Covenant Church

In what appeared to be one of the worst of times for Jerusalem God instructed Jeremiah to buy a “shortsale” of property from a kinsman. Values were depressed. The stock market had crashed. Yet, Jeremiah paid good silver for what appeared to be worthless real estate

He publicly made the transaction and had it recorded in court. A careful study will reveal that Jeremiah's descendants inherited this piece of real estate.

Point? In the darkest of times God is still God. He reigns supreme. His throne has dominion. He has all power. God was having Jeremiah make a public statement that clouds of despair would pass and the sun would shine again.

In the darkest of times the Holy Spirit equips followers of Christ for powerful works. A major Christian leader recently shared that every week 1800 Iranians are coming to Jesus. China is having a sweeping revival. Indonesia, the largest Muslim population in the world, is thought to have 30% of the population following Christ. One of the largest buildings in Indonesia is a Church of God with attendance over 250,000 per week.

Naysayers will see only negatives. But Christ followers will see the hand of God moving powerfully. God says that His eye does not grow dim, nor does His arm lose strength. He is the same God who opened the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape Pharaoh and Egypt. He is the same God who caused Dagan, the Philistine god, to fall before the Ark of the Covenant. Jesus did not take the resources of the Kingdom and lock them up in heaven.

Jesus commanded his followers to go. He promised to empower them. He gave authority. He gave liberty and license to do the work of God.

Opportunity is at the door. The more jaundiced our world becomes the more hungry people are to know the truth. The more fear knocks at the door the more opportunity there is to share the love of Jesus, the saving power of Jesus, and to lead people to Our Blessed Saviour.
Instead of trembling in fear we are to cast out fear. Love drives away the darts of hell. Love dispels. Love compels.

I remember hitch-hiking to see Laila. I was in college in North Carolina. She was in college in Virginia. About 240 miles separated us. I stood one night on a lonely stretch of road. Time passed. It was about 1 AM. The few cars that passed were going South. Laila was North. I picked up my suitcase to cross over the Interstate lanes and hope the next car would give me a ride back to the college in North Carolina.

But then I paused. If I went back I would not see Laila. The argument was brief. I put my suitcase down and waited for a car going North.  It came. I walked the last few blocks to Laila’s home and quietly tapped on her bedroom window about 5 AM. She raised the window, leaned out and kissed me. My sleepless night and weary feet were forgotten.

My prayer is that you will see the opportunities of this season. May you open your eyes to see the hand of God working. May you refuse to turn back. May you resolve that you will press forward. Invest. Sow into God’s harvest. Do not be discouraged. God will always reward faithfulness.

This is your Jerusalem. Lay claim to God’s promises. By the authority of God's Word I assure you that when Resurrection Morning comes heaven will kiss away all your cares of this life. You will be glad for eternity that you were faithful. And, if you sow good seed of the Gospel you will enjoy victory after victory in this present life.

 Prayerfully,

Pastor Bare

Cast your bread upon the waters and after many days it shall return...Go and I will go with you..Ecclesiastes 11:1