HIS DEWLLING PLACE

Showing posts with label #covenant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #covenant. Show all posts

Saturday, August 16, 2025

My People Shall Never Be Ashamed

The promise of God in Joel 2:26 is one of the most profound assurances of His covenant faithfulness: “And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed” (Joel 2:26). This statement is more than a promise of material provision; it is a declaration of divine security, spiritual honor, and eternal assurance for those who belong to God. To be “ashamed” in Scripture means to be confounded, put to dishonor, or found without refuge when trial or judgment comes. God pledges that those who are His will never be abandoned, dishonored, or left without a defense. Let us carefully explore the spiritual principles that uphold this promise.

1. Looking Unto God in Prayer – No Shame (Psalm 34:5; 1 Kings 18:22–40)

“They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed” (Psalm 34:5). Shame flees when the believer’s eyes are lifted heavenward. Elijah, in the contest at Mount Carmel, looked to heaven and prayed, and fire fell (1 Kings 18:36–38). The prophets of Baal were left disgraced, but Elijah was honored before all. When we lift our faces to God in trust, He vindicates His people.
To pray is to transfer confidence from self to God. Those who trust in their own strength shall be brought low (Jeremiah 17:5), but those who look to God shall shine with heavenly light and never be ashamed.

2. Waiting Upon God in Faith – No Shame (Isaiah 49:23; Luke 2:25; Isaiah 40:31)

“…for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me” (Isaiah 49:23).
Simeon, in Luke 2:25–32, patiently waited for the Consolation of Israel. He did not die until he beheld Christ, the Savior. Waiting upon God is not wasted time—it is strengthening time. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Those who run ahead of God often stumble in confusion, but those who wait shall be vindicated. Waiting produces patience (James 1:3–4), and patience preserves the soul from shame.

3. Walking in God’s Commandments – No Shame (Psalm 119:6, 98–100)

“Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6). True honor is tied to obedience. To respect God’s commandments is to order one’s steps by His Word (Psalm 119:133). The obedient believer gains wisdom greater than enemies, teachers, and elders (Psalm 119:98–100).
Shame comes to those who despise God’s Word (Jeremiah 6:10–15), but those who tremble at His Word (Isaiah 66:2) find lasting honor.
4. A Heart Sound in God’s Statutes – No Shame (Psalm 119:80; Isaiah 38:1–5; Song of Solomon 4:7)

“Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed” (Psalm 119:80).
Soundness of heart: purity, sincerity, and wholeness before God, guards against shame. King Hezekiah, though stricken with disease, prayed with a perfect heart, and God extended his life (Isaiah 38:1–5).
The Bride of Christ is called “all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee” (Song of Solomon 4:7). When the church walks in holiness, she has nothing to fear at the appearing of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

5. Believing in Christ – No Shame (Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11)

“…whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 9:33; cf. Isaiah 28:16). Faith in Christ is the foundation of boldness. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). Believers who trust in Christ’s death and resurrection stand secure, for “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Unbelief leads to confusion, but faith in Christ ensures that the believer is never confounded in time or eternity.

6. Suffering for the Gospel – No Shame (2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 1:16)

Paul boldly declared: “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed…” (2 Timothy 1:12). Shame often comes when affliction is interpreted as defeat. But in Christ, suffering becomes honor. Paul endured imprisonments and persecutions, yet declared: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16). The believer’s confidence lies in knowing that God keeps what is committed to Him until the day of Christ.

7. Abiding in Christ – No Shame (1 John 2:28; John 15:1–5)

“…abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).
Abiding is the secret of fruitfulness. A branch separated from the vine withers, but the abiding believer bears much fruit (John 15:5). To remain in Christ is to remain safe, fruitful, and confident, awaiting His return without shame.
Those who live carelessly may be ashamed at His appearing (Matthew 25:1–12), but those who remain steadfast in Him will rejoice.

8. God’s Restoration – No Shame (Joel 2:25–26; Psalm 125:1–2)

Joel ties the promise of “no shame” with divine restoration: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…” (Joel 2:25).
The shame of barrenness, loss, or judgment is replaced with the joy of abundance. Just as God reversed Israel’s devastation by the locusts (Exodus 10:5), He restores wasted years in the lives of His people.
Thus, His people “shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever” (Psalm 125:1).

Conclusion: The Eternal Security of God’s People

God’s declaration in Joel 2:26 is not empty poetry but eternal truth. His people, who:
• Look to Him in prayer,
• Wait upon Him in faith,
• Walk in His commandments,
• Keep a sound heart,
• Believe in Christ,
• Suffer for the Gospel without fear,
• Abide in Christ,
• And trust in His restoring power—
shall never be ashamed. Shame belongs to the ungodly who reject Him (Daniel 12:2), but the righteous shall shine with everlasting honor. Therefore let us hold fast to this promise with boldness: “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even forever” (Psalm 125:1–2). Amen! Hallelujah!! !!!
His people shall never be ashamed. Hallelujah! Amen.

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Sunday, March 10, 2024


THE HEALING COVENANT OF GOD

The healing covenant of God, as depicted in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, emphasizes God's promise to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to His people. Throughout the scriptures, there are numerous instances where God reveals Himself as the Divine Healer, demonstrating His power to restore and renew.

According to Exodus 15:26, the healing covenant of God is a promise made by God to the Israelites. In this verse, God declares that if the people diligently listen to His voice, obey His commandments, and do what is right in His sight, He will not bring upon them the diseases that He brought upon the Egyptians. God presents Himself as the Lord who heals, emphasizing His ability and willingness to bring healing and health to His people.

In the Old Testament:

1. Exodus 15:26 - In this passage, God reveals Himself as " the LORD that health thee" (KJV) to the Israelites. He promises to protect them from the diseases that afflicted the Egyptians if they obey His commands.

2. Psalm 103:2-3 - King David praises God for forgiving sins and healing diseases, emphasizing God's role as a compassionate healer.

3. Isaiah 53:4-5 - This prophetic passage speaks of the coming Messiah who would bear our sins and carry our sorrows, ultimately bringing healing through His sacrificial death.

In the New Testament:

1. Matthew 8:16-17 - This passage describes Jesus healing many who were sick and demon-possessed, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53 and demonstrating God's healing power through Him.

2. James 5:14-15 - The book of James encourages believers to pray for one another's healing, emphasizing the importance of faith and prayer in receiving God's healing touch.

3. 1 Peter 2:24 - Peter references Isaiah 53, stating that by Jesus' wounds, we are healed, emphasizing the redemptive aspect of Christ's sacrifice and its power to bring healing to our lives.

On the other hand, 3 John 2 presents a broader perspective on the healing covenant of God. This verse states, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Here, the apostle John is writing to Gaius, expressing his desire for Gaius to experience overall well-being and good health. The verse is telling us that God's healing covenant encompasses not only physical healing but also prosperity in all aspects of life today.

Description of healing for soul, spirit, and body with scriptural illustrations: Healing for the soul, spirit, and body is a holistic process that encompasses the restoration of our entire being. It involves addressing the wounds, hurts, and brokenness that we may experience in these different aspects of our existence. Scriptural illustrations provide us with guidance and assurance of God's desire to bring healing and wholeness to every part of our being.

1. Healing for the Soul: The soul represents our mind, emotions, and will. It is the seat of our thoughts, feelings, and decision-making. Psalm 23:3 says, "He restoreth my soul." This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate healer of our souls. Through His love, grace, and mercy, He can heal the wounds of our past, bring peace to our troubled minds, and restore our emotional well-being. Jeremiah 30:17 also assures us that God will heal our soul and restore us to health.

2. Healing for the Spirit: The spirit represents our innermost being, our connection with God, and our spiritual life. Isaiah 61:1 says, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound" This verse illustrates God's desire to heal our spirits, to set us free from spiritual bondage, and to bring light into the darkness of our lives. Through His Holy Spirit, God can restore our spiritual vitality, renew our relationship with Him, and bring us into a place of spiritual wholeness.

3. Healing for the Body: The body represents our physical well-being. In Exodus 15:26, God declares, "I am the Lord, who healeth thee." This verse emphasizes God's role as the ultimate healer of our bodies. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous accounts of Jesus healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and making the lame walk. These miracles serve as a reminder that God has the power to heal our physical ailments and restore our bodies to health. James 5:14-15 also encourages us to call upon the elders of the church to pray over us and anoint us with oil for healing.

Therefore, healing for the soul, spirit, and body is a multifaceted process that requires us to surrender ourselves to God's loving care. Through His Word, we find assurance that God desires to bring healing and restoration to every aspect of our being. By seeking His presence, relying on His promises, and trusting in His power, we can experience the transformative healing that only He can provide.

Overall, the healing covenant of God, as described in Exodus 15:26 and 3 John 2, is a promise of health, well-being, and prosperity that God extends to His people. It is contingent upon their obedience, faithfulness, and alignment with His will. This healing covenant of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, showcasing His compassion, mercy, and desire to restore wholeness to His people. It encompasses physical healing, emotional restoration, and spiritual renewal, ultimately pointing to the ultimate healing found in Jesus Christ. He said, "and whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." Ask in faith today and it shall be given unto you!

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My People Shall Never Be Ashamed The promise of God in Joel 2:26 is one of the most profound assurances of...