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THE SOURCE OF INCREASE God Is Our Strength, Our Supply, and Our Source 1. MY SOURCE OF STRENGTH Deuteronomy 8:7–18 NKJV For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; 8 a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; 9 a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. 10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. 11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ 18 “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. HE LIVES ABRAHAM Genesis 14:18–20 NKJV Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: ‘Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ And he gave him a tithe of all.” Genesis 14:22–23 NKJV Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, “I have made Abram rich.” Hebrews 7:1–3 NKJV For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. Hebrews 7:8 NKJV Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 3. HONOR I Recognize you are my source of strength, you are my source of victory Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. Genesis 15:1 NKJV Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward. SHIELD & REWARD Genesis 28:13–15 NKJV And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. 14 Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Genesis 28:20–22, NKJV Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. 22 And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” God’s Protection Genesis 31:41–42, NKJV Thus I have been in your house twenty years; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” Gods Blessing Genesis 30:43, NKJV Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys. The post The Source of Increase first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

Acts 2:42–47 NKJV And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Mark 2:1–12 (NKJV) And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” Verse 10 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” 1. YOU NEED FRIENDS WHO WILL CARRY YOU The paralyzed man had an impossible situation. He couldn’t get himself to Jesus. A small group gives people a place where they can say: “I can’t do this by myself.” And somebody can answer: “You don’t have to.” 2. YOU NEED TO BECOME THE FRIEND WHO CARRIES OTHERS The story isn’t only about the man on the mat, It’s also about the four men carrying him. At some point, every believer needs to move from: “Who is going to help me?” to “Who can I help?” There are people around us who are facing situations that feel impossible. They may not have the strength, faith, wisdom, or courage to get where they need to go. That’s where we come in. Sometimes your faith becomes someone else’s bridge to Jesus. 3. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A SMALL GROUP There were thousands of people who had gathered around Jesus, but the miracle involved a small group of committed friends. The crowd was large. The community was small. And the small group was willing to do something the crowd wasn’t willing to do. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 NLT Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. 4. REAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES BOTH RECEIVING AND GIVING Ephesians 4:15-16 NKJV but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. “Every joint supplies” A joint is a connection point. It connects one part of the body to another, and through that connection, there is a supply. True growth doesn’t happen in isolation. We grow when we’re connected to people who know us, love us, pray for us, challenge us, and help us become everything God has called us to be. The post Building Lives Together first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

I want to look at the word “Sealed” Ephesians 1:13–14 NKJV In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” 1. PROOF OF OWNERSHIP What does “sealed with the Holy Spirit” mean? The Greek word for “sealed” is (sphragizō), The seal affirmed who the owner was and guaranteed that the package would make it all the way to its final destination. 1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 2. INSPECTED & AUTHENTICATED In Greek and Roman times and still in certain places today if a package was going to be dispatched to another location first it went through a series of investigations to make sure the contents were not flawed broken or shattered. 2 Corinthians 5:17–18, NKJV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation Ephesians 2:10, AMP For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Colossians 2:9–10 (NKJV) “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” 3. SECURED FOR GOD’S PURPOSE Romans 8:30–31 AMP And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. 31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] The moment we were saved, you and I were sealed by the Holy Spirit. The insignia of that seal, bears the name of Jesus who is our owner. We belong to Jesus. 4. GUARANTEED DELIVERY Furthermore, the insignia in the seal in the wax was that guarantee that the package would be delivered to it final destination it was like the highest posted stamp you could put on a package and guaranteed the delivery would take place guaranteed the package would arrive at its ultimate destination Philippians 1:6 NKJV Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” What God has begun in you, He is faithful to complete Once your journey with the Lord begins, you’re going to make it all the way to where God wants you to go. The post Sealed with the Promise first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

Romans 8:14 NKJV For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Led Greek – ago = to tug Romans 8:16 NKJV The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 1 Kings 19:11–13 NKJV Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Many times people are looking for the spectacular and missing the supernatural 1. GOD SPEAKS TO PEOPLE John 16:12 NKJV “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. What makes us different from people who don’t know Jesus? 2. IT’S INNATE John 10:2-5 NKJV But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me 3. IT’S LEARNED Prayer is communicating with God but its only half Did you know the God has ears and a mouth? 4. IT’S MATURES John 10:4 NKJV “And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” A sheep doesn’t learn its shepherd’s voice by taking a class. It learns the shepherd’s voice by spending time with the shepherd. How do you learn someone’s voice? You spend time with them. The more time you spend with someone, the more familiar their voice becomes. You can eventually recognize their voice without seeing them. You were born again with spiritual ears, you learn to recognize His voice, and as you spend time with Him, His voice becomes increasingly familiar. Hearing God is not merely something you do; hearing God is something that matures in you. Hebrews 4:12 AMPC For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. This is God Speaking to me, Jesus is the Word. As you read the word of God you are conditioning your heart to hear from the voice of God Re-Familiarize yourself to His voice Many times we are too busy to get quiet The post The Still Small Voice first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

The Power of the Blessing Zechariah 4:6 It’s not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord. Romans 8:11 NKJV But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies [a]through His Spirit who dwells in you. To walk in this power, we need to have an ongoing awareness and revelation of what God has done for us and what He has given us in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:13-14 KJV 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. The curse of the law is three fold. The curse is spiritual death. The curse is sickness. And the curse is poverty. In Christ Jesus we have been redeemed from that. For sickness we can have health. For poverty we can have wealth. And for spiritual death, we can have eternal life in Christ. The Floating Axe Head The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed. The Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. 2 Kings 6:1-6 NIV The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.” And he said, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?” “I will,” Elisha replied.  4 And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!” 6 The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and it made the iron float. Or i like the KJV that says and the iron did swim. 7 “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it. Jesus and His finished work of redeeming us from the curse are in this story if we’ll look. Luke 24:44 NKJV 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” Deuteronomy 19:4-5 NLT 4 “If someone kills another person unintentionally, without previous hostility, the slayer may flee to any of these cities to live in safety. 5 For example, suppose someone goes into the forest with a neighbor to cut wood. And suppose one of them swings an ax to chop down a tree, and the ax head flies off the handle, killing the other person. In such cases, the slayer may flee to one of the cities of refuge to live in safety. The axe is a type of the curse. The stick is a type of the cross. The Waters of Marah Exodus 15:22-26 NKJV 22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.  23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called [a]Marah.  24 And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an [b]ordinance for them, and there He tested them,  26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” The bitter waters were a type of the curse. The tree was a type of the cross. God showed Elisha the stick. He showed Moses the tree. He has shown us the cross. Wherever the cross is applied, there is an immediate reversal of the curse. The Living Waters All throughout the Old Testament there is a connection between waters and people being led by God into their miracle. (Example: The waters of Marah, The spring waters associated with healing in Leviticus, The Jordan River for the Israelites, the Jordan River for Elisha, The Jordan River for Namaan, The Brook called Cherith, The Pool of Bethesda, etc.) The saints of the Old Testament experienced physical things that were types and shadows of our spiritual realities. John 7:38 KJV He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. They had to wait on the waters, but have the waters on the inside. If we’ll stir ourselves up, we can be led by the spirit just as they were in these stories right into our miracle. The post And the Axe Head Did Swim first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

Romans 8:14–16 NKJV For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Proverbs 20:27 NKJV “The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inner depths of his heart.” This means, God will enlighten us—He will guide us-through our spirits. 1. LEARN TO FOLLOW 1 Kings 17:8 NKJV Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you. Verse 16 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah. 2. HE IS LEADING YOU TO THE PLACE Genesis 22:1–5 NKJV Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” Genesis 22:7–14, NKJV But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. 19 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Jehovah Jireh Jireh to see To look intently at, to give attention to. to see to something / make provision So, literally, Jehovah Jireh carries the thought: “The LORD has seen it.” “The LORD will provide.” The post He is Our Guide Pt. 2 first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

John 16:7–8 NKJV Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. The Greek word paraklētos It literally carries the idea of “one called alongside.” Comforter Counselor Advocate Strengthener Teacher Guide 1. HE IS OUR GUIDE Romans 8:14–16 NKJV For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 1 Kings 17:2-7 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 3 “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. 7 And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. Verse 8 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you. Verse 16 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah. 2. HE IS LEADING YOU TO THE PLACE Genesis 22:1–5, NKJV Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” Genesis 22:7–19, NKJV But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba. Jehovah Jireh to see to perceive to look upon to regard to see to something / make provision So, literally, Jehovah Jireh carries the thought: “The LORD will see to it, &“The LORD will provide.” The post He is Our Guide first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 NKJV Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however,in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, who used SPECT brain imaging to study people during religious practices, including speaking in tongues. Reduced activity in the frontal lobes The frontal lobes are involved in conscious control, planning, and self-monitoring. Reduced activity in language-related areas The scans showed changes in areas associated with language and speech. This was significant because participants were vocalizing, yet they did not experience the speech as something they were consciously formulating. They did the same study with Buddhist monks. Brain was very active. Increased sense of surrender or loss of conscious control (mind got quiet) 1 Corinthians 14:14, AMP For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive [it bears no fruit and helps nobody]. 1. MENTAL HEALTH Isaiah 28:11–12, NKJV For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, 12 To whom He said, ‘This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,’ and, ‘This is the refreshing’; yet they would not hear. 1 Corinthians 14:21–22, NKJV …“With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people… 2. PHYSICAL HEALTH Scientists found that Stress dropped dramatically. Cortisol levels reduced Heart rate slows Blood pressure stabilizes. Praying and tongues triggers a parasympathetic response the bodies deep rest system. This is the rest. This is the refreshing. Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint 3. SPIRITUAL HEALTH Jude 20 AMP But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; Acts 4:13, NLT The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. The post Healing Rivers first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

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.” Acts 2:1–4 NKJV When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. THE WIND Acts 2:2 “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind…” Wind – Greek -pnoē (naw-a) The breath The breath of life wind, or blast. It is related to πνεῦμα (pneuma), the Greek word for Spirit. Throughout Scripture, wind symbolizes: The breath of God that gives life John 3:3–8, NLT Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,* you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.* 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.* 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You* must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” THE FIRE (Acts 2:3) “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire…” The Burning Bush Exodus 3:1–4 NKJV Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” 4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” The Pillar of fire Exodus 13:21–22 NKJV And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. – Mount Sinai (Exodus 19) – Solomon’s Temple 2 Chronicles 7:1–3 NKJV When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 3 When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” Fire also symbolizes Purification HOW TO TAME THE TONGUE James 3:5–11, NKJV See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and 2with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. The same Holy Spirit who filled the upper room still fills believers today. He brings life where there is dryness, power where there is weakness, and boldness where there was once fear. We need the wind of the Spirit to breathe fresh life, refresh us, and move us beyond human ability. The post The Wind and the Fire first appeared on Covenant Life Church.

2 Chronicles 20:1–30, NKJV It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). 3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. Three Valleys: The Valley of Death The Valley of Decision The Valley of Blessing THE VALLEY OF DEATH Loss Destruction Pain Heartbreak Distress VALLEY OF DECISION It’s at this place where we choose faith or fear. Complaining Opens the Door to Defeat 1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NKJV 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. DEAL WITH THE FEAR 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. James 4:7 NKJV Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Resist: It is a military term, describing a soldier who refuses to give ground. Philippians 1:28 AMP And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God. 2 Chronicles 20:5–12, NKJV 5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, 6 and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ 10 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them—11 here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” 2 Chronicles 20:13–30, NKJV 13 Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord. 14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out agains them, for the Lord is with you.” 18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high. 20 So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” Notice: praise should always lead the way. This is how you position yourself for victory 22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. 23 For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped. “God does His greatest work at the end of our ability” – Denise H Burns THE VALLEY OF BLESSING 2 Chronicles 20:25–30, NKJV 25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much. 2 Chronicles 20:26–28, NLT On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing,* which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. 27 Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. 28 They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord. The post The Position of Victory first appeared on Covenant Life Church.