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!