Covenant Life Church

Save Your Soul

3 John 2-4 NKJV Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Romans 12:2 NKJV And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Isaiah 55:8–13 NKJV “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. 1. THE ONE TRUE WAY TO CHANGE Psalm 1:1-3 AMP BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. Joshua 1:8 AMP This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. James 1:21 NKJV Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 2. BE DOERS OF THE WORD James 1:22-24 NKJV But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Psalm 107:20 NKJV He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. “Your mind won’t stay renewed any more than your hair will stay combed. You have to keep at it daily.” – Kenneth Hagin 3. CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,The post Save Your Soul first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

SALT & LIGHT

Acts 6:8–13 NLT Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. 9 But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. 10 None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. 11 So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” 12 This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.* 13 The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. 1. THE WORLD IS OUR AIM Mark 16:15–16, NKJV And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Salt of The Earth Matthew 5:13 NKJV “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” • Salt preserves and prevents decay • Salt adds flavor • If we lose our distinctiveness, our influence is diminished. Light of the World Matthew 5:14–16 NKJV “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Key Meaning: • Light exposes darkness • Light brings hope and direction • Our “good works” are meant to point people to God, not just to ourselves. We are not called to just gather — we are called to go, influence, and transform. 2. OUR MOTIVATION IS LOVE John 3:16–17 NKJV 1For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Romans 2:4 NLT Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 3. OUR METHOD IS THE MIRACULOUS Mark 16:17–18, NKJV And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Acts 1:4–8, NKJV And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” TAKE ACTION 1. Repent & Consecrate — Humble ourselves before God, repent where we have been passive, and ask Him to cleanse our hearts. 2. Take Our Place in Prayer — Intercede for our leaders (whether we agree with them or not). Pray for protection over those in public service, over righteous voices, and over every innocent life. Bind the spirit of violence and lawlessness in the Name of Jesus. Stand as Watchmen – Don’t just pray once—stay on the wall. Be alert, be led by the Spirit, and respond when He calls you to intercede. 3. Speak Life Over the Nation — Declare God’s plans and purposes for this nation will prevail. Prophesy peace, righteousness, and justice. Call forth a great awakening. 4. Shine the Light Publicly — Refuse to be silent about truth and righteousness. Show the love of Christ to a hurting world. Model courage and compassion when others are afraid or divided.The post SALT & LIGHT first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

Enduring Love

FOUR KINDS OF LOVE PHILIA = FRIENDSHIP LOVE. Friendship / Brotherly Love Definition: Affectionate love between friends; warm companionship marked by mutual respect, enjoyment, and trust. John 15:13 NKJV “Greater love (phílos) has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” STORGĒ = FAMILY/AFFECTION LOVE. like the love parents feel for children, or among family members. Romans 12:10 NKJV “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” EROS = ROMANTIC/PHYSICAL LOVE. – Key Trait: Romantic, passionate, and intimate love. AGÁPĒ – UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE Definition: The highest form of love; selfless, sacrificial, unconditional. It seeks the good of others without expecting anything in return. John 3:16 NKJV “For God so loved (agapē) the world…” Key Trait: God’s love toward humanity, and the love He calls us to show others. This Agape love doesn’t just the other kinds of love it empowers them. It brings them to their full potential 1. THIS LOVE IS IN US Romans 5:5 NKJV Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, AMP Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love God’s love in us does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NKJV does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 2. BEARS ALL THINGS Greek Meaning: To cover, to protect, to conceal, to endure silently. Word picture: Like a roof that shields from storms. Sense: Love covers over faults, protects others, and carries burdens without complaint. 3. BELIEVES ALL THINGS Greek: To have faith in, to trust, to place confidence in, to rely on. Sense: Love gives the benefit of the doubt, choosing trust over suspicion. It is not gullibility, but a posture of faith in God and in others. 4. HOPES ALL THINGS Greek Meaning: To look forward with confidence, to expect with trust, to wait for salvation with joy. Love looks beyond present struggles, anticipating God’s redemption and the best in others. 5. ENDURES ALL THINGS Greek Meaning: To remain, to persevere, to stand firm under pressure, to hold one’s ground. HOMEWORK – MAKE LOVE YOUR AIM 1 Corinthians 14:1 AMPC Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]…” – CHECK YOUR LOVE WALK DAILY Ask yourself: – Am I holding anything against anyone? – Am I treating others the way I want to be treated? If the answer was “yes” to offense or bitterness, “Fix it – GUARD AGAINST STRIFE James 3:16 – “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” strife is one of Satan’s main tools to neutralize faith. Solution: Be quick to apologize, keep peace in the home, and refuse to argue. – SPEAK LOVE WORDS Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…” Your words either minister love or poison. Speaking harsh, critical, or bitter words damages your love walk. Practical step: Train your mouth to build others up, not tear them down. “When in doubt, act in love. You’ll never miss it by walking in love.” – CONFESS DAILY: “The love of God is in me. I choose to let that love dominate me today.” The Spirit empowers you to love beyond natural ability.The post Enduring Love first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

Energized Faith

Love: The Power Behind Faith and Hope Mark 11:22 NKJV So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 NKJV We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, Philemon 1:5 NKJV hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, Colossians 1:4-5 NKJV since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 1. DON’T FORGET LOVE Galatians 5:6 AMPC For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. Galatians 5:6 TPT …All that matters now is living in the faith that is activated and brought to perfection by love. Faith, activated and energized and expressed and working through love. Activated Energized Expressed Working through love 1 Corinthians 13:2 NKJV …if I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 2. LOVE IS THE NATURE OF GOD 1 John 4:8 NKJV Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. John 13:34–35 NKJV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” James 2:8, NKJV If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 3. UNFORGIVENESS BLOCKS FAITH Mark 11:22–26 NKJV So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Action step: Practice Forgiveness Immediately. – The moment you feel wronged, forgive. Don’t wait until you feel like it. – Forgiveness is not a feeling, it’s a decision of faith. “If your faith isn’t working, check up on your love walk.” – Kenneth E Hagin 4. FAITH EXPRESSED IN ACTION James 2:17 NKJV Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14–17 NKJV What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Matthew 5:44-46 NKJV You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Action Step: – Confess daily: “The love of God is in me. I choose to let that love dominate me today.” – Pray Daily: And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9–11 NKJV)The post Energized Faith first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

Running on Joy | God’s Fuel for Endurance

Colossians 1:9–14, NKJV For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 1. Strengthened δυναμόω (dynamoō)Greek root: δύναμις (dynamis) = power, ability. To empower, make strong, enable, or fill with supernatural strength. This is not natural strength, but a divine impartation from God to equip believers to persevere, serve, and grow in holiness. 2. With all might δύναμις (dynamis) Greek root: δύναμις (dynamis) = inherent power or capacity. Every measure or kind of divine strength available. This word emphasizes the totality of God’s power available to the believer, both for inner character development and for external works of faith. You can rely on God’s complete strength in every area of life, leaving no gap where weakness can dominate. 3. According to His glorious power Manifested power or might in action, dominion, authority. JOY IS NECESSARY FOR ENDURANCE Nehemiah 8:9-12 NKJV And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. BIBLICAL / STRONG’S CONCORDANCE: Gladness, joy, delight. A state of inner happiness not dependent on external circumstances. Often used in the New Testament to describe spiritual joy that comes from knowing God’s grace, presence, and promises. THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON: The calm delight and deep-seated gladness of the soul that is produced by the Holy Spirit. Not a fleeting emotion, but a settled confidence that God is in control. Opposite of fear, despair, or hopelessness. 1. STAY AWARE OF HIS PRESENCE Psalm 16:11 NKJV You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Action Step: Cultivate this awareness through prayer, worship, and Scripture meditation. Begin your day by pausing and saying, “God, I’m aware You are here with me.” 2. ANCHOR YOURSELF IN HIS WORD John 15:7-11 NKJV 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. Action Step: Read Scripture not just for information, but for connection. Mark verses about His faithfulness and promises — revisit them when discouraged. 3. PRACTICE THANKFULNESS 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Action Step: Keep a “joy journal” where you write 3–5 things you’re thankful for each day. This trains your heart to spot God’s goodness even in hard times. 4. CHOOSE OBEDIENCE OVER FEELINGS “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love… that your joy may be full.” – John 15:10–11 5. SERVE AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS 1 John 1:3-4 NKJV that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. Action Step: Joy multiplies when it flows outward. Look for ways to bless, encourage, or pray for others — joy follows giving. Ephesians 3:20–21 NLT Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.The post Running on Joy | God’s Fuel for Endurance first appeared on Covenant Life Church.