Return to Covenant Favor

The Independence Day holiday was (and is) a "big" thing where I grew up in southern New Jersey.  Gatherings included not just our family but loads of friends, and no one worried about crowd control or social distancing. In fact, the opposite was true, the more the merrier.

This summer holiday had all the bells and whistles – literally.  It included the five “F’s” - family, friends, food, and fun, but it was the evening main event everyone looked forward to all day long … fireworks!

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From the Ground Up

Everyone kept a close eye on the clock as the sun started to set. By 8:30 p.m. each family packed in their vehicles and headed to a local fireworks event somewhere so we could be in position at 9 o'clock p.m. to see the first set of "crackers" being lit.

No matter which direction you chose to travel, there was never a shortage of places to go see the fabulous aerial explosions for entertaining the masses.  There was a reason we had found such favor!

Since 1890, the Santore family owned the Garden State Fireworks Company in NJ.  It is the largest manufacturer of these dynamic creations in the country!  

Anyone who witnessed an event put on by the Grand World Champion Master "Fireworker" show stoppers, under no circumstances ever left disappointed!  

The only real issue was getting a position by a waterfront for the best view of the ground displays.  Stretching out large blankets, one-by-one we prepared for the spectacular to see what was prepared for all those who chose to attend.

In the black of night, the atmosphere changed with the illuminations. From the ground and up to the skies, the light had overcome darkness with the concluding grand finale exhibition.

As the smokey haze dropped down on the crowd like a heavenly covering after the grand finale, peace and joy were in the hearts of the attentive audience.  Voicing our amazement of what we had just witnessed, the testimony of America in the displays, colors and designs made us proud to be living in a land where freedom and the blessings of God’s favor once reigned.

The Solid Foundation

This weekend Americans will be celebrating July 4th in remembrance of how and why we became a nation.  Sadly, our solid foundation is cracking and the core of our belief in God is crumbling.

As a teacher who lectured in Civics and American History, it grieves me that most citizens have forgotten or were never taught about the beginning of this country and why it was established in the first place.  From the way things look at this date, one would never know that Christ was a name above all names spoken here.

It was in 1607 when the Jamestown Settlers of Virginia erected a large cross, dedicating this nation to the Lord when they first set foot on this soil.  In prayer they vowed to God to remain in covenant, teaching all generations the reason behind their sacred commitment. 

Their covenant was fashioned after the details likely scripted by the pen of the prophet Ezra.  In the Old Testament of the Bible in the books of Chronicles (somewhere between 400-250 BC), he tells how the Israelites made a promise to God.  They based their covenant on the favor promises made to their forefathers dating back to the Abrahamic Covenant; the people of Israel still seek the same God Jehovah and His favor.

“They entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul.” (2 Chronicles 15:12 NKJV)

Although the books of the Bible are not listed in chronological order, scholars believe Chronicles is probably the last book written in the Old Testament, as it lists accounts of leaders who followed after and led their nation back to God, as well as those who turned away.  There is good reason for this opinion.

It is well documented in scripture and secular writings that when a nation turns from the Lord, His hand of favor is removed.  The blessings stop and the curses are allowed to overtake the country until it is no longer in existence.   

If America remains on the path of unrighteousness, the favor she received from the beginning covenant agreement from the original settlers will no longer be enjoyed by her citizens.  America … we are in jeopardy of receiving God’s judgement, because we have wavered from the original solid foundation covenant agreement, which we stood on and believed!

The American Dream … Is It Lost?

In the beginning formation of America our forefathers wrote down their foundational values, beliefs and reasons for forming this country, the Word of God was always the base.  It was the “seed” growth of the American Christian Republic that would produce the fruit of the American Dream.

See details here.

The Christians colonized the states, wrote the laws according to the Bible, chartered education and served in leadership in every area of life.  This held true for 128 documents comprising the covenants, compacts, charters and constitutions written for the colonization of America including this statement in 1621, that their primary endeavor was:

“.. in advancement and of the honor and service of the Almighty God and the enlargement of His Kingdom.”

Other excerpts from a few covenant agreements with God …

The Mayflower Compact 1620 - “In the name of God.  Amen. We whose names are under written having undertaken for the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith and the Honor of our King … do solemnly swear to covenant …"

The Salem Covenant 1629 – “We Covenant with the Lord and one another, and do bind ourselves in the presence of God, to walk in all His ways, according as He is pleased to reveal Himself to us in His Blessed Word of truth.”

The Massachusetts Bay Agreement 1629 – “Every one of us freely and sincerely promise to bind in the word of a Christian and in the presence of God who is the searcher of all hearts, to do His work with God’s assistance." (translated)

The Watertown Covenant 1630 – “… undertake for the promoting of His glory … forsake all evil ways, wholly give ourselves unto the Lord Jesus, to do Him faithful service, observing and keeping all His statutes, commands and ordinances in all manner concerning our reformation.”

I could go on and on detailing the statements among the colonists and the newly formed governing officials.  That isn't really necessary though, is it?  We get the picture.

The list of covenant contract agreements between each state and the Almighty God are written and documented as the seeds that built America to what it is today, bearing the fruit of liberty, justice, prosperity, and morality having received covenant favor for obedience.  Christian values based on the truth of God for family, education and government are what made America successful, not the power of mankind.  This is how a completely free nation is built, and how it remains free to live the great dream.

Go Back to the Beginning

There was a time when the Supreme Court affirmed that the land called the “United States of America” is and was a Christian nation, undivided in truth under God as the only Lord and ruler over her.  This value no longer stands as the core of the country and why biblical Covenant Favor is slipping away rapidly.

Scriptures make it clear that in order for a nation to be blessed by God, they must follow and obey Him, placing Him only as Lord over the nation in all their decision making.  It is the covenant we agreed upon and the one He is obligated to honor.

“Blessed (favored, abundantly blessed) is the nation whose God is the LORD.” (Psalm 33:12 KJV)

Citizens of America, we must repent of our sins returning to the beginning foundation which stood on the Solid Rock – Jesus Christ,  seeking Him with all our heart and soul as a nation.  Without this we will not be blessed, restored to God’s favor or even survive!

The covenant to bless, protect and preserve a people has been broken by the actions of the nation as a whole, leaving the Lord reason(s) to withdraw His promises.  America’s citizens have sinned against our covenant Partner and have not been wise in decision making in choosing to follow after other idols and gods.  We have chosen to obey man and his laws rather than God’s. (from Matthew 7:24-27; Acts 5:29b)

Our salvation will come only from the Lord through prayer and obedience, as the psalmist declared in Psalm 106 when He exposed the sin nature of man and magnified the grace of God to forgive.

“Remember me (our nation), O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your (covenant) people.  Oh, visit me (us) with Your salvation.

That I (we) may see the (salvation) benefit of Your chosen ones, that I (we may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation.  That I (we may glory with (the people of) Your inheritance.

Many times, He delivered them but they rebelled in their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.” (vs. 4-5)

Nevertheless, He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry (in repenting); and for their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the multitude of His mercies (unmerited favor). (vs. 44-45)

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to Your Holy name, to triumph in Your praise.  Blessed be the LORD God of Israel (God of our forefathers) from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, Amen!” (from Psalm 106:4,5,44,45,47,48 NKJV emphasis for clarity)

What Happened to the Covenant?

There is no secret that at times contracts, compacts and even a covenant may need a tweak or some revision depending on whether or not conditions change.  Here is the thing … what happened?

The stipulations in the original contract listed in the actual covenant document bearing the conditions of the agreement have not changed, and neither did God.  Remember what He said in Malachi 3:6?

"I Am the LORD, I change not."

So, the question remains, what happened and may I add, why isn’t America receiving unmerited favor from God as it had in the past?  If the conditions didn’t change and Hebrews 13:8 is right in that God remains the same yesterday (from the beginning of earthly time including when He agreed to the contract), today and tomorrow, then what happened to the “praise God from Whom all blessings flow” promise?

We, the people, changed.  Therefore, the covenant bond was broken and the benefits are no longer valid within the constitutional rights of the agreement made by the individuals involved.  It’s the law, not ours, but God’s and we agreed to abide by it faithfully. 

Now we know what happened.  Ooops!  Our bad …

Renewing of A Covenant

If America or any nation for that matter, is to have hope in remaining free or gaining freedom, we must take heed to the lessons from scriptures concerning the promises of God and stop persisting in breaking them!

Jesus made it clear on what to do in this situation.  There is only one solution - repent and return to God for the forgiveness of sins.  We must renew the original covenant in advancing the Christian faith by honoring and serving God to enlarge His Kingdom, making disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19)

Return to Covenant Favor

Over the years my classroom has changed in where I give instruction, and what the government allows in the curriculum has definitely changed.  Yet this saying holds true - history is always happening. 

History breeds and creates more history - it doesn’t change the past.

Right now, I’d like to be focusing on the excitement of the upcoming holiday weekend.  Besides seeing fantastic fireworks, this time of year is special to my family involving a different kind of covenant.

However, global events along with this nation’s historical uprisings, want to overshadow the celebration. This cannot happen; there’s too much at risk. It causes me to pause and take a stand to fight for my covenant partner relationship with Jesus.

Although food, family, friends, fun and fireworks are things that make for great holidays in America, there are two more things I respectfully revere that changes all the above favorites.  Freedom and God’s unmerited, yet ever abundant, favor!

Last week we discussed that covenant and fellowship with God go hand-in-hand when it comes to His favor.  We learned how the favor of God was on the prophet Jeremiah because he obeyed the voice of the Lord in delivering a really bad message to a disobedient nation. 

They were about to make “history” out of Jeremiah when God’s favor on his life changed everything!  There were two messages: Refuse to turn back to God and be destroyed or return to Him and walk in His favor.  What do you think happened?  (Read here.)

There’s a mere spark and glimmer of hope remaining for this here country. It’s not enough to set the skies ablaze – but there’s still time if we act now in seeking the Lord. 

“I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me.” (Proverbs 8:17 NKJV)

“For whoever finds Me finds life and receives (obtains) favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:35 NLT)

He’s waiting for us ... you, me ... all of us,  to seek and find Him.  This means Jesus is a covenant, promise keeper that longs to renew or begin a relationship with us through salvation.  Now that’s good news!

There’s no better time than right now to make things right with God.  Let us also pray with all our heart and soul, 

"Remember our nation, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your (covenant) people. Oh, visit us with Your salvation."

United through Christ we will surely see victory as a nation, but if we remain divided by refusing to obey and seek the Lord with all our heart, then the America we know and love will indeed fall.

Each of us has a choice to make. Choose Christ so that He will walk in covenant favor, truly blessing the nation whose God is the Lord.

Covenant Keeper by Glowreeyah Braimah

Until next time, return to covenant favor! 

“I will bless a nation with favor who covenants with Me.”

- Jesus Christ

P.S. - Happy Independence Day America.  May freedom continue to ring, now and always!

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.

What's New This Week: Click on the link below.

Pray for America: 40 Inspiring Stories and Prayers for Our Nation

by Dr. Robert Jeffress

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Scripture reference taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.   

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives.

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Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Favor, Bible Study, Teaching Series, Prayer, Covenant, Blessings, Obedience, Sin, Repent, America, Holiday, Fireworks, Nation, Promises of God, Return to Covenant Favor, July 4^th.