John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (KJV)

Psalms 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV)

Are you in covenant with the Lord?

There are some prerequisites to answered prayer. You have heard the phrase, name it and claim it. Well, unfortunately, it does not work exactly like that. And yes, God loves you.

1 John 3:1a See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

Yes, He wants what’s best for you.

Romans 8:27-28 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Amplified Bible AMP)

Yes, no good thing will He withhold from you.

2 Peter 1:3-4 Everything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness. 4 As a result of this, he has given you magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises we can experience partnership with the divine nature, by which you have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world. (The Passion Translation TPT)

You are constantly told about God’s part of the covenant. What about your part? What does it mean to abide in the Lord? The word abide means you will wait patiently for Him to respond; you will remain in place and not seek an answer elsewhere; you will endure whatever situation praising and not complaining; you will dwell and live in the secret place of the most high. This is your part of the covenant, you will:

• Wait patiently, no matter what, in order to maintain your place with God (see April 18 devotional).
• Continue to and consistently tithe, because you are being obedient to God’s command, not for a blessing.
• Pray without ceasing even though you haven’t gotten the answer you were looking for.

Now, when you understand your part and uphold your part, you will find your protection and shelter from all danger and hardship in God. As you think about this covenant, the only thing you can do is Give Him praise because He is Jehovah (the God of covenant) and Elohim Machase Lanu [el- ō-hēm ma-chās la-nū] (God Our Refuge).

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, when I got saved, I did not understand the covenant part of salvation very well. I asked my Daddy questions, on many occasions, as I was trying to understand all aspects of salvation and discipleship. What I understood, for a long time, was all I had to do was get saved and everything would be okay. Ultimately, that statement was and is true; everything will be okay. However, in the time between the day I got saved, and the day I will come to heaven to be with You; I need a refuge, a guide, a judge, a confidante, and, most importantly, a Lord. There will be choices I can and will make that can move me from under Your shelter. Salvation is free, everything else will cost me. The cost is my life. The enemy does not want me to be with You. I need You to help me stand, no matter what darts the devil throws at me. Please help me make sure I don’t gamble away my peace. Help me remember You are my safe place, my shelter from the pursuit of the enemy, my guide through danger and trouble when I make choices that satisfy whatever my fleshly need is at the moment. Help me keep my part of the covenant. Help me abide…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.