Hi Brian!

What a great win! The word for this week is "maker". It's found only one time in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:10:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. KJV

This is the Greek word "demiourgos". Strong's Concordance says: a worker for the people, i.e. a mechanic (spoken of the Creator). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the author of any work, an artisan, architect, framer, builder. I LOVE that it says 'a worker for the people'. That is exactly what JESUS came to do! God planned, before He ever created mankind, the WAY to redeem us WHEN we fell! He created us with the right to choose, KNOWING that at some point we would fail. His plan was to legally buy us back from the enemy by the Blood of JESUS, so that we could have an even better place than Adam had in the Garden! Adam walked with God in the Garden, but WE walk with GOD IN US! THAT is what this Builder and Maker accomplished in and for us! And it was HIS plan all along! How much confidence we can have in Him when we KNOW to what lengths He had to go to release us from the hands of the enemy! Nothing that happened took God by surprise. HE took the enemy by surprise with His ingenious plan, fooling him into thinking that he had the upper hand! The TRUTH of the matter is found in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8:

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

I am exceedingly glad that this same ‘Architect’  has plans and purposes for us that are above and beyond what we can even imagine and that HIS timing is perfect! Jeremiah 29:11 says this:

11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

I have all confidence that with anything and everything that we have coming up in our lives this next year, “God's Got This", and that there is nothing for us to do but to believe and receive! Here is a new Christmas song from Hillsong's "The Peace Project" called "Arrival":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "incarnate". It's found in the Amplified Bible in John 1:14:

14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.  AMP

The dictionary definition of incarnate is: a : invested with bodily and especially human nature and form b : made manifest or comprehensible. So, when we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the birth of the ONE Who set aside the glory that He had with The Father to become a human being Who was subject to all of the same temptations that we all face. He represented mankind completely and perfectly. He also represented Heaven perfectly! In His incarnation, JESUS  revealed  God in ways that allowed the people to comprehend His true nature, and to dare to believe that what was promised He was able to carry out! One of the things I love the most about studying the Bible, especially word studies, is the more intimate understanding I get of His true nature! Psalm 103:7 says this:

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

I love that we are also able to know God's ways. Not just what He does, but why and how He does it! That gives us such a stronger basis for our faith to grow. I believe that we are going to need to keep our faith strong and active in this coming year, but that the results and rewards are going to be even better and more abundant that anything that we have experienced up to this point! 2018 promises to be a most excellent year! We are praying for all good things for you and Kristine and your lovely ladies! Here is Hillsong with a new Christmas song called "Prince of Heaven":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "tenderhearted". It's found in only one verse in the New Testament. Ephesians 4:32:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. KJV

This is the Greek word "eusplagchnos". Strong's Concordance says: well compassioned, sympathetic. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: compassionate. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: of good heartedness. Webster's Dictionary defines compassion as:  sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. While the world, in general, seems to care very little for the real needs of others, God sees tenderheartedness as a very strong character trait and is calling us to have this attitude. You have a calm, quiet strength about you that gives all of your princesses the confidence that they are loved, protected and provided for. At the same time, they all, including Kristine, have the freedom to be themselves and the encouragement to be the very best that they can dream of being! That is my picture of what strong tenderheartedness looks like! Here is Chris Tomlin with "Good, Good Father":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is Messiah. It's found in only two verses in the Bible. Daniel 9:25-26:

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "mashiyach". Strong's Concordance says: anointed, a consecrated person. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says:  The anointed one. Vine's Expository Dictionary says this: First, mashiach refers to one who is anointed with oil, symbolizing the reception of the Holy Spirit, enabling him to do an assigned task. Second, the word is sometimes transliterated "Messiah." After the promise to David (2 Samuel 7:13) mashiach refers immediately to the Davidic dynasty, but ultimately it points to the "Messiah," Jesus the Christ: "The kings of the earth [take their stand], and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed..." Psalm 2:2. In Daniel 9:25 the word is transliterated: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince...." The New Testament also attests the word in this latter meaning John 1:41. Most frequently in the New Testament the word is translated ("Christ") rather than transliterated ("Messiah"). Transliterate means: to change (letters, words, etc.) into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language.

 So, the word Hebrew word "mashiyach" is translated anointed in many parts of Scripture, but in Daniel it is the transliteration that refers only to THE Messiah of Israel, Jesus (the ) Christ! He is also OUR Messiah because, as born again believers, we have been adopted into the family of God (Ephesians 1:5). As strange and difficult as some of the things going on in the world now seem to be, these are as nothing compared to what is to come about on the earth AFTER our Messiah's appearing to take HIS people from here before the worst of what is to come happens. As believers, we should take all of these things that we see as incentive to simply keep living that life that shows off Who HE is, and to keep being the Light that leads others to HIM! The love and light and the favor and anointing of God are so evident in your life and that of your family! You all SHINE! Just keep being YOU! It's working well! Here is Hillsong with "Behold - Then Sings My Soul" where the last verse refers to when He does come for us! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Now THAT was a nice win! The word for this week is "inheritance". We'll be looking at these New testament Scriptures:

Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. KJV

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, KJV

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, KJV

In all of these instances "inheritance" is the Greek word "kleronomia". Strong's Concordance says: heirship, a possession. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: property received (or to be received) by inheritance, what is given to one as a possession. In the natural world, in order for someone to receive an inheritance, someone else would have to die. JESUS was the One Who died for OUR sin, and His death, burial and resurrection gave us the inheritance spoken of in these verses. We ARE heirs of God, and joint (equal) heirs with JESUS, Who is the executor of His own will. When we dare to stand on the promises in God's Word concerning our inheritance, then HE is free to bring those things to pass in our lives! Just as your beautiful daughters KNOW that their needs are met by you and Kristine, WE should never doubt that our needs are met by OUR Father in Heaven! And the example that you two have set for your girls of blessing them with things that they like, enjoy and desire gives us a glimpse of how the Father feels towards us all! He LOVES to bless us even more than you both love to surprise and bless Avery, Ellsyon, Georgia and Reagan!  And, just as you both know the individual gifts, talents, abilities and desires of your girls, our Father knows each and every one of us! We are, of all people, MOST blessed with such a wonderful 'inheritance' to share together! Here is Hillsong with "Splinters and Stones":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is ability. We find it used in these three portions of Scripture:

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. KJV

Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: KJV

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. KJV

In Matthew we have the Greek word "dunamis" Strong's Concordance says: force, miraculous power. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: strength, power, inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. When we received JESUS as Lord and personal Savior, we received HIS life and HIS ability to operate in us! In Acts we have the Greek word "euporeo". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to be well off, to have means. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to be well provided for, to prosper. These people gave generously in support  of God's people. Each one gave what they were able to! In 1 Peter we have the Greek word "ischus". Strong's Concordance says: forcefulness. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: force, strength, might. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to be strong, to prevail.

All three of these instances have similarities, yet they are different! That's one thing that I really love about the Word of God! We will never get to the point where we 'know it all', but it is sure fun and interesting to try! We have the 'ability' to know more, so let's do it! Here is Hillsong with "Seasons" (from the new Christmas album).

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Another great Vikings win! The word for this week is "adversary". We'll be looking at only one verse, found in 1 Peter 5:8:

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: KJV

This is the Greek word "antidikos". Strong's Concordance says: an opponent, especially satan as an arch enemy. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: an opponent, an adversary, enemy. Louw and Nida Greek-English Lexicon adds this: one who is actively and continuously hostile toward someone. We KNOW who our adversary is from the verse above. The devil IS our opponent. He IS our enemy. He DOES walk about imitating a roaring lion because he is NOT one! JESUS is the Lion, while the devil is nothing more than a defeated foe! The reason that we have to be vigilant, though, is because he still really believes that he can get the victory over God! The only way that he can hurt us is by getting us to believe something contrary to the Word of God. The Amplified Bible is a little clearer, and verse 9 gives us our instruction in defeating his tactics:

8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset — rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. AMP

James 4:7 tells us that if we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil and his lies, then the devil will flee from us. I especially like Rick Renner's translation from his original "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" on December 10th:

“Stand firmly against the devil! That’s right — be unbending and unyielding in the way you resist him so that he knows he is up against a serious contender. If you’ll take this kind of stand against him, he will tuck his tail and run like a criminal who knows the day of prosecution is upon him. Once you start resisting him, he’ll flee from you in terror!”

I LOVE that! WHen we choose to believe the TRUTH of the Word over the lies, accusations, innuendos, tricks, schemes and plots of the enemy, then we WILL see the promises in the Word manifest and many times in even better ways than we asked for! God is good, ALL the time! Here is Hillsong along with Alvin Slaughter with the song of that name!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share Jerry Savelle's devotional because it's such a good reminder!

EVERY GOOD THING

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV)

Did you know that victory is always yours—that it actually belongs to you?

The key word in the scripture above is always. The knowledge that God always causes us to triumph gets rid of the “win a few, lose a few” philosophy people are so fond of.

I’ve had people say, “But, Brother Jerry, I haven’t always triumphed.” My answer is always the same: “Well, we know that’s not God’s fault because the Bible says God always leads us in triumph.”

What some fail to realize is this: just because the Word says God always leads us to triumph in Christ, it doesn’t mean we will never be attacked or have adversity. It is what we do during the attack that determines whether we win or lose.

I made up my mind years ago that I would never accept failure. Since that time, I’ve experienced setbacks and I’ve faced many opportunities to fail. But I’ve learned that the battle is never over until God has an opportunity to turn what seems to be a defeat into a triumph.

No matter what kind of persecution, adversity, or attack you may be under, according to God’s Word the victory is already yours. You can get discouraged and choose to give up before it comes, but I am totally convinced that God already has a victory planned for you.

You have the potential to experience triumph in every situation—if you won’t give up!

Confession: I believe God will turn every adversity into a victory. I believe God has a victory plan for every negative circumstance I face now, or will ever face. I expect victory in every situation because God has promised me that I can always triumph in Christ.

When we know and realize this Truth, that He ALWAYS causes us to triumph, then we can stand strong and patient, waiting for Him to bring about the perfect circumstances at the perfect time! His eyes run to and fro (2 Chronicles 16:9), seeing and setting up those things for us, so that we can truly live 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).

I can't wait to see the exciting things that God is going to do for, and through, you, Kristine and your beautiful girls in this coming year! Here is Hillsong with "Desert Song", which is a favorite of mine because it reminds me at the end that I am blessed to BE a blessing!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "noble". It's found in four verses in the New Testament, from two different Greek words. The first is found in these two verses:

Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. KJV

Acts 26:25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. KJV

This is the Greek word "kratistos". Strong's Concordance says: strongest, very honorable. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: most illustrious, best, most excellent. This was a term of honor that, in the first instance, was being used as flattery by Tertullus to gain favor with Felix, who would be judging Paul. In the second instance Paul was speaking with respect to the person in authority. The next two verses involve a different Greek word.

Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. KJV

1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; KJV

In 1 Corinthians the Greek word is "eugenes", which Strong's Concordance says is: well-born, high in rank. In Acts it is the Greek word "eugenesteros", which is a comparative form of "eugenes". . Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: noble minded. Louw and Nida Greek-English Lexicon says this: a willingness to learn and evaluate something fairly, to be open-minded. The Bereans had the reputation of being very thorough in their study of the Word of God. They are our role models when it comes to studying the Word! Learning something new every day is a worthy goal and takes a determined purpose. I choose this goal, and I know you have, too, since are you reading this! I am praying that you and Kristine will continue to receive the specific Wisdom that you need to accomplish your God-given goals and dreams! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Let There Be Light":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Another great win! The word for this week is "always". We see it used in these verses:

2 Cor 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. KJV

2 Cor 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: KJV

2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: KJV

Philem 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, KJV

This is the Greek word "pantote". Strong's Concordance says: every when; at all times. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: ever, in any and every way, by all means, doubtless, surely, certainly. There are other words translated "always" in the Bible, but I really like these 4 verses and what they are saying to encourage us in our walking through this life! We can courageously fight the fight of faith with confidence when we KNOW that HE will ALWAYS cause us to WIN! Also, though each situation may be different and look different, we still ALWAYS have everything we will need, IN HIM, to come out on top again! And, the last verse above reminds us that we must ALWAYS be before His face in prayer and fellowship. My favorite definition of always has to be the very first one: every when. Just that unique way of saying it causes us to keep in mind that there will never be a 'when' that HE doesn't have the answer for that will cause US to be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:36)! Appropriately, here is Hillsong with "Always Will"!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Another great win! The word for this week is "fables".  It's found in these verses: 

1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. KJV

1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. KJV

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. KJV

Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. KJV

2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. KJV

These are all from the Greek word "muthos". Strong's Concordance says: a tale, fiction (myth). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: a speech, word, saying. A narrative, story. Vine's Expository Dictionary breaks it down a little more! It says speech, conversation. Then it adds: the first 

syllable comes from a root mu—, signifying "to close, keep secret, be dumb"; whence, muo, "to close" (eyes, mouth) and musterion, "a secret, a mystery"; hence, "a story, narrative, fable, fiction" (English, "myth").  2 Peter 1:16 calls them 'cunningly devised' fables. This is the Greek word "sophizo", which Strong's defines as: to form sophisms. {Sophisms are defined in the Dictionary as: an argument that seems true, but is really false and is used to deceive people.} 

Basically, these are all referring to those ideas and doctrines that religions have developed that may appear to be true, but are not. Many denominations began with a TRUTH of the Word, but then stressed a particular point of difference from other denominations to the point that this difference became the main focus of their theology. The Catholic church had added so many man-made ideas, rituals and doctrines that are not found anywhere in the Word that Luther's Reformation was needed to get the Word back to the people. He stressed salvation by faith rather than by works to the point that, not understanding the Word, he wanted the entire Book of James deleted from the Bible. Other denominations stressed water baptism to the point that they did not believe that one could be fully saved without it and made it a 'requirement' for salvation. Then their are the Spirit-filled denominations that say that you can't be saved without speaking in tongues. We avoid all of those 'fables' by being students of the Word, as the Bereans mentioned in 

Acts 17:10-11:

10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 

KJV

Which is why I LOVE The Spoken Word Church, and others like ours, because we are taught the Word, but then given the responsibility to get into the Word ourselves to make sure that what we are hearing is the Truth! The most exciting aspect of the Word over fables and doctrines of men is that the Word itself brings faith. Romans 10:17:

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

KJV

Meditating on the Word gives Holy Spirit the opportunity to bring the understanding of the Word so that we can put it into practice. Listening to teaching, reading for ourselves, doing Word studies like these, talking with others about the Word, are all ways to meditate. Then we can stand on this promise from Joshua 1:8:

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

I would say that YOUR meditation of the Word has produced much in your life that has resulted in wisdom, success, prosperity, favor and accomplishment, in every area! Now keep letting patience work in your favor, knowing that you are undergirded with a great support system in all of us! We love you and your precious family so much! Here is Hillsong UNITED with an older song called "One Way":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

What a great game to win! The word for this week is "declare". There are many Greek words translated declare and we will cover two of them. These are found in 1 John 1:1-5:

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. KJV

The first one is the Greek word "apaggello". Strong's Concordance says: to announce. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to bring tidings (from a person or thing), bring word, report; to proclaim. The second one is the Greek word "anagello". Strong's Concordance says: to announce in detail. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to announce, to make known. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to announce, report, bring back tidings. There is just a subtle difference between the two words and Young's Literal Translation shows it best:

3 that which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ; 4 and these things we write to you, that your joy may be full. 5 And this is the message that we have heard from Him, and announce to you, that God is light, and darkness in Him is not at all; YLT

In the first instance they are reporting back what they had observed with their own senses so that the people they were reporting to could 'be on the same page' as them. In the second instance they were relaying the actual message that they had received from the LORD and that He wanted them to know about Himself. As you train up your daughters you will be doing both! You will be teaching them what the Word of God says (His message to them), and then you will be adding to that the experiences that you have had with the Word as examples of how to walk it out. What a blessing is for them to be brought up this way! I had no knowledge of the Lord and had no one to 'declare' any of this to me! Our children were born before we knew the Lord and we had to try to catch them up on these things. Your daughters will have such boldness and simple, strong faith to 'declare' the Word because you have brought them up this way from the very beginning! And then you have THIS promise from Proverbs 22:6:

6 Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. AMP

You can count on it! So keep declaring! Then they will follow your example and declare Him, too! Here is Hillsong Kids with "Tell The World":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Congratulations on your great 'good news'! God is GOOD! The word for this week is "quake". We'll be looking at Hebrews 12:18-21:

18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) KJV

This is the Greek word "entromos". Strong's Concordance says: terrified. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: trembling. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: trembling with fear. Under the Old Covenant, the people had no direct access to the God of the Bible. If they wanted to communicate with Him, they had to go through the prophet, the priest or the king, because they were the only ones anointed by Holy Spirit. They were not Spirit filled, but they had Holy Spirit UPON them for service. This is the position that Adam put us all in when he gave his God-given dominion over all things to satan. He went from being in control of all that God had created, and walking with God Himself in the Garden, to trembling in fear at the presence of God and the voice of God. Verse 29 tells us why:

29 For our God is a consuming fire. KJV

But that is NOT for us! What JESUS accomplished for us is so much more than what satan took! Look at verses 22-24:

22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. KJV

Our New Covenant, sealed in the Blood of JESUS, puts us in a position even greater than what Adam had in the Garden! Adam walked WITH God, but we walk with God IN us! We no longer have to travel somewhere to hear someone tell us what God is saying! We can simply close our eyes and be alone with God, and hear His voice for ourselves! Now we no longer tremble in fear and dread in His presence, but we stand in awe and amazement that the God of all creation, the God of our Salvation, the God of the Bible, speaks to us directly in power, wisdom, peace, joy and LOVE! You would think that believers today would press into His presence more than they do, but many do not! The ones who DO, though, really stand out! The wonderful atmosphere in your home, and the 'joy unspeakable' that shines on the faces of your beautiful girls, is witness that you and Kristine DO! We are SO blessed to learn of your latest supernatural blessing from GOD! He is GOOD, ALL the time! Here is Hillsong with "This Is Our God":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

It was so good to see you, Kristine and those beautiful girls! I wish the game would have turned out better, but just a few minutes in your home and you know what is MOST important! The word for this week is "abased". We see it in these three verses in the New Testament:

Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. KJV

Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. KJV

Phil 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. KJV

This is the Greek word "tapeinoo". Strong's Concordance says: to depress, to humiliate. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to make low, bring low, to bring to a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances, to assign a lower rank to. In Matthew and in Luke it is basically saying that we should never try to elevate ourselves, but allow HIM to do so. When WE try to "make a name for ourselves", we will end up losing that elevated position and it could be heartbreaking! When we do what we do for the right reasons and motives, to be obedient to what God has called us to, then HE will "make a name for us" and we will find favor and blessing wherever we go! In Philippians we see that Paul is not moved by his circumstances. He trusts the Word of God, and the promises in it, over any circumstance or situation. His confidence is in the God of the Bible, so he will do the same things whether he is living in the blessings or living in the 'waiting' time of the blessing manifestation! There is one more verse that has this Greek word in it that explains how WE can do this! The verse is Philippians 2:8 and "tapeinoo" is translated "humbled":

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. KJV

JESUS made Himself of low degree by becoming sin so that He could forever release us from the penalty OF sin! And, in keeping with Matthew 23:12 and Luke 8:14, above, when JESUS did this, then God was able to lift Him up and exalt Him above everyone and everything! Look at Philippians 2:9-11:

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. KJV

So, while we wait for the manifestation of the promises of God, we KNOW how to be immoveable in every situation, KNOWING that HE is working behind the scenes to bring it to pass! This is the heart attitude that always results in VICTORY! While doing this, we remind ourselves of the times when God has come through for us before, getting our mindset back on faith and power and off of feeling anxious and worried. Here is the only song on the new Hillsong UNITED CD (Wonder) that we haven't used so far, and it pertains perfectly to our word for this week! It's called "Splinter and Stones":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

What a great game! The word for this week is "satisfy". We'll be looking at these two verses: Psalm 90:14 and Psalm 91:16:

Psalm 90:14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. KJV

Psalm 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "saba`". Strong's Concordance says: to sate; to fill to satisfaction. Brown-Driver- Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says:to be fulfilled, to have one's fill of, to have in excess, to enrich. Psalm 90 is speaking of the promises made by God to His people. Psalm 91 is speaking of the promises made to individuals who will get themselves in position to receive! Psalm 90 says this in the Amplified Bible:

Psalm 90:14 O satisfy us with Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. AMP

Psalm 91:14-16 from the Amplified Bible:

Ps 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. AMP

The prerequisite being satisfied with long life in Psalm 91 is to "dwell in the secret place of the Most High". That means to spend time in His presence, which is inside of us! We really are so incredibly blessed under our new and better Covenant! THEY had to travel to get themselves to the Temple in order to be in the presence of God. WE carry the presence of God with us wherever we go! When we stay aware of His presence within us, then it will be easier to stay continually in the safe place of His protection, provision and safety! Here is Hillsong UNITED with another song from their new album called "Water To Wine":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Well, that game was hard to watch! I am praying that everything they NEED to work on gets done this week! YIKES! The word for this week is "creation". This is found in only 6 verses in the New Testament. Here are the verses:

Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. KJV

Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. KJV

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: KJV

Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. KJV

2 Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.KJV

Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; KJV

These are all the Greek word "ktisis". Strong's Concordance says: original formation. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the act of founding, establishing, building, creating. All of these verses are speaking of what God did in creating the entire universe, and of what He created. Many unbelievers like to come up with various ideas, theories and hypotheses of how everything came to be. I LOVE this Dictionary definition of hypothesis: a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. Kenneth E. Hagin used to say it this way: A theory is a supposition based on ignorance of the subject at hand! THAT is a better explanation of the completely baseless ideas that many scientists come up with. The reason that I say that is, whatever explanation they may try to come up with to try and explain this completely supernatural event, when they carry it back, they still come up with something that apparently came from NOTHING! They just cannot explain away GOD! This wonderful, glorious, powerful and supernatural event that happened "in the beginning", is also what happened at our New Birth! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says this:

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. KJV

"Creature" here is exactly the same Greek word, "ktisis"! We are completely supernatural beings, designed and created by the CREATOR of all that is! We are unique and special children of the Most High God! Satan would love nothing better than for us to forget this, or never to have learned it in the first place! TOO BAD! We know, and nothing can take away the knowledge of the Word of God that has been sown in our hearts! Thank You, JESUS! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "So Will I", which is all about God's creation! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

I am going for a little humor this week! The "word" is "old wives"! We find it only once in the New Testament! 1 Timothy 4:6-7:

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. KJV

This phrase is the Greek word "graodes". Strong's Concordance says: cronelike, i.e. silly. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: old-womanish; anile, (Anile means doddering old woman! Doddering means to tremble or totter, typically because of old age; spent and nerve-weary. So, this is something that YOU will never have to deal with!)  :)  The very first time I read this verse I thought it was amusing, but I HAD heard a few "old wive's fables", so I thought I knew what it meant. Now that I am an 'old wife', I see it as much more important! I do NOT want to become someone who loses sight of the depth of the Word of God because I neglected to give it my full attention. I have found that the only way to gain, and to KEEP, a 'working knowledge' of the Word is to meditate on it, which means to think about, ponder, muse, to utter. 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

Writing my Truth Blog and this one has helped me stay active in the Word and has challenged me to keep thinking, studying, searching and reaching deeper into the things of God! I am forever grateful for that! And just to keep it YOUNG, here is Hillsong Kids with "Every Move I Make":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "neglect". We find it in these two portions of Scripture: 

1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. KJV

Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will. KJV

In both cases this is the Greek word "ameleo". Strong's Concordance says: to be careless of. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: to regard not. Over the years that I have spent in ministry, I have come across so many people who have tried to follow other people in what they were doing instead of finding out what God had for THEM to do, and doing it! Paul was exhorting Timothy to pay attention to the gifts that God had placed within him, and to put them to use. The gifts, talents, anointing and opportunity that God has placed in YOUR life are what HE has used, and will continue to use, to draw attention to Himself through you! Your success in your career, as a husband and as a father have caused those around you to stop and take notice! You are reaching people in your realm of influence that most of us will never know! Remember, especially when the enemy tries to pressure you to do more, that 1 Samuel 15:22 says THIS:

22 Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. AMP

Our simple and faithful obedience to the Word of God and the leading of Holy Spirit is well pleasing to the LORD and will bring great rewards in the life to come, as well as abundant blessings in the here and now! In Hebrews (above) Paul is exhorting the believers to not neglect, but to take full advantage of, all that belongs to us as Blood Covenant partners with JESUS and members of the family of God. When we find out what belongs to us, and learn to appropriate those blessings, HE is glorified as He confirms the WORD that WE speak with signs, wonders and miracles (Mark 16:20). Rather than being this hard life of "toeing the line", ours is a glorious life of walking in the supernatural provision of Almighty God! Why would we ever want to neglect that? Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Life":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "wake". There are different words translated wake and we will look at two of them. The first one is found in Joel 3:9:

9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: KJV

The phrase "wake up" here is the Hebrew word "uwr". Strong's Concordance says: To rouse oneself, to awake, to incite, to stir up, to be excited, to be triumphant. The Amplified Bible says this:

9 Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare war! Stir up the mighty men! Let all the men of war draw near, let them come up.

We know that our 'warfare' isn't with flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12), but we war against spiritual forces that are set on stealing the Word out of our hearts and replacing that Word with lies, human reasoning and negative reports. We win this war by rejecting and replacing the lies with the TRUTH (John 17:17 - the WORD)! It takes work and determination to keep ourselves 'stirred up'  so that the enemy cannot get an advantage over us! The next 'wake' is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10:

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. KJV

This is the Greek word "gregoreuo". Strong's Concordance says: to keep awake, to watch. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to watch, to give strict attention to, to be cautious. As you and Kristine continue to seek and follow God's plan for your lives, family, careers, home, and everything involved with them, make sure to continually keep yourselves awake and stirred up! Remind yourselves of past victories, just as David did (the lion and the bear), and fully expect the "unexpected" blessings to open up for you! You have  FAVOR and God has the PLAN! He is RARELY early, but NEVER late! His timing is PERFECT! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Wake":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

I was planning on getting back to word studies this week, but I want to share one more "Mystery" with you instead! This one is from Day 343 and is called "The End Of The Story":

"What is it," asked the teacher, "that makes a story good or bad, happy or sad? What if I told you the story of a man hated by his own family, sold into slavery, taken to a foreign land, thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit, and forgotten by man and, it seems, by God. What kind of story would you say it is?"

"A sad story. A story of injustice and oppression ... a tragedy."

"But the story is from the Book of Genesis. And the man is Joseph. And he will end up being released from prison, given a position of great honor, saving Egypt from famine, and being reconciled to his family. Now would you still say the story is sad and tragic?"

"No. I would say the story is one of triumph."

"And you would be right," he said. "The parts of a story are not all of equal weight. A happy story with a tragic end is not a happy story, but a tragic one. A tragic story with a triumphant ending is not a tragic story, but a triumphant one. You can never judge a story by its beginning or middle, or by its parts before its ending. It is the ending of the story that determines everything that went before it. Always remember that. The nature of the story is determined by its end ... so too the story of your life. You can never judge your story by your current circumstances or problems. And as long as you're on earth, you haven't seen the end of the story."

"So then one can never know what kind of story you're in."

"Not so," said the teacher. "If you're a child of God, the end of the story is revealed."

"Which is ... "

"Victory, restoration, triumph, blessing, joy and glory. And it is that end that makes your life a good story, a wonderful story. Therefore, when you look at your life, see everything in the light of that ending ... every problem, every defeat, every sorrow, every failure, every evil ... they're only the components of a story of triumph and glory. Fix your eyes on the end of the story. And press on to the end. For it is that end that makes your story and your life ... a great one."

The Mission: No matter what you're going through today or in your life, believe, look to, and live in confidence to the end of the story.

I LOVE this message! Some of the greatest victories, and some of the greatest accomplishments, have come up out of failure and disappointment! Many people give up and quit when the going gets tough, and they never see the victory. I KNOW that you and your family are NOT the quitting types! As you continue to be diligent in getting to know JESUS more, I believe that HE will continue to show Himself strong in your lives, making for more triumphant  victory dances! Here is Hillsong with "This Is How We Overcome":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Before we get back to some powerful Words, I want to take this week to share  from Joseph Prince's "Grace Inspirations" devotional! 

Romans 4:16  Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all…

God’s grace is His undeserved, unearned and unmerited favor. And because it is undeserved, unearned and unmerited, all of us qualify for it. But how do we walk in it?

Just as a password gives you access to a computer program, faith enables you to walk in God’s unmerited favor. Now, faith has nothing to do with what you do or what you can do. Faith is simply believing and declaring what God has done and is doing for you.

When you believe that the favor of God is on you because of Christ’s finished work, His promises of provision, healing and restoration become sure to you. They are not just sure to the Jews, but also to you and me because we are “of the faith of Abraham”.

Ruth was a Gentile widow who put her faith in God’s grace. She believed and declared that God’s favor would lead her to the right field in which to glean, where she would find favor in the owner’s sight. (Ruth 2:2) Because she depended on God’s unmerited favor, God not only placed her in wealthy Boaz’s field, but also in the genealogy of Jesus! (Matthew 1:5)

Ruth’s faith in God’s favor opened up a whole new world for her. She went from poverty to supply, widowhood to marriage, and from being childless to having a complete family. She also became a respected member of the community. (Ruth 4:13–15)

If Ruth, a Gentile who was under the old covenant, enjoyed God’s favor, how much more will we who are under the new covenant of grace enjoy the blessings that the unmerited favor of God brings! In fact, because God sees us in the Beloved today, we enjoy the same favor that Jesus has! (Ephesians 1:3–6)

My friend, when you believe that you have the same favor that Jesus has, a whole new world will open up to you—a world where all of God’s promises are “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ! (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Thought For The Day: When you believe that the favor of God is on you because of Christ’s finished work, His promises of provision, healing and restoration become sure to you.

I really love that we can EXPECT certain things because we KNOW and UNDERSTAND not only Who JESUS is, but who WE are - IN HIM! Everything GOOD comes into our lives because of JESUS! We now have the RIGHT to be God's very own family because of JESUS! ALL things are possible for us because of JESUS! SO, here is Hillsong with a very old song called "All Things Are Possible"!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian! 

I'm going to do something a little different this week! We have been going through The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn for our Wednesday night services and it has been outstanding! As I was preparing for a word, I felt led to check the titles of the different mysteries and Day 362 just really stood out. I'm going to share that with you here!

THE TIME OF KNOWING

The Teacher led me to the Chamber of Books and removed from one of the shelves a large ancient-looking book in a brown binding.

     "Look through it," he said. So I did. "How long do you think it would take you to learn everything that's in this book in depth?"

     "In depth? Maybe three months."

     "And what about all the books on this shelf?"

      There were many books. I did the calculation in my head. "Maybe ten years," I replied.

     "And how long to learn what's in every volume in this bookcase?"

     "I would guess eighty years."

     "Now look at all the bookcases in this chamber. How long do you think it would take you to learn everything that's inside every one of these volumes?"

     "Many lifetimes," I said.

     "Do you know why God gives us eternity?"

     "Why?"

     "Because the purpose of our existence is to know God. And so it must be eternity. For eternity is the time it take to know God ... So never make the mistake of thinking that you know everything there is to know about Him. It's when you think you know, that you stop knowing. And if it takes an eternity to know God, then how much is a lifetime of knowledge next to how much there it yet to know?"

     "One eternitieth," I said, "one infinitieth ... next to nothing."

     "No matter how much you know, there will always be more ... there will always be so much more. No matter how much you know of Him, you've only just begun. And that's how you must always come, as one who doesn't know the half of it, which will always mathematically be the case. So you must come as a little child, as one who knows there's so much more to know, and for whom everything is new. Even the apostle Paul, who knew more of God than anyone else, even he wrote, 'That I might know Him.' If he could say that, how much more we. So never stop seeking Him. Never stop pressing on to know Him ... and to know more of Him ... and more than that. For eternity is the length of time it takes to know Him ... and a lifetime is just the beginning of eternity."

The Mission: Since it will take an eternity for you to know God, there's so much for you to discover. Seek to know Him today as if for the first time.

Psalms 23:6; 27:4; 63; Matthew 18:3-4; Philippians 3:10

This really hit home with me! Philippians 3:10 has always been one of my favorite verses, especially from the Amplified Bible. I knew that if Paul maintained a burning desire to know God more, there MUST be so much more to learn, and I MUST have the same attitude! We have been sharing this blog now for 6 1/2 years now, with 335 words! I KNOW that some of the words we've covered mean so much more than what I originally knew to share! I have an idea that we may be covering some of them again, with a deeper understanding and a broader application! What a great adventure it has been and I hope continues to be for you, too! Here is Hillsong with a song that I really like called "Running" because that's what we will continue to do! Run after all that He is!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "disciple". We'll be looking at Matthew 10:24-25:

24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.  KJV

This is the Greek word "mathetes". Strong's Concordance says: learner, pupil. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: it denotes one who follows one's teaching (as: the disciples of John; the disciples of Jesus). A disciple was not only a pupil, but an adherent, thus spoken of as an imitator of their teacher. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: used of those who direct their minds to something. (A unique aspect of New Testament discipleship is that it is commitment to the person of Jesus. His teaching has force only when there is first this commitment to His person).  The dictionary definition of adherent is: a person who follows or upholds a leader, cause, etc.; supporter; follower, sticking; clinging; adhering to.  This would bring us to Luke 14:26-27 & 33:

26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple. KJV

Of course this doesn't mean that we are actually to hate those people in our lives, but that, in comparison to how much we love and commit and adhere to Jesus, it would SEEM so. The unexplainable Truth of this adhering to Him, though, is that when we DO this, we will actually be able to love those people in our lives with a greater, deeper and more powerful love than if we didn't. This love is a more selfless love, an unconditional love and a love that will never give up or quit. The love of 1 Corinthians 13:8 that never fails! This love is evident in the quiet way that you go about being the head of your household, protecting, providing for, preferring and honoring Kristine (and she you) and your girls. There is so much strength in this kind of love that can only come from Jesus Himself! That right there is as much a preaching of the Gospel as if you stood on your roof, or on a downtown street, and shouted "Jesus is Lord"! I believe that HE wants you to know that you have made such an impression on all of those in your realm of influence simply by being YOU, in HIM. His disciple! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Greatest Of These":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

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

1 Corinthians 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. KJV

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. KJV

Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. KJV

Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. KJV

This is the Greek word "pleroma". Strong's Concordance says: repletion or completion, i.e. what fills (as contents, supplements, copiousness), or what is filled (as a container). Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: abundance. Every good thing about the earth came FROM God and belongs TO God! This also means that it belongs to US as heirs of God and joint (equal) heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:17)! 

The fulness of time referred to in Galatians 4 gives me great confidence that God's timing is going to ALWAYS be perfect! His timing for everything to do with your family, home, career, band, interests and goals will be perfect for you! 

The fulness of Him on the earth is the entire Body of Christ (the Church) doing their own individual part, in obedience to His calling and plan and purpose, and HE pulls it all together! Not one of us is responsible for the fulness, but for the one unique part that we have in that fulness, and this all comes together as we commit to walk in love with each other. (Remember that the two most important commandments are that we Love the LORD with all of our hearts and each other as He has love us (Mark 12:28; John 13:34 and 15:12). I believe that the upcoming blessings that God has for you and your family will far outweigh any and all of the tests, trials, situations and circumstances that you have faced recently! The devil hates when God's people are blessed, but he cannot stop it! HA! Here is Hillsong UNITED with one of my favorite songs from their new "Wonder" album called "Not Today":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!