Hi Brian!

THAT was a fantastic game on Sunday! I apologize for the lateness of this post. I had to replace my router and it took most of the day yesterday, then I had to get ready for the New Year's Eve party last night! Your word for t his week is "meditate". We'll be looking at three different words, two in the Old Testament and one in the New. Here are the verses:


Josh 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. AMP

Ps 119:15 I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways [the paths of life marked out by Your law]AMP

1 Tim 4:15 Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them [as your ministry], so that your progress may be evident to everybody. AMP

In Joshua it is the Hebrew word "hagah". Strong's Concordance says: to murmur, to ponder. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to moan, to growl to utter, to mutter, to meditate, to devise, to plot, to speak. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: sounds made while one is musing. This gives the idea of speaking to yourself or others while you think about His Word and what it means to you in your own life. 

In Psalm 119 it is the Hebrew word "siyach". Strong's concordance says: to ponder, i.e. converse (with oneself and hence, aloud) or utter. Brown-Driver-Briggs Lexicon adds: to put forth, to meditate, to muse, to commune, to speak, to sing, to put forth thoughts. The silly picture we've been given of meditation is of someone sitting there with their eyes closed and mind empty going "hummmmmmmm"! It really involves active thought and both of these verses imply obedience or action! 

In 1 Timothy it is the Greek word "meletao". Strong's Concordance says: to take care of, to revolve in the mind. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to care for, to attend to something carefully, to practice. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to care for, denotes: a) to attend to, practice, be diligent in. b)to ponder, imagine. This one is referring to the things mentioned in verses 13-14:

13 Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift which is in you, [that special inward endowment] which was directly imparted to you [by the Holy Spirit] by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you [at your ordination]. AMP

I believe that the Lord is speaking to each of us and telling us that 2013 is the perfect time to spend even just a little more time in His Word so that we can continue to think, speak and act like Him and have His results in every area of life! We continue to pray for you and your family to be blessed beyond measure and to continually know Him more! We love you and appreciate you! Happy and very Blessed new Year! Here is a song to help meditate on the great love that He has for us,   Hillsong's Love So High":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "merry"! Proverbs 15:13 says this:

13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. KJV

Proverbs 17:22 says this:

22 A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "sameach". Strong's Concordance says: blithe (Dictionary: happy, carefree, lighthearted), or gleeful. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: joyful, glad, showing joy. The Theological Workbook - Old Testament says: being glad or joyful with the whole disposition. Wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" is much more than just a saying! You are blessing them with cheerfulness, joyfulness and great health! What a wonderful thing we've been saying without even realizing it! Keep sowing those great seeds into the lives of others and you and your family will reap a tremendous harvest of joy and health! Have a VERY Merry Christmas and a most-blessed 2013! Here is another Merry Christmas song from Hillsong's new album. It's a fun new take on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "still". Many different Hebrew words are translated still in the Old Testament, but we will only be looking at one and it is found in Psalm 46:10:

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "raphah". Strong's Concordance says: a primitive root; to slacken. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to sink, to relax, to let drop, to refrain, to let alone. Last week we saw that we are supposed to shout to the Lord! In order to be in a position to be able to shout, we must first learn to "let go, and let God"! The Amplified Bible says this:

10 Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! AMP

One of the most difficult things for a professional person to do is to let go! You and Kristine are so good at what you do because you have discipline, diligence, motivation, intelligence, organization and many other strong skills, some natural and some learned, but all developed to a high level. The key to letting go with God is to have a proper understanding of what your responsibility is and what only God can do! The Word of God, with the Holy Spirit teaching us, reveals those things to us! When we are able to let God do His part, the shouting is easy! Have a wonderful week! Here is my favorite new Christmas song, from Hillsong Live, called "We Have A Savior":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "shout". We'll be looking at these verses:


Ps 5:11 But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. AMP

Ps 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you who are upright and in right standing with Him]; shout for joy, all you upright in heart! AMP

Ps 35:27 Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. AMP

This is the Hebrew word "ranan". Strong's Concordance says: to emit a stridulous sound; to shout usually for joy. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to be overcome, to cry out, to give a ringing cry. 

Another Hebrew word translated "shout" is found in Psalm 47:1:

Ps 47:1 O CLAP your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy! AMP

This is the Hebrew word "ruwa`". Strong's Concordance says: to split the ears (with sound). Whichever Hebrew word we use, it will still be LOUD! God is not timid and we shouldn't be either! Here is Hillsong Kids with "Shout Your Fame":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "abide". We have used this word before, but it was translated from a different Greek word than the one we'll be looking at here. This "abide" is found in only one place in the New Testament. John 14:16-17:

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but ye know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. KJV

This is the Greek word "eimi". Strong's Concordance says: I exist (used only when emphatic). This is the same root word that was used in John 18:5 when Jesus said "I am he". It is also equivalent to the Hebrew word translated "I AM" in Exodus 3:14:

14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. KJV

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, IS God, just as the God the Father and God the Son are. Together they make up the Godhead, or the Trinity, as some say. It is comforting to know that He will never leave us, but remain with us and in us, as the first "abide" we looked at. It just becomes far more powerful when we meditate on just WHO it IS that is in us! He IS the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible, in the person of the Holy Spirit! God Himself, in all His glory, with all of His power and all of His Wisdom, lives on the inside of us! We truly are, as born again believers, the Temple of God! I have not met a single believer that is walking in the fullness of what this means, but many of us are getting closer every day! My prayer for you and your family is that He will continue to show Himself real and powerful to you as He confirms His Word in your lives! Here is Hillsong Live with "Endless Light":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "rise". We'll look at these verses:


John 5:8 Jesus said unto him, Rise, take up your bed, and walk. KJV

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. KJV

"Rise" is the Greek word "egeiro". Strong's Concordance says: to waken, rouse (literally from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins). The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Kittel's) adds: to stir oneself. 

When Jesus healed someone, they had a part to play. We call that a "corresponding action". In John, the corresponding action for the man with the infirmity was to rise and take his bed out of there! In Acts, the corresponding action for the lame man was to rise up and walk! When we pray or speak the Word of God over any and every area of our lives, we must also have a "corresponding action"!  We must stir ourselves up to do something we couldn't do before! For finances it may mean sowing an uncommon seed. For healing it may mean pushing our bodies to do something we weren't able to do before. In every area we should "stir ourselves" up to pick up and keep moving forward into God's plan for our lives! If you continue to rise in every area of your life in the same strong and consistent way you have been "rising" at Target, you will be successful at everything you set your hands to do and your family will become the most blessed family I know! Here is Hillsong with "Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise)":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "glory". We'll look at two verses in the Old Testament and three in the New Testament.


Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. KJV


Psalm 29:2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "kabowd". Strong's Concordance says: weight, splendor, copiousness. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: glory, honor, abundance, riches, splendor, dignity, reputation, reverence. The New Testament Greek word is similar! 

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. KJV

John 17:22 And the glory which thou gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: KJV

Col 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: KJV

This is the Greek word "doxa". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: opinion, estimate, splendor, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace, majesty (that which belongs to God). Because we have received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, He now lives IN us, by His Spirit! That means that all that "glory" lives in us, too! That's how God sees us ALL THE TIME! We may not always see ourselves that way, but it is true! 1 John 4:17 tells us this:

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world. KJV

When we dare to see ourselves the way that God sees us, NOTHING will seem impossible to accomplish! I LOVE the Word! I'm so glad that you do, too! Here is Hillsong with "His Glory Appears":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

What a great game you saw! GO VIKINGS! The word for this week is "purpose". We find it in these Scriptures:


Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. KJV

Eph 1:11 In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being pre-destinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. KJV

Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. KJV

2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, KJV

This is the Greek word "prothesis". Strong's Concordance says: a setting forth; proposal (intention). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the setting forth of a thing, placing it in view. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: to set before; to display, or make known publicly. God has had a plan and "purpose" for our lives from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). He desires that we stand in faith on the promises of His Word so that He can confirm that Word with signs following (Mark 16:17 and 20). THIS is the display of HIS power and glory, the setting forth of Who HE is, so that the lost will be drawn to Him through us! You AND your family have an eternal purpose in the eyes of God to be blessed in order to BE a Blessing! You are ALL a blessing to us! We can't wait to see "Fancy Lady" and find out her NEW name! Praying for you all! Here is Hillsong Live with "You". Lyrics follow!

Verse 1:
Invading all my weakness
You wrapped me up in grace
The worst of me succeeded by the best of You

Verse 2
My heart is overtaken
My soul is overwhelmed
The worst of me succeeded by the best of You

Verse 3
My dreams have found their purpose
My future in Your hands
This life would have no meaning if it weren't for You

(PreChorus
So I lay me down
For Kingdom come
Steal all that is within me
Cause all I want in this world is more of You
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsty.com/hillsong-you-lyrics.html ]
Chorus
And the less of me it is You
Increasing as I fade away
Your light for all the world to see
God It is You who breaks the chains
It is You who lights the way
And everything I am cries out for You

Verse 4
Lord make my life transparent
Your life in mine displayed
And let every earthly glory
Go back to You

(PreChorus
So I lay me down
For Kingdom come
Steal all that is within me
Cause all I want in this world Is more of You

Chorus
And the less of me it is You
Increasing as I fade away
Your light for all the world to see
God It is You who breaks the chains
It is You who lights the way
And everything I am cries out for You

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "benefits". Psalm 103:2 says this:

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: KJV

This is the Hebrew word "gemuwl". Strong's Concordance says: treatment, an act of good, service. Brown-Driver-Briggs Greek Lexicon says: dealing, recompense. The Theological Workbook adds: reward. When I worked as a Pharmacy Technician at the Marshfield Clinic Pharmacy, I had a tremendous Benefits Package! I had a great hourly wage, sick days (I prefer "well days"!), great insurances and 4 weeks of vacation! I am very confident that your Target package is much greater! As good as those were/are, they do not even begin to compare with God's benefits! Psalm 103:2-5 from the Amplified Bible:

2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits —  3 Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; 5 Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!  [Isa 40:31.] AMP

Gods plans and promises cover every area of our lives with ONLY good things! Remember that Jesus said this in John 10:10:

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). AMP

The more we meditate in the Word of God, the more we will understand and realize the scope of all of His wonderful "benefits" to and for us! Some of your benefits that are obvious to others include a great marriage, a wonderful family, happy and healthy children, a great job, a beautiful home and great friends (including your band!). The benefits that aren't so easily seen include health, favor, peace of mind, wisdom and understanding of the Word, authority over works and workers of darkness, and faith! You are THE most blessed person I know! :) Here is Hillsong with an older song we used before called "Blessed"!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "receive". Here are some of the Scriptures that contain this word:


Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. KJV

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. KJV

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. KJV

John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. KJV

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. KJV

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. KJV

This is the Greek word "lambano". Strong's Concordance says: to take in. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to take with the hand; to lay hold of; to take in order to carry away; to take what is one's own; to make one's own; to claim , procure; to seize, lay hold of, apprehend; to take possession of. The Theological Dictionary says: to grasp; to seize. As born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth, God has ALREADY blessed us with so much! Look at 2 Peter 1:3-4:


2 Peter 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. KJV


God has already GIVEN, now we must learn how to "receive"! We must find the Scriptures that cover the promises for what we need from God and  then we have to take them from the spiritual realm and bring them into the natural realm by faith! Remember that faith comes by hearing and hearing (and hearing....) the Word of God (Romans 10:17)! That means hearing it taught, hearing ourselves say it, speaking it to others, thinking about it until it becomes real on the inside! That's the faith that will "take" or "receive" it! This is a life-style, not a once in awhile thing! We will continue to grow in these things right up until the time that we go to be with the Lord! When we make this a consistent life-style, we won't even realize how strong our faith has become until we are actually faced with something and we find ourselves reacting with a calm and quiet confidence! I LOVE those times! Here is an old song from Hillsong that we have used before called "Faith":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "free". We see this word used in John 8:32 and 36. We'll start with verse 31:

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. KJV

The "make you free" in verses 32 and 36 is the Greek verb "eleutheroo". Strong's Concordance says: to liberate; to exempt from liability. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to make free; to set at liberty. In verse 36 the word "free" is the Greek adjective "eleutheros". Strong's Concordance says: unrestrained; not a slave. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: freeborn; unrestrained; not bound by obligation. The Theological Dictionary of the New testament says: to be at one's own disposal. Here are these same verses from the Amplified Bible:

31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. 36 So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free. AMP

Most of the words translated free in the New Testament are one of these two words. Jesus set us free from sin when He gave His life on the cross. We received that freedom when we confessed Him as Lord. Continuing in His Word, by reading, studying and meditating on it on a daily basis, makes us His disciples and puts us in the position to operate successfully in this life and in this world. We are "free", as believers, to make our own choices. When our choices line up with the Word of God, we will receive the results, here in this life, that the Word of God promises! When our choices go against the Word of God, we will have to be satisfied, here in this life, with the result of those choices! None of these choices we make, after we have received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, will affect our eternal salvation! God has put us in complete control of our lives on earth and given us the guidance of His Word and the Holy Spirit to make the right choices that result in blessing! We are truly free! Thank You, Jesus! Here is an older song from Hillsong Kids called "Free":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is the title of the new series we're looking forward to at The Spoken Word Church! It is "revival". The word itself is not found in the Bible in any of the usual translations that I've used. The dictionary definition (from various online sources) says: the condition of being revived; a restoration to use, activity, vigor, vitality; to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle into a flame the vital spark which was nearly extinguished. The dictionary definition for "revived" says: to restore to consciousness; to restore from a depressed, inactive our unused state. Many people think of revival as a time when many people receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Revival is actually the Church waking up to the things of God, developing a hunger for the Word of God, and returning to their first love! Revelation 2:4 in the Wuest Expanded New Testament says this:

4 But I have [this] against you. Your love [for me], that earliest love, you abandoned.  Wuest

When born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth return to their first love, the result is a passion for reaching the lost! We know that God desires that NONE be lost (2 Peter 3:9). We delight Him by sharing the Gospel so that others may hear and be saved. So, people being born again is not revival, but the results of revival! We will be learning in this new series what God does, what we must do and what to expect to see happening because WE are revived! As we stir ourselves up to receive this teaching, we will see results we haven't seen in awhile! I'm ready and I believe that you are, too! Here is a song by Robin Mark called "Revival". As you listen, remember that when WE stir ourselves up to BE revived, He rises up big within us and flows through us to others! When the song says "send revival", it really means "send ME"!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "root". Mark 4:16-17 says this:

16 And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy; 17 And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. AMP

"Root" here is the Greek word "rhiza". Vine's Expository Dictionary says: is used of cause, origin, source. The reason that these people fall away is because they do not have the root (origin, source) of the Word within them. They do not have the Holy Spirit of God living in them. They are not believers. 1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us this:

14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. AMP

You DO have the Spirit of God living in you, so you CAN receive, know and understand the Word of God! That is why studying the Word is so exciting, because it has meaning to you! The more you prepare your heart to receive from the Word (I like to pray Psalm 25:5 before I study), the more understanding you will have. As you act on the Word, the understanding of that Word will take root in you and you will be able to continue to build on that, layer upon layer, growing more every day! I LOVE how that works! 

A look at the negative aspect of "root" is found in 1 Tim 6:10:

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. KJV

If we are going to believe the Word of God, then we have to realize that the root cause behind every thought or act of evil is the love of money! This is the Greek word "philarguria" which Strong's Concordance says means: avarice. The Dictionary definition of avarice is:  excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain. This is not necessarily money, but anything someone desires that they feel they don't have. It is like a hunger that is never satisfied and a thirst that is never quenched. This drives people to do things that most other people would never think of doing. Having this understanding of human nature may help you in every area of life! I believe that God is going to use you to minister to some people that many of us will never come in contact with! You will do great! You ARE a mighty man of God! Here to encourage you in that is Hillsong with "Stand In Awe":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

It was so good to see you and your family this weekend! The word for this week is "seek". The verses we'll be looking at are: Matthew 6:33; Luke 11:9; and Colossians 3:1:


Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  NKJV

Luke 11:9 So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  NKJV

Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God  NKJV

This is the Greek word "zeteo". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to seek in order to find; to seek by thinking, meditating, reasoning; to inquire into; to aim at; to strive after. There is an intensity involved with seeking! It is much more than just looking for, but involves a determined desire for whatever it is we are "seeking"! The Amplified Bible is good here!


Matt 6:33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. AMP

Luke 11:9 So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you.AMP

Col 3:1 IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. AMP

Hebrews 11:6 is also very good:


Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. NKJV

This is the Greek word "ekzeteo". Strong's Concordance says: to search out, i.e. to investigate, crave, demand. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to scrutinize and to require. The Amplified Bible:

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]. AMP

I have made it a fun goal to continually learn something new about HIM! It makes the Bible Plan more interesting and it also helps to talk about the Word with someone else. It is SUCH a blessing to know that you and Kristine are involved in a great church that teaches the Word! THAT makes "seeking" Him so much easier! Here is Kari Jobe with "The More I Seek You":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian! 

The word for this week is "trust". The first Scriptures we'll look at are these:

Ps 18:2 The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. AMP

Ps 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him. AMP

Ps 91:4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. AMP

This is the Hebrew word "chacah". Strong's Concordance says: to flee for protection, to confide in. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to seek refuge, to flee for protection. With all that is happening in he world today, it is so encouraging to know that we can have absolute trust in the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible to protect us from all the works of the enemy. This happens WHEN we put our complete trust in Him! These Scriptures reveal another Hebrew word translated "trust":


Ps 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. AMP

Ps 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. AMP

Ps 56:11 In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? AMP

This is the Hebrew word "batach". Strong's Concordance says: to hasten for refuge [but not so precipitately (at break neck speed) as "chacah"]; to trust, to be confident, to be sure. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to trust, to have confidence in , to be bold, to be secure. It doesn't make any difference how big the problem we face, when we have this kind of trust in Him, then we will operate with a supernatural calmness that will baffle the people around us who don't know Him or His Word! That provides many opportunities to answer why! One of the clues that you and Kristine already operate in a high degree of trust in Him is the boldness and confidence that you have instilled in Avery! Children SO pick up on the moods and emotions of their parents! With your continual growth in the Word of God, "Fancy" should be even more confident and unafraid! We can't wait to meet her! Here is a fun and faith-filled song from Hillsong's new Cornerstone album called "Praise Him":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "grow". We will be looking at these three verses:


Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: KJV

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: KJV

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. KJV

"Grow" here is the Greek word "auzano" or "auxanoo". Strong's Concordance says: to grow, i.e. enlarge. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to cause to grow, to augment, to grow, increase. Vine's Expository Dictionary "to grow or increase" of the growth of that which lives, naturally or spiritually. Signifying to make increase, said of giving the increase, the effect of the work of God. The  Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: to bring to growth, to promote, to raise one's position, to rise in repute and power, to increase. Both you and Kristine understand what it takes to learn, grow, increase, get promoted and to earn a great reputation in your work! It takes diligence, commitment and hard work to attain what you both have attained. Growth in the things of God comes the same way! As you can see, all of these verses show that growth involves the Word of God! A look at each in the Amplified Bible shows this even more!


Eph 4:15 Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). AMP

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, AMP


2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! AMP

As you continue to grow in the Word, you will find that this affects your life in every area, including your work! I can't wait to hear about all the new promotions! Here is Hillsong with "Greater Than All" from their new Cornerstone album:

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "feet"! The three verses we'll be looking at are these:


Luke 10:39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and was listening to His teaching. AMP

Eph 1:22 And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],  [Ps 8:6.] 23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself]. AMP

Rom 10:14 But how are people to call upon Him Whom they have not believed [in Whom they have no faith, on Whom they have no reliance]? And how are they to believe in Him [adhere to, trust in, and rely upon Him] of Whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 15 And how can men [be expected to] preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! [How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things!] AMP

This is the Greek word "pous". Vine's Expository Dictionary says this: besides its literal meaning, is used, by metonymy*, of "a person in motion". It is used in phrases expressing subjection; of the humility and receptivity of discipleship; of obeisance and worship. *Dictionary definition of metonymy: A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated, as in the use of Washington for the United States government or of the sword for military power.* In Luke we don't actually know where in that house Mary sat, but we know that she DID put herself in subjection to His teaching! In Ephesians we know that this is referring to everything being under the full authority of Jesus, and of His Body, which WE are members of! Therefore, all things are under our authority through His Name and His Word. I have always liked these verses in Romans, which were taken from Isaiah 52:7, and really fit the description above of "a person in motion"! AS you and your family continue in God's Word, you are just like Mary! You are in subjection to His will! As you stand on and confess God's Word in faith you are taking your rightful place of authority. As you share the Good News with other people, you are God's Word in motion, taking His Life to others! What a lot of wonderful Truths are contained in the word "feet"! I LOVE the Word and I am so glad that YOU do, too! Here is Hillsong with "Alive In Us":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "order". There are several words translated order in both the New and Old Testaments. We will be looking at the Hebrew word "taxis". We find this in 1 Corinthians 14:40 and in Colossians 2:5:


1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. KJV

Col 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. KJV

"Taxis", according to Strong's Concordance, means: regular arrangement; (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character); official dignity. Thayer's Hebrew Lexicon adds: due or right order. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this, specifically for Colossians 2:5: a military significance. Let's look at both of these verses in the Amplified Bible:

1 Cor 14:40 But all things should be done with regard to decency and propriety and in an orderly fashion. AMP

Col 2:5 For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. AMP

I also really like the Message Bible for Colossians 2:5:

Col 2:5 I'm a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I'm on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ. THE MESSAGE

I know that neither you nor Kristine would have had the success you've had in your careers if you didn't know how to properly order your life! Now you add the leading of the Spirit of God to your natural strengths and abilities and you both are simply destined for more success! When you carry that over into your family life, your children are learning what it takes to succeed, too! How exciting to know that you are well on your way to raising children who will do well AND be able to find God's will for their lives! You are both an inspiration and we love you! Here is Hillsong with a new song called "Running":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "delight". There are several words translated "delight" but we will be looking at the one found in these verses:


Ps 37:4 

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.  

AMP

Ps 37:11

 But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 

AMP

Isa 58:14

 Then will you delight yourself in the Lord, and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth, and I will feed you with the heritage [promised for you] of Jacob your father; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. 

AMP

This is the Hebrew word "`anag". Strong's Concordance says: to be soft or pliable. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to be soft, to be delicate, to be pampered, to be happy about, to take exquisite delight, to make merry over, to make sport of. If we begin by making ourselves soft and pliable to the adjustments that He shows us to make,  by the Word and by the nudging of the Holy Spirit, then the promises of the Word begin to come to pass in our lives. When we allow ourselves to enjoy the blessing, or "pampering", of the Lord, then it becomes a delight! We look forward to digging deeper into the Word! We have an exquisite delight in finding out more and we have great fun doing so! God meant for this life in the Word and in the Spirit to be a completely joyful life, fully expecting to conquer every problem and have victory over every situation! He LOVES us! Doing things HIS way only makes sense, don't you think? Here is a new song from Hillsong's Cornerstone album called "Children Of The Light":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "unending". It is found in only one place in the Amplified Bible. Ephesians 3:8:

8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God's consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out], AMP

In the KJV the word is translated "unsearchable". It is the Greek word "anexichniastos". Strong's Concordance says: not tracked out; untraceable. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: that cannot be comprehended. Even if we study the Word of God every day until the Rapture, we still will not have it all figured out! The Amplified Bible really does an excellent job of translating this! We have only scratched the surface of all that God has blessed us with and all that He has planned for us! 1 Corinthians 2:9 says this (New Living Translation):

9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for those who love him." New Living Translation

We won't ever grasp it all before Jesus comes, but isn't it wonderful to try? What a wonderful and very blessed life He has provided for us! Here is another song from Hillsong called "Unending Love":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian! 

The word for this week is "vision". The only verse we'll be looking at is found in Proverbs 29:18:

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 

KJV

This is the Hebrew word "chazown". Strong's Concordance says: a sight; a dream, revelation or oracle. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: almost always signifies a means of divine revelation. We first of all need revelation of the Word of God so that we can apply it to our lives. Then we need the revelation of HIS plan for our lives, our careers, and our families. This verse says that people who do not have this revelation will "perish". This is the Hebrew word "para`". Strong's says: to loosen, by implication, to expose, dismiss, to let go, to let loose. It also says: to be let loose, to be loosened of restraint. The Theological Workbook of the Old Testament says: "where there is no vision, the people are 'undisciplined/get out of hand'." Here is this same verse from two other translations:

18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

 New Living Translation 

18 If people can't see what God is doing,
they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
they are most blessed.

 THE MESSAGE

Just as each each person has an individual calling and anointing from God, each family, church and  ministry does also. As you and Kristine continue to seek the Lord for His will for your family, He will continue to lead, guide, and direct you, moment by moment and day by day! Your life, job, marriage, children and every thing else you do will reflect Heaven on earth! He will draw people to you through the witness of your life that is NOT "undisciplined and out of hand", and you will be able to share the REASON! I really like this song from Hillsong's new "Cornerstone" album called "I Surrender". It really helps me stay in a position to hear clearly! I hope it blesses you, too! 

Love and Shalom from the Swovey!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "pretense". It is found three times in the KJV Bible: Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:40; and Philippians 1:16-18:


Matt 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. KJV

Mark 12:40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. KJV

Phil 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. KJV

This is the Greek word "prophasis". Strong's Concordance says: an outward showing. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: a pretext; show. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: It signifies the assuming of something so as to disguise one's real motives. In the first two instances the "religious leaders" were pretending to have the best interests of the widows at heart by praying long, religious sounding prayers, while all the while they were actually stealing from them. In Philippians Paul was addressing the fact that while he was in prison, the preaching of the Gospel was still going forth! He said that not everyone who was preaching the Gospel had right motives for doing so, but, because the anointing is on the Word, it was still a good thing! Our motives affect US, in this life and the next, but nothing can hinder the anointing that is on the Word when people are ready to receive! It is good to recognize the motives of people we deal with on a daily basis. The Holy Spirit is our great Helper for that! The more we get to know Him (Philippians 3:8-10), the more confidence we will have to properly discern the things that we hear! Your children will learn about Him through your knowledge right now, until they are able to seek Him for themselves. You and Kristine, and her wonderful grandparents :), are doing a great job of bringing Jesus to the heart of Avery! We are so blessed with everything we hear! Here is a song from Hillsong Kids Called "My Number One":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!


The word for this week is "lean". It is found only in the Old Testament and we will be looking at Proverbs 3:5-6:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

And lean not on your own understanding; 

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

And He shall direct your paths.  NKJV

"Lean" here is the Hebrew word "sha`an". Brown-Driver-Briggs Commentary says: to lean on; to trust in; to support oneself; used of trust in God. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says: to lean on something or someone, as on  a staff, a spear, or an arm or hand. It also says: used figuratively of an attitude of trust. That is especially true with this verse, where we are told to NOT "sha`an" our own understanding, which is finite, but to lean on, trust and rely on the LORD!  The Amplified Bible says:

5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. AMP

As a very intelligent and accomplished professional, you may find yourself tempted to rely on your own strengths at times. A key to staying in the right frame of mind is to remember that every good thing about you came from God and by listening for that still small voice inside! When you do that, you will find yourself knowing things you haven't even learned yet, because the Holy Spirit IN you will be able to fill you with HIS Wisdom! THAT is the Anointing, the Unction (1 John 2:20), that we have received as born again believers in Jesus of Nazareth! I am expecting even greater blessings for you and your family this year! Here is a group of children singing "Trust In The Lord":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!