Name: Shontta
Bio: Shontta Stevens holds a BS in Communication, is a writer and a group fitness instructor. She and her husband of 11 years live in Texas with their two children.
Posts by shontta:
- Love
- Trust
- Faithfulness (Fidelity)
- Security
- Reciprocity
- Benefits
Instant Weight Loss
January 16th, 2012A person’s anxiety will weigh him down, but an encouraging word makes him joyful.— Proverbs 12:24 God’s Word Translation
No tricks. No gimmicks. It is possible to rid yourself of unwanted weight. Anxiety, hurts, baggage, hang-ups, attitudes and addictions can be gone (or leaving) by the time you finish this article. People are worried about so many things. The anxieties of today are only minimally different than those of any person in human history. The causes do vary, but the results are the same. Heavy hearts, preoccupied minds and eventually unhealthy bodies are all bi products of excess emotional weight. Bottom line—you just have to let it go.
Ecclesiastes 11:10 says, “So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body… .” Another translation of the same verse reads, “So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy…” A third commands, “Get rid of what troubles you or wears down your body… .”
It is our responsibility as Christians to keep ourselves cleansed from worry, offenses and additions. More importantly, we must be God’s voice to those who need, as Proverbs 12:24 call it, an encouraging word. How can you who are weighed down so heavily with your own issues notice someone else in need, let alone cheer them up? God built your body to rid itself of waste of every kind; this includes the ability to excrete emotional toxins such as offense and worry.
Here are three practical steps from the Bible for instant weight loss.
Instant Weight Loss Formula
Step 1: Release every weight to God.
Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).— Psalm 55:22 AMP
Wow! What a verse. This covers everything. Personal problems, damaged emotions and concerns of every kind can be classified as burdens. My husband and I recently had a disagreement because he’d made a decision on something totally out of frustration and the anxiety of the moment. I asked him if he’d consulted the Lord on the issue, he honestly said no. When he did so, several more sensible options became available to him. Making a conscious effort to immediately cast things off on God keeps you open to be used as His vessel; in return, you get the answers you need. Otherwise, we spend the balance of our day (and many times longer) totally heavy, distracted and detached from our surroundings. Lose weight immediately!
Step 2: Tell the truth in love (and/or respect).
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. — Ephesians 4:15-16, 25-27
Many times we feel as if we should not speak up for ourselves in certain situations. Or, we allow an offense to weigh on us indefinitely. The truth is, if something bothers you to the point of stifling, you need to deal with it ASAP. There is always a right and a wrong way to do so. Take care to handle potentially inflammatory situations with a cool head, if possible, face to face (emails and text messages are not recommended). The offender could your spouse, a friend or a superior at work. You have to let it go—excrete it from your emotional storage space. James 5:16 AMP gives detailed instructions, “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored….” Waste poisons you, and weighs you down. Get rid of it with the truth!
Step 3: Reap the benefits of weight loss.
To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. — Isaiah 61:3 AMP
We all know someone who has achieved a lofty physical weight loss goal, succeeded after the loss of a loved one or a major life setback, or overcome the emotional heaviness of abuse. Their very lives are an inspiration. Meeting these people and hearing their testimonies make most of our modern day “worries” seem minute and trivial. If some lofty, strong, magnificent and distinguished person came to cheer you up during what you would consider a bad day, wouldn’t you receive them? Wouldn’t you straighten up and hear them out? Especially if they proceeded to tell you of their own misfortunes, offenses and heartaches, surely your focus would shift. Why not lose weight and become that person to someone else. God has promised to not only take that heavy burden, but to replace it with joy, beauty and praise. I know because He does it for me on a continuous basis. I’m constantly losing weight!
Weight Loss Assignment
I have one assignment for you before I close. Tonight when you have quiet time before bed, make a list of all your worries, offenses (even ones years old) and fears. Exhaust yourself. Rehearse the verses from this article to yourself. Then make a list on the other side of the paper. This list is of people you know who are dealing with challenging situations, and pray for each one by name. Finally, make an effort daily to say a kind word to at least one person. Repeat daily until it becomes routine. Instant weight loss is guaranteed!
Blessings!
Shon
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Instant Wealth
July 15th, 2011Instant Wealth
Make 100k in instant wealth this month. Live longer. Look younger. Enjoy life. Better sex tonight! Every magazine and new book claims to have the key to all these euphoric and seemingly unattainable nirvanas. Sadly most people, in the back of their minds, believe this total satisfaction with life is only reserved for the individuals they see on reality television. This frame of mind could not be any farther from the truth. Do you need more income, ideas or just enough to buy your next meal? Well, I have an answer for you and, if you act on it, it will change your life forever! Please don’t leave this page without completing this article. You won’t regret it.
Everyone is looking for the next big thing – the investment that will secure their financial futures. It’s not selfish, but intelligent to want to care for yourself and your family. Who doesn’t want to enjoy their life? Most of the issues people are facing today can be rectified in some form or fashion with money. In fact, Ecclesiastes 10:19 says money answers all things. I want to present you with a proposition today. The best investment you’ll ever make—become a Christian and become wealthy, full of life and happier than you’ve ever been.
I know this is contrary to the majority of what you see and hear in regards to Christianity, but lend me your attention. The initial investment may seem huge; however, your profits will immeasurably outweigh your losses in the long run. You see, Christianity is clean and allows you to be totally free. As you continue reading, and before you reject my proposition, I’d like you to consider the fact that every successful person has had to build discipline within him or herself. When these people are unable to maintain control, we see them on a nationally televised press conference or interview apologizing or on their way to prison or rehab. It’s human nature—not Christian nature—to lose control and stray from the correct path.
The Bible promises those who live according to its decrees wealth, success, abundant life, peace, lasting youth family security, knowledge for inventions—and yes, a great love life!
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
The Instant Wealth Formula
Here’s what you have to do:
1. Give your life to Jesus Christ.
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:11-13
2. Find a solid church home.
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. Hebrews 13:7-9
3. Become a tither.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
4. Trust God to bless the work of your hands.
The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 28:12
5. Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit within you.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. John 16:13 AMP
6. Finally, give your life away and find wealth beyond your wildest dreams.
Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. Mark 8:35
God promises us in His Word that we live secure even during the most perilous times because we’ve given him the investment of our lives. Here are two corresponding verses.
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. Mark 10:29-31
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-20
I’m telling you this stuff works. Countless lives have been changed for the better because someone gave their life to Christ. People who were homeless are now homeowners. Marriages that were over are now fully restored. Depression and suicidal thoughts have been eradicated forever. Addictions and alternate lifestyles of every kind are no match for the power of Jesus. Others have come out of prison and are now impacting thousands for good. Go ahead, do some research and see for yourself. You already have the initial investment in hand. All you have to lose is the misery you’re in right now—let it go forever. Everything you could ever want (that is not born from evil) can be obtained by living in the wealth that Christ provides. There is Scripture to act and stand on for whatever you need or want. Seek Him out and receive instant wealth today!
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Attributes of a Lasting Covenant: Part 2
March 25th, 2011The goal of this two-part series is to help you obtain a better understanding of God’s Covenant. It’s a lasting covenant with attributes comparable to those of a successful marriage. I present the final four attributes of a lasting covenant—faithfulness, security, reciprocity and benefits.
3. Faithfulness (Fidelity)
Jesus sums up my entire reason for writing this series in Matthew 23:23, “You Pharisees and teachers are show-offs, and you’re in for trouble! You give God a tenth of the spices from your garden, such as mint, dill, and cumin. Yet you neglect the more important matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These are the important things you should have done, though you should not have left the others undone either.” It’s faithfulness in every area—not just your money, but your lifestyle as well.
God promises in Judges 2:1, “I will never break my covenant with you” If every person who married in the last fifty years said those words and meant them, where would our country be today? You fill in the blank this time. To love the Lord is to be faithful to him (reread the previous on love section if necessary). Remember this isn’t a human covenant. It’s a Covenant between God and man, which means God’s portion is always enforced; yours, on the other hand is completely up to you. Romans 3:3-4 states, “What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar.” Additionally, look at the following verse:
But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. –Psalm 78:36-38
The Israelites again had been unfaithful to God. But after it was all said and done, God still continued to keep the covenant He made with Israel because of Abraham. Those of you who have been betrayed in marriage know how it feels when someone you love has betrayed you. Being unfaithful to God hurts him the same way because He loves you. The Bible tells us that He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Everlasting sounds like faithfulness to me. In fact, Psalm 85:10 says that love and faithfulness meet together—they help a covenant last. Paul explained the consequences of abusing God’s faithfulness in Romans 8:12-14, “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Life in the Spirit is an act of fidelity to God’s covenant. Every time you are unfaithful to God, a part of you dies. Also, according to Hebrews 6:5-7, you re-crucify Christ. The Message says it best:
Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the work of the Holy Spirit, once they’ve personally experienced the sheer goodness of God’s Word and the powers breaking in on us—if then they turn their backs on it, washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can’t start over as if nothing happened. That’s impossible. Why, they’ve re-crucified Jesus! They’ve repudiated him in public!
Treat God and His Covenant just as you would a faithful loving spouse—be faithful to Him in everything.
4. Security
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.—Isaiah 32:18
There’s a classic film in which a beautiful woman was trying to nab a wealthy husband. When the father of the prospective groom confronted her, the reply she gave was quite intelligent. Why does a father seek financial security for his daughter when helping her choose a spouse, but when a woman does the same for herself, she’s considered a gold digger—touché! God’s covenant offers not only financial security (wealth), but actual security (protection from harm, danger, famine and disease). That’s more than the most wonderful spouse could ever give anyone.
Imagine being the true son or daughter of a King, or of the President. I mean really, would you be worried about your financial security or your personal safety? Well if you are a child of God who walks in covenant with Him, you should be financially secure and your secret service agents (angels) are protecting you twenty four seven!
Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety.
—Leviticus 25:18-19
This exemplifies both types of security. So why aren’t all Christians wealthy? Why are some Christians seemingly experiencing just as much trouble as everyone else? Notice these verses always mention obedience to The Covenant in them. It is an offer of security. Every American can be wealthy and so can every Christian. Just as every American is free to choose, so are Christians. If you are fully committed to God’s Covenant and some hardship occurred, your ability to handle it would be far greater because of your connection to God. This lasting Covenant ensures financial and physical security. God is offering this to everyone who participates fully in His Covenant.
5. and 6. Reciprocity and Benefits
I decided to combine these two because I believe they go hand in hand like love and trust. Jesus explains reciprocity clearly in John 15:7-8, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Basically, you do something for God, and God does something for you—that’s reciprocity or a mutual exchange (although God ALWAYS gives us way more in return). For instance, if my husband barbecues, I promise to clean up the mess. This is one of the important intangibles of a lasting covenant. Both parties equally give and receive. Just remain in Him, let His Word remain in you, and bear fruit that will last. In return, you get your heart’s desire!
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits… —Psalm 68:19
Surely you don’t believe in the free lunch or something for nothing ideal. Those of us who are married (even those who intend to be) did so expecting certain benefits. These are pleasures that just come with the agreement. God’s Covenant, just like marriage, comes with certain benefits. Psalm 103 lists forgiveness, healing, protection, love, tender mercy, guidance and satisfaction of your heart’s desires, and the renewal of your youth as benefits. Are you kidding me?! This is the kind of Covenant that can and does last eternally. It’s The Covenant of God.
For additional study on these topics we offer the following scriptures and resources:
Faithfulness
Deuteronomy 7:9—Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
Psalm 25:10—All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
1 Corinthians 1:9—God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Galatians 3:9—So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Hebrews 10:23—Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
1 John 1:9—If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Security
Psalm 23; Psalm 91
Proverbs 14:26—In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Isaiah 49:25—But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
Deuteronomy 33:12—About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”
Hebrews 6:19—We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Reciprocity and Benefits
Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15
Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Psalm 34; Psalm 37
Proverbs 3
1 John 5
Practical teaching on The Covenant
http://www.kcm.org/real/index.php?p=finances_plan_01
http://www.kcm.org/real-help/article/keep-door-faith-open
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Attributes of a Lasting Covenant: Part 1
March 12th, 2011Marriage is a covenant everyone can understand and relate to. It is based on vows, rings are exchanged to symbolize unending love and it’s sealed with a kiss. Roles are then assumed as husband and wife. A marriage is a covenant entered into equally by two people (one man, one woman). These individuals stand before God and witnesses while verbally acknowledging and entering into this sacred bond. No honest person, Christian or otherwise, can deny the sanctity of marriage.
God made a vow to us, He sent His Son (The Word) as a symbol of His unending love, and sealed it in Christ’s blood—it’s called The Covenant of God. And, just as in marriage, you and I have a part to play. Why do people have a problem with this? Misinformation on this topic has caused intimidation, ignorance and lack of every kind. Trying to live the Christian life without fully participating in The Covenant is like being in an unstable marriage. You can have all the pieces in place, but disobedience or ignorance in just one area can sabotage your life and leave a door open for the enemy.
The Covenant and The Blessing have been presented to us at CovenantBlessing.com in such a practical way, that we were impressed to use this media outlet and our gifts to share the simplicity of this Good News. I invite you to continue reading and allow me to explain what makes a lasting covenant by comparing God’s Covenant to the covenant of marriage. This is certainly an easy metaphor as the Lord is the bridegroom and the church is the bride. The wonderful news is that unlike a human marriage, God can not and will not ever break His Covenant (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 89:34; Titus 1:2). The Covenant is not a yoke of bondage; it’s a multifaceted, irrevocable liberating bond between the immortal God and mankind. Just as marriage is not meant to entrap, but to allow two people to freely express their love and enhance one another’s lives eternally. I’d like to present, in a practical way, six attributes of a lasting covenant in two articles. The list is as follows:
Six Attributes of a Lasting Covenant
1. Love
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.—1 John 4:16
Amore. Don’t you just love love? God is Himself the very epitome of love. He doesn’t just possess it, He IS it. What real marriage could start, let alone survive without love? But God’s love, just like His Covenant, goes far beyond human love. God said in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” His agape love is absolute and unconditional. John 3:16 says that He so loved us that He gave. He knew our state and yet He gave us Christ! Not only that, but as you continue in covenant with God, He continues to show His love by giving—regardless of your mistakes. We show our love for Him simply by believing in Christ and obeying His commands at all times. John wrote in 1 John 5:3, “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.”
Basically this means that if God say’s do it, do it; if He says don’t, then don’t. He loves us and whatever guidelines the Lord wants us to follow are based on this fact. Just as there are is a certain behavior expected from a loving spouse, there is a certain behavior God expects of us if we claim to love Him. His actions always show His love for us. Do our actions do the same? Do you scoff at the minister when he or she says, “Forgive the one who misused you.” Is it difficult for you to love your spouse even though he’s no longer making six figures? Are you having difficulty continuing to tithe since you’ve started making six figures? Love for God compels you to obey regardless of how you feel, just as love compels you in marriage to do the right things day in and day out.
2. Trust
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”— Psalm 91:2
When you bring the tithe to Christ, who is the mediator our better Covenant and our high priest, you’re saying, “Lord, I trust you to rebuke the devourer in every area of my life, including my finances, health and family.” This lasting Covenant is multifaceted. Just like a successful marriage. You pay the house first. Trust knows that God will open the windows of heaven and pour out so much blessing you won’t have room for it—for only ten percent! How can you trust God with your life, and not your money? Think about all the ways He’s transformed your world. If you still don’t tithe, you don’t trust God; and, you are not getting the full benefits of The Covenant—it’s just that simple.
Bottom line, you can trust God. Trust is reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. of a person or thing. Just as you earn the trust of your spouse by being trustworthy, so God earns our trust by proving His Covenant time after time. He invites us in Malachi 3:10 to “test” Him with the tithe. We trust God by relying on Him to fulfill us in every way. Nahum wrote, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” And even casual Christians know Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Accepting Jesus Christ and entering into this Covenant will change your life forever because it’s built on trust. You can rely on God’s strength, ability and integrity to make your paths straight, heal your body, deliver your children and restore your broken life.
Here are some supplementary verses to reflect on for the first two attributes of a lasting covenant.
Love
Matthew 22:37— Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
John 15:9— “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
Trust
Psalm 37:3— Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Psalm112:7— He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
1 Peter 2:6— For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
Just as a strong lasting marriage is built on love, trust, faithfulness, security, reciprocity and benefits, so you can build your life in covenant with God. This Covenant is complete, lasting and perfect. Half the work is already done—He’s just waiting on you. Check back soon for part two and the remaining four attributes of a lasting covenant.
For more practical reading on The Covenant, see the following links:
http://www.kcm.org/index.php?p=real_help_content&id=1281
http://www.kcm.org/real/index.php?p=finances_plan_03
http://www.creflodollarministries.org/BibleStudy/StudyNotes.aspx?id=822
http://interactive.creflodollarministries.org/cdma/studynotes_mar112008.aspx
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Secure in the Covenant
February 4th, 2011The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream….
—Jeremiah 32:17-20
Everyone is looking for a sure thing. Security is a commodity sought after even in prosperous times. A lifetime guarantee that everything will be well for you and your family would be quite a calming assurance. God said through the prophet Jeremiah that the effect of righteousness would be quietness and confidence forever. Doesn’t that sound like a guarantee? A secure home, an undisturbed place of rest and blessing are certainly things I want for my life. My friends, such a guarantee does indeed exist—it’s God’s Covenant.
Even if you’re flat broke, jobless and homeless, you can get in on this. You can earn four figures or six, it doesn’t matter to God. The nation you were born in will not inhibit The Covenant’s ability to change your life. All you have to do is believe—it’s as simple as that. Abraham believed and entered into that Covenant. Today, The Blessing of Abraham comes upon us when we enter into The Covenant through Christ.
This is The Covenant—the lesser being blessed by the greater and God swearing to bless you! All you have to do is agree and act. There is security in God’s Covenant. Study the lives of biblical people who walked in The Covenant. Old and New Testament—they overcame every trial. When human err affected them, The Covenant was still in tact. In the Old Testament, it was sealed with an animal’s blood. For you and me, it is Jesus’ blood. Let’s look at Hebrews:
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, He swore by Himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
—Hebrews 6:16-20
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
—Hebrews 7:22
Regardless of circumstances, The Covenant offers security. It was designed for those who agree with God to live in His comfort and provision at all times. God does not show favoritism. Anyone who chooses to enter into God’s Covenant is assured protection, peace and, yes, prosperity. Psalm 84 is one of my favorites. It concludes by saying, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.”
Cain and Abel both brought offerings to God, but Abel obviously believed what He had been taught by his father about The Father. Abel was counted as faithful and righteous because his belief caused him to act in obedience. Noah believed and was therefore obedient when God told him to build the ark. And Abraham, who is the father of our faith, was considered righteous because he believed God. Abraham’s act of obedience again ushered in The Covenant. What does this have to do with you? How does this help you deal with whatever challenges you are currently facing?
All of these men were ordinary people who responded to God’s call and accepted His invitation into The Covenant. Today, you are invited to do the same by way of Jesus Christ. Enter the security that comes with life in The Covenant. Yes, that includes the tithe. But before you get uptight about that, remember First John 5:2-3 which states, “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome….” Jesus also encourages us this way in Matthew 11:28-30, “ ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ “ Tithing is simply an act of obedience. It’s not meant to be a burdensome unbearable yoke. Besides, most of us don’t own livestock, so cash is easier. And for those of us who do, we still can’t bring our best cow or goat to put in the offering Sunday morning!
The Covenant ensures security and ushers in The Blessing. It’s not complicated. Just believe and act. The Kingdom of God is immune to economic downturns, epidemics and mass panic. God can not lie. He wants to bless you, and earth’s conditions will never change that. Psalm 89:34 reminds us, “ I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.” God has and has always had a wonderful plan for your life. Find out what God wants you to do and just do it. Choose Jesus Christ and The Covenant today—your life will NEVER be the same.
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