Author: tomahawk

Part 3: Examining Our Priorities and Guarding Our Hearts

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Now that we understand the importance of being in covenant with God and loving Him with our whole heart, we must take the next important step: regularly examining our hearts and guarding our lives from distractions that can draw us away from Him. The Bible teaches that we are to be vigilant in guarding our hearts and ensuring that nothing takes the place of God in our lives. This requires an ongoing process of self-examination, purification, and realignment with God’s will.

In Exodus 12:15, God commands the Israelites to remove leaven from their homes during the Passover. This act was a symbolic gesture of purifying their homes from corruption. Leaven represented sin, and removing it was an act of consecration to God. In the same way, we are called to regularly examine our lives and remove anything that has taken God’s place. This could be a sin we’ve allowed to fester, an unhealthy habit, or even a good thing that has become an idol in our hearts.

In today’s world, distractions are abundant. It’s easy to become sidetracked by the demands of work, relationships, and the pursuit of personal goals. These things are not inherently bad, but when they begin to take priority over our relationship with God, they can become idols. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” Our hearts can easily be divided, but when our love for God becomes secondary to other pursuits, we lose the peace and fulfillment He offers.

To guard our hearts, we need to regularly perform “spiritual checkups.” Just as we schedule annual physicals to assess our physical health, we should also set aside time for spiritual reflection. Are there areas in our lives where we have allowed distractions to take root? Are there idols we’ve allowed to subtly take God’s place? These are difficult questions, but they are necessary for maintaining a pure heart that is fully devoted to God.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Our relationship with God is rooted in faith, and faith requires that we constantly seek Him above all else. When we place our trust in Him and guard our hearts from distractions, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of His love and the blessings of living in covenant with Him.

Reflective Questions:

  1. What “other gods” might be competing for your heart? How can you begin to remove them from your life?
  2. How often do you take time for a “spiritual checkup” to ensure your priorities are aligned with God’s will? What does that look like for you?
  3. When you face distractions or temptations, what practical steps can you take to refocus your heart on God and keep Him as your first priority?

Part 2: Loving God with Our Whole Heart

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Now that we’ve established the importance of God’s covenant with us, the next crucial step is understanding how we are called to respond: by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This command, found in Deuteronomy 6:5, is the heart of the covenant and the foundation for our relationship with God. It’s not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate that encompasses every aspect of our lives. Loving God fully means putting Him at the center of our hearts, minds, and actions, recognizing that nothing should take precedence over Him.

Loving God with all our heart means giving Him the deepest part of ourselves, our emotions, desires, and affections. It’s an invitation to cultivate an intimate relationship with God where our hearts are fully devoted to Him. Loving God with all our soul speaks to our inner being—our will, purpose, and identity. It’s about surrendering our will to God’s and choosing to live according to His desires rather than our own. Loving God with all our mind means allowing Him to shape the way we think and perceive the world, bringing our thoughts into alignment with His truth. Finally, loving God with all our strength means committing our energy, time, and resources to serving Him and fulfilling His purpose in the world.

The challenge for many of us is that we live in a world that constantly competes for our attention. Work, relationships, entertainment, and personal desires often pull us away from God’s will. It’s easy to become distracted by the things of this world, seeking fulfillment in material possessions, success, or status. However, 1 John 2:15-17 warns us about the dangers of loving the world more than God. The apostle John writes, “Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love these things, you show that you do not really love God.” Worldly pursuits may promise happiness, but they cannot provide the lasting fulfillment that only God can offer.

Loving God fully requires intentionality. It’s not about perfection, but about direction. It’s about making a conscious decision every day to prioritize God over everything else. This can be challenging, especially when life’s distractions and pressures seem overwhelming. But the more we intentionally place God at the center of our lives, the more we experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from living in a relationship with Him.

True love for God transforms how we live. It shapes our decisions, our priorities, and our actions. It allows us to experience a life filled with purpose, meaning, and contentment that transcends worldly desires. When we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we align our lives with His will, and in doing so, we experience His presence and blessings in ways that far exceed anything this world can offer.

Reflective Questions:

  1. How do you practically love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Are there areas of your life where this is difficult?
  2. What distractions or “other gods” are competing for your love and attention? How can you shift your focus back to God?
  3. When you face decisions, big or small, do you seek God first, or do other desires take precedence?

Part 1: Understanding God’s Covenant with Us

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A covenant is more than just an agreement—it’s a promise, a solemn bond that forms the foundation of a relationship. In the Bible, a covenant signifies a deep, intimate relationship based on trust and mutual commitment. Unlike a contract, which typically arises from a need to protect one party’s interests, a covenant is built on a shared commitment and faithfulness between the parties involved. Throughout Scripture, God establishes covenants with His people, revealing His unwavering love, faithfulness, and desire for an intimate relationship with us.

One of the most profound covenants in the Bible is the one God made with Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3, God promises Abraham that his descendants will become a great nation, inherit the land of Israel, and be a blessing to all nations. This covenant is foundational to understanding God’s relationship with His people. God not only promises blessings but also establishes a responsibility for His people to walk in faith and obedience. This covenant is reaffirmed in Genesis 15:1-21, where God formalizes His promise to Abraham with a sacrificial act, demonstrating His faithfulness.

The significance of this covenant isn’t just in the promises made, but in the deep trust it required. Abraham had to trust God’s word even when the fulfillment of those promises seemed impossible. For us, this covenant serves as a reminder that God’s promises are faithful, even when we don’t immediately see the results. It calls us to trust in God’s timing and His ability to bring about His will in our lives.

In the New Testament, we see the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus Christ. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the promises God made to Abraham and all of humanity. The new covenant is based on grace, not on the adherence to laws or rituals, as seen in the old covenant. Jeremiah 31:31-34 prophesied this new covenant, which would be written not on stone tablets but on human hearts. This promise is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who offers forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe (Mark 14:22-25, John 3:5-8).

This new covenant invites us into a personal relationship with God, based on His grace rather than our ability to keep the law perfectly. Through Jesus, we are given the opportunity to experience a life that is not bound by the law’s demands but is shaped by the love, grace, and power of the Holy Spirit. The covenant calls us to live in relationship with God, responding to His love with trust, faith, and obedience.

As believers today, we are called to embrace this covenant relationship with God. Just as Abraham trusted God’s promises, we are invited to trust in God’s faithfulness and respond with obedience. This relationship is not a one-time agreement; it’s a continual, living commitment to walk with God, trusting Him in all areas of our lives. By understanding the significance of God’s covenant with us, we are reminded of His faithfulness and the deep love He has for us.

Reflective Questions:

  1. How do you view the covenant between God and His people? How does this understanding shape your relationship with Him?
  2. What does it mean to live in covenant with God today? How can you deepen your trust in His promises?
  3. Are there areas of your life where you have not fully surrendered to God’s will? What can you do to align more closely with His covenant?

Step Out of the Boat

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If someone would ask you the following question, how would you describe your life, what answer would you give? Would you describe yourself as a risk taker, conservative and always playing it safe, maybe one who takes a little risk but it’s still a sure outcome, or impulsive? There are many possibilities, but there is one thing for certain, you get to choose your response.

You may have heard of the expression, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”. Well, how you respond to the changes presented to you either opens up new and exciting open doors or closed doors. You have to trust and be willing to look beyond your current life’s circumstances.

Abram was faced with such a challenge. Abram was a man like many of us—living his life, living in his community, growing with his relatives, worshipping the familiar gods of those around him. However, Abram’s life changed one day when God called him to be different. He was called to take a bold step. He was called to step away from all that was comfortable to his way of life. His family and relatives questioned his sanity. He had to turn from worshipping the gods of his culture to worshipping the one true God. Abraham left his community for what God was leading him to and daily developed faith and trust in God to walk out this new calling placed on his life.

Abram had to trust God for many years before he saw the results of his faith and trust in God. His joy came to him because God was faithful. God’s mercy and promises are for all those who place their lives in His hands. Read Genesis 12:1-9.

Peter was challenged, like Abram, in much the same way. After the Bible’s account of Jesus feeding 5,000 men, this number does not include women and children, it records Jesus walking on the water, possibly, the Sea of Galilee. He has the following encounter with his disciples, specifically with his disciple Peter.

Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. [23] And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. [24] But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. [25] Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. [27] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” [28] And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” [29] So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” [31] And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” [32] And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. [33] Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

It took a lot of guts for Peter to get out of the boat, even if he sank when he took his eyes and focus off Jesus. At lease he got out of the boat. He trusted the Lord Jesus to make that huge step of faith that would change his life forever. Peter’s life would never be the same again, just because he “stepped out of the boat”.

Like both Peter and Abram, you will have times in your life where you are challenged to make a change in your life. Will you respond with objections like I am too old. Abram was 75 years old when he said yes to God’s call. Will you say it’s impossible for me to do such a thing, Peter just focused on Jesus and he was standing on the water. Have you stood on water lately?

In both accounts, Peter and Abram’s lives were changed forever. Besides becoming a great nation, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, signifying and marking his encounter with God. Peter became a pillar within the church, the Body of Christ, that helped spread the message of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the known world at that time in history.

When we are asked by God to “Get out of our boat to encounter Him”, trust Him, believe he has your best interest and will take care of you. Don’t make excuses that steal your blessing and life change. “Step out of the boat!”

Blessings,

Return weekly to read our next life changing message that will encourage you in your daily walk with the Holy Spirit as you become more like Jesus.

Bread of Life

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John 6:48 TPT says, “I am the true Bread of Life.”

On July 19, 2018 while attending the 2018 EBV (Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans) during my sleep, while dreaming three numbers came to me. It was short, just 648. I wasn’t sure what it meant. I was currently reading the Gospel according to John. The next chapter to be read was chapter 6, then I looked at verse 48. I was amazed, and what an amazing Heavenly Father we have. Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking to this son. I am grateful to Lord Jesus that you are the Bread of Life.

Jesus is the one who sustains our daily life. Bread, taking in nutritional food, is essential to our existence. Likewise, having a relationship with Jesus is essential to your spiritual life. Without physical food you will die, and without spiritual nutrition you will die spiritually. A part of your daily walk with Jesus is listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit of God, even while you dream at night sleeping. If you ask God to speak to you in your dreams, He will do just that. Keep a notepad handy to record what He says to you! Blessings!

Praise the amazing Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Enjoy your day and rest in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Return weekly to read our next life changing message that will encourage you in your daily walk with the Holy Spirit as you become more like Jesus.

Decisions We Make

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Psalms 119:65-66 TPT (The Passion Translation) says: “Your extravagant kindness to me makes me want to follow your words even more! Teach me how to make good decisions, and give me revelation-light, for I believe in your commands.”

Each day we face decisions that could bring blessings or disaster to our lives.

When a person starts making a series of bad decisions that puts them in a cycle of one disappointment after another, they become discouraged and become defeated. They are like the hamster on a wheel that goes around and around, and they can’t or don’t know how to get off of the wheel. It only takes one decision. The decision to take your hands off of your circumstances and let God have control of your situation.

Now you put yourself on a new cycle. A cycle of blessing. A cycle of good decisions, encouragement and opportunity. God’s desire is for us to completely trust and rest in Him. He doesn’t want you to be striving after anything. Give your day to Him, and let Him unfold life. Blessings!

Return weekly to read our next life changing message that will encourage you in your daily walk with the Holy Spirit as you become more like Jesus.

Planning With God

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It’s natural for you to plan for your future. Some say it’s being responsible and a sign of maturity. For this warrior moment, consider what the Word of God says, Proverbs 16:9. says, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 19:21 reads, “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord ’s counsel — that will stand.” Then, Psalms 37:23-24 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Proverbs 20:24 says, “A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?” Finally, Jeremiah 10:23 reads “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”

If you become an active participant, walking with God for your life, you receive more peace for your life. Surrendering to God’s plan and purpose designed for you is most fulfilling. Each person living, was born to have a relationship with God. Your best life is daily lived out with God. There is no one like you, and that is because you are unique and intentionally a one of a kind individual.

I want to encourage you today to think on how you may plan, and have great expectations for your day, but the Lord has a vote. He is trustworthy and leads us where we ought to go. Hand in hand. Walk in His strength, and step aside from your own. Have confidence. Rest for this is the day the Lord has made. Blessings!

Return weekly to read our next life changing message that will encourage you in your daily walk with the Holy Spirit as you become more like Jesus.

Daily Attitude

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How do you approach your day? What is your attitude? Do you include God’s Holy Spirit’s interactions or do you push Him away and say, “I’ve got this”. This is a very dangerous position or attitude. It’s prideful, and you’re just full of yourself. What does God’s Word say about such an attitude? Proverbs 11:2 NKJV says: “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” Shame is defined as personal disgrace and dishonor. To be humble is to be unassuming. Wisdom follows such a person. Then Proverbs 16:18 NKJV says: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Destruction here implies that one is crushed and ruined. One’s dreams are broken. Proverbs 18:12 NKJV says: “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.” Finally, Proverbs 29:23 NKJV says: “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Reflect for a moment. Heed the warnings, or reap the benefit of following scriptures direction. God doesn’t force your hand or demand from you, you get to choose whom you will serve, yourself or yield to God. It is the wise man that seeks after God with his whole heart. Ask yourself, am I full of the Holy Spirit of God, or am I full of myself. Be honest, it’s the only way you will grow as a follower of Jesus Christ. Blessings,

Return weekly to read our next life changing message that will encourage you in your daily walk with the Holy Spirit as you become more like Jesus.

Mercy

Posted on | by tomahawk | 1 Comment on Mercy

Hello and welcome to Covenant Hearts Ministries (CHM). The vision for CHM began when I designed a custom necklace for my oldest daughter for her sixteenth birthday. The necklace was to remind her of promises that she had made to both her parents and her Savior. That original necklace eventually developed into the current CHM jewelry line. We decided to share the design with other families so they could offer the necklace and rings to their daughters, to remind them of their own promises made. Soon accompanying covenants and pledge cards were inspired, explaining the symbolism in the necklace and rings to mark that important decision. These supporting reminders helped with accountability and responsibility concerning decisions, providing tangible, visible reminders of life-changing moments.

While I was deployed to Iraq with the Army, I realized that men had similar needs although satisfied differently, and inspiration came for the design and symbolism currently found in the men’s Warrior Ring. The intent was to incorporate foundational truths that every Christian man needed to be reminded of on a daily basis. The men’s ring is designed with quality and stunning craftsmanship, displaying the covenant relationship with God.

It took nearly six years to complete the first Warrior Ring. The process from conception to the final ring involved multiple individuals. Some shared the vision but lacked the skill to work on the development of the ring. Others had the skill but lacked the support structure. But the Lord opened the doors and led the project to the right people, who shared vision, passion for excellence, and an eye for quality and detail. The ring had to be not only of the highest detail and quality but also affordable and meaningful since it reminded the wearer of a significant encounter with God.

While I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, as the Warrior Ring was being refined and finalized, I wrote the men’s Warrior Covenant, focusing on four areas of a man’s relationships: with God, family, others, and self. When the covenant was complete, I still felt that someday an in-depth study would accompany it, tying together the multiple significant details of the Warrior Covenant and the Warrior Ring. This study became “Making a Spiritual Warrior: Confront the Enemy and Live in Victory as a Man after God’s Heart.”

During my deployment to Kosovo, I was inspired to write the book The Making of a Spiritual Warrior. I grew up with and still have dyslexia, so writing was not my strongest skill. In spite of my inspiration, it took two years to complete the book. Throughout the work, my desire was to challenge and encourage men to recalibrate their walk with the Lord or lay the foundation for such a walk. Men are by design called by God to lead, so Covenant Hearts Ministries wants to come along side each and every man to strengthen and support their journey. It’s only by and through the grace and mercy of God that we are able to navigate the many daily obstacles we face. The Making of a Spiritual Warrior Bible study and its designated parts outline a process that will shape, mold, forge, and transform a man’s daily life with God. Every man’s life consists of a journey that will present many crossroads, options, and choices. These intersections in life can be challenging. Let this study be a starting point in your life, from which you will make wise decisions to impact your life in a positive way.

The Mercy Print was inspired while I was in the midst of my daily devotions. I realized that Jesus’s mercy was freely offered to every single individual. He was reaching out to us with the offer of mercy, but we had to reach back to receive it. We so often are trapped into believing that somehow we have to earn that mercy, but I grasped the fact that He wants to extend His hand to us so that our burdens will be lighter and not overwhelming.

CHM’s vision is to work in partnership with the Christian community, encouraging committed relationships with Jesus Christ and providing quality resources for families, student groups, congregations, schools, and other Christian organizations. Our emphasis is on the Word of God as the basis for moral and ethical truth, as well as on Christian character and keeping Christ first, the result being a life of promise and blessing.

This blog posting will be one of many. It is our desire to make weekly posts that will reflect God’s mercy, encouragement, empowerment, and truth from the Word of God, thus strengthening our daily lives. Check back weekly to stay current.

Through Christ,
Evan