Hi Brian! 

I hope that you are having a very blessed and productive business trip! The word for this week is "occupy". It's only found once in the New Testament in Luke 9:13. Jesus was speaking to His disciples, who were thinking that the Kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. Luke 19:9-13:

12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. KJV

"Occupy" is the Greek word "pragmateuomai". Strong's Concordance says: to busy oneself with, to trade. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to carry on a business. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: to be occupied with, in reference to affairs of state, literary composition, or business. 

We are hearing quite a lot lately about the Rapture of the Church and the Truth that the prophecies have been fulfilled and that He really could come for His church at any time! I personally believe that His appearing for the Church will be in perfect alignment with the Jewish calendar and will fall perfectly in place in when we look back on it, after the fact! We ARE to encourage each other to be watching and ready when He comes, BUT, HIS instruction for our everyday life is found in this parable! WE are to OCCUPY! We are to be about the business of our own lives, being where HE wants us to be, doing what HE wants us to do, and doing it WELL! As you continue to occupy your position at Target, your time with your band, your time with friends, family and relatives, HE will continue to honor you with favor, opportunity and prosperity in every area. YOU do life well, and HE wants you to continue in that! God is GOOD, all the time! We love you and hope to see you again soon! Here is a new song from Hillsong United called "Say The Word":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "rib". We'll be looking at Genesis 2:21-22:

21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "tsela`". Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: a side; a rib. The Theological Wordbook says that in this verse it refers to a man's side. Genesis 2:7 tells of the creation of man:

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. KJV 

God formed the body of Adam from the dust of the ground and then breathed His very own life into him. God is both male and female, so Adam was, at first both male and female. God did not want the man to be alone. He said this in Genesis 2:18:

18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. KJV

  "Meet" is the Hebrew word "neged", which Strong's concordance says means: a part opposite; a counterpart. He wanted Adam to have someone that would be a perfect counterpart for him. The Hebrew word "tsela`" (rib or side above), according to Brown-Driver-Briggs, is a feminine noun. I believe that the "side" that God took from Adam was his female side. Together they made a whole! I truly believe that God has a perfect "fit" for every person and if they will trust Him, He will lead them to each other. You and Kristine are a perfect example of that! God certainly knew what He was doing when He brought you two together! It is a joy to be a part of your lives. Here is  Hillsong United with "Nothing Like Your Love":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "prosper". We have two verses in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament to look at. First we'll look at Psalm 1:3:

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "tsalach". Strong's Concordance says: to push forward. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: to advance; to make progress; to succeed; to be profitable. They way to have this success and prosperity manifest in our lives is found in the first 2 verses:

1 Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night. KJV

This has everything to do with the attitudes we have because of the company that we keep! The other Old Testament verse is Psalm 122:6:

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "shalah". Strong's Concordance says: to be tranquil, secure or successful. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: to be at rest; to be at ease. This is similar to the word above, but shows another aspect of "prosperity"! This one is the result of being obedient to love Jerusalem and to pray for peace for her. The New Testament verse, and there is only one, is found in 3 John 2:

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. KJV

This is the Greek word "euodoo". Strong's Concordance says: to help on the road; to succeed in business affairs. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to grant a prosperous and expeditious journey; to lead by a direct and easy way. The Theological Dictionary of New Testament words says this in addition: carries the thought that all health and success, both material and spiritual, depend on God, and that we may have confidence in him. THIS prosperity comes as a result of "prospering" our souls (mind, emotions and will). We do THAT by renewing our minds to think like God, in obedience to Romans 12:2:

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV

I REALLY like the Amplified Bible for this one:

2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. AMP

 There is no question that God desires for us to prosper, because He has given us instructions and opportunities to do so. This is MOST important with the things that are happening in our nation, and all over the world right now. There is never real security in the way the world handles situations, circumstances and events, so WE must rely on doing the Will of God so that we can continue to have HIS richest and best happening in our lives, in spite of what the world says! The very fact that you and Kristine were not affected by the recent downsizing is a testament to your hard work, commitment to excellence and value to your company, but it is also a testament to your continued favor and anointing because of the God you love and serve! HIS favor is all over your lives! We are blessed to be a part of it! Here is Hillsong Kids with "Better Than Life":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "nigh". We'll be looking at James 4:8 first of all:

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. KJV

This is the Greek word "eggozo". Strong's Concordance says: to make near, approach. We're told here that the first step is up to us! IF we approach His presence, He will meet us right where we are! This word comes from the Greek word "eggus". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: {1} of place or position (near of access to God). {2} of time (concerning things imminent and soon to come to pass). James 5:8 shows this meaning:

8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. KJV

As we prepare for His soon return, we are still to live this life (having dreams and goals, and making plans) as though He may take awhile! We are to be ever ready to fulfill our ministry here, or to meet Him in the air! Living every day to the full will put us in exactly the right position that HE desires for us! Romans 10:8 will help us to stay prepared!

8 But what does it say? The Word (God's message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach,  AMP

Having His Word in our heart, which is the spirit/soul combination, causes our thoughts to line up with His Word, which is His will! Walking in line with the will of God is the very best way to stay prepared for what each day may bring! The wisdom found in His Word will cause both you and Kristine to continue to operate at a high level in your careers AND to continue to do your very best in raising your beautiful girls! We can't wait to see them and you again soon! We love you! Here is Hillsong with "This Is Our God":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian,

The word for this week is "prepare". We'll be looking at these verses in John 14:2-3:

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. KJV

This is the Greek word "hetoimazo". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: Make ready; the act of preparing. So, Jesus is busy making ready a place for us! Heaven is where we will be spending all of eternity, as our "base camp" anyway! As perfect and beautiful as Heaven must be, Jesus deems it necessary to prepare it even more for us! That tells me that there is nothing here on the earth that we should undertake without preparing ourselves! We have been saying this at The Spoken Word Church for years now:

"Preparation time is never wasted time."


I know that you understand preparation time more than most people because of your career. If you are not prepared for certain outcomes, you could make wrong decisions that cost your company money, and you your job. I believe that we should also take preparation into consideration when we spend time with the Lord. I know that with the busyness of life, if we don't prepare, make ready, or set aside specific time for praise, prayer and the Word, we won't be able to be consistent with it. I also wanted to add that the preparation time that you and Kristine are in concerning the selling of your home and the purchasing of your new home is not wasted time either! God's timing is perfect and when all things fall into place, and they will, then you will be perfectly aligned to step right from one phase to another! I am VERY excited to see how all of this works out! We are continuing to pray for God's "above all you can ask or think"  very best! We love and appreciate you and your family! Here is a new song from Hillsong United called "Prince of Peace":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!