GateWay City Church
5883 Eden Park Place
San Jose, CA 95138
P: 408.281.7900
F: 408.281.7912


 

Sunday
Worship - 10:00am
Sold Out Jr. High - 10:45am

Tuesday
GateWay Kicks - 6:00pm
IMPACT! - 6:30pm

Wednesday
Morning Prayer - 6:00am
J.O.Y. Groups - 7:00pm
Youth Ministries - 7:00pm

Thursday
Worship Practice - 7:00pm

Saturday
Morning Prayer - 6:00am

Pastor David Writing in Charisma Magazine

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Connecting to God’s Covering Systems

My wife and I recently took a drive in a nice convertible. The top was down, the sun was shining and we were heading for the coast. As we stopped to get a couple of coffees to go, rain clouds gathered and it started to sprinkle. We were disappointed, but not concerned for our comfort because the car had a built in system to move the top into place.

Spiritual covering works much the same way. Scripture reveals that while God’s protection is present and available in Christ, it is carried to us through the delivery systems He has set up. Here are two delivery systems we need to be aware of:

• Prayer is a Covering System. We’re encouraged to use constant intercession with the shield of faith to quench the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:16, 18). There is nothing like a prayer shield to provide covering over the life of a believer. All of us should continually pray for each other, our nation and its leaders. Prayer activates the heavenly host (Psalm 34:7), erects a hedge of protection around us (Job 1:5, 9-11) and seals the gaps through which the enemy tries to gain access to our lives (Ezekiel 22:30). With the covering system of prayer in place, we can move forward in our lives without being continually knocked back by the enemy.
   

• Divinely Appointed Relationships are a Covering System. Isaiah prophesied of our day: “The Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering…for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain.” (Isaiah 4:5-6). The covering over every home speaks of family relationships. The covering over every assembly speaks of the local church. Don’t miss this: God’s covering is released to us when we are rightly connected in our families and churches. Those relationships are the joints that supply us (Ephesians 4:16). Right relationships have always been key to our safety (1 Corinthians 11:11-12, Ephesians 5:21-16, Hebrews 10:24-25, 13:17).

Keep Covering in Balance

Still, whenever the word covering comes up, a lot of us want to run and hide under a pew. We’ve seen the tragic abuses of authority and control that can surface when we fail to view of all this correctly.

Let me offer some advice: Don’t allow anyone to control you or make you fearful by twisting Scriptures that relate to covering. Beware of top-heavy leadership structures that overemphasize tithing, authority and headship. Think twice when you hear legalistic messages about submission that rob you of your freedom in Christ. Be cautious when you see an overuse of titles and holy hierarchies that keep you dependent on spiritual “big shots.” Don’t play into the unhealthy control of those who desperately seek importance in your life. These imbalanced arrangements grieve the Holy Spirit and hurt people.

For sure, abuses of authority, legalism and ignorance have attached themselves to the subject of covering. But does that mean we should banish it as revelation altogether? The accountability and care I’ve enjoyed by being a part of a believing family, a praying local church and a dedicated network of friends and ministries has been an indispensable part of my growth and success. So in my view, it’s far better to stay covered and connected, if we can keep it balanced.

Allow the Lord to guide you into the blessing of divinely appointed relationships at home and in the local church. Whenever Satan seeks to divide, strive to stay united in love and order, knowing that Christ has shed His blood for us all. Position yourself to both offer and receive continual prayer. Let His precious blood anoint the doorposts of your life, and the crimson cords of His love protect you in the day of battle.

There really is a safe place for each of us in God. The threats out there are real, but we should never be afraid. When we’re positioned in Him, and connected to His provision, the canopy of His protection rises high and strong over us. The next time you’re caught in a storm, or you sense the attack of the enemy, settle it in your heart that things will be okay. Just stay in faith and remember: God’s got you covered.


Sidebar: FIVE SIGNS OF A SOLID SPIRITUAL COVERING

You need the added protection that a solid spiritual covering can bring to your life. Here are a few benchmarks to look for whenever you consider connecting with a local church, denomination, or ministerial fellowship:

1. The Character of Christ – Look for morality, integrity and the fruit of the Spirit in the life of any leader you connect with. While no one is perfect, the quality of a corporate covering is linked with solid character, not sensational charismas that can mask an unyielded and ungracious heart.

2. Pure Teaching – Connecting with those who peddle flaky doctrines, push spiritual fads or tout pet truths is always risky. Look for fellowship where the message is balanced and Scriptural. Be wary when you sense an overemphasis on giving money.

3. The Witness of the Body – Reputations are usually well earned. God’s people collectively possess the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), so when ministries are approved by the wider Body of Christ, it’s a safe bet you can consider connecting with confidence.

4. Maturity and a Good Track Record – Spiritual authority becomes more credible with time and experience. Value the tested maturity and proven longevity of a corporate covering above any self-certifying claims of special anointing or truth.

5. The Witness of the Spirit – Since God sets us into our place in the Body (1 Corinthians 12:8), we should seek the coverings He’s assigned to us by the Spirit. Let the anointing in you guide you in the discovery of true protection and fellowship.
 

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Cannistraci, David "God's Got You Covered" Charisma Magazine July 2005: 52.