Covenant Church

Here we are in a predicament and selling fear as if it were the NUMBER ONE commodity. Soon, if we do not insist on common sense thinking, we will be running like rats to their holes in a barn full of cats.

God is on His throne. He has not taken a vacation or a nap.

In the Great Depression unemployment rose to about 25%. We are 7+%. In the Great Depression about 75% of Americans lived on small farms, mostly small farms. Today about 90% of America lives in urban areas. Farms of less than 1,000 acres have a difficult time being profitable. We raise food to feed the nation and food to ship to hungry people around the world.

Maybe this Spring folks will revisit getting a few tools, turning a little dirt, planting seeds, and learn to tend a garden. If we are resourceful as we have prided ourselves it is time to think and act. Whining is not a solution. We might even turn off our TVs, get acquainted with our neighbor, and discuss/plan/venture an entrepreneurial project.

We might empty out our closets and give clothes to those more needy than ourselves. We might learn to make a cup of coffee instead of using a gallon of gas and paying $5.00 for an overpriced latte. We might decide that we do not need 200 channels on cablevision. We might decide that it is more healthy and cheaper to drink water than some other things.

We might get around to reading the Bible and being shocked that wonderful saints in the Bible went through some hard times. Joseph was disowned by his brothers, sold to slave-traders, bought by a foreigner, accused of attempted rape, and put into prison. About 13 years of his life seemed wasted by bad things done to him. In all the bad things he kept his integrity with God. God was there. He was God's human agent to save Egypt and Israel in a time of famine.

Elijah was on Ahab's Most Wanted List. A powerful prophet he had to hide out to stay alive. Just when he thought his debut had occurred Jezebel, a woman, set her sights on him not to make love, but to murder. She was really fired up---did not want Elijah Dead or Alive, just DEAD! Scared Elijah until he asked God to let him die. Where was God? There. God sent a heavenly chariot of fire to rescue Elijah. In fact, He is still alive. Lots older than Methusaleh!

Lots of good folks who love Jesus thought that by now they would be leaning on luxury in the comfort of stocks and bonds, annuities, Social Security and investments. It did not happen as planned. Folks who are God-minded are learning to lean on the Everlasting Arm of the Almighty God. Not a bad idea, when you think about it.

Take a good look at your insurance policy. Many companies have gone broke. God's promises are still in the Bank of Heaven, paying dividends. He has brought Israel home after about 2,000 years of wandering. From the looks of Russia's saber rattling, it looks like one day there will be an attempt to push Israel off the map. Lots of folks would like that. Chavez down in Venezuela is trying his best to be Nero and blame the Jews for his "city burning", i.e., failure of his leadership. Iran and a few other countries long for the abolition of Israel.

Such talk may bother you, but to me it is part of the insurance policy of my hope. God says that nations will come up against Israel. But God will defend Israel. Where is God? He is on His throne meting out justice and mercy to every person who will accept Jesus as Savior. God is also allowing man to make his choices, choices that will inevitably eventuate in Jesus' returning for the Church.

There are things that trouble me. It appears the stimulus package of Congress will cut off certain funds for all public schools allowing any prayer or religious services. Has it occurred to you how many thousands of churches in the United States are meeting in public schools, colleges and universities? If this occurs it will be a devastating blow to such churches and a decrease in rental fees for the schools. Both will suffer.

I am troubled that Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid advocate liberal agendas that favor abortion, homosexuality, and that are anti-church.

Where is God? God is shaking up his saints. God is calling us to prayer. God is reminding us that when we took up our cross we laid down our lives to follow Jesus. He is Our Lord. He is Our Savior. We have not god, but THE Living God.

Maybe we need to get out the history book and read one more time about the night Ride of Paul Revere as he warned people that the British soldiers were coming. Maybe it would do us good to study the leadership of George Washington at Valley Forge. Maybe we ought to review Abraham Lincoln's love for God and his determination to be a man of integrity in the midst of an awful war of brother against brother.

Where's God? He is looking for leaders. He is looking for folks who will commit to honesty, integrity, prayer, study of His Word, and love for His people. God is looking for people who will believe that He is able to empower us to stand strong against the evil winds that blow. God is able to equip us to battle. God is able to grace our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit until we know that He is with us. We will not fail.

My hope and prayer is that the people of God will come together in the power of the Holy Spirit. We will remember that the Great Commission did not specify political party. The Great Commission was a "Go ye" to tell the world that Jesus saves from sin. "Go ye" is about baptizing believers and teaching them to be disciples.

Can you imagine if America went to church Sunday? Can you imagine if folks humbled themselves, prayed, repented of their sins, and asked God to have mercy? Can you imagine if folks walked out of church to show mercy, to forgive, to be generous, and to offer a helping hand to their neighbor?

Where is God? He is with you. Close as your breath. He is your breath. He breathed into you and you became a living soul. Your only reason for living is to glorify Him. When you die you will be judged by your decision for Christ and what you did to honor Christ with your life.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua said the same thing. As for me these times are calling me into the presence of the Holy One of Israel. These times are exciting as I see the one true God manifesting His truths and dispensing grace.

God is with us. Therefore, we will not fear.

Pastor Bare