Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "steps". There are several words translated "steps" in the Bible. We will be looking at these three: Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9 and Romans 4:12. "Steps" in the first two Scriptures originate from the same Hebrew word.

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his way. KJV

9 A man's heart devises his way: but the Lord directs his steps. KJV

The  Hebrew word "mits`ad" is found in the first example and the word "tsa`ad" in the second. They both mean something similar. The Theological Dictionary says: "Sa`ad" means to walk in cadence. (Like the military!). They add this: "Man must initiate his course of action, but the full consequences of the outcome belong to Yahweh". In other words, when WE step out in faith in what the Word says, God Himself will direct us and lead us in the right way, the way of blessing! Romans 4:12 says this:

12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. KJV

This is the Greek word "ichnos". Strong's Concordance says: a track. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: footprint, footstep. The Theological Dictionary says this: It is used figuratively for the trace that is left by life or conduct and that others may follow. You may have believers and ministers that you follow, and who motivate and inspire you in the things of God. As YOU grow and learn, YOUR life will be that "track" that your children will imitate and follow. Parenting is an awesome responsibility and you and Kristine carry it off very well! The tracks of YOUR life are such that your beautiful daughters will have a clear way to follow to be successful and of benefit to others. There IS no greater legacy than that! Here is Hillsong with "Like Incense (Sometimes by Step)":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

 The word for this week is "bread". Of course the obvious definition for this is "a small loaf or cake, composed of flour and water and baked". This is the Greek word "artos". Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this, though: of Christ as the Bread of God and of Life; of food in general, the necessities for the sustenance of life. We see Jesus as the Bread in these verses:

John 6:32-33 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world. KJV

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. KJV

Then we have Jesus saying this to the devil when He was tempted by him:

Matt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. KJV

We also see Jesus say THIS about bread when the heathen woman came to Him to get help for her daughter:

Matt 15:26-27 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. KJV

Our intimate fellowship with Jesus is designed to give us that sustenance for every area of our lives, spirit, soul and body! We know from the Word that He is well able to supply our physical need for food because He provided manna in the wilderness and He multiplied the loaves and fish more than once in the New Testament. Psalm 37:25 gives us this promise concerning our physical food:

Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. KJV

His Life is the bread, or sustenance for our spirits. His Word is the bread or sustenance for our souls. He provided bread as food for our physical bodies and also healing and deliverance as "bread". We can count on Him for provision in every area of life! We can say of Him: "You've never failed, and You won't start now"! These are words to "Oceans - Where Feet May Fail" by Hillsong United. Here is that song!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "finished". We see it in these Scripture references in the New Testament:

John 17:4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. NKJV

Matt 13:53 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there.  NKJV

Matt 19:1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.  NKJV

John 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.  NKJV

The first verse above contains the Greek word "teleioo". Strong's Concordance says: to accomplish; to consummate. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to carry through completely; to bring to an end; to complete; to add what is lacking in order to render a thing full. The last three verses contain the Greek word "teleo". Strong's Concordance says: to end; to complete; to execute; to conclude; to discharge (as a debt).Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to fulfill; to do just as commanded. We know from John 5:19 that Jesus only did what He received from the Father:

19 So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].

Jesus said what the Father told Him to say and He did what the Father told Him to do. He left nothing undone that He was sent here to do! When He declared from the cross that "It is finished!", He was declaring the fulfillment of the Old Covenant! Now whosoever will receive Him as Lord and personal Savior instantly becomes an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Himself (Romans 8:17). When we come to the Father in prayer, we now come on the basis of that New Covenant and in the Name that is now above every other name, the Name of Jesus! We are agreeing with you and Kristine for an exceedingly timely sale of your house and purchase of your "dream" house! We also continue to pray for protection, provision and safety, health and well being, favor and anointing in every area of your lives. It IS finished and HE has provided. We love you all so much! Here is a different song from Sarah Hart Pearsons called "It Is Finished":

IT IS FINISHED

Grace says, "You are loved"

In response I say, "Thank You, thank You Lord"

This is sweet salvation, this is sweet salvation

Grace says, "You are healed"

In response I say, "Thank You, I receive"

This is sweet salvation, this is sweet salvation

I believe because You said it

But I trust because I  know You

It is finished, it is done

You have risen, I have won

It is finished, it is done

Now I'm singing hallelujah

Grace says, "You're redeemed"

In response I say, "Thank you I believe"

This is sweet salvation, this is sweet salvation

Grace says, "You are cleansed"

In response I say, "Thank you, I forgive"

This is sweet salvation, this is sweet salvation

grace says, "You are loved"

Grace says, "You are healed"

Graces says, "You're redeemed"

Grace says, "You are clean"

It is finished, it is done

Jesus said it, the work is done

It is finished, it is done

Now I'm singing hallelujah, hallelujah

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian! 

It was so good to see you all this weekend!  The word for this week is "ready". The first Greek word we'll be looking at is found in these verses:

Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at an hour when ye think not. KJV

Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, KJV

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: KJV

This is the Greek word "hetoimos". Strong's Concordance says: from an old noun "heteos" (fitness); adjusted, ready. Thayer's Greek Lexicon and the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament both add: prepared; preparing; preparedness. I KNOW that in your career you are VERY familiar with, and adept at, being ready! You would never have attained the level of trust and responsibility you have right now if you weren't! It is also very obvious that both you and Kristine have mastered this art with your family. When you have this attitude, when things grow tense and uncertain around you, you are able to handle them with a level of ease, peace and success, even when it SEEMS like nothing is working! Crying babies most definitely falls into THAT category! You both, though obviously frazzled a little on Saturday night, still handled the situation FAR better than many parents I have known. None of them with twins, I might add!  I am impressed! :) 

The second Greek word we'll be looking at is found in Romans 1:15:

15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. KJV

This one is the Greek word "prothumas". Strong's Concordance says of this one: forward in spirit; predisposed. Thayer's Greek Lexion adds: willing. The Theological Dictionary adds: eager; active; passionate; resolute; brave; courageous. Paul was speaking here of being "ready", even during dangerous times, to preach the Gospel. In fact, He goes on to says this in verse 16:

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. KJV

We seem to be living in some very dangerous times to be known as Christians, at least in other nations right now! We don't know for sure if we will experience this in our nation or not. Right now our biggest challenge to being "ready" has more to do with the consequences of the reaction of people we know and care about, or of the threat of lawsuits and protesters. Keeping in mind the power of the Gospel, and the effect it will have on the lives of people, should help us be resolute, courageous and passionate about sharing it! Here is a song by Hillsong that covers this word very well! It's called "Running":

Love and Shalom from the Swopveys