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October, 2003

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In 1999 we formed an Alumni group to encourage and promote ongoing healing in reconciled couples. Since that time we have designed a quarterly newsletter especially for our ever-growing list of healed couples. We know that continued support and prayer is needed, and are pleased to add this new page especially for our Covenant Couples. Click on the logo above to go to the Covenant Couples page.

SOWING AND REAPING
BY CAROL GORDON

“‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.’” (John 4:34-36 NIV)

We have heard a great deal about sowing and reaping in the last number of years. Most often this is taught in regard to our finances. It is a great truth in that area. What we fail to notice is that sowing and reaping are equally true in our relationships.

The most familiar verses about sowing and reaping are from Galatians 6:7-10: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” If we read this with an open heart we can see that this is not even referring to finances. Here it is clearly about how we live our lives.

Most of the time we do not care for the idea of just keeping on doing the right thing when there seems to be no “pay off.” We forget that the reward comes not from the circumstance, but from the Lord. His day of reckoning will far surpass any pat on the back we might receive day to day.

SOWING TO THE LORD

Our sowing is always first to the Lord. When we are kind when others are short, or cheerful when things are hard, Father sees that our hearts are committed to represent Him. Proverbs 11:18b tells us, “but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” We are constantly sowing by our attitudes and our words. The question is “What are we sowing?” Do we even notice that we are putting seed of some kind out there with every connection we make with another person?

We may have a view of ourselves as always being in the right and being a nice person, but is this how others see us? If we assume our way is right and others should always agree with us, we are in for trouble in life. We will do well if we truly watch how we are relating to others. We could be sowing resentment by a self-righteous attitude. We will have to be honest enough with ourselves to look at our words and behavior objectively. This means stepping outside ourselves and watching our own behavior and listening to our words and tone of voice. Some of us may be in for a surprise. I can recall times this was necessary for me in order to make a change. 

Many of us are very surprised to find that the way we see things is not necessarily the way others see them. The Lord gave me a strong lesson in this about sixteen years ago. Louis and I were remodeling our kitchen and having a struggle to communicate and agree on things. One day the Lord just told me that my opinions were not sacred, and neither were Louis’. We both had to give our opinions to Him and let him straighten us out. As I let go of my pride and self-righteousness, our communication was much easier!

HEART ATTITUDES

The most radical and lasting change is when we let the Lord change our heart attitudes to match Him. Then our words and behaviors will be consistently different. When mercy and grace fill our heart, we will inevitable relate well to others and our words will be a blessing to them. When we sow into relationships in this way, we will find kindness coming back to us. 

As we walk with Him, the Lord will help us to develop in the fruit of the Spirit, so that we are truly loving, kind, joyful, peaceful and so on. Who we ARE changes on the inside, not merely as an outward change of behavior. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:22-23) We have a new Seed living in us, that will bring forth good fruit.

Sometimes we encounter difficult situations in life. None of them are too hard for the Lord to deliver us from, but oftimes these are the way we grow and learn. In fact, if we leave a certain situation without gaining victory in it, we will most likely find ourselves in a very similar place again. If this has happened to you, wake up! There is a life lesson you need to learn here. “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons”. (Hebrews 12:7a) “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11

I have seen in others and have experienced myself, the growth that comes from doing God’s way in a hard situation. When we finally quit trying to change the other person and let Father work on us, our real training starts.

EMOTIONAL HEALING

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men;… Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh…. But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…. when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:13a, 17-18, 20b-21, 23b-24).

I would recommend a thorough reading of this complete passage. Although Peter is quoting from Isaiah 53:5b, referring to physical healing, in this passage he is talking about the emotional healing that Jesus provided for our hurts from hard relationships. Perhaps we have had a parent, a spouse, or a boss, who from their own history of pain, caused us pain in turn. Jesus has made provision for the healing of these bruises. We see bruises as blood coming to heal a hidden wound, and the Lord certainly provides this for us. “He was bruised for our iniquities:” (Isaiah 53:5b KJV)

Often if we have to deal with a troubled person on an ongoing basis, the Lord will give us friends who affirm us. Some of us have more difficult assignments to carry out than others. This is a test of our faithfulness. His meeting of our emotional needs when we are faithful to sow grace on our side is part of our harvest.

REAPING A HARVEST

If we are faithful to sow to the Spirit in our relationships, we can likewise believe to reap a harvest. The farmer waits patiently for his crop to come up. When it does he goes after it. By faith, we take hold of our harvest when it appears. We can thank the Lord when we see small signs of return, “the blade and then the ear,” If we do not appreciate small indications of our return, we may miss the real harvest. The Lord will bring many blessings when we are faithful. We may sow in a certain relationship for years before we see a harvest there. In the meantime though, the Lord will be bringing growth and development and blessing in other areas of our life. This is part of the harvest of our faithfulness. We need to be aware of it and thank Him for it.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) Again although we apply this scripture to money, it also works in relationships. It is a spiritual law. The more generously we sow mercy, the more mercy we will receive. Our joy shared with others brings more joy.

The more of the love of the Lord we share, the more we will find coming back to us. Our cheerful and willing ways of service will pay big dividends from the Father’s hand. “Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12).

(Scripture from the NIV unless noted.)

2003 YELLOW RIBBON DAY

A Day of Prayer and Encouragement

Jesus loved us so much that He willingly died for us. 1 John 3:16 tells us that in return we should lay down our lives for our brothers. What better way to put this commandment into practice than through fasting and prayer.

THE TRADITION

This October and November, in more than 74 countries, covenant keepers will join together in fasting and prayer for our nations, homes, and families.

We traditionally tie bright yellow ribbons on our front doors or around trees or lampposts to symbolize our mates, children, and loved ones being held captive by Satan. We invite you to join other covenant keepers at a meeting in your area (see below).

Everyone is encouraged to participate by abstaining from food for one or more meals. If you have never fasted, we suggest fasting only one meal. If medical problems prevent fasting, we suggest giving up certain foods such as sweets or soft drinks. Another alternative is to fast television and spend that time in prayer. Isaiah 58:6 says God’s chosen fast is "…to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke." By joining together, we can pull down strongholds and destroy Satan’s plans for our nations and families. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

PRAYER TARGETS

Pray for the following and as the Holy Spirit directs.

• National, state & local leaders; pastors. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

• Salvation for mates & children. Isaiah 44:3, Ephesians 6:12, Acts 16:31

• Protection for children, especially from abortion. Leviticus 18:21

• Healing & restoration of families around the world. Ephesians 4:31-32, Colossians 3:12, 18-20, Malachi 4:6

• Newly reconciled couples. Philippians 1:6

U.S. YELLOW RIBBON DAY MEETINGS

Make plans to attend a Yellow Ribbon Day meeting in your area.

East Central Region: Saturday, October 25 is the date for YRD in Millersville, PA at Zion Church of Millersville, 317 N. George Street. For more information about the meeting contact Ann Barley at 717-681-9403.

Northeast Region: A YRD meeting is planned for Saturday, October 25 at the Farmington Chase Condo Clubhouse, Rte. 177, Farmington, CT. The meeting will begin at 12 noon, then break for lunch at 1:30 PM (at local restaurants or bring your lunch). The second half of the meeting will be from 3:00-4:00 PM. A book and tape table will be available. For more information contact Nancy Conlan at 860-677-0017 or Marjorie Nishan at 860-233-2381. Leave a message on the answering machine with your name, phone number and the time to call back.

north central region :Saturday, November 1st is the date for YRD in Bloomington, MN. Covenant Keepers will meet at "The Barn" Bethany Fellowship/Bethany Missionary Church 6820 Auto Club Road, from 1—5 PM. Directions are: From 35W take the 98th street exit and go west on 98th street, veer left onto Old Shakopee Road. Take Old Shakopee to Normandale Blvd (about the fourth stoplight) and go left onto Normandale (you will be going south). Normandale curves sharply to the right and becomes Auto Club Road. Follow Auto Club until you reach Bethany Fellowship. It will be on the right after the Minnesota Valley Country Club. You can see the barn easily from Auto Club Road. Parking is in the big parking lot above the barn. You will start with a pot-blessing and fellowship so please bring a dish to share. For more information and to RSVP please contact: Joey Ray 507.582.1019 or Mary Little 952.944.1042

Northwest Region: Newburg, OR is the site of a YRD meeting on Saturday, October 11. Covenant keepers will meet at Shilo Inn at 501 Sitka Avenue in Newburg from 1:00 PM until 5:00. Contact Gary & Deb Routon at 503-538-9426 for more information.

Saturday, October 25 is the date of the YRD meeting in Bothell, WA at Cedar Park Assembly, 16300 112^th NE from 1:00-5:00 PM. For information contact Vonnie Hieber at 360-805-0812.

Southern Region: The 4^th Texas Yellow Ribbon Encouragement Day will be Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM in Austin, TX at Shady Hollow Community Center, 3303 Doe Run. There will be healed marriage testimonies, ministry, prayer & a Texas buffet-style lunch ($5.00). RSVP by October 7^th to Tom & Lou Bearry (512-282-9209) or Judy Pruitt at jpruitt52@aol.com.

Join covenant keepers for a YRD meeting in Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, October 18 at the home of Rick Blackstone, 3087 E. Lake Shore Drive (time to be determined). New Southern Regional Directors Rex & Carolyn Johnson will share the miracle of their healed marriage. Following will be prayer and fellowship. A tape and book table will be available. For more information, directions, and the meeting time call Debbie Launey at 225-293-1730, Cynthia Losavio at 225-343-8767, or Rick Blackstone at 225-387-5871.

Monday, October 27 is the date for the YRD meeting in Tulsa, OK. For more information about location, time and other details, call the Covenant Keepers office at 918-743-0365 or email info@covenantkeepersinc.org.

Southwest Region: Covenant keepers in Southern California will attend a YRD meeting in Irvine on Saturday, October 25 at 4:00 PM. For information and details contact Janeen Herig at 949-551-6814 or Loretta Jackson at 323-752-1322.