The word for this week is "quiet". There are four verses in the New Testament, with three different Greek words! They are:
Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. KJV
1 Thess 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; KJV
1 Tim 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. KJV
1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. KJV
In Acts 19:36 the Greek word is "katastello". Strong's Concordance says: to put down; quell. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to put down or keep down one who is roused or incensed; to repress, restrain, appease, quiet. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and 1 Peter 3:3-4 we have the same Greek word, "hesuchazo". Strong's Concordance says: to keep still; to refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to rest, to hold one's peace. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: tranquility arising from within, causing no disturbance to others. In 1 Timothy 2:1 we have the Greek word "eremos". Strong's Concordance says: stillness, tranquil. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: indicates tranquillity arising from without. So we have instructions to control ourselves and our response to situations so that we don't 'fly off' and do something that we may later regret! Good advice! Then we have the instruction to allow the peace of God, which is actually a fruit of the born again spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and comes from within, to dominate our lives so that we can minister to people and be an influence on them for good and for God! Then we have the instruction to pray for our leaders so that we can have a peaceful and tranquil environment in which to operate as the ambassadors for JESUS that we are called and commissioned to be! One of the things that I have noticed most about your home is that both you and Kristine, in the midst of all the wildness of having four happy, fun and active girls running around, operate with a peace and a calmness that allows those beautiful and unique daughters to be themselves, yet with a firmness that keeps them channeled in the right direction! I think that you have mastered this "quietness", that really has nothing to do with the volume of the voices and the laughter, but everything to do with the love, acceptance, nurturing, and confidence building that you both do! It is a joy to be with you all and I hope that we see you all again soon! Here is another new song from Hillsong's "There Is More" album called "You Are Life":
VERSE 1:
You have come
And we have found life
Everlasting
Now alive
To know Your freedom
Never ending
PRE CHORUS:
You alone have made a way for us
In Your love
You are life
CHORUS:
I’m living in the light of my Saviour
Dancing in the arms of forever
I’m singing like I’m walking on water
You are life
Alive in me
VERSE 2:
From greyest skies
To living colour
You have called us
In Your life
Your light uncovered
The world to see now
POST - CHORUS:
I give my life to follow
‘Cause Your love is all I want now
You are life
You are life
Alive in me
BRIDGE:
For all the world to find Your love
For all the world to see that You are God
Forever be lifted high
The One who holds the universe
And every beating heart across the earth
Jesus be lifted high
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
