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May, 2003

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Bible Reading Plan 

To Whom Much Is Given: Luke 12:48
By Marilyn Conrad

“The seeds we sow today will produce a harvest in the future!”

Right now many of you are thinking, “I’ll be so glad when my mate returns. I know God will use us as we share our testimony. I believe God wants to use us to help others.” Although your thoughts sound great, I respectfully have to disagree.

Through the years of working with covenant keepers, I have discovered that if we are not willing for God to use us now, while we are standing, we probably will not be willing when our mates return. This attitude of postponement is prevalent among us and is a ploy of the devil. The seeds we sow today will produce a harvest in the future!

One of our greatest needs is for leadership for new Covenant Keepers groups. Current group leaders also need help. Some have led their groups for several years and, quite frankly, could use a break.

GOD EQUIPS

Being a group leader requires a commitment of time and energy and we do not minimize that commitment. God equips those He calls and He is always faithful; we need but to take that step of faith. “Now may the God of peace…strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be, and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will….” (Hebrews 13:20,21)

Some of you have received ministry from our Covenant Keepers groups for several years. You are stabilized now and healed from the trauma of separation or divorce. It is time to get out of your comfort zone and stretch! In His Word God says, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.” (Luke 12:48)

MINISTRY OF HELPS

If you are not called to leadership, then perhaps you can open your home as a meeting place for a group, you could provide coffee or snacks, or you can assist the leader by making phone calls. Another way to help is to minister one-on-one with a new member who is hurting and full of questions. Do you remember what it was like when you first came to a group? Ask your group leader how you can help. They are sure to be grateful.

Sometimes, couples with healed marriages feel a stirring and uneasiness and may think it is coming from Satan. It is possible that he is the source; however, it could also be the Lord trying to push you out of your nest into His calling for you. He may be asking you to lead a group or be an advisor couple.

Many have written and asked for the Covenant Keepers guidelines on starting a group. For various reasons, some of you have delayed doing what you know God has called you to do. If this is you, I encourage you to contact your Regional Director and pray with them. They are there to answer your questions and give you Godly counsel.

FAITHFUL OVER LITTLE, RULER OVER MUCH
(Matthew 25:21)

When I first opened my home to help others who were also going through divorce, I had no idea what God had in store. I certainly did not feel qualified to lead a group. (Remember, there was no curriculum, no guidelines, no nothing!) All I did have was a heart for others going through what I was experiencing, and I had a heart for God. Doing things my way had gone on long enough, and I was ready to obey the will of God. And He has been so faithful!

No one can say that leading a group is easy. Hard work is involved, and helping others can be difficult at times. But that is what life is all about—relationships. The seeds we sow into others’ lives will bring a harvest into our own. The rewards of leadership include having a group member’s returned mate say, “Thank you and may God bless you for all that you have done! ” Knowing that you are serving as a channel of healing, deliverance and hope to others is a great blessing. These things make all the hard work worth it.

I pray that as you read this, God will speak to your heart. Please prayerfully consider what God would have you give to others in return for all you have received.

DOES IT EVER?
Submitted by Duke Rohe

Does it ever stop hurtin'
When I miss my mate,
And I miss my children?
Oh, it makes my heart ache.

Does it ever stop hurtin'
When my children drive off
And my heart leaves with them,
And emptiness calls out?

Does it ever stop hurtin'
When conversations over minutes,
Must last over days?
It seems so incomplete.

Does it ever stop hurtin'
When I parent in half,
And two halves don't make a whole,
And that's got to be good enough?

It doesn't stop hurtin'
Till the standing's done,
And God brings together,
What He desired all along.

Of course it's hurtin',
For life without loss
Is only part-lived;
Great jewels come with great costs.

Of course it's hurtin',
For Jesus hurts too,
And cares and cries
For the same hearts I do.

Of course it's hurtin',
But right by pain's side
Is an ever-flowing love,
From God's heart to mine.

It does!

NEW PRODUCT

GO TO PRODUCTS FOR ORDERING

Covenant Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage (2 tapes–Craig Hill)

Recorded in Sydney, Australia. Craig teaches foundational truths about covenant relationships, the covenant of marriage, and what the Bible says about marriage, divorce and remarriage.

USA $10   CAN–MEX $11   INTL $14

Divorce, Be Cast Into The Sea
In 2003!