kenny Rogers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAmbdGwF0A0

Sermon: In this world today, there are many reasons we might forget what hope is truly all about. Today we complete the Old Testament texts where HOPE would be explained and explored. There are many who are not sure if there is a lot of HOPE in this world right now because of the terrible illnesses and diseases that have come to take the lives of thousands of people already, and quarantined a great many more. Seeking the presence of God’s love in the midst of this lockdown makes me remember that so many of our lessons are taught by the followers of God and Jesus being in prison or situations that appear to be prison-like. For those who were imprisoned in one way or another in Scripture, the idea of hope was found in their thoughts and prayers focused on the gift of God our Father and the promise that He would always be our refuge, our security, and the source of our true freedom.

Ezekiel 13:6 KJV – They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The Lord saith: and the Lord hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.

Confirm the WORD, this is what Ezekiel was sharing with the ones around him. God’s ability to confirm the WORD isn’t just found in the existence of Jesus while He lived and even after He died to be brought back by the Holy Spirit. The true gift of Unconditional Love is the fact that hope can continue to exist even when we feel hopeless. This is where we need to see an entire chapter in the life of Ezekiel’s writings.

Ezekiel 19:1-14 KJV – Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.
The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.
And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.
And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring.Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.
And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Israel.
Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.
And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches.
But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.
And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.
And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

Hope is a concept as well as a feeling and expression. God wants us to see this fact, that there are many reasons NOT to lose HOPE in the trials and tribulations we might be suffering in our day-to-day lives. When we are unwillingly confined for any reason, whether it be a virus, war, or weather chaos, many will hope for the freedom to be found shortly, in just hours or even at maximum a day or two. With the chaos of the COVID-19 Corona Virus which we are experiencing right now around this world, it can seem frustrating no matter if we are adults missing work or children missing school. It is a challenge in a million directions to find hope in a situation that seems endless. Ezekiel knew exactly how to share this wish for freedom, as did several other prophets and followers of God. Even in the midst of despair there should be hope. Ezekiel wasn’t sure about that as he shares here.

Ezekiel 37:11 KJV – Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.

David shared the same sentiments on occasion, as is shared here.

Psalm 77:7-9 KJV – Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.

If we forget or ignore the whisper of God’s hope in the midst of despair and destruction, we forget the fact that God’s Unconditional Love gave us some of the greatest ability to share and relish in that great gift that exists everywhere around us, even in the midst of chaos, peril and other dire situations, like our lives today in the wake of the death and destruction Coronavirus and the panic surrounding it would bring. Let’s see how Hosea shared the beauty of hanging on to the hope for a better day, and relief from stressors and fear.

Hosea 2:15 KJV – And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Have you ever broken out into song or turned on the radio to break the silence, the monotony of the day? If you have, then you are showing the amazing elements of hope emerging even in the middle of despair, chaos, or boredom, which all can be suffered in health emergencies like there have been for several millennia. It doesn’t take an extensive trip through history to realize that dire emergencies or illnesses have happened time after time in all corners of this world we live within. Hope is something that we forget about until our conscience reminds us that if we don’t share hope, mercy is not felt by anyone, including ourselves. Hope is like a roaring lion in the midst of despair, shaking us fully out of the funk of that despair and sorrow we suffer. That’s what we see here.

Joel 3:16 KJV – The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Joel and Zechariah saw in many ways what hope truly could hold and behold as part of our hearts and spirits hang on to that fragile strand, the single thread of God’s gift of Unconditional Love can manage. Remember, God is our Hiding Place. He is our Sanctuary. Jesus proved that as the Son of God and giving us reason to believe in everything God promises us, assuring the gift of Unconditional Love leads directly through hope into eternal life.

Zechariah 9:12 KJV – Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;

It takes a lot of work to believe and continue to hold on to that belief to keep from falling into that pit of despair and desolation with the worldly events of disease, disaster, and destruction surrounding us even now. Our hearts can, with the help of our human spirit, connect to the gift of Unconditional Love, in God’s Holy Spirit, and prove that nothing will come about that will take God away from us. Hope is an amazing gift He brings to us no matter what may happen around us in this world. Isaiah was quite aware as to how difficult it could be for humanity to understand what hope can hold within it.

Isaiah 4:2 KJV – In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

New Israel, the gift of God for all who believe and hand down that belief to those around us, is a promise fulfilled. We will find that gift, so long as we hold on to the hope that is the promise of Jesus, a new life, a new world, free from the restrictions and constrictions of the evil that has taken hold of this world, and bringing the hope of a new heaven and a new earth for those who believe, who love unconditionally, and freely, even in the midst of destruction and despair. Hold on to that HOPE, and I promise you, your heart and spirit and soul will not be held hostage, prisoner, in the deep despair that the world suffers. Now that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us saying:

Closing Song: Tell It All Brother ~ Kenny Rogers https://youtu.be/tc7SsXc0qfo?list=RDtc7SsXc0qfo

~ Shalom ~

Rev. Laura A. Neff

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Elder Calvin Jennings

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Covenant of Hope Ministries Main Site: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 15, 2020

The Holy Spirit Is the Gift of Everlasting Hope This World Needs

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

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

- A relative of mine has just recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pray that the Lord will provide comfort and a cure for this devastating diagnosis.

- Let us continue to pray for Elder Cal Jennings, he still is suffering major pain in his back due to a broken vertebra. It is hoped that the brace works, and the added medication will also help.

- Please pray for job opportunities or offers to help bless Sister Theresa Bogard.

- Please continue to pray for my brother Scott Newman, as he adjusts to life with his recent health issues with a new place to live and a dog that can help prevent him having potential harm due to an oncoming seizure.

- Please pray for a dear friend and colleague who learned they indeed have very serious problems. She has had so many issues that the tests prove there is something bad going on, and they are working on preventive measures to ensure that those issues are solved. On top of that, my friend also has the flu, and is struggling to get rid of it. Help me help this friend of mine with strength of compassion 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 all of those who are suffering the various illnesses that are consuming this country and the world, including the coronavirus, flu, and so many others. Pray that the panic dies down and sanity returns to curb the rush to stockpile things that will actually not help these situations worldwide.

- 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.

- Today my family and I will celebrate my 50^th birthday. God has been very good to me in this first half of my life, and I know He has my path ready for the second half of my life.

Prayer: Father in heaven, this is our prayer today for seriously needed relief of those in far-away places suffering from the various contagions around this world, those suffering the aftereffects of armed gunmen, bombings, and so forth, that their spirits be lifted and calmed. We pray for those who suffered through crazy weather, travel cancellations, and so forth. We pray for those who have been suffering illness or pain, that they will be given comfort and healing. We pray for blessings in the midst of pain, sorrow, terror, and more, so that this year is a better one for all around us. For each of these we pray in Your Holy Name, through our Savior Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: I Have This Hope ~ Tenth Avenue North https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjetZn5lrBc&list=PLNgHXy1QUJzP347S_jTZZ2FtdDNEh-2ai&index=136

Sermon: This world, this week and beyond it, suffers from panic, pandemonium, fear of the known and unknown in the realm of these illnesses that are taking lives everywhere in this world. Finding hope in the midst can sometimes be very difficult. We have seen so many wondering if there wouldn’t be an ounce of hope available at this point. With God on our side, there is always hope. We’ll start here:

Lamentations 3:18 KJV – And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord:

Jeremiah, when he wrote Lamentations, wanted to share the hopelessness he saw around him and prove that looking toward God would alleviate the desolation, desperation, of His chosen people. Sure, we suffer from a lot of chaos in our lives. Sure, sometimes things look pretty hopeless. God wants us to learn from those times, not feel as though we can find nothing good in the midst of so much bad. We see a lot of that these days.

Psalm 31:22 KJV – For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

It is not surprising that we forget to look beyond where we are sitting in that particular second. There is more to life than illness, madness, mayhem, and despair. There is more to life than preparing for disasters of monumental proportions. In this world today there is a lot of panic, pandemonium, regarding overstated and over-embellished talk regarding a form of the flu, or a different virus, like Coronavirus, will decimate the population. There have been many views of viral outbreaks that will, according to some officials, utterly destroy humanity. God promised us that such devastation would provide warnings to remember His Word and Spirit and the sharing of it. Remembering hope is something we often neglect to do. That’s what Jeremiah is sharing here.

Lamentations 3:19-22 KJV – Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Even in the midst of the worst potential this evil and sickly world would have surrounding us, God still gave Jeremiah hope. It might not have seemed enough at the time, but to Jeremiah, it was light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. He wanted to share his insights with others, and still, so many would think “no way, dude, there’s nothing left to hope for” that’s how this next verse fits in.

Psalm 35:21 KJV – Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.

Hope is something that can be renewed and strengthened as days pass. This is something Jeremiah wanted people to hear. However, too many were afraid of what was happening and not seeing beyond their immediate situation. The chaos that is surrounding us these days does indeed appear to be quite similar in actions and reactions to this virus, illness, that is running rampant around the world. Hold on to your hope, because it gets stronger even in your weakness.

Lamentations 3:23-24 KJV – They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Hope is something that, even in the worst views of chaos, pain, sorrow, fear, exists with the tiniest view, as Jesus shared when He told us the power of faith even in the minuscule size of a mustard seed. God is there for us. He is here for us, surrounding us, filling us, supporting us. That is the hope in the midst of chaos, the light that flickers and holds strong in the darkest of nights. That’s what is shown in these three verses from Psalms.

Psalm 89:42 KJV – Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.

Psalm 73:26 KJV – My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalm 130:7 KJV – Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

Look at what is shared here in David’s words. God is our strength. He is that part of our hearts that holds us securely and soundly to where faith dwells within us even in the worst of situations and circumstances. Israel had, at the time, every reason to hope for the future. We, as true believers in God and Jesus, supported by the Holy Spirit, have the ability to see just what hope can manage. That’s why Jeremiah did everything to teach the tribes of Israel that God had, has, and will have, a reason for everything that comes to pass. This is shared in the words found here.

Lamentations 3:25-27 KJV – The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

Notice, Jeremiah offers a tip or two here in this set of verses. God is good. He proves it to those of us who seek Him, hope that we find Him, right where He has always been. Salvation is found the moment we realize that God is always here with us, no matter what may happen outside in this world, in the place we live in, and around the world, God is always here.

Micah 7:7 KJV – Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Why do we forget this fact? God hears us every day, every night, through any circumstance. Yet, we walk around this world sometimes forgetting the fact that there is someone watching out for us. God proved it in the life and death of the Savior Jesus Christ. The proof was in the fact Jesus was resurrected and walked on the earth three days after His death and burial. The proof continues in the fact that even in the worst times, the Holy Spirit still fills us and brings us hope, faith, and more. No matter what, hope exists, even in the worst of circumstances. That’s what is shared here.

Lamentations 3:28-29 KJV – He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him. He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.

Yeah, there are times in life when nothing seems to go right, or what we see as the way it should be going. Times like now, where diseases like the coronavirus, and the rest of the list, influenza, tuberculosis, included, of a myriad of devastating diseases and epidemics that are going around this world today, there is one thing left at the end of the dark, panic filled tunnel. That one thing is a gift God and Jesus brought us. HOPE. Remember to have HOPE in our FAITH even in the smallest of amounts would be far more important to our salvation than worrying about the devastation any disease may have upon this earth we live on. Now that’s something to think about as we pray in the prayer that Jesus taught us saying:

Closing Song: Hope for the Future ~ Paul McCartney https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=163_C5UVU-I

~ Shalom ~

Rev. Laura A. Neff

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Elder Calvin Jennings

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Covenant of Hope Ministries Main Site: http://www.covenantofhopeministries.blogspot.com

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, March 29, 2020

Find Hope In a World Forced to Exist In Isolation ~ We Are Not Alone

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Hope Is A Lion, A Gift of Unconditional Love We Need To Explore

Sunday, March 15, 2020

The Holy Spirit Is the Gift of Everlasting Hope This World Needs