Covenant Yields Inheritance (Covenant Part 2)

 Covenant Yields Inheritance (Covenant Part 2)       

Have you ever received an inheritance of material things? Not everyone does. But if you have it was probably a great blessing.

I have been the recipient of inheritance and it truly blessed my family and me. Why did something choose to bequeath worldly goods to me? Because they loved me.

Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to give each of us an inheritance—an eternal inheritance. Indeed, He wants to supply us with things to meet our earthly needs, but His idea of inheritance is far greater than that. In order to receive the inheritance set aside for each of us we must enter into a covenant relationship with our Creator, Yahweh. (Yahweh is the Hebrew name of God.)

It’s through faith in Jesus that we do this. We then become God’s own children and joint heirs with Jesus. (Romans 8:17) As His children, we qualify to receive a magnificent, out of this world, inheritance, both on earth—abundant life—and an eternal home after we die.

Any covenant God enters into is forever and HIs eternal covenants yield eternal inheritance. I touched on this truth in my previous post. I hope you’ll read it if you haven’t.

The Apostle Peter encourages us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible [will not perish] and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5 NKJV*). 

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b). That is fullness of life on earth and eternal life in Heaven.

Photo by Connie Wohlford 

A few of the promises we inherit are: forgiveness of sin, thus removing it’s penalty (Ephesians 1:7-8); promise of provision of earthly needs (2 Peter 1:3); peace in all situations (John 14:27); the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16); for each of us, God’s purpose and a calling (1 Timothy 1:9); nothing can separate us from God (Romans 8:38-39); we will each have a perfect glorified body fit for eternal life (Philippians 3:21); assurance of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus as members of God’s own family (John 6:47).

I have named only a few of the wondrous things that are part of our eternal inheritance from our Father God. The list is endless. As we read and study God’s Word we learn more of the depth and breadth of His unfailing love and all He wants to bequeath to His own.

Please take a moment and meditate on each of the above promises in our inheritance. Write down more as you think of them.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, You are so good to us and we don’t deserve the marvelous things You choose give. You know our every breath and our every need even before it arises. Father, we are so grateful. Thank You for providing with an open hand of love and mercy. We love You, Lord. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

*** All Scripture quotes are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

What is Abundant Life?

What is Abundant Life?                              

     How do you define abundant life?


     Jesus spoke of abundant life, saying, “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b NKJV).


     The word abundance means, excessive, overflowing, surplus, more than enough, and more than sufficient. I suppose it’s not surprising that some people think of abundant life as overflowing material wealth. But we can know that Jesus was referring to much more than material surplus. 

     God Word assures us that our Creator has a plan and purpose for each of us and it's good and has our best interest in mind (Jeremiah 29:11). His desire for our abundant life was in His heart and mind before we were even born (Psalm 139).


     In the first few verses of John 10, Jesus compared Himself to a shepherd who protects and provides for his sheep. The shepherd knows his sheep and leads them. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd, trust him, and willingly follow him. Sheep who have a good shepherd live life in peace and abundance.


       Jesus also referred to Himself as the door of the sheepfold, and said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10). 

 
Photo by Connie Wohlford

     In contrast to all that Jesus comes to give, the thief, who is the devil, comes to take away. Jesus wants to give us more that just an ordinary existence. He wants us to experience fullness of love, joy, peace, and happiness. Whereas the devil wants to steal all those things, oppressing, and killing Mankind, who is the crown of God’s creation. He is out to destroy all that we love, enjoy, and hold dear.   

     In contrast to all that Jesus comes to give, the thief, who is the devil, comes to take away. Jesus wants to give us more that just an ordinary existence. He wants us to experience fullness of love, joy, peace, and happiness. Whereas the devil wants to steal all those things, oppressing, and killing Mankind, who is the crown of God’s creation. He is out to destroy all that we love, enjoy, and hold dear. 

    The devil will do all he can to stand in the way of our enjoying abundant life. But its up to us, through our own free will to stand firm on God’s truths and promises. What are some tricks he uses to take our peace and joy?


Speaking lies and negatives in our minds, shooting fiery darts, temptations—especially in our weak areas. It might involve our mouths, our moods, our time management, our health, and on & on. We could name many.


     The enemy of our souls wishes to steal, kill, and destroy in every area of the S.I.P.E.S of the abundant life God has for each of us. Are you wondering what S.I.P.E.S. is about? I’m referring to the five areas of human development and life: Spiritual – Intellectual – Physical – Emotional - Social.


     Let’s grow and live out each of those five areas God’s way. The first chapter of 2 Peter can help us see how:

     Spiritual – know that by His divine power, He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (v. 3a). We have the Holy Spirit inside of us. We have our Bibles so we can get to know God and His nature, as well as how to live. And we have the precious opportunity to communicate with God through prayer.

     Intellectual – We can experience abundant life through “the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (v. 3b).

     Physical – We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28) and have been given great and precious promises and “may be partakers of His divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (v. 4).

     Emotional – God gives us the power to develop diligence, adding to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness.

     Social – We can add to these attributes, brotherly kindness and love (v. 7). And, as the writer of Hebrews says, we should not neglect the assembling together to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).


     “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ … (and goes on to say) an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 1:8-11)


     That everlasting kingdom is the ultimate provision of the abundant life God gives. When we believe and receive Jesus as our Savior, “all things become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17) in our earthly life. Plus we have Eternity with our Lord to look forward to as well. 

     Oh, and one other thing, we cannot blame the devil for all of our infractions. Our own human nature, which the Bible often calls our flesh, can lure us into sinning, thus sabotaging our living out abundant life. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” … “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:6 & 24 NKJV).

Internet Photo

     Abundant life is ours for the taking when we do two things: 1- when we’re born-again and then 2- when we choose to live life God’s way.      


     I’m not saying that abundant life means a life of bliss with no hardships. The sheep have hardships sometimes too. They may get tangled in briars or attacked by wolves, but their capable shepherd is there to help and to mend their wounds, like our Savior is there to help us and to mend our wounds.


     Question for you—Are you living life in abundance according to God’s design? If not, what could you do to experience a more abundant life?


     The power of an abundant life gives one the manifold blessings of living out their very best life while anticipating a forever in God’s Eternal Kingdom. Also, the witness of one living in God’s abundance is powerful in drawing others to faith in Christ. 

How do you define, Abundant Life?  Here are some of the Facebook responses: 

“The gifts of the Spirit in evidence in my life!”

“Life with God as He wants it for us. A life of close fellowship with Him, overflowing with His love and help and blessing. Turning around and giving that love to others, living for something beyond ourselves. For His kingdom and plan and will on earth.”

“Knowing God LIVES in me, that He purposefully planned in love for me (and all who belong to Him) to be the display of His amazing attributes, gifts and anointing.”

“One filled with what we truly need in life. God's presence, His wisdom, His teaching, and His provision. A life that overflows with His love so others might see His glory.”

“Living in total freedom with sweet Jesus and intimately experiencing His unconditional love in the Holy of Holies with His Father.”

“Living with Jesus in my heart!”

 “Life with God!”

“Unexplainable peace, through every circumstance due to a personal RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.”

“Pure freedom in your identity Christ Jesus...my cup runneth over kind of life!”

“Blessings from God.”

Your comments are welcome.

If you’d like, share how you define “Abundant Life.”


©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

Fill Your New Year With Optimism - Seven Strategies to Attain Optimism—Part 1

Fill Your New Year With Optimism 

Seven Strategies to Attain Optimism—Part 1

Are you ready for positive news? Do you yearn for relief from negativity?

Let’s begin this new year beaming with optimism. I’m not just thinking about feel-good ideals and clichés—but holding on to truth-filled hope and an outlook ordained by God. 

Consider the source of genuine optimism and strategies for taking hold of it.

God desires for each of us to have a good life experience, both now and into eternity. Jesus came for that purpose. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).

Peter affirmed this when he wrote, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV).

As followers of Jesus, we have every reason to be optimistic and He has given us the means by which to be so. 

With our sights on abundant life and with Peter’s encouragement in mind, consider these Seven Strategies to Attain Optimism:

1- Get over the past.

 

Don’t take negative aspects of your past into your future. What would be the benefit of dragging it along? Nothing! What would be the benefit of getting over those things? Everything!

Paul nailed it when he said: “But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV).

Besides putting past negatives behind us we also need to press on. We must avoid resting on past glories and we can learn from and build on former successes. We who are in Christ have His Spirit living in us and are to reflect His image. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV).

From one level of glory to another we shall travel through life, serving our Lord, each doing our part in the building of His Kingdom. Let’s build on past victories as we move forward to greater accomplishments in Jesus name. And let’s not allow shadows and skeletons from the past diminish the optimistic outlook of God’s plan for each of us.

2- Avoid getting hung up on a negative thing.

 

Is there something you or I perceive as a negative personal trait or characteristic? It might be in regard to appearance or personality. Perhaps it’s our age or family background. Do we think God is not aware of these matters? 

He knew well before you and I that this would be a part of our lives at this moment in time. Is this something we could and should change? If so, we can ask God to help and show us the way to overcome.

If it’s something we cannot change we can ask Him to take it and use it for His glory. Our Creator is an expert at bringing good from things we perceive as bad.

We must remember “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:28, 31).

Any personal flaw is not too much for our Creator to deal with. Let’s let God have His way and get ready to be amazed, in no way allowing such a thing to impede our optimism. 

3- Remember that, for everyone, life has ups and downs.  

The exciting adventures and lovely photos we see on Facebook and Instagram do not tell a person’s whole story.

We didn’t witness the bitter argument the dreamy couple had just before stepping barefoot onto the sandy beach for their photo-shoot. Nor did we see their children arguing and pulling hair on the way to that serine tropical setting.

Be assured that God knows all, sees all, and cares about all things that concern us. Our trials do not escape His watchful eye. Very often our greatest setbacks take place right before our greatest victories.

Let’s be encouraged by Jesus’ words: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NKJV).

His words should give lift us into the realm of optimism because our overcoming Lord gives us the power to overcome as well.

<><><>><<>>><><><><><><><><>

So, let’s take heart as we meditate on the above Scripture Passages and the first three of the Seven Strategies to Attain Optimism. Be assured that God wants us to live joy-filled lives, unhindered by pessimistic thoughts and anxieties.

Please check back in a few days to learn more of the strategies. May God richly bless you in your own pathway to attaining Christ-ordained optimism.

Your comments are welcome.

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford

3 Ways Bible Study Changed My Life

3 Ways Bible Study Changed My Life              

                                                                                 

Just a few days ago my fifteen year old grandson, Michael, asked, “Granny, how can someone really know for sure that they’re saved?”

That’s a heavy-duty question for this young man to come up with, but I was glad he did. I told him his question was very common and that I had wondered that myself in years past. I went on to tell him that the best way to be confident that we’re saved is to read and study our Bibles. 

In Scripture we can get to know God better—learn about His character and His unfailing love. Also, there are many scripture verses which express our eternal security. It’s truly life-changing to have this assurance about our destiny when we take our last breath.

Jesus said, “My Father who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is about to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:29 NKJV).

Paul wrote, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NKJV).

In addition to Scripture we have the Holy Spirit Himself, who resides in every believer, bearing witness to our own spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16).

I encouraged Michael to spend time getting to know his Heavenly Father better by digging into God’s Word and see if it will help him have more confidence in his Savior and the salvation he has received.

Hearing From God

Another question I’ve been asked deals with hearing from God. People say, “Why have I never heard God speak to me? People talk about hearing from God but He’s never said anything to me.”

My response: “Do you read and study your Bible?”

As best I recall, every time they answer, “No,” or “Not much.”

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned through in-depth Bible study is that through His Word, God speaks to me personally and specifically. I’m often amazed—not surprised—but amazed—when I’m reading or studying a passage of Scripture and it applies directly to something going on in my life at that moment.

An example that comes to mind is when I bought a dress from a friend. We agreed on a price and she handed over the dress and said, “You can give me the money whenever—no rush.”

Two or three weeks went by and one morning, while studying in Proverbs God spoke to me and said, “You need to give Dianne the money for the dress.”

I didn’t hear an audible voice but the Holy Spirit spoke very clearly to my spirit. I knew, without doubting, that God was speaking to me.

“What was the passage?” you might ask. Here it is: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand” (Proverbs 3:27 NKJV).

When I read this I instantly knew I needed to pay that debt sooner rather than later. I had the money but a convenient time had simply not arisen. The situation could have dragged on for weeks but I was not to let that happen. I gave Dianne her money within a couple days and told her how the Lord had spoken to me about it. She got her money and was blessed by my testimony regarding the situation.

This was a very simple situation regarding a relatively insignificant matter but it was a great experience for me. It occurred many years ago and was one of the first occasions when God spoke clearly and directly through His Word to me concerning a specific matter in my life. I’ll never forget it. 

 He has spoken to me many times through His Word about life-changing matters as well as simple day to day issues.

Our Creator knows each of us better than we know ourselves and He knows what’s best—what we should say and do and where we should go. Possibly His favorite method of talking to us is through His Word. I’ve learned this by experience. If this has not been your experience, I highly recommend you give it a try. I believe you’ll be blessed, surprised and thrilled by the mysteries revealed, directions laid out, and encouragement given by our omniscient Heavenly Father through His own words to you.

Knowing the Father and Knowing Ourselves

A third way Bible study has changed my life is that it has helped me overcome insecurity. The belief that I was inferior to everyone around me plagued me much of my life. But there was something about getting to know my Heavenly Father and Jesus, my Savior, through His Word that lifted me out of the fear, discouragements and other negatives characteristic of being insecure.

To anyone who wants to be the best they can be and live the abundant life God desires for each of us, I say, “Get into Bible study! Get to know your Creator well. Taste and see that the Lord is oh so good.”

As a comment, below, please share how Bible study has benefited you or changed your life.

©Copyright 2017 Connie Wohlford