God

Staying focused is one major problem that we face as we attend to our everyday activities. Moving from point “A” to point “B” in our life is no easy task. Some of us persevere and make it to point “B” while others fall by the way side due to many factors. Lack of focus, euphemistically called attention deficit disorder, is a major culprit. Cognizant of the fact that a momentary loss of attention may be fatal, it is for us to learn how to stay focused in this turbulent world. It was lack of focus that denied Peter the honor of being the only man, besides Jesus, who walked on water. Let us read that story to see how Peter nearly achieved this feat and how far he went.

Matthew 14:23-31 [And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?]

The first thing we have to remember is that Jesus was a carpenter while Peter was a fisherman. Peter in the worldly sense had spent more time in the seas than Jesus and knew the dynamics of the sea, including the principles of gravity. Notice from this story the initial fears of the disciples; they thought it was a spirit but Jesus assured them, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

Peter clearly saw Jesus walking on the water and wanted to do the same. Peter’s irresolute response, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water?”, is very instructive. Satan prefixed all the questions he used to tempt Jesus with “If”. In this case, it was Jesus all right. Where did Peter want to go? Read his request again, “Bid me come unto thee.” Peter wanted to go to Jesus on the water. Peter wanted to move from point “A”, the boat, to point “B”, Jesus on the water. Remember that “the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” Peter, the professional fisherman, knew this before he made his request.

“Come” was the only word Jesus used to make Peter to step out of the ship onto the waters of the sea. And the Bible says, “he (Peter) walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” Peter stepped out of the ship, walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Destination Jesus! But Peter never made it to Jesus. Not only was he doubtful in his heart as revealed by his irresolute statement, he was not focused. If Peter was focused, he would not have noticed the boisterous wind, after all, the wind was that way when he made his request. But because he was doubtful and lacked focus, he did not make it. If Peter was looking at only Jesus, the boisterous wind would not have made any difference and he would have made it to his destination. On the contrary, he was looking around and became so frightened that he started sinking. This prompted Jesus to stretch out his hands to save Peter from drowning.

We all have goals we want to achieve for us to be counted as happy and successful. But why is it that only a fraction of us are really happy and successful? Why is that we are so close to success, we fail? Why should having life abundantly be a mirage to us? The answer is lack of focus. Of course, some of us, like Peter, know were we are going while some don’t. Some of us also take stock and know how rough the road to success is before we embark on the journey. We live in this world and know how boisterous the wind can be. To succeed therefore we need to identify our destination and focus on is. We should not allow our eyes to stray and distract us from our set goal. Our destination should be definite; plan “B” is the sign of a doubtful and wavering mind, according to James 1:6 “he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Staying focused demands concentration, discipline and perseverance.

The boisterous wind could be anything; your family, your job, your wife, your husband, your Church etc. In fact, anything that militates against your progress and distracts you from being that man or woman God wants you to be is part of the boisterous wind. Any person that tells you that you cannot make it distracts and discourages you and makes you to loose focus is a boisterous wind. And when you start moving towards your goal, do not ever say, “I can believe this is me.” My dear, that is you and if you doubt your ability, nobody will believe in you. Do not let low self esteem deny you of the joy and abundant life God planned for you.

Your set purpose should be in focus at all times and your confidence should not fail you. Do not be afraid to make mistakes and never dwell on past mistakes, for no man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Paul says in his letter to the Philippians 3:13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” If at any stage of your endeavor you need help like Peter, do not fail to call on Jesus. Open your mouth and say “Lord Jesus save me”. He is always there to hold your hand and save you from drowning.

In summary, identify you goal, map out your plans with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and stick to it. Stay focused, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. As Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 13:11, “Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” Amen.

This is deep lawyer stuff. We start by reading John 8:31-33:

[31] Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples,

[32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

[33] They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, `You will be made free’?”

Today we are going to discuss what I personally consider the most important reason for being a Christian. Our topic is Covenants, Curses and Deliverance. We have in the past weeks addressed this issue in parts. Now, this is the heavy stuff.

Like the Jews told Jesus, many of us will say, “I never entered into any covenant” “I was never cursed” “I am not under any curse” “Deliver me from what?” Our discussion today is for those people who want to become Disciples of Christ indeed. It is for those who want to know the truth. It is for those who want to be set free. What we are going to discuss today will cover law, medicine and religion.

What are covenants? In simple English, covenants are terms of an agreement or contract between two or more parties to engage in or refrain from something. Like the covenant between David and Jonathan. Covenants may also be made between two nations. These are by Treaties or Executive agreements; like the Israelites under Joshua and the Gibeonites. The terms are legally binding and may be for a single transaction, for the lifetime of one or all the parties, or in perpetuity. When a covenant is expressly made to be perpetual, unborn children of the parties are bound by the terms, no matter how unfavorable.

For most of us, we entered into this world on certain terms agreed to by our fore bearers. Covenants explain why we inherit properties that we never know how they were purchased. Covenants also explain why some countries aid others in times of war or never fight with some other countries. You can even enter into a covenant with a part of your body but most importantly, covenants may be made between human beings and God; like Abraham and God. Let us study the law of contract using the Bible.

Turn with me to Genesis 21:22-32

Beloved, we are going to deal with the general principles, characteristics and nature of covenants. The particulars and details may differ from clan to clan, culture to culture, or religion to religion; but the general principles hold everywhere, both in the secular and spiritual world.

From verse 21 we see that every covenant starts with a premeditation or in the mental realm. Covenants are solemn and grave matters that should not be entered into lightly. Once sealed, covenants can be very costly and you cannot plead ignorance. We see that Abimelech had observed Abraham for years and had seen and heard of the glorious things God had done for him. It was after this much observation and consideration that Abimelech concluded that the best thing for him was to enter into a covenant with Abraham. Covenants start in the soul realm and by the free will of parties with capacity as can be seen in this example and also in the example of David and Jonathan. For us, before we enter into the covenant of marriage, our souls are agreed in love; nobody wakes up in the morning and decides to marry the first person he or she meets in the street.

Verse 22 says that Abimelech took Phicol to witness the covenant. There are usually witnesses to a covenant so that when a party defaults, these witnesses will testify to the terms of the covenant. Now, what most of us seem not to realize is that the spirit world is real. There are usually some invisible beings who witness every covenant. In the days of Malachi the prophet, a revelation came that God refused to hear their prayers because the men had dealt treacherously with their wives in their marriages which God himself witnessed. Every valid covenant therefore must be witnessed by either humans and/or spirits.

Verse 23a shows that Abimelech asked Abraham to swear by the Almighty God. Parties to a covenant must swear by a higher authority.

Hebrews 6:16 tell us that “Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation”. We are pointing out these because anyone the parties bring into a covenant becomes part of it and can influence their lives. Jurisdiction may also be conferred on the higher authority to arbitrate, adjudicate and levy punishment on matters relating thereto.

From Verse 23b we can see that every covenant has objectives which are clearly specified as the terms. These terms may be written or oral. These are what lawyers call the consideration for the contract. In this case, Abimelech sought for protection while Abraham wanted a return of his wells. We must study the terms of any contract before entering into it. Only a fool signs a document or says “Yes” to a proposal without studying the contents or what he or she is saying “Yes” to.

Verse 23b further tells us that a covenant may be personal or ancestral. Abimelech brought his sons and grandsons into the covenant. Abimelech’s grandsons may not know about this covenant but they are bound by the terms. Modern lawyers will say “it runs with the land.” The consequences will affect every generation. This is why in some families either the first born or the whole members in each generation go through peculiar problems.

Verse 24 shows us that Abraham accepted the offer made by Abimelech. Every covenant involves offer and acceptance. Acceptance may be express or implied. It may be by nod of the head, by saying yes or by appending your name to some writing thereby executing the terms. We should always be quick to hear and slow to speak; we can enter into a covenant with disastrous consequences to ourselves and generations to come by simply opening our mouths and saying something. The Jews in Matthew 27: 24-25 made this clearer in their confrontation with Pontius Pilate thus:

“So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”  And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

Verses 25 and 26 show us that a covenant may be integrated. Abraham used the opportunity of Abimelech’s proposal to put every other matter right. Today many marriages fail because the parties agreed to the marriage proposals without adequate consideration. Some even bring in terms of how properties will be shared when the marriage dissolves. Covenants are solemn and grave affairs and ought not be trivialized. Our ultimate destiny may depend on them.

Verse 27a says that Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech. These are the tokens of the covenant. If Abimelech refuses to accept them, the covenant will not be complete and operative. Tokens are very significant, like the one Jonathan gave to David, First Samuel 18:1-4:

“When he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his girdle.

Our engagement and wedding rings are not just mere metal or stone on our fingers. When we are engaged or married, a covenant exists and we do not just wake up one morning and walk away without some repercussions. What we are discussing may look and sound quite simple but they are weighty spiritually.

Verse 27b says “…and both of them made a covenant.” Another way of saying it is that both of them sealed the covenant. Covenants may be sealed or consummated by simple things like eating, drinking, shaking of hands or embracing. A marriage covenant is sealed by sexual intercourse. Very serious covenants are sealed by pouring of the blood of a living organism. Usually, an animal is slaughtered and the blood sprinkled. These are greatly strong covenants that we can only break with grave consequences to ourselves and/or our children. Unfortunately, God respects covenants, oaths and solemn pledges, no matter the parties involved and how unfair and onerous the burdens are on any party.

Let us discuss another inheritable problem “CURSES”. We alluded to this in the episode between the Jews and Pontius Pilate, how the Jews who were present brought a curse to themselves and their children. Curses are common features in our lives, probably because those who claim to be Christians never bordered to find out the potency of spoken words. When one is cursed, the effect may last from generation to generation. The Bible is filled with instances of curses being pronounced on an individual or group. Today we shall concern ourselves with the curse Elisha pronounced on his servant Gehazi.

Let us look at 2nd Kings 5: 20-27, especially verse 27:

[27] Therefore the leprosy of Na’aman shall cleave to you and to your descendants for ever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.

The Bible says that the Prophet of God pronounced the curse of leprosy not just on Gehazi, but on his descendants forever. If you believe the Bible that means that the any person who has the DNA of Gehazi will be leprous up to this day.

We are under one curse or the other, not because of what we did but because of our genealogy. We inherited all kinds of diseases, sicknesses and problems because of what our ancestors did. We are descendants of slave masters, slave dealers, or slaves. Could you imagine the curses that flew around as fellow humans were bought and sold? Could you imagine the curses that flew around in the plantations and homes of slave masters as fellow humans were subjected to most degrading and inhuman treatment?

Today, we all stand up and say, “We are the children of Uncle Sam. We are not under any curse. This is the land of the free” Others will say, “I am a descendant of Shaka Zulu. I am not under any curse.” Unfortunately, the Bible says that what you don’t know nor had no hand in can harm you. Our DNA is tainted. We therefore need deliverance.

Closely related to curses is the punishment section of the first commandment. Some of us will say. “Come on God. That is not fair” Unfortunately again, God is an absolute monarch not a democracy. If he says he will punish the descendants of those who hate him, he will surely do that. If he says he will show love to the descendants of those who love him, he will surely do that. Now, how do you know if your fore bearers loved or hated God. Do you now see why we need deliverance?.

That takes us back to were we started, “And they answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, `You will be made free’? Whose child are you? Do you know the covenants which your ancestors entered into that may be detrimental to your progress? Remember, Jesus told those Jews who believed in him that if they continue in his word, they will know the truth and the truth will set them free. The truth will set them free from all covenants entered into by their fathers. As we inherit properties, we inherit sicknesses also. As we reap benefits from our fore bearers, so do we also bear the burden.

Jesus came to give us life and set us free from all covenants. He is the new covenant and he paid with his blood. But we cannot be set free unless we acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior.

The Bible says in Romans 10:9 that “if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

We also have to further and confess the deeds of our fathers as the Israelites did in Nehemiah 9:2 “And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.”

Jesus died to set us free from all covenants known and unknown. The Bible says in Hebrew 7: 22

“This makes Jesus the surety of a better covenant.”

And further in Hebrews 9:15

“Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.”

Jesus died for us to set us free from all curses known and unknown. He came and poured out his own blood to give us a fresh DNA as we eat his flesh and drink his blood.

The Bible says in Galatians 3:13

[13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “Cursed be every one who hangs on a tree”

We are Christians because we want God to bless us for the sake of His Son who died for us and not condemn us for what some other persons did many generations ago. We are Christians because Christianity makes us children of God by adoption and Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. The truth is that the full price for whatever claims the devil has against us pursuant to any covenant or curse has been fully paid. We must come out and be separate from among “foreigners”. Our lives should bear witness that we are different.

And Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” May God bless us all and set us free as we continue in His word. Amen.

Screensaver, work at home, free games, Rihanna, Webkinz, Powerball, iPhone, Jonas brothers, twilight, Barack Obama, Taxes,   1. Kristin Scott Thomas,   2. Prince Harry,    3. Up Movie

4. Debt Counseling,    5. MTV Movie Awards,    6. Phil Spector,    7. California State Parks

8. Dry Aged Beef,    9. High Speed Internet…,   10. World No Tobacco Day

Matthew 3: 9 “And think not to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham to our father’: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham”, referring to the Abrahimic covenant in Genesis Chapters 12 & 15.What are covenants? In simple English, covenants are terms of an agreement or contract between two or more parties to engage in or refrain from something. Covenants are legally binding and may be for a single transaction, for the lifetime of one or all the parties, or in perpetuity. When a covenant is expressly made to be perpetual, unborn children of the parties are bound by the terms. Covenants explain why we inherit properties we never knew how they were purchased.

Covenant may be between a higher authority and a lower. Jesus, in the portion of St. Matthew’s Gospel cited above, was referring to the covenant God had with Abraham. God promised to bless Abraham and his generation forever. So, if you have Abraham as your father, you inherit that promise without raising a finger; it’s perpetual.

Covenant may be between two equals. Let us look at the covenant between David and Jonathan in 1st Samuel 18:1-4: “When he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his girdle.”

Covenants may also be between two nations by treaties or executive agreements, e.g. the Israelites under Joshua and the Gibeonites in Joshua 9:14-16 “And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation swore unto them. And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors and that they dwelt among them”.

Genesis 21:22-32 discusses the characteristics of covenants. We have fully discussed the Covenant between God and Abraham. See, “What Are You Willing To Give Up For All?” http://www.gods-ip-lawyer.com/?p=22. Though the particulars and details may differ from clan to clan, culture to culture, or religion to religion, the general principles hold everywhere, both in the secular and spiritual world. It is the same as the principles of contract under common law. So, professional lawyers and those with interest in legal principles have a lot to learn here.

From verse 21 we see that every covenant starts with a premeditation or in the mental realm. Covenants are solemn and grave matters that should not be entered into lightly. Once sealed, covenants can be very costly and inexcusable by ignorance. Covenants start in the soul realm and by the free will of parties with capacity as can be seen in this example and also in the example of David and Jonathan. For example, before we enter into the covenant of marriage, our souls agree in love; nobody wakes up in the morning and decides to marry the first person he or she meets in the street.

Verse 22 says that Abimelech took Phicol to witness the covenant. There are usually witnesses to a covenant. The witnesses will testify to the terms of the covenant when a dispute arises. What most of us seem not to realize is that the spirit world is real; visible things and invisible beings witness every covenant. Joshua and the stones, etc.

Verse 23a shows that Abimelech asked Abraham to swear by the Almighty God. Parties to a covenant must swear by a higher authority. Hebrews 6:16 tells us that “Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation”. We are pointing out these because anyone the parties bring into a covenant becomes part of and can influence their lives. Jurisdiction may also be conferred on the higher authority to arbitrate, adjudicate and punish.

Verse 23b explains that every covenant has an objective clearly specified in the terms. These terms may be written or oral. Lawyers call the objective the consideration for the contract. Abimelech sought for protection while Abraham wanted a return of his wells. We must study the terms of any contract before entering into it. Only a fool signs a document or says “Yes” to a proposal without studying the contents or what he or she is saying “Yes” to.

Verse 23b further tells us that a covenant may be personal or ancestral. Abimelech brought his sons and grandsons into the covenant. Abimelech’s grandsons may not know about this covenant but they are bound by the terms. Modern lawyers will say “it runs with the land.” The consequences will affect every generation.

Covenants are legally binding and may be for a single transaction, for the lifetime of one or all the parties, or in perpetuity. When a covenant is expressly made to be perpetual, unborn children of the parties are bound by the terms. Covenants explain why we inherit properties we never knew how they were purchased.

Verse 24 shows that Abraham accepted the offer made by Abimelech. Every covenant involves offer and express or implied acceptance. It may be by nod of the head, saying yes or appending your name to some writing. It is therefore important to make all necessary inquiry before we enter into any agreement to save us from agreeing to terms with disastrous consequences to ourselves or generations unborn.

Verses 25 and 26 show us that a covenant may be integrated. Abraham used the opportunity of Abimelech’s proposal to put every other matter right. Even marriages are negotiated by the parties and the terms agreed on after the marriage proposal, including how properties will be shared if the marriage dissolves.

Verse 27a says that Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech. These are the tokens of the covenant. If Abimelech refuses to accept them, the covenant will not be complete and operative. Tokens are very significant, like the one Jonathan gave to David. Our engagement and wedding rings are not just mere metal or stone on our fingers, they are weighty spiritually. Verse 27b says “and both of them made a covenant.” Another way of saying it is that both of them sealed the covenant. Covenants may be sealed or consummated by simple things like eating, drinking, shaking of hands or embracing. Very serious covenants are sealed by pouring of the blood of a living organism. These are greatly strong covenants that may be broken with grave consequences to us and/or our children.

God respects covenants irrespective of the parties or how unfair and onerous the burdens are on any party as 2nd Samuel 1:1-9 shows: (1) “Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites…(7) But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.” (8) But the king took [9] And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites and they fell all seven together.

 Back to my questions, “What did you inherit from your family? Do you think you can take the benefits without the burden?”

“Therefore the leprosy of Na’aman shall cleave to you and to your descendants for ever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow. (2nd Kings 5:27)

WHAT ARE CURSES?
Webster’s Dictionary describes a curse as a call upon divine or supernatural power to send injury upon another. A pastor friend of mine describes a curse as an invitation to supernatural forces to fight against an opponent, which comes to fruition when there is cause for it. Cause attracts curse.

Proverbs 26:2 supports my friend’s definition thus, “As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come”. The Good News Bible reads, curses cannot hurt you unless you deserve them. They are like birds that fly by and never settle.

WHO MAY PLACE A CAUSE ON ANOTHER?

1. Those in authority over us like pastors and parents can invoke curses. Pastors have spiritual authority - for example Elisha cursed Gehazi. Parents–Noah cursed Canaan in Genesis 9:25 because his father Ham mocked Noah when he got drunk and was naked. Curses from pastors and parents are potent. Ephesians 6:1-3 exhorts us thus, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise. That it may be well with thee, and thou may live long on the earth”.

2. Your husband or wife–1Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. In Genesis 31:31-32 Jacob cursed the wife without knowing and consequently in Genesis 35: 16-19 Rachael died during child birth.

3. Self imposed curses–Proverbs. 6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy month and Proverbs 18:21 confirms that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”.

4. Parent who rejects a child before birth places the curse of rejection on the child.

GENERATIONAL CURSES

Curses could be inherited from parents and fore parents. Children of Gehazi are cursed because the Bible says that Elisha pronounced the curse of leprosy not just on Gehazi, but on his descendants forever. If you believe the Bible, the effect of this curse is that any person who has the DNA of Gehazi will be leprous up to this day.
In Genesis 49:3-4 Jacob cursed Reuben because he defiled his bed. He said he would not excel. 1 Chronicles 5:1 which says, “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.” records this for all generations. So, there is no tribe of Reuben.

The Bible in Matthew 27: 24-25 makes this clearer in the confrontation between the Jews and Pontius Pilate, “So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”  And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Imagine the curse they brought on their children!
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHETHER YOU ARE UNDER A CURSE OR NOT?

1. Repeated cases of mental or emotional breakdown.
2. Repeated or chronic sicknesses especially if there is no clear medical diagnosis.
3. Repeated miscarriages or bareness in the family.
4. A pattern of late marriages in the family.
5. A pattern of divorces in the family.
6. A pattern of death at a particular age or of a particular unexplained cause in the family.

7. Re-occurring cases of suicides in the family.
8. Pattern of financial insufficiency, poverty and or material losses in the family.

This list is neither exhaustive nor conclusive but only a guide. It is for us to look into our family history and see if we fit into a pattern.

Curses are common features in our lives, probably because those who claim to be Christians never bordered to find out the potency of the spoken words. We should always be quick to hear and slow to speak to avoid disastrous consequences to ourselves and generations to come by simply opening our mouths and saying something. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”.

The punishment section of the first commandment, Exodus 20:5-6 brings a curse on a family for the sins of their ancestors. Unfortunately, God is an absolute monarch not a democracy. If he says he will punish the descendants of those who hate him, he will surely do that. If he says he will show love to the descendants of those who love him, he will surely do that. From the covenant between David and Jonathan, we learn how a covenant may be the source of life, and another a source of death. Now, how would you know if our ancestors loved or hated God?

We come under one curse or the other, not because of what we did but because of our genealogy. We inherit all kinds of diseases, sicknesses and problems because of what our ancestors did. We are descendants of either slave masters, slave dealers, or slaves. Could you imagine the curses that flew around as fellow humans were bought and sold? Or in the plantations and homes of slave masters as fellow humans were subjected to the most degrading and inhuman treatment? We are under one curse or another because our DNA is tainted by our genealogy; the Bible says that what you don’t know nor had no hand in can harm you. We therefore need deliverance.

Next post we shall discuss how genuine Christians are saved from ancestral covenants and curses.

Keywords: Jacob and Esau, President Barrack Obama, Nanacy Pelosi, CIA, FBI, Healthcare, job loss, unemployment, Gitmo, water boarding, Torture, BMW, Cars, torture, Republican Party, Democratic Party, Swine Flu, Cancer, Elizabeth Mitchell, Miss California, Real Housewives, BioShock 2, Printable coupons, Katy Perry, Lincoln Pennies, Green Day, Schwarzenegger, military tribunals, GM, Chrysler, dealership, Honda, Toyota.

PLEASE REMIND YOURSELVES OF THIS VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE.  IT IS FOR THE GOOD OF ALL OF US. 
 
 
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.  This defect has been technically termed, “Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality”, or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed. Some other symptoms include: a. Loss of direction
 
b. Foul vocal emissions
 
c. Amnesia of origin
 
d. Lack of peace and joy
 
e. Selfish, or violent behavior
 
f. Depression or confusion in the mental componentg. Fearfulness
 
h. Idolatry
 
i. Rebellion The Manufacturer, Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect.  The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.  There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.  Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, JESUS, into the heart component.  No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, JESUS will replace it with:
 
 
a. Loveb. Joy
 
c. Peace
 
d. Patience
 
e. Kindness
 
f. Goodness
 
g. Faithfulness
 
h. Gentleness
 
i. Self-control 
 Please note that units, which have been physically modified by fellow humans, are not exempt from this recall.  All physically modified units shall receive the same replacement listed above, no questions asked.   As an added upgrade, the MANUFACTURER has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from a resident Maintenance Technician, the HOLY GHOST.  Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up permanent residence on the premises! 
Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE (Believers-Instructions-Before-Leaving-Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids the Manufacturer’s warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.  For free emergency service, call on JESUS.  

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.  The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter HEAVEN so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention.  Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice!!!Anonymous