THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP

GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, YOUR SOURCE FOR LOVE # 3

“[God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit of Love places value on your life. Value makes you significant. Significance means you are considered important to HIM. Being considered important to God, the Holy Spirit gives your life a special meaning as one of his BELOVED ones. “…ACCEPTED in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). “…[THE REDEEMED are BELOVED and]... ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “…you belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit of “…Love ... does not dishonor others…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “..My (God’s people’s)… honor come from [their Father]...God alone. He is [their]... refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach [them]…” (Psalms 62:7 NLT). “… [God’s Word says].... because you (HIS people) are precious to [him]. [they]... are honored, and [he loves them]…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “…I have given [my people]... a title of honor …” (Isaiah 45:4 NLT). “…The Lord has honored [his children] ...[and]...has given [them]... strength…” (Isaiah 49:5 NLT). Therefore, “…[God’s people are to]...Sit in a place of honor…” (Isaiah 52:2 NLT).

Being one of God’s BELOVED children SAYS YOU MATTER” to God simply because you are DEEPLY loved. “… [God]…hath made [his redeemed people]... ACCEPTED in the beloved…” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).

"...You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you ...” (John 15:16 ASV). “…God chose [each of his children]... in Christ before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4). “…you belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV). “…[THE REDEEMED]... ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “…you belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).

“...HE CHOSE US in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would BE HOLY AND BLAMELESS BEFORE HIM...” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...IN LOVE He predestined us to ADOPTION AS SONS (DAUGHTERS) through Jesus Christ to Himself…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...IN LOVE He predestined us ...ACCORDING TO THE KIND INTENTION OF HIS WILL, to the praise of the glory of HIS GRACE, which HE FREELY BESTOWED ON US IN THE BELOVED…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...In Him WE HAVE REDEMPTION through His blood, the FORGIVENESS of our trespasses, according to the riches of HIS GRACE WHICH HE LAVISHED ON US. …” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...In all wisdom and insight He MADE KNOWN TO US THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him...” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

…In Him also we have OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory...” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also^]believed, you WERE SEALED IN HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE...” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe...” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

“...These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ...” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

Finding WHOLENESS, WELL-BEING, and HAPPINESS in the TRUTH of God’s love is a choice each individual makes for themselves. “… AS MANY as [choose to receive]... him (JESUS, God’s PLAN of SALVATION), to them GAVE HE POWER (The INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT) TO BECOME THE “SONS” (children) OF GOD … ” (John 1:12 KJV).

“…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [THEIR]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

The decision, to BELONG to God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE, is a personal one and is NEVER the responsible of another person to ACCEPT on your behalf. YOU CHOOSE TO “…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV).

YOU CHOOSE TO “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life...” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “...Jesus (God, the Holy Spirit’s PLAN of SALVATION) saith…I am ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…choose LIFE … ” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“… [THOSE WHO HAVE CONFESSED WITH THEIR MOUTHS AND BELIEVED IN THEIR HEARTS THAT GOD HAS RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD]... ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV). “…you belong to God, my dear children. …” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV).

Faithful people, who are in a “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit of love are BLESSED. “…To the saints (God’s people) …who are faithful “in” Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED US with “EVERY” SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

The blessings of GOD are meant to BRING happiness into his people’s lives to enjoy. These are free gifts byway of their bond and spiritual connection with HIM. “…Now GOD GIVES [his people] many kinds of special abilities (and gifts) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the GIFT of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “...Jesus Christ...God’s free GIFT [that]...leads to our being made right with God ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).

IN ADDITION, “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “... his GIFT of forgiveness..” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“…You will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).

“…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

“… People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are GIFTS from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT).

“…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man (woman) hath his (her) proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV).

“…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her) from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). SO “…What do you have (what blessings do you have) that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these GIFTS and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am (I have what I have)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians 9:16 KJV).

YOUR happiness is NOT God’s JOB. His blessings (bestowed happinesses) are FREE GIFTS that are given to his “covenant unity” people as a result of the faithful connection they, personally, share with HIM.“…To the saints (God’s people) …who are faithful “in” Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, WHO HAS BLESSED US with “EVERY” SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

Many who CLAIM to be one of his redeemed people will blame, resent, play the victim, and criticize God when HE doesn’t live up to their EVERY expectation or desire. “... God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). “…If the Lord will...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…It is the ... Holy Spirit who [willingly chooses to give his people]... all these gifts (blessings) and powers… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:6 NLT).

“…Since it is (these gifts (blessings) & powers) through God’s kindness (GRACE), then it is not by [your] good works (or because you earned them or are entitled to them, but) ...[they are]—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT).

Unfortunately, many people enter into the “covenant unity” relationship with God, like they do people, based on what God or they can DO for them or HOW God or they can meet one or more of their NEEDS. “... [Love]...is NOT self-seeking...” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV).

God enters into EVERY “covenant unity” relationship simply because HE has personally CHOOSEN that person to love (God has NO other MOTIVE). "…You did not choose… (God, the Holy Spirit]...” (John 15:16 ASV). God, the Holy Spirit, says, "… I chose you….” (John 15:16 ASV). “...The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples...” (Deuteronomy 7:6-7 NIV).

Because God’s MOTIVES are unselfish, he doesn’t look for the lost and spiritually dead soul to simply redeem them from ALL their personal unhappinesses, but to SAVE them from eternal condemnation. Happiness is a consequence of salvation. “...the Son of man (Jesus, God’s PLAN of SALVATION) is come to seek and to save that which was lost...” (Luke 19:10 KJV). ). “… [The] Good News about Christ (God’s PLAN of SALVATION). It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “....receive... the ...word (Jesus), which is able to save your souls...” (James 1:21 KJV).

“...God, your God, chose you out of all the people on Earth for himself as a cherished, personal treasure. God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important—the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise he made to your ancestors. God stepped in and mightily bought you back out of that world of slavery, freed you from the iron grip of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know this: God, your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon. He keeps his covenant of loyal love with those who love him and observe his commandments for a thousand generations...” (Deuteronomy 7:6-7 MSG).

“…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “For God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

“...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I...[have willingly]... lay down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, (LOVE SERVES) and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “… [Jesus]...my righteous servant (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore] ... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us...[BACK]... to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

“...He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “…There is … one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

The “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit can bring his people much happiness, but it is a byproduct of the UNION and NOT a requirement. “...[God empowers HIS people to become]... perfect and entire (become spiritually mature and whole), wanting nothing…” (James 1:2-6 KJV). “...A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul...” (Proverbs 13:19 NIV). However, “….human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). “…[Outside of God, the Holy Spirit, the soul is]… NEVER SATISFIED….” (HABAKKUK 2:5 NLT). “…O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you ... YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT).

Your “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit is more than getting ALL YOUR needs and human desires met so you can experience random moments of happiness, but God is an anchor for the soul that empowers permanent satisfaction. “...[God’s people learn]... the secret of being content (satisfied) in any and every situation …” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“…I have learned the secret …” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “…[They]... can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]...” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “...whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “...[HIS people become].... perfect and entire, wanting nothing…” (James 1:2-6 KJV). “….The Lord is [their] shepherd; [they]... shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

His people are CERTAIN God, “…will supply ALL [their] NEED…” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV). “...This hope (expectation) [they]... have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil...” (Hebrews 6:19 NASB).

“…O God ...YOU SATISFY ME more than the richest feast…” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

Nothing LASTS, not people, not situations or circumstances, not time, not human love, not human promises or vows, not even you as you age, but God, the Holy Spirit, NEVER changes. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

With ALL that fluctuates in our lives, upon earth, the soul will ONLY find rest in God alone. EVERYTHING else is temporary. God allows temporary RESOURCES into the lives of his people as long as them need them. .“......Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him …" (Psalm 37:1-11 KJV). “...The Lord is my portion (my everlasting resource),” says my soul...” (Lamentations 3:21-24 NASB).

God will “…never leave nor forsake you (his people)… …” (Hebrews 13:5). God’s “…..lovingkindness endureth for ever…” (Psalm 106:1, Psalm 100:5, 1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

“….neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV). It may not seem like it, but “….the…faithful love of the Lord, [for you], never ends...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “… he remains faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

“...Great is Your faithfulness...” (Lamentations 3:21-24 NASB). “...Therefore I have hope in Him...” (Lamentations 3:21-24 NASB). “…The …[indwelling] ...HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [EVERYTHING]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…YOU [God, the Holy Spirit]... SATISFY ME MORE THAN THE RICHEST FEAST …” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT). AND “...[Truly God, the] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of ALL that satisfies mankind’s soul]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“...How blessed (happy) is the man (woman) who has made the LORD his trust...” (Psalm 40:4 NASB). “…[God ALONE will]… satisfy …and refresh [his “covenant unity” people and everyone] …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB). “...Truly my soul finds rest in God (alone)...” (Psalm 62:1 NIV).

When Elijah no longer needed the brook; it dried up. It was only temporary. “…the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” So Elijah did as the Lord told him and …The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up…” (1 KINGS 17:1-7 NLT).

When the children of Israel no longer needed the manna; it stopped. It was only temporary (40 years). ”…Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat...Each family had just what it needed. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers.So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. ….” (Exodus 16 NLT).

When the burning bush, the speaking donkey, the crafty serpent, or Jahaziel served their purposes; they were done. Their assignments were only temporary. “…And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and …the bush was not consumed….” (Exodus 3:2 KJV).

“…Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and it said...” (Numbers 22:28 NIV).

“…Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman…” (Genesis 3:1 KJV).

“…, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel …He said, “Listen… all This is what the Lord says…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).

When temporary resources STOP supplying a need; it is normal to have a human reaction. A RESOURCE is always a GIFT from the SOURCE. It is hard to settle the heart enough to accept EVERYTHING is a GIFT that ultimately belongs to God. He gave it to you to steward, for a while, but sooner or later it returns to the owner. “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…. He (God) does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV).

When temporary RESOURCES are removed from our lives whether for a little while or permanently we grieve over the lost. But remember, “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB). “…. He (God) does as he pleases with… the PEOPLES (or resources) of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT).

“[God, the] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

I know from experience, letting go of something or someone is NOT easy. When one temporary RESOURCE stopped for me, God supplied another. For that I am forever GRATEFUL. When I was recovering from brain surgery one of my temporary RESOURCES stopped providing for me in ANY way.

I was caught by surprise. However, God always has a “ram in the bush” and uses, temporary resources, of HIS choosing, to supply your need. The previous temporary RESOURCE stopped their love, support, and care at a time I “thought” I needed them most.

They shut me out, cut me off, stop talking to me unless necessary, and acted as if they hadn’t been a vital part of my life for years and years and years.

On top of trying to recover from my illness; it made me feel sad, abandoned, forgotten, uncared for, without grace, and without mercy.

It also made me think about the times they had wronged me; over and over, but I was always led, by the Holy Spirit, to continue to show them grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, love, and faithfulness.

During my illness, I thought, it was my turn for that kind of reciprocal and sacrificial love, but it didn’t happen as I imagined or expected. Initially it seemed unfair, unjust, and it hurt terribly.

Of course, the famous question came up, in my heart, that we always ask when we just don’t understand something: WHY? I was called to be the mouthpiece for God’s heart and many of my experiences help me see things from God’s perspective.

I was truly upset because a temporary RESOURCE, whom I had every God-given right to expect committed love and support from, appeared to be dried up. “…the brook dried up….” (1 KINGS 17:1-7 NLT).

As I studied and spent times with God, the Holy Spirit, I was led to think about how many people did that (abandon and forgot) to God ALL the time after ALL he’d DONE for them. “…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “…Christ [first]…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). “…he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God, “…spared not his own Son, [from suffering,] but delivered him up for us all…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God’s demonstration of love through Christ was PRICELESS and sacrificial. It was costly for him to love mankind. “...Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

God’s people have OFTEN forgotten the one who sincerely loved and blessed them. “…But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…And because you have FORGOTten ME and turned your back on me, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: You must bear the consequences…” (Ezekiel 23:35 NLT).

“…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

God’s people have OFTEN abandoned the one who sincerely loved and blessed them “…But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT).

“….They ABANDONED the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods (IDOLS)…” (Judges 2:12 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (THEIR HUMAN DESIRES)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “….They ABANDONED the Lord and no longer served him at all…” (Judges 10:6 NLT).

“…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (HUMAN DESIRE)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…He ABANDONED Lord, the God of his ancestors, and he refused to follow the Lord’s ways…” (2 Kings 21:22 NLT).

“…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (HUMAN DESIRE) …” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT).“…He ABANDONED the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin…” (2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, was able to come to my rescue. He had also been forgotten and abandoned. He was in a “covenant unity” relationship with his people and had a right to their love and loyalty too. “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… [They]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT).

When you lose a temporary RESOURCE God understands exactly how you feel.

Though I loved God, in many areas of my life I had forgotten and abandoned him too. I was praying that my life turned out the WAY I wanted, imagined, and expected. I lost sight of the fact that I was an ambassador upon earth, a citizen of heaven, and was here on assignment.

“..We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors...” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...our citizenship is in heaven...” (Phillipians 3:20 NIV). “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV).

Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…In this world we (God’s people) are LIKE JESUS (toward their assignments)…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).

“...No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer...” (2 Timothy 2:4 NIV). “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

God’s people OFTEN get MORE concerned with their life upon earth whether than their ambassadorship. God spends his time rescuing his people over and over. “…. Again and again he rescued [his people], but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). When his people’s temporary resources RUN out they turn to God and CRY for his help. “...Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). IF God doesn’t rescue them when they want him to, even though he hadn’t heard from them until now, they complain. “….During that time all Israel mourned because it seemed the Lord had ABANDONED them….” (1 Samuel 7:2 NLT).

The truth is: “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… [HIS PEOPLE]… FORGOT all about [HIM],” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT).

When HIS people realized it was them that abandoned God; it humbles them “…They cried out to the Lord for help, saying, “…We have sinned against you because we have ABANDONED you as our God...” (Judges 10:10 NLT). “…Yet you have ABANDONED ME and served other gods…” (Judges 10:13 NLT).

“…The people of Judah had ABANDONED the Lord, the God of their ancestors…” (2 Chronicles 24:24 NLT).

God gets the blame for dried up temporary RESOURCES that belong to him anyway: “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and THEY that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble...” (Daniel 4 NIV).

When temporary RESOURCES dry up; think about the following scriptures: “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that ...thou ...may live...” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

“...For my people have done two evil things: They have ABANDONED ME— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!...” “… "Cursed are those ….who rely on human strength….” (JEREMIAH 17:5 NLT).

“…Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to ABANDON the Lord your God and not to fear him. I, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!...” (JEREMIAH 2:19 NLT).

“…Listen to the weeping of my people; it can be heard all across the land. “Has the Lord ABANDONED Jerusalem?” the people ask. “Is her King no longer there?” “Oh, why have they provoked my anger with their carved idols (HUMAN OBSESSIONS) and their worthless foreign gods (HUMAN LEADERS)?” says the Lord…” (JEREMIAH 8:19 NLT).

“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!...” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

It’s okay to be sad and have normal human reactions about temporary RESOURCES, however, remember, “…Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he doeshis… (temporary RESOURCES) father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple...” (Luke 14:26 NLT).

When Job’s temporary RESOURCES dried up, this is how he responded: “...Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

Fortunately, “…the LORD thy God is a merciful God…” (Deutoronomy 4:31 KJV). “… [HIS]...mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

Nonetheless, God’s mercy reaches out to his people who have willingly abandoned HIM whenever they cry out to him. “...When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. “But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt and... They will destroy them, trapping them in their own evil plans. For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you …My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy. For someday the people will follow me. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return …And I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). MERCY!!!

“And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For once again we have [willingly chosen to]... ABANDONED your commands...” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

“….They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them…” (Nehemiah 9:17 NLT).

“…But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!” (Nehemiah 9:31 NLT).

“…The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my (MERCIFUL) love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever….” (HOSEA 14:4 NLT). “...Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“God’s “…love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

Temporary RESOURCES are just that: temporary and whether they are used to provide something for you for a few minutes or for several years, they eventually STOP. God KNOWS what you NEED and how long you NEED it. “…your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things…” (Matthew 6 KJV)..

“…Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day.” That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. And Moses told them, “It is the food the Lord has given you to eat. ...Each family had just what it needed. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers.So the people of Israel ate manna for forty years until they arrived at the land where they would settle. ….” (Exodus 16 NLT).

“…Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and it said...” (Numbers 22:28 NIV).

“…Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman…” (Genesis 3:1 KJV).

“[God, the] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

They shut me out, cut me off, stop talking to me unless necessary, and acted as if they hadn’t been a vital part of my life for years and years and years.

On top of trying to recover from my illness; it made me feel sad, abandoned, forgotten, uncared for, without grace, and without mercy.

“…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).