Covenant Of Hope Ministries

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

When Seeking Patience Wait Upon the Lord There It Will Be

Covenant of Hope Ministries Wednesday Study_8_13_2014

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Midweek Study for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. I have often described myself as the Rainbow Minister. My reasoning for that is this: The rainbow symbolizes faith, understanding, and God's strength to forgive, heal, and so on. You can find sermons posted on Sundays and studies on Wednesday. Our locations are online only:

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

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

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster & Google+& http://www.spaceeagleproductions.org &
http://www.myspace.com/music_man1701

We have email (instant messenger if you need me) through Facebook every day. Look for my name minus the title. These are now extremely variable. Our Elder Cal Jennings is just as variable and can be found on several sites as noted by his sermons. We’re still working this out between the two of us as to what will happen, our Elder, Cal Jennings and I. I will inform you further regarding changes. These changes were made due to health reasons. The sermon length has shortened dramatically. We are unsure as to when there might be video presentations.

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.

- Sister Theresa has several prayers to include this week. Her nephew was run over by a car and was last known to be critical condition. Her sister Donna went into shock and had a breakdown as a result, praise the Lord she has calmed down since then. Her sister Patti is suffering a continuously deteriorating spine. Her sister Kim is anxious to go see Patti, and also concerned with Patti and her condition. Sister Theresa is having many things, financially, spiritually, and family wise that are bearing her down quite a lot.

- Please keep Elder Cal Jennings in your prayers as he has been suffering a lot with his weakness and more this week. Pray also for his methods of communicating with us. May God answer our prayers to assist him in continuing to do so.

- Please pray for my friend Jeff’s son who is going through a really tough time right now.

- Please keep others known by any of us up in prayer for whatever they might need.

- Please keep my friend Heather in prayer for patience and safe haven.

- Please keep my whole family in prayer for the pain, suffering, and chaos we are going through. Pray that our answers will be managed in a miracle from the past week. Praise God for that blessing.

- Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many ways, even if we start with just one step.

- Remember those who have been lost either violently or peacefully this week.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a ministry, should support one another.

- There are many in our ministry who are searching for more in regard to our presence with my health, and with the health of others. We pray that there would be health found once more, and that we have answers to all and for all.

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 you bring. We pray for those who have been lost and the families that mourn them. We pray for peace in this world of violence. We pray for those places facing reconstruction after disasters natural or man-made. We pray for friends and family, as well as the membership who would be suffering strife and sorrow. We pray all this in Your grace and glory through our Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: Patience http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=273eSvOwpKk&list=PL614A115BF39E5936&index=128

Sermon: On Sunday it was my son’s illness that helped me realize something. Patience is one of the most difficult points of grace we can hold on to. God decided I needed to keep my attention toward family, so that is what I did. Thankfully my son is doing better, as I have been ever watchful. Perhaps this was leading to the sermon here this midweek. Waiting is never easy, it takes patience, lots of patience. Here we can see one piece of advice regarding that patience.

Psalm 27:14 KJV – Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

When we get anxious, worry, and so forth, we often will fail to realize that God is right there willing to strengthen our hearts and spirits. All we have to do is wait there with a prayer on our lips and in our hearts. Here we will see an addition to that ideal, the soul.

Psalm 62:1 KJV – Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

Many times I have looked at salvation from several directions. Those include mind, spirit, heart, and soul. You see, we have each and every one of those within us. Believe it or not, there are a great many who will hide each and every one of those gifts. Yes, I said gifts. God gave us a mind to make our own decisions, free will. He filled us with the breath of the Spirit. He gave us life, a beating heart, and one that is able to learn and discern. Add to that, He gave us a soul, one that can remain no matter what may happen. Spirit and soul, that’s what I have heard more than once. I had a friend who called her sister, spirit sister. That sister considered my friend a soul sister. Now, we use the word soul sister in many ways. We do the same for brothers. Only children will sometimes see a dear friend as one or the other, and occasionally both. Let’s see what waiting on the Lord with our soul can be seen as.

Psalm 62:5 KJV – My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

There is a phrase, live up to expectation. This is one we have heard many times. “This person didn’t live up to my expectations”, or perhaps it would be “That event didn’t live up to the expectations”. All of us have said these words. When we make automatic assumptions, our expectations will never be met. There are those who consider the point of view as a leap before looking. It’s like looking at a person or situation, without looking beyond the surface. If you don’t look further, you won’t find what really is there.

Waiting isn’t easy, and many will make that leap before looking. Yet holding patience can have so many benefits. The prophet Isaiah shared an excellent view on this. In fact, it is one we should think about when we remember the lessons that Jesus taught.

Isaiah 25:9 KJV – And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Jesus IS salvation. He is, as He was, as He will always be, the greatest gift. We watch in the Scripture the times before and after His birth. Adding to that, we see what it was for His parents as he experienced life as a boy, and then a man. We watched as he suffered betrayal, trial, and death, and all the way to where He rose to sit at the right hand of God.

Habakkuk 2:3 KJV – For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Waiting, to tarry, give it time, the truth will be found. Give it time and salvation will be brought to us. It’s not easy. In fact, there are many who say ‘I want it now’ or ‘I need it now’. That is something everyone suffers. We can think about it in this way as well, if God can be patient with our actions, reactions, and impatience, we should be able to wait on His gift of everlasting life. After all, that’s what His unconditional love is leading us toward. 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: Rest In Me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s4z_HQpL-I&index=79&list=PL614A115BF39E5936

~Shalom~

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

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster & Google+ & http://www.spaceeagleproductions.org & http://www.myspace.com/music_man1701

Covenant of Hope Ministries

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

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.

This mission statement speaks of the rainbow in the darkness. Every time I would have a seriously traumatic thing happen in my life I would wake in the middle of the night. When I do I see a rainbow at the end of my bed, or even through the window behind my head. I’ll see that rainbow in a dark room even during the day. It will hover in the shadows and reassure me that God is with me.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Seeing Everyday Miracles in the Gift of Unconditional Love

Covenant of Hope Ministries Sunday Sermon_8_10_2014

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Sunday Sermon for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Rev. Laura A. Neff. The ministry knows me as the Rainbow Minister. I have often described myself as the Rainbow minister. My reasoning for that is this: the rainbow symbolizes faith, understanding, and God's strength to forgive, heal, and so on. Find us posted on Sundays and studies on Wednesday. Our locations are 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 (instant messenger if you need me) through Facebook every day. These are now extremely variable. We’re still working this out between the two of us as to what will happen, our Elder, Cal Jennings and I. I will inform you further regarding changes. These changes were made due to health reasons. The sermon length has shortened dramatically. We are unsure as to when there might be video presentations.

- Pray for our member Theresa Bogard’s family. There are several that need prayer. Her nephew was run over by a car after a wreck. His mother, Donna, is suffering a great deal of anxiety as a result. Her sisters Patty and Kim, as Patty is getting worse, her spine is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Her uncle is in the hospital as well.

- Please keep a friend, Debby, in your prayers for a swift recovery after major surgery.

- Bring my friend Jeff into prayer as he and his son are having a tough time right at the moment.

- Please keep Elder Cal Jennings in your prayers as his health doesn’t know where it wants to be.

- Please keep others known by any of us up in prayer for whatever they might need.

- Please keep my friend Heather in prayer for patience and safe haven.

- Let us keep those who have suffered from the weather in prayer, as they continue to weather the storms, the cold, and the dangers that can be found within them.

- Please keep my whole family in prayer for the pain, suffering, and chaos we are going through. Pray that the two events from this past week are fruitful and give us hope for the future.

- Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many ways, even if we start with just one step.

- Remember those who have been lost either violently or peacefully this week.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a ministry, should support one another.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We have many who are suffering illness, injury, and more. We bring them up to You in prayer knowing that healing and comfort, sympathy and empathy, with faith and hope can be found in Your strong embrace. We pray for those we know and do not. We pray all this in Your Holy Name through the Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: Glory Road

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRI_FlK3ip8&list=PL614A115BF39E5936&index=10

Sermon: This has been one of those weeks. I was given a verse, just one verse, back on Wednesday. The rest came through a phone call with one of the members of the ministry and a chat with another online. The topic, miracles and salvation. Everyday miracles was the theme brought to mind by one of the two. Reaching the view of Salvation as brought to us through the Holy Spirit and led by the path of Jesus. We’ll start with a verse that gives us a great deal of hope even in the midst of chaos.

Revelation 22:5 KJV – And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

If we remember our Scripture, God gave us light in Genesis. He also brought the night. In this verse, night would be no more. It speaks of God giving “them” light. Who would they be? They are the ones to survive the judgment brought from the book Jesus would be reading from. Well, that leads us to our next verse.

Psalm 36:9 KJV – And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

Our souls would rejoice in his salvation. We would be joyful in the LORD. This is a true blessing, a gift of hope in God’s view of unconditional love. You see, there is always time to change our ways. We have the ability to climb up onto that path Jesus gave us. It is known as repentance, but it should be greeted as an everyday miracle. Why, you might ask. Well, it isn’t easy to see unconditional love. It wouldn’t be to share it either. To see God’s unconditional love, we have to absorb it, and then offer it to any and all, no matter what the situation might be. Remember, you can love the person, but not the bad actions they pursue.

Daniel 7:27 KJV – And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

The kindom under the whole heaven, and the people of the saints will receive it. It is an everlasting kingdom and all the cities, states, countries and more will serve and obey him. Look at it this way, evil will be GONE. We won’t have to worry about war, famine, flooding, landslides, and all the rest. God would make the world new, brand new. Now, why would He do that? If you remember your Scripture, God made a solemn promise to ensure that the whole earth would never again be covered in water. He also promised that the children of Abraham would be numerous, and brought to the path of truth, that’s the path of unconditional love. Learning what that path means, and how to keep it up under our feet is something we do every single day, sometimes starting over again. Now we see that there is a reflection of that very promise.

Romans 5:17 KJV – (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations.) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

What does it mean to quicken someone? Restore them to life, that’s what it means. Remember, Jesus would judge the living and the dead, they would rise to be judged. Think for a moment. This proves to us that calling those things which wouldn’t be as they once were. That would be a miracle. It brings to mind the little miracles that would happen around this world to everyone, if we pay attention. Here we come with the next verse, showing what our suffering will bring.

II Timothy 2:12 KJV – If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.

Notice, suffering brings us the ability to reign. Denial of the gift of our Savior and God with the Holy Spirit, then we too will be denied entry into the kingdom of unconditional love, the kingdom of God. It is a warning that the path, as Jesus said, would be long and narrow.

I Peter 1:3-4 KJV – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

Look at this, an inheritance that can’t be corrupted, it is pure, and won’t disappear on us. This is what our path is leading us to. How did it come about? Mercy, one of the gifts of unconditional love brought it to us. That also gives us an everyday miracle, hope. Many don’t realize that hope would be one of the best gifts, because it leads us right to that path, and keeps us from falling off of it. Now we get to see who, what, how, and why.

I Peter 3:21 KJV – The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

There we go, we’ve got the baptism of Jesus. That baptism gave the ability to see and feel the Holy Spirit, even though He had to suffer on the cross to bring that gift. The gift of the Holy Spirit is also a miracle. Now, why is that? Well, when you let the Spirit into your heart, your mind, your spirit, and soul, it will be easy to see beyond what people do, to what they would be. You will ask what that means. Well, remember, God created man and women. He then gave them free will. We have a choice to listen to our hearts, or the seven troubles all would, and could, suffer. You know what those are. They include vanity, envy, lust, enmity, wrath, shame and doubt. It isn’t easy to avoid even one of these troubles. That’s why we have prayer, where we can ask forgiveness. What would that be considered? Repentance, because it leads us to do something good. That something good could indeed be considered an everyday miracle. 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: Living in the Promised Land http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqIyIvL-gBs&index=14&list=PL614A115BF39E5936

~Shalom~

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 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, August 6, 2014

False Teachers and Prophets

Covenant of Hope Ministries Wednesday Study_5_7_2014

Good afternoon, and welcome to this Midweek Study for Covenant of Hope Ministries. I am Elder Cal Jennings and am working with Rev. Laura A. Neff for this sermon study. You can find sermons posted on Sundays and studies on Wednesday. Our locations are online only:

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

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

Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster & Google+

Our Main Video Feed: Covenant_of_Hope

- Sister Theresa has several prayers to include this week. Her nephew was run over by a car and is in critical condition. Her sister Donna went into shock and had a breakdown as a result. Her sister Patti is suffering a continuously deteriorating spine. Her sister Kim is anxious to go see Patti, and also concerned with Patti.
- Please keep Elder Cal Jennings in your prayers as he has been suffering a lot this week with his weakness and more.

- Please pray for my friend Jeff’s son who is going through a really tough time right now.

- Please keep others known by any of us up in prayer for whatever they might need.

- Please keep my friend Heather in prayer for patience and safe haven.

- Please keep my whole family in prayer for the pain, suffering, and chaos we are going through. Pray that our answers will be managed in a miracle from the past week. Praise God for that blessing.

- Pray that the adversity and the pain we have seen around the world would be relieved, and swept away. May we find common ground in many ways, even if we start with just one step.

- Remember those who have been lost either violently or peacefully this week.

- Keep the ministry in your thoughts, each member, no matter their location, their circumstances, because a group of friends, a ministry, should support one another.

Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You for this day and for these who are here to share it with us. We know that Your blessings are within and each of us. We have many friends, family, and neighbors who need the strength of Your love to hold them up in the midst of their trials and tribulations. We know You can bring that strength to each of them. There are many who are sick, injured, and suffer so much more. We pray that their spirits would be lifted, their bodies and minds, and souls are gathered close in Your loving arms. We pray all these things in Your Holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Savior, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen and so it shall be.

Opening Song: Cherokee Amazing Grace

Sermon: There seems to be a rising trend today of people claiming that Jesus will make you rich, that reptilian-human hybrids are ruling the world and creating religions to control people, and some who completely deny that any deity exists. There are also those promoting war and violence, two things that Jesus never promoted. There are those who are teaching that you are God and any number of things that might be pleasing to the ears of their listeners. They don't really care about what's true and what's not. Even when shown proof outside the bible of Jesus' existence, they continue to deny that he existed. Some claim that they are supporting love when they continually spout hate and fear. Why is this? Let's look at Romans 16:17-19

Romans 16:17-19 New International Version (NIV)

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Here's the King James version for those of you who prefer it.

Romans 16:17-19 King James Version (KJV)

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Paul was warning Christians to be aware of those who smooth talk and flatter in order to distort the truth that they were taught. It seems that there are many who are gullible today. This verse describes them as “naive” or “simple” people. These are the kind of people which charlatans prey upon. They will believe that Nigerian scammers are going to send them $10 million if they just send in a $150 payment. They will consistently believe any story about a UFO, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or any other story that presents itself. It's not necessarily their fault. They either haven't been exposed too much education or haven't been exposed to the concept of con artists. They are, basically, simple people and there is always a con artist who is out to take advantage of them.

2 John 1:4-11 New International Version (NIV)

4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

7 I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.

Footnotes:

a. 2 John 1:8 Some manuscripts you

New International Version (NIV)

2 John 1:4-11King James Version (KJV)

4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

John is warning people that those who do not teach that we should love one another and who deny that Jesus came in the flesh are antichrists. It says do not take him (or her) into your house or bid them God speed. What is God speed? Merriam-Webster defines it as “a prosperous journey”. The Free Dictionary by Farlex defines it as “1. An expression of one’s good wishes for a person’s success and safety.

[C15: from God spede may God prosper (you)]”

The NIV leaves out the old term “God speed” but uses “welcomes them” in its place. The basic idea of this though is that anyone who welcomes them or wishes them a prosperous journey, success, or safety is partaking in the same evil which they are promoting. You are partaking in their wicked lies to deceive others whom they can find that will believe them.

There are people today who are proud to deny that Jesus ever existed despite the evidence to the contrary. There are those who proudly proclaim their atheism. There are those now who are proudly proclaiming their Satanism. This is their right under the Constitution but those who have done any serious study know that what they are promoting are lies. Some of them may not think they are lies of Satan because they don't believe in God or Satan but they are the most deceived. To deny God and Satan, good and evil, even Yin and Yang if you're Buddhist, is denial of what is inside each and every one of us. We all have these negative and positive forces within us. There is a Cherokee Legend which describes this fight that goes on within us. From the website “First People – The Legends”

Native American Legends

Two Wolves

A Cherokee Legend

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Here is the same story, but it is called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within"

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.

I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."

If you “feed” these deceivers; these false prophets; these liars by welcoming them and wishing them a prosperous journey, they are going to feel that they are doing well and be encouraged to continue to deceive others. You are also feeding your inner evil side. Paul spoke of this same struggle feeding your inner evil side. Paul pointed out this same struggle in his letter in Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 15:30-34 New International Version (NIV)

30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”[a]

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”[b] 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Footnotes:

a. 1 Corinthians 15:32 Isaiah 22:13

b. 1 Corinthians 15:33 From the Greek poet Menander

New International Version (NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:30-34 King James Version (KJV)

30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Paul was upset that some of their followers didn’t have the knowledge of God. We are not to partake in the sin of others; in their living; in their misleading. Sometimes even when we hang around bad company to try to show them the love, peace, and truth that Christ brings, we can fall into a lull and start mimicking their ways. Those who have honestly tried to communicate with those who have no understanding of Christ know how great temptation can be at times. It’s easy to join along with them in their hateful blame and condemnation of others. In doing so, we feed the evil wolf inside us. Paul said that he died daily (to himself) that he could boast of their works in Christ Jesus yet he implored them to stop sinning… to stop being deceived by communications. He wanted them to stop being ignorant of the liars the deceivers, and the con artists and to start teaching those who are simple of the knowledge of God. How did he know that they did not have knowledge of God? We have studied this recently and consistently.

1 John 4:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 4:8 King James Version (KJV)

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

King James Version (KJV)

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John also points out another way to know further on in verse 20.

1 John 4:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 4:20King James Version (KJV)

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

King James Version (KJV)

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We can know that those who are promoting tales of lizard people using religion to control people, those who are teaching that we should hate and fear all Muslims or anyone else, those who teach anything other than the things that Jesus taught us are false teachers because they use fear to control people. Their hearts are bound by hate. They cannot give without expectation of something in return. They are suspicious of anyone who is different than them. They THRIVE on hate whether or not they realize it. Jesus taught us not to fear, but to love.

1 John 4:18-20 New International Version (NIV)

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 4:18-20 King James Version (KJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

King James Version (KJV)

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If you don't love your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are not living the love of Christ. If you are hating your brothers and sisters in Christ, you are doing the opposite of what Christ wants; therefore, being an antichrist. In I John, we are warned that there are many antichrists.

1 John 2:18 New International Version (NIV)

Warnings Against Denying the Son

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

New International Version (NIV)

1 John 2:18 King James Version (KJV)

18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

This is just another sign that the times are near. We've already seen “birthing pains” such as were mentioned in Matthew 24. We've seen earthquakes in diverse places. We've seen disasters that kill and mutate sea life. We've seen tsunamis and all types of natural disasters in the last few years that were predicted in the end times. About all we haven't seen is Wormwood, Christians being killed worldwide, and “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet.”

Revelation 8:10-11 King James Version (KJV)

10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

King James Version (KJV)

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Revelation 8:10-11 New International Version (NIV)

10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— 11 the name of the star is Wormwood.[a] A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

Footnotes:

a. Revelation 8:11 Wormwood is a bitter substance.

New International Version (NIV)

What is this abomination of desolation that Daniel talks about?

Daniel 9:27 New International Version (NIV)

27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’[a] In the middle of the ‘seven’[b] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple[c] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.[d]”[e]

Footnotes:

a. Daniel 9:27 Or ‘week’

b. Daniel 9:27 Or ‘week’

c. Daniel 9:27 Septuagint and Theodotion; Hebrew wing

d. Daniel 9:27 Or it

e. Daniel 9:27 Or And one who causes desolation will come upon the wing of the abominable temple, until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolated city

New International Version (NIV)

Daniel 9:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

King James Version (KJV)

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Some believe that this is a reference to Jesus' death on the cross. There are some key scriptures that might give us further understanding though.

Luke 21:20 New International Version (NIV)

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.

New International Version (NIV)

Luke 21:20 King James Version (KJV)

20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

King James Version (KJV)

by Public Domain

Actually, there are many theories based upon different verses as to what the abomination of desolation is. Some believe that it is the turning of the church toward old traditions that took many away from God in the days of old. What are the armies spoken about? The armies, of course, are those who are non-believers, and wish to force their opinions and more upon the ones who do believe. We have seen it in many forms and formulas, religions, governments, and so on and so forth.

Evil comes in so many points of view. It is the absolute antithesis of what Jesus said ‘love one another as I have loved you’. God asked us to consider unconditional views of love. So many people don’t realize that we can love each other even if we don’t have the same point of view. We never realize that there are ways to be Christian without letting the evil in. It is so very difficult to recognize where the evil ones can appear. If we use the gifts Jesus gave us, the Holy Spirit will show us the truth as to motives and motivations. If you remember, God once told us that looks are deceiving. Take David, and the anointing of the king of the Jews. It’s not what’s on the outside, it’s what is within. Words can be the same. They may not sound like it at first, quite a lot like seeing someone not appealing on the outside and instantly believing they would be the same inside. This is where deception can skew our point of view. Deception can be found in too many forms, thus the words ‘wolves in sheep clothing’. It might take a lot of time to learn who these people are.

The good thing is this. You CAN remove yourself from any situation once you realize it is led into the forces of evil. That door is not easy to open, or shut. Remember, Jesus also said the path is narrow, and it is quite easy to fall off that path. These ‘evil ones’ the charlatans, deceivers, those are the ones who pull us off that path. The beauty of it, we can climb back up on that path and find the truth in unconditional love.

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: A Song of Joy

~ Love, Hope, And Peace~
Calvin Jennings ~ Elder Facebook & Twitter & Blogster & Google+

~Shalom~

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

Covenant of Hope Ministries

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

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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 Biblically Based Wedding Ceremonies in the state of Georgia, USA locally based in Savannah and surrounding areas. I was ordained in 2007 by Rev. Teresa Piercey-Gates. We established this ministry in October of 2008.