Hi Brian! 

Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! We love you all so much! The word for this week is "government". Not a very popular word these days, but God has a better perspective! We'll be looking at the most familiar verse about government from Isaiah 9:6:

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "misrah". Strong's Concordance says: empire; from another Hebrew word "sarah" which means: prevail. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: rule, dominion. This prophetic word given by Isaiah tells us that when this child that is born (Jesus - 100% man) Who is the Son that was given (100% God) fulfills His purpose for coming (taking the penalty for sin upon Himself in our place) then all authority of rule would be placed upon Him! Though the devil is still going about deceiving those whom he is able to deceive (1 Peter 5:8), all of those who call upon the name of the Lord to be saved will not only have JESUS as our Ruler, Leader, God and King, but will also have the right to use HIS authority in and over our lives right here! When Jesus anointed the 70 disciples in Luke 10, they went forth with a 'power-of-attorney', so to speak, to operate in His authority, healing the sick and casting out devils, they did it with His authorization. Those who are born again, having received JESUS as LORD and personal Saviour, now have the same authority within and upon us as JESUS Himself had when HE ministered on the earth! Ephesians 3:19-23:

19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, 

20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], 

21 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come. 

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

When we speak HIS Word over our lives, understanding our place "IN HIM", then satan and his forces MUST obey as swiftly as they had to obey JESUS! As we meditate on this TRUTH and then begin to EXPECT these results, we will see more and more manifestations of HIS glory in our lives! This may be hard to grasp in our humanness, but remember that the Spirit and the WORD ALWAYS AGREE! I am expecting an even more blessed, prosperous, anointed, powerful and influential 2017 for you and your entire family! Here is Hillsong Worship with "What A Beautiful Name" because WE are called by that NAME! :

Love, Shalom and MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

We hope you had a great time in New York! The word for this week is "boast". We'll be looking at two portions of Scripture, one from the New Testament and on from the Old! First of all, Ephesians 2:8-10:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. KJV

This is the Greek word "kauchaomai". Strong's Concordance says: to vaunt. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to glory. The Dictionary definition for vaunt is: boast about or praise (something), especially excessively. Synonyms are: to make much of, to crow about, to parade, flaunt, extol. Since everything good about us comes from God, we should be giving HIM continual praise for Who He is and for what He's done! The next Scripture is Psalm 34:2 and Psalm 44:8:

2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. KJV

Psalm 44:8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. KJV

These are both the Hebrew word "halal". Strong's Concordance says: to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to be clamorously foolish, to rave, to celebrate, to stultify. (Stultifly means: to cause to appear foolish or absurd.) It's where we get the word "hallelujah" from! We SHOULD be 'giddy' with joy over who He is and what He's done! THAT is the type of praise, thanksgiving and worship and that we should be pouring back to HIM from our! AMEN! Here is another new song from Hillsong Worship called "I Will Boast In Christ":

Now and forever

All I have because of Jesus

All this promise

Won for me

When He paid the highest ransom

Once for always

For my freedom

I will boast in Christ alone

His righteousness

Not my own

I will cling to Christ my hope

His mercy reigns

Love will never lose its power

All my failures could not erase

Now I walk within Your favour

Grace unending

My salvation

What can wash away my sin

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can make me whole again

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

O precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow

No other fount I know

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

We are to Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "waiting". We'll be looking at three portions of Scripture in the New Testament:

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. KJV

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. KJV

2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. KJV

In Luke we have the Greek word "prosdechomai". Strong's Concordance says: to await with confidence and patience. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: To receive to oneself, to admit, to give access to oneself.The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament adds this: to receive or to await. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this: to look for with a view to favorable reception. 

In Romans we have the Greek word "apedechomai". Strong's Concordance says: to expect fully. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: assiduously and patiently to wait for. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: to await and expect eagerly. 

In 2 Thessalonians we have the Greek word "hupomone". Strong's Concordance says: cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: steadfastness, 

In all three examples we see that there is an expectancy with slightly different attitudes toward the wait! In Luke Simeon had great confidence and patience that what he expected would definitely come to pass and he was right there when it did! In Romans we see that all of creation is desperately waiting for the same thing that we are waiting for! The attitude is one of expectant hope and eager anticipation! In 2 Thessalonians we see that the attitude is one of cheerfulness which is a reflection of the joy that is within us! I all of these examples, no one was simply sitting on a hill waiting to be rescued! Instead, the encouragement was to keep looking ahead in faith, all the while being actively involved in what we are called to do! This new song from Hillsong Worship called "As It Is (In Heaven) has this line: "and while I'm waiting, I'm not waiting. I know Heaven lives in me". That really sums it up well! While we wait for these promises to be fulfilled, let's keep after our Father's business, having all confidence that He IS DOING what He said He will do! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "God". We'll be looking at only one of the Hebrew words translated God in the Bible. This one is found over 2,200 times in the Old Testament. This Hebrew word is "`elohiym". Strong's Concordance says: Plural of "`elowahh", (which is: a deity or the Deity). It also says of "`elohiym": specifically used in the plural, of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: (plural intensive - singular meaning) God, a god, the one true God. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament adds this which is pertinent to our study: More probable is the view that  °§lœhîm comes from °§lœah as a unique development of the Hebrew Scriptures and represents chiefly the plurality of persons in the Trinity of the godhead (see °§lœhîm).  Elohiym is plural because our God is a triune being! The dictionary definition for triune is: three in one. In this case, one God in three Persons! So many people question the teaching of the Trinity because that term is not found in the Bible. These verses reveal the three Persons that make up the One, True God:

Matthew 28:19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  AMP

2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. KJV

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. KJV

Col 2:9 For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. KJV

I covered all of this today so that we could use this song from Hillsong Worship's new album called "Let There Be Light". The song is "Elohim".

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian! 

The word for this week is "comprehend". We'll be looking at only one portion on Scripture in the New Testament. Ephesians 3:18-19:

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.KJV

This is the Greek word "katalambano". Strong's Concordance says: to take eagerly, to seize, possess. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: to lay hold of so as to make one's own, to obtain, to attain to, to understand, perceive, learn. The Amplified Bible says this for verse 18:

18 That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; AMP

This is something that we really need to do with every vital Truth we find in the Word. Memorization of Scriptures has no real power unless it is accompanied by comprehension, or, as the Amplified says, apprehension! Katalambano is also translated as apprehend in Philippians 3:13-14:

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, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. KJV

It takes a determined purpose, a concentrated effort and a real commitment to develop comprehension of the Word, or what I like to call a 'working knowledge' of the Word. It's the Word that we know that will set us free! (John 8:31-32) We will never fully comprehend all that there is to know in the Word on this side of Heaven, but we can make a tremendous start! Here is another new song from the Hillsong Worship "Let There Be Light" album called "In Control":

Verse 1
From heaven You can hear
I know You’re drawing near
As I worship
Held within Your love
The wind and waves will come
But I will stay here

Chorus
I lift my hands to heaven
Here my heart surrendered
I tell my soul again
You are Lord of all
Though the seas are raging
You will speak and tame them
In You I find my rest
You are in control

Verse 2
Through valleys I will trust
Your Spirit is enough to keep me walking
You guide my every step
Speak life to me again
Lord I need You

Bridge
I will trust in only You
No one can add to Your perfection
You’re the beginning and the end
More than I can comprehend
There is no one like You

No one
No one
No one Jesus

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

SO good to get that win today! The word for this week is "light". We've looked at light from two different Greek words in the New Testament. This time we'll be looking at one particular Hebrew word from the Old Testament found in these Scriptures:

Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. KJV

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? KJV

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. KJV

All of these are the Hebrew word "'owr". Strong's Concordance says: illumination or luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness). Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds this: the light of day, the light of heavenly luminaries, morning light, the light of a lamp, the light of  life, the light of prosperity, the light of instruction. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds: light as the opposite of darkness. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament had an interesting paragraph that I will share here: The concept of light in Scripture is important, dealing with personal and impersonal forces on both literal and metaphorical levels. Light is closely related to life and happiness, which may account for the frequent comparisons between God and light. Since the ancient world often worshiped the sun, God's role as creator of light is stressed. Eventually, he will make the sun unnecessary.

I LOVE that last statement, that eventually the sun will be unnecessary because God Himself will shine with the light of His Glory and make all things to be seen! Because Holy Spirit lives in us as born again believers, the light of His presence brings understanding of the Word and Wisdom that puts us in position to operate at a high level, just as JESUS would operate if He were in our place! I love that when I get to the end of what I know and can do, that LIGHT will put me over the top! I CAN do ALL things through Christ Who infuses me with inner strength (Philippians 4:13 AMP) by His LIGHT in me! Here is another new song from Hillsong Worship that speaks of this very thing! "Let There Be Light":

There’s no darkness in Your eyes

There’s no question in Your mind

God almighty

God of mercy

There’s no hiding from Your face

There’s no striving in Your grace

God of mercy

God almighty

Let there be light

Open the eyes of the blind

Purify our hearts in Your fire

Breathe in us we pray

Jesus have Your way

There’s no borders in Your love

No division in Your heart

God of heaven

God of freedom

There’s no taking back the cross

No regret in what it cost

God of freedom

God of heaven

Let there be light

Open the eyes of the blind

Purify our hearts in Your fire

Breathe in us we pray

Let there be light

Open our eyes to Your heart

Desperate just to know who

You are Shine in us we pray

Jesus have Your way

Good news embracing the poor

Comfort for all those who mourn

For the broken hearted

We sing louder

Release from prison and shame

Oppression turning to praise

For every captive

Sing louder

Restoring sight to the blind

Breaking the curse of the night

For all in darkness

Sing louder

Proclaiming freedom for all

This is the day of the Lord

Beauty for ashes

Let the light that shines above

Become the light that shines in us

There’s no darkness in Your way

So have Your way

Lord have Your way

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys

Hi Brian!

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

Psalm 102:25 Of old have You laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of Your hands. KJV

Isaiah 48:13 My hand also has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. KJV

Zecheriah 12:1 The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, says the Lord, which stretches forth the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him. KJV

These are all the Hebrew word "yacad". Strong's Concordance says: to set. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: to found, to fix, to establish. The Word of God says in Genesis 1:1  that in the beginning (of time as we know it) GOD created the heavens and the earth. Romans 1:20 tells us that creation reveals the Creator! HE laid the foundation of the earth and put into place the laws and principles by which the entire universe operates. AND, He cares so very much about each one of us that He made sure to provide the Way into the Heaven of the Bible (John 14:6)! What God has planned, whether in the creation of all that we see or in the great plan of Salvation, He has planned in perfection and for our Good. When we establish that once and for all in our hearts, then believing all that the Word says will become easier and easier, until the Word becomes so logical that we wonder why everyone can't see it! This is called revelation and is the subject of this next new songby Hillsong Worship called "Your Word":

Before the earth knew its foundation

You spoke the dust into creation

Until the end when all has withered

Then still Your Word will endure forever

The lamp unto my feet

The light unto my path

Your Word will not be shaken

Your Word will never fail me

Like a fire in my bones

Like a whisper to my soul

Your Word is revelation

Deep calls to deep within Your presence

When I hear You speak my soul awakens

Your Spirit leads my heart to worship

As Your Word reveals the light of Jesus

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys

Hi Brian!

THAT was a tough loss, but it was SO good to see you and Kristine and those beautiful girls! I would love to have the pic you took with Reagan! The word for this week is "wealth". We'll be looking at these Scripture references:

Deuteronomy 8:17 And you say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand has gotten me this wealth. 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God: for it is He that gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He sware unto your fathers, as it is this day. KJV

Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. KJV

In both cases this is the Hebrew word, "chayil". Strong's Concordance says:  a force (whether of men, means or other resources), an army, virtue, valor, strength. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds this: efficiency, ability, wealth, to be firm. The Theological Dictionary also adds this:  to be able, valiant, substance.  This Hebrew word involves more than just the accumulation of riches. It shows the bigger picture of what it takes to get those riches, from attitude to education, experience, endurance, faithfulness, steadiness, courage, character and Godly favor. Those are all of the things I see evident in you and Kristine as you have both grown as people, spouses,  parents, and in your careers. A person can have all the money in the world and not really have 'wealth' such as that! Recognizing that the real source of all of this is God, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18 above, is the theme behind this new song from Hillsong Worship called "Crowns".

 CROWNS

There is a hill I cherish

Where stood a precious tree

The emblem of salvation

The gift of Calvary

How is it I should profit

While He is crucified

Yet as His life was taken

So I was granted mine

My wealth is in the cross

There’s nothing more I want

Than just to know His love

My heart is set on Christ

And I will count all else as loss

The greatest of my crowns

Mean nothing to me now

For I counted up the cost

And all my wealth is in the cross

I will not boast in riches

I have no pride in gold

But I will boast in Jesus

And in His Name alone

And when I stand in glory

My crowns before the Lord

Let this be my confession

My wealth is in the cross

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "kingdom". There is only one Greek word translated "kingdom" in all of the New Testament. Here are the verses we'll be looking at today:

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. KJV

Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. KJV

1 Cor 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. KJV

Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: KJV

These are all the Greek word "basileia". Strong's Concordance says: royalty, rule, a realm. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: royal power, kingship, dominion, the territory subject to the rule of a king. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this: an abstract noun denoting sovereignty. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: refers to the being or nature or state of a king, his dignity, and the expression of this. 

All of the verses above are speaking of the Kingdom of God. The only way to become a member of that kingdom is to be born again, receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior. The kingdom of God is unlike any earthly kingdom! It is not physical, but can, and should, greatly affect the physical realm! The Kingdom of God is not in 'things and possessions, but is in those intangible things that, coming from the inside out, are a real expression of the royalty that we are as members of His family! When Jesus said that all power (authority) had been given unto Him, and THEN instructed His disciples to "Go therefore" (Matthew 28:18), He was revealing to US that we have authority on earth as members of HIS kingdom! We all have certain realms of authority in our lives where WE 'rule'! You do so over certain aspects of your job/career. You also do so as the head of your household, where you have the God-given authority to speak protection, provision and safety over your family, and to receive specific direction from Holy Spirit on how to operate in it. Accepting HIS sovereignty, His rulership, His dominion, His authority over us is the first, and most important, step in walking in OUR authority! I can't wait to visit YOUR 'kingdom' next weekend! Let's use some of our God-given authority this week to speak life, health, strength, endurance, wisdom, ferocity, favor and anointing into and over our VIKINGS so that we can get back to our WINNING ways! :)  Here is another new song from Hillsong Worship called "Look To The Son":

Love and Shalom from  

Hi Brian!

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

Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. KJV

Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. KJV

Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. KJV

This is the Greek word "teras". Strong's Concordance says: an omen. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: a miracle performed by anyone. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this: something strange causing the beholder to marvel, is always used in the plural, is always rendered 'wonders' and generally follows 'signs'. ( A 'sign' is intended to appeal to the understanding, a 'wonder' appeals to the imagination, a 'power' indicates its source is supernatural). We can see from the verses above that each one if these 'wonders' were the works of Jesus through His people! When we speak the Word into a situation and God confirms that Word with 'wonders', people who witness these 'wonders' begin to dare to dream or imagine that they could also get the help they need! All of these things are to show to the world that OUR God IS God! The One and only! Here is a new song by Hillsong Worship called "Love So Great":

 LOVE SO GREAT

Your love so great

Jesus in all things

I’ve seen a glimpse of Your heart

A billion years

Still I’ll be singing

How can I praise You enough

You are the Lord Almighty

Out shining all the stars in glory

Your love is like the wildest ocean

Oh nothing else compares

Creation calls

All to the Saviour

We are alive for Your praise

In earth and sky no one is higher

Our God of wonders You reign

Not to us

But to Your Name

We lift up

All praise

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "behold". There are a few different Greek words translated behold in the New Testament. We'll be looking at one of them, which is found in these verses:

Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. KJV

Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. KJV

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. KJV

These are all the Greek word "eido". Strong's Concordance says: to see (literally or figuratively); to know. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: to know, to find, to perceive (with the eyes), to perceive by any of the senses, to notice, discern, discover, to pay attention, observe, inspect, examine, to experience. This word goes beyond simply observing and noticing, as in the challenge game of looking at something and then trying to recall what you saw/observed. This is referring to going beyond just seeing to comprehending the importance and implications of what you see! I think that this is also what Joel Houston is saying in the song he wrote for the new Hillsong album, Let There Be Light, called "Behold (Then Sings My Soul)"! Here is that song:

Verse 1
Behold the Father’s heart
The mystery He lavishes on us
As deep cries out to deep
Oh how desperately He wants us
The things of earth stand next to him
Like a candle to the sun
Unfailing Father
What compares to His Great love

Verse 2
Behold His holy Son
The Lion and the Lamb given to us
The Word became a man
That my soul should know its Saviour
Forsaken for the sake of all mankind
Salvation is in His blood
Jesus Messiah
The righteous died for love

Pre-Chorus 1
It wasn’t over
For He is the risen One

Chorus 1
Then sings my soul
Then sings my soul
How great Your Love is
How great Your Love is

Verse 2
Behold I have a friend
The Spirit breathing holy fire within
My ever present help
Speaking truth when I can’t find it
Light up this broken heart
And light my way
Until my time on earth is done
Oh Holy Spirit
Breathe in me like kingdom come

Pre-Chorus 2
Oh Holy Spirit
Let Your work in me be done

Outro
Then sings my soul my God
He who was and is to come
Prepare the way
Until the work on earth is done
Watch as the clouds He rides swing low
Lift up the sound
As He makes our praise His throne
Behold the Lord our God will lead us home

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

GREAT game today! The word for this week is "Saviour". I couldn't believe we hadn't used that one yet! It's found in 24 verses in the New Testament, all of them referring to Jesus! Here are a few:

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord KJV

2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: KJV

Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. KJV

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; KJV

1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. KJV

Jude 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. KJV

This is the Greek word "soter". Strong's Concordance says: a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: preserver. "Soter" comes from the Greek word "sozo", which means, according to Strong's, to save, deliver, protect. Thayer's adds: to keep safe, to rescue, to make well, heal, restore to health. What Jesus accomplished through His death, burial and resurrection covers so much more than us simply escaping an eternity in hell and the lake of fire! What He accomplished, and what we receive when we accept Him as our personal Saviour, affects our entire being, spirit, soul and body! We are made new creatures, with our spirits being recreated in the image of God. We are made members of God's very own family, with all of the authority of Heaven backing us up. We have the full use of His Name as though it was our own, and it IS! Our identity is now found in HIM! The Weber name that you inherited from your parents meant something when it was given to you! What you have accomplished, along with your character, your work ethic, your attitudes and actions toward other people, have increased the value of that name! In JESUS we have been given the Name that is higher than any other name that has ever been given! One day, every person who has ever lived will bow to that Name! And HE is OUR Saviour! What a wonderful and powerful TRUTH that is! Here is Hillsong Worship with a song about our Saviour called "Grace To Grace":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "esteem". We'll be looking at two portions of Scripture with one Greek: word. Philippians 2:3-4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: 

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. KJV

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. KJV

This is the Greek word "hegeomai". Strong's Concordance says: to lead, i.e. command, to deem, i.e. consider. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: to go before, to deem, account, think. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this: to suppose. Being obedient to this instruction involves setting aside differences and looking at each person as precious and valuable, because God does! It also involves appreciating those around you and what they provide to you. When we keep those things in mind, we will avoid strife which opens the door to the enemy to do what he does best: steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10)! When we appreciate the ministers and ministries that bring us the Word of God, then we will be in  a better mindset to REALLY receive Wisdom and understanding from that Word! Here is Hillsong Worship with "I Desire Jesus":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

What a GREAT game! The word for this week is "compare". We'll be looking at one Old Testament verse and one New Testament verse. The first is found in Isaiah 40:18:

18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? KJV

This is the Hebrew word "`arak". Strong's Concordance says: to set in a row; to arrange, put in order. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: to esteem, to equal, to set forth a legal case. Vine's Expository Dictionary also adds this: to arrange in order makes it possible to compare one thing with another. The dictionary definition of compare is this: estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between. This verse is speaking of trying to draw a comparison between anyone or anything and the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! We KNOW that He is beyond compare! But He IS to be our standard! 2 Corinthians 10:12 instructs us in that!

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. KJV

This "compare" is the Greek word "sugkrino". Strong's Concordance says: to judge of one thing in connection with another, to collate one person with another by way of contrast or resemblance. This verse is telling us that we should NOT 'compare' ourselves with anyone else. I should not be your standard, and you should not be mine, even though we both may set good examples for each other. Jesus should be the standard by which we compare ourselves! The Amplified Bible makes this verse clearer!

12 Not that we [have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely. AMP

If we compare ourselves with each other, we will always find something to be satisfied with because there will be someone who isn't quite as good. When we compare ourselves to God, we will never measure up completely until we see Him face to face (1 John 3:2)! This gives us the incentive to keep reaching and growing! YOU are more like Jesus than you were when we first met, and I know that you will be even more so by the time YOU meet HIM! Here is a new song from Hillsong Worship that I REALLY like! It's called "What A Beautiful Name":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "agree". We'll be looking at the same verse that we used last week. Matthew 18:19:

19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. KJV

"Agree" here is the Greek word "sumphoneo". Strong's Concordance says: to be harmonious, to accord. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to sound together, to make an agreement. This is a compound word that Rick Renner covers very well in his new "Sparkling Gems From the Greek 2". Here is what he says:

The word "agree" is the Greek word sumphoneo, and it is a compound of sum and phoneo. The word sum means with, and  the word phoneo means to make a sound. As you can imagine by simply looking at its two parts, this Greek word is where we get the word symphony. Thus, when we describe agreement in prayer, it is good to first think of a symphony, which is a musical piece made of different movements, instruments, and parts. The use of this word sumphoneo in the context  of prayer is revealing, for it shows that when two or more believers get into agreement - each of them praying and adding their parts - it creates a supernatural movement that deeply touches the heart of the Father. This action is so powerful, in fact, that Jesus said it would result in the Father fulfilling any issue they addressed through prayer.

I thought you would enjoy this, and that it would have particular meaning for you as a musician! The prayer of agreement is available to every born again believer, but it is particularly powerful for a husband and wife! No one can really care as much for your needs as they do their own, but a husband and wife have the same concerns for their home, their children, their life!  When you and Kristine come into agreement in prayer for any of those things, you have the same goal. When you find the promises from the Word concerning these things, and you each share your own perspective with the other, you will have a strong accord and the combining of your faith will be powerful! You have been making beautiful 'symphonies' together through your prayers, even if you didn't realize it! Here is a fun song I came across by "Planetshakers" called "New Era":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian! 

The word for this week is "touching". The verse we'll be looking at concerns the Prayer of Agreement! Matthew 18:19:

19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. KJV

This is the Greek word "peri". Strong's Concordance says: through, around, with respect to. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: around, about, concerning, as respects, on account of. The prayer of agreement is a powerful prayer that is especially valuable for a husband and wife! It is so important that I want to take part of it this week and the rest next week. This prayer can be used for any and every promise that is found in the Word of God. Whatever need you may have 'touching', or concerning, or with respect to, or on account of, your family, your home, your life, or anything else, if you find the Scripture that covers that particular need and you both add your faith to that, it WILL be done! The added 'oomph' for that promise is found in the very next verse!  Verse 20:

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. KJV

When you join your faith together in the Word, you are joining with HIM, making a threefold cord (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) that cannot be broken! He is right there with you backing up His Word! We'll continue next week with the word "agree"! In the meantime, here is an older song by Hillsong where the word 'touching' means connecting with! "Touching Heaven, Changing Earth":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "changed". We'll be looking first at 1 Corinthians 15:51-53:

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. KJV

This is the Greek word "allasso". Strong's Concordance says: to make different. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: to cause one thing to cease and another to take its place. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: Basic sense is to make other than it is, to alter, to give in exchange. This promise is getting to mean more to me as I get older! The promise is that at the appearing of Jesus for the Church, we will all rise to meet Him in the air, and in that instant our physical bodies will be changed into a resurrection body such as Jesus now has! We will 'exchange' this old body and have a brand new one that can function on earth AND in Heaven also! Our loved ones who are already in Heaven will be coming back with Jesus and their bodies will also be changed, rising up from the grave before us! 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

I fully intend to finish my race and fulfill God's calling on my life for very many more years, but knowing that I have this wonderful change to look forward to helps me to stay very positive about getting older and 'changing'! These changes are temporary, but that change that happens at His appearing is forever and glorious! In the meantime, there is another "change" that can take place as we continue to increase our knowledge of Who Jesus is, and who we are because of Him! This one is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18:

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. KJV

This is the Greek word "metamorphoo". Strong's Concordance says: to transform. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to change into another form. This is referring to our inner man, rather than our physical bodies. While we're waiting for that THAT day, we can continue to be changed everyday from the inside, which will show up on the outside! This change is the one that will draw people to the Jesus in us! That's a GOOD thing! Here is kind of fun early song by Hillsong United called "My Best Friend":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

We LOVED the collage that Kristine posted of your game with Avery and Elle! The word for this week is "calling:". We'll be looking at these two verses:

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. KJV

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: KJV

This is the Greek word "klesis". Strong's Concordance says: an invitation. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: an invitation the origin, nature and destiny of which are heavenly. God created us with a free will so that we would not be as robots, with no choice but to act as programmed. He desired to have fellowship with those who could and would choose to want to fellowship with Him! So, He gives us the invitation to salvation! He has made everything we need available to us, but we have to go after them in faith in order to have them. There is an invitation to walk in health, an invitation to walk in prosperity, to walk in His favor, to walk in His protection. He has provided for it all and will never take back what He has already given, but He will never force anything on us. He has also given each of us gifts and talents that put us in position to minister to different groups of people. In this, also, we have the choice to do so or not. There will be rewards for faithfulness in doing what He's called us to do, and we choose how faithful we want to be in that! Knowing that He trusts me with those decisions makes me WANT to be more faithful, dependable, available, and diligent! We just can't out-give God! He is SO good! Here is Hillsong United with a song called "Heartbeats" that mentions Him "calling" us out! 

 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

I hope that you are all having a wonderful time! The word for this week is "measure".  We'll be looking at these two verses: 

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. KJV

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: KJV

This is the Greek word "metron". Strong's Concordance says: a limited portion. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: an instrument for measuring; a determined extent, a portion measured off. In Luke 6:38 we are told that when we give, God will used the same measure in giving to us that we use when we give to others. The difference is that He uses that measure and then multiplies our giving back to us! We see this in 2 Corinthians 9:10:

10 Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) KJV

What a wonderful return on our investment! You just can't out-give God! In Ephesians 4:13 we see that God's plan and purpose for us is to have each of us grow up in the things of God until we become 'perfect', which actually means mature. The 'measure' of that maturity is nothing less than to be like Jesus! That should be the goal of every believer, even though we will never completely reach that goal until we get to Heaven and are in His presence! 1 John 3:2:

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. KJV

If we make Jesus our standard in giving and in growing up, we can't go wrong! In the one instance we receive a generous return and in the other, we have the potential to become more like Him every day until we DO see Him! That's a very good thing! Here is a song from Hillsong United that speaks of of His value being beyond all earthly measure, called "Tapestry":

Maker of earth and sky
And everything before our eyes
Your Word formed life and light
Within the crucible of time
The genesis of all mankind

Our lives a tapestry of grace
Your hand has weaved together
In You no thread will ever fray
This hope is ours forever
Your work of art a mystery
Beyond all earthly measure
Your love for us a masterpiece
Jesus our hope always

Author of grace divine
Love orchestrated in our lives
The cross of Calvary
The gift of God the centerpiece
Upon that cross You set us free

Our lives a tapestry of grace
Your hand has weaved together
In You no thread will ever fray
This hope is ours forever
Your work of art a mystery
Beyond all earthly measure
Your love for us a masterpiece
Jesus our hope always

Lift our eyes Towards the Son Glorious you stand alone
Raised to life You've overcome Holy is the Lord our God

(Your love is unrivaled) Lift our eyes toward the Son
(Your glory spans eternity) Glorious you stand alone
(Your word is final) Raised to life
(The cross of Christ our victory) You've overcome
(Every knee will bow at the name of Jesus) Holy is the Lord our God
(For there is no name like the name of Jesus)

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian! 

The word for this week is "conceal". The verse we'll be looking at is Proverbs 25:2:

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "cathar". Strong's Concordance says: a primitive root; to hide (by covering).  Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: to hide carefully. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: to shelter. God has hidden vital Truths and promises in His Word that the unbeliever cannot understand. 1 Corinthians 2:14:

14 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. KJV

He has also hidden, or sheltered, the Truth of the Word from the enemy! 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 says this:

7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. KJV

It is for believers to know the hidden things of the Word of God! We all have the potential to know! 1 Corinthians 2:12:

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. KJV

Not every believer can understand the Word of God simply by reading it either. It takes a deeper commitment for that. Jesus said this about that in John 8:32:

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.  AMP

Hosea 6:3a says this:

3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord:  KJV

The only way to really learn and know the Word of God is to meditate on the Word that we read and hear. Joshua 1:8 says this:

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 

So, just as every person who ever worked for Target had the potential to have your position, only the one who took it seriously enough to learn and grow and be diligent to succeed at every level is now in that position! THIS is the type of person that the Lord has concealed His Word FOR! You have also proven to be that person! There is no limit to how much we can learn to know and understand about Him and His Word  as long as we continue to press on and go after it! You have become an even better son, brother, husband and father because of that commitment! Here is Hillsong with an older song called "I Live To Know You":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The Word for this week is "Gospel"! I cannot believe that we've never used this before! We'll look at these verses:

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. KJV

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. KJV

2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. KJV

1 Thess 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. KJV

In all of the last three, it is the Greek word "euaggelion". Strong's Concordance says: a good message. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: good tidings. In Luke it is the word "euangelizoo". Strong's Concordance says: to bring or to announce good news. The GOOD news is that JESUS paid for our sin/sickness so that we do NOT have to! The GOOD news is that ALL that we have to do is to believe what the Word says about Him and then receive JESUS as Lord and personal Savior! The REALLY GOOD news is that we can tell others all about God's wonderful plan for our salvation! Telling others the Good News helps to strengthen our own faith in all that He promises to do in us and for us! Here is Hillsong United with a song that I really love! "Say The Word":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "compassed". The Scripture we'll be looking at is found in Hebrews 12:1-2:

Heb 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This is the Greek word "perikeimai". Strong's Concordance says: to lie all around, to inclose and  encircle. The Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament adds: to be surrounded. Paul meant for this to be an exhortation to not slack off, give up or quit, but to get really serious about finishing our race. He said this about himself in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. KJV

Thinking about those who have gone on before and knowing that every one of these "witnesses" is on our side and pulling for us to succeed should be an encouragement that we are never alone in this! When we add to this the Truth that we are also surrounded by angels who have been sent to assist us (Hebrews 1:13-14), we should really see ourselves as those who cannot fail, as long as we never give up! The sweetest victories, accomplishments or 'promotions' are usually those that we have worked for, believed for or waited for the longest! You have experienced many, with many more to come! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with a song that we've used before, but I really love that it speaks to the motivation for doing what we do, to bring Him praise with our lives! "Only Wanna Sing":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!