Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "adjure". We find it in these verses:

Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. KJV

Mark 5:6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, 7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. 8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. KJV

Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. KJV

In Matthew 26 we have the Greek word "exorkizo". Strong's Concordance says: to exact an oath, conjure. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to cause to swear, to lay under the obligation of an oath. In Mark 5 and Acts 19 we have the Greek word "horkizo". Strong's Concordance says: to put on oath, make swear, to solemnly enjoin. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to force to take an oath, to administer an oath. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to lay under the obligation of an oath. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says THIS about THAT WORD!  This word means "to cause someone to swear" and "to adjure someone by something." In Mark 5:7 the demoniac adjures Jesus by God in an effort to rob him of his power, but to no avail, since Jesus is the Son of God. In Acts 19:13 the exorcists try to cast out demons by adjuring them in the name of Jesus. Using the name as a magical formula, however, has the opposite effect to what they desire, for the name of Jesus has force only when spoken in faith and on his commission. 

"Adjure" is a very strong word that, when used properly by standing on the authority of the Word of God, will not be denied! BUT, where there is no authority to speak or act, there is also no power to be had! God will always confirm HIS WORD with signs and wonders and miracles, but He is not obligated to do anything that is not based on faith in His Word! Here is Hillsong with "Say The Word" again which speaks of the results of speaking the Word of God into any situation! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week MUST go along with Christmas, so we will be looking at the Greek word for "manger"! We find it in Luke 2:

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. KJV

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. KJV

Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. KJV

These are all the Greek word "phatne". Strong's Concordance says: to eat, a crib (for fodder). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says the same. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: denotes a stall. The Theological Dictionary says: feeding trough. Having grown up on a sheep farm, my picture of a feeding trough is slightly different from the pictures we usually see. It would not have been this neat, cozy little baby sized bed! It would have been big enough for a few to several animals to feed at. It could have been made of wood or may have been carved out of stone. The biggest contrast was that the sitting 'king' of Israel, Herod, would have been sleeping in luxury while the REAL KING of kings slept in a feeding trough, but was welcomed by angels singing and lowly shepherds overjoyed! And now HE is ruling at the right hand of the Father and waiting patiently to come and get US! His Bride! In spite of all that has gone on this year, WE have been MOST BLESSED! But this is nothing compared to what HE has prepared for us then! I believe that our near future is going to be wonderful, but THAT future will be beyond compare! We are SO BLESSED to be HIS! Here is Hillsong with one of my favorite Christmas songs! "Born Is The King":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "plainly". We find it in these portions of the New Testament:

John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. KJV

John 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. KJV

John 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. KJV

John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. 29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. KJV

These are all the Greek word "parrhesia". Strong's Concordance says: all out-spokenness, frankness, assurance. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech, free or fearless confidence, cheerful courage, the deportment by which one becomes consipuous or secures publicity. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: boldness, plainness of speech. During the ministry of JESUS, He told His disciples many things that they could not conceive or understand! The reason they could not was because they did not yet have a recreated human spirit, which is necessary in order to discern the Word of God! 1 Corinthians 2:14:

14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

Once we have receieved JESUS as Lord and personal Savior, THEN, and ONLY then, can we properly discern the Word of the Living God! THEN we will understand "PLAINLY" what we are unable to right now! I LOVE that the TRUTH of the WORD of God is hidden for US! Every single time through the Bible Plan, I discover something I never saw before, or never saw in quite the same way! THAT attitude will take us very far in developing a working knowledge of the Word! Here is another song from Hillsong UNITED which speaks about God's Word! "Say The Word":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "acknowledging". We find it in these three porttions of Scripture:

2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. KJV

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; KJV

Philemon 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. KJV

These are all the Greek word "epignosis". Strong's Concordance says: recognition, full discernment, acknowledgement. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: precise and correct knowledge. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to know thoroughly, to recognize a thing to be what it really is, to acknowledge, to take knowledge of, to perceive. The Theological Dictionary says: The ordinary use is for intelligent comprehension, emphasizes understanding rather than sensory perception. Being a compound word, the first part, 'epi', means: superimposition. If one thing is superimposed on another, it means that they are layering one thing over another so that both are seen. This "knowledge" or "acknowledging" means that we have layer upon layer of understanding, comprehension, perception. That IS how our understanding of the Word of God grows into useable knowledge! Putting the Word into practice! I am certain that after all of these years of you studying God's Word, there are some things that make sense and you understand right away due to the many layers of foundational knowledge you have built up! Part of what Paul was writing about above is that those whom you teach and share the Word with will come progressively to understand and recognize the Word with understanding from observing the Word active in your life! It should be even easier for them than it was for you because they have had years of observing the Word working in you with such positive results! Just how God means for it all to work! I LOVE it! Here is Hillsong with "Your Word":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "youth". We find it these 4 times in the New Testament:

Mark 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. KJV

Luke 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. KJV

Acts 26:4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. KJV

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. KJV

These are all the Greek word "neotes". Strong's Concordance says: newness, youthfulness. In each of the first three examples here the person speaking had great confidence in what they had been taught and how they had been trained from their youth! Then Paul, who knew Timothy and his family, encouraged Timothy to rely on what he had been taught from his youth and not to allow the opinions of others to affect how he saw and carried himself. Your beautiful, unique, individually gifted and talented little ladies can each have great confidence in the way that they have been taught and trained when it comes to the Word of God. You and Kristine have started them off with such a great foundation that they should never be discouraged when others may not agree with them or even approve of them. That strong foundation will cause them to be unshakeable in their faith and immoveable in what they know and believe! It is so fun to see the real individuality of each of them, especially Georgia and Reagan who are naturally so much alike, but still so uniquely different! My prayer is that you both will have great confidence in them and in God's hand upon them! Well done! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Brighter":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "weary". We'll be looking at Galatians 6:9:

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. KJV

This is the Greek word "ekkakeo". Strong's Concordance says: to be weak or to fail in heart. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to be utterly spiritless, to be wearied out, exhausted. Another Greek word translated "weary" is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:13:

 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. KJV

This is the Greek word "egkakeo". Strong's Concordance says: to be afraid, to become discouraged, to become weary or tired, to despair, to lose heart, to tire of. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to lose courage, flag, faint. We are exhorted here to NOT become tired, weak or exhausted. We are also exhorted to guard against becoming discrouaged, fearful, depressed or hopeless. Jesus said this in 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).

THAT is God's will for us and the choice is up to us! When we begin to feel this way, we must do as David did when he was under pressure and encourage ourselves inthe Lord. Everyone has their own peprsonal method of dealing with this. Mine is always through music and it ususally begins with praise and ends with worship! The last new song from the Hillsong Young and Free album "All Of My Best Friends" is called "Keep On" and it deals with this very subject! 

VERSE 1: When life is a long road There’s One I will follow His mercy will never grow tired Never grow old VERSE 2: There’s grace for the distance His strength for my weakness To throw off the weight of the world And hear You reminding me CHORUS: When you’re weary and you’re worn out Don’t fret now Find rest in open arms Keep on running till the last line Keep your head high Cos I’ve already won VERSE 3: In Your bravest moment For us You were broken And still to the very end Lord You fought for my soul VERSE 4: Your passion unending Your love never failing Jesus You’re all that I want Your life is reminding me BRIDGE: Your love goes on and on and on Your love will never stop So I’ll keep on and on and on Until this race is run

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "wish". One of the new Hillsong Young and Free songs is called "Everything I Could Want". There is a line in the song that says this: "People wishing what they’ve got away. We need a change". Unbelievers and 'unbelieving' believers spend time 'wishing' for things to change or to get better. The Word of God has a different choice! The word "wish" is found in these three Scriptures:

Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: KJV

2 Corinthians 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. KJV

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. KJV

All of these are the Greek word "euchomai". Strong's Concordance says: to pray to God. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: the indication is that prayer is involved. The Theological Dictionary says: to pray, ask, beseech, prayer, petitionary prayer, invocation. Instead of 'wishing' for something that we need or desire, we find out what the Word says about our situation, and then petition for it! Ask for it! To invoke, according to the dictionary definition means to: use law or rule to achieve something. So we speak the Word over and into our situation, fully expecting God to do for us what He did in Mark 16:20:

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord was working with them and confirming the word by the signs that followed.]

It certainly seems that God is doing this quicker and more powerfully than ever before in these last months! I expect even more in the days ahead! These are exciting times to be alive, even in the midst of strange things going on! Here is that song mentioned above!

Love and Shalom From the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

This week I want to use Rick Renner's "Sparkling Gems From The Greek Volume 2".

Whatsoever a Man Soweth, That Shall He Also Reap!

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Galatians 6:7

It has been my pleasure to stand before my precious Russian congregation many thousands of times over the years and to boldly tell them, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

This principle is so true that Paul begins by telling us not to question its validity! He says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked.…" The word "deceived" comes from the Greek word planao, which means to lead astray; to wander; to stagger; to be led off course; or to be affected by someone's outside influ­ence and led in a wrong direction. The word planao is usually used in the New Testament to depict the activity of false teachers who deliberately lead people from liberty into teaching that enslaves them in some kind of spiritual bondage.

When Paul wrote this verse, the language he used was a command coupled with a very strong prohibition. This means he was forbidding his readers from participating in something that seemed to have already been initiated. Because he spoke so prohibitively, it could correctly be translated, "Stop being deceived." He was rebuking a weakness that was already developing among the Galatians and that he wanted to halt! Could it be that false teachers were trying to tell the Galatians that the law of sowing and reaping didn't really work? It seems so.

We also live in a day and time when the law of sowing and reaping is challenged by those who do not embrace its truth. Many scoff at those who believe that God will multiply their financial seed back to them again; some even try to use their influence to persuade people to abandon their belief in such a doctrine.

Unfortunately, sometimes people who are young and unstable in the Word are caught in the middle of this war of words. A doubt sown here and there makes them question the validity of whether or not the law of sowing and reaping applies to finances. In the end, many of these new believers let go of their grip on this promise and walk away. But those deceivers who blatantly take a stand against the promise of God will one day answer for their actions.

Paul stands firm on the principle of sowing and reaping and lets his voice be heard as he states, "...God is not mocked...." The word "mocked" is the Greek word mukteridzo, and it means to turn up one's nose at someone, as if mocking or laughing at the person. The idea is of someone who arro­gantly says, "Come on, you surely don't believe this stupid principle of sowing and reaping. How dumb can you be to believe that God will multiply what you sow!"

One noted scholar has commented that this type of attitude usually comes from a person who had a sour experience when he tried to apply the law of sowing and reaping to his finances. For some reason, he didn't get the results he expected, so now he acts as though this principle isn't true or applicable to anyone. Thus, he turns up his nose at the law of God, challenging the validity of it and asserting that whatsoever a man soweth is not always what he reaps.

Paul doesn't want this negativism and unbelief to worm its way into the thinking of the Galatian church, so he speaks loudly, firmly, and prohibitively, commanding the Galatian believers to disasso­ciate themselves with anyone who dares to turn up his nose at the law of sowing and reaping.

Then Paul boldly declares what he believes: "…Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." The word "soweth" is the word speiro, which refers to any seed that is sown. Notice the empha­sis on any seed that is sown. This immediately alerts us to the fact that this law is not applicable only to finances, but to anything in life. It applies to love, to work, to time, to patience, to kindness, to forgiveness, to bitterness, to selfishness - and, of course, to money. All of these are potential "seeds" that we sow.

Making the definition of "soweth" even broader is the word "whatsoever," which in Greek is the word ean. This word literally throws open the door, for it means whatever; whatever thing; or no matter what a man sows. Again, Paul lets us know that this is a law of God that applies to every sphere of life with no exceptions. It is simply a fact: Whatever you sow, regardless of what it is, you will reap it.

The Greek tense does not denote a single, one-time sowing; rather, it pictures a person who continually, habitually sows. Therefore, it could be translated, "Whatsoever a man sows, sows, sows, and sows - and keeps on habitually sowing and sowing and sowing...." In other words, this describes a constant, steady, perpetual sowing of seed. And if you sow this seed steadily and faithfully, God's promise is that you will reap a harvest. The word for "reap" is in the same Greek tense, meaning that it could be translated, "You will reap, reap, reap, and reap - and keep on habitually reaping and reap­ing and reaping."

The reason most people walked away disgusted and scoffing at this promise is that they never really put it to the test! They sowed once and waited for a harvest. When nothing happened, they threw up their arms and said it didn't work. But those who keep on habitually sowing and sowing and sowing as a manner of lifestyle are the ones who eventually reap and reap and reap as the mani­fold blessings of God come pouring back into their lives.

The level at which you sow determines the level you will reap. Sow a little, and you'll reap a little. Sow a lot, and you'll reap a lot. Sow inconsistently, and you'll reap inconsistently. Sow regu­larly, and you will reap regularly.

Galatians 6:7 could be translated:

"Stop letting people lead you astray from the truth! You might try to turn up your nose at the law of God, but it won't change the law! It remains true that whatever you regularly and habitually sow - regardless of what it is - that is exactly what you will regularly and habitually reap."

Then in Galatians 6:9, Paul takes just a moment to encourage those of us who are waiting for our harvests. He says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Notice that Paul mentions a "due season." Even today, harvest times come at varying times for different areas, depending on the temperature, altitude, and climate of each region. For example, in one low-lying district of Israel, harvest may be in full swing while districts at higher altitudes are still weeks, or even a full month, away from their harvest time.

This principle holds true in every other realm as well. For instance, if the seed you are sowing is financial seed, remember to bathe it in prayer as it leaves your pocketbook and enters the Kingdom of God. Pray for the Holy Spirit to create a right atmosphere or climate for that seed to take root and grow. And if it takes awhile for the harvest to come back to you, remember that no farmer plants seed one day and expects to have a full wheat or corn field the next day! It takes time for seed to grow in the natural. In the same way, time may be required for the seed you have sown to spiritually mature so it can come back into your life as a multiplied blessing.

In the meantime, don't be weary in "well doing." That simply means keep it up; don't stop what you are doing; be regular; be consistent; be faithful; or be "well doing" in the sowing of your seed! The last thing you should do is "faint"!

That word "faint" comes from the Greek word ekluo, which means to loosen up; to relax; to faint; and to lose altogether. The devil will say, "This doesn't work. You've tried long enough. It won't hurt if you cut back on your giving. Loosen up a little. Relax from giving so much!"

But according to Galatians 6:9 and the Greek word ekluo, if you loosen up and relax in your giving, you will eventually "faint" - in other words, you'll stop giving completely. And if you do that, you will lose everything! So don't ever let the devil or anyone else ever talk you into backing out of sowing financial seeds into the Kingdom of God.

As I said earlier, the sowing of seeds applies to every area of life. If you constantly and habitually:

 Sow love, you will reap love.

 Sow patience, you will reap patience.

 Sow kindness, you will reap kindness.

 Sow forgiveness, you will reap forgiveness.

 Sow money, you will reap money.

 Sow bitterness, you will reap bitterness.

 Sow strife, you will reap strife.

Friend, like it or not, this is just the way it is! It is the law of God, and there is not one thing you can do to change it. So rather than challenge the system and fail, don't you think it's time that you wise up and get with the program? If you're going to reap what you sow, maybe you ought to figure out what you want to reap. Then you can start planting those same kinds of seeds to assure that you'll get the harvest of your dreams!

One TRUTH that we should  remember is that sowing seeds will ALWAYS be the way to a harvest! Everything that we say or do is a seed that WILL produce a 'crop'! I believe that we will all learn to be better 'sowers", resulting in our becoming better harvesters!  Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Keep On":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "justification". We see the word in a couple of forms in these two passages of Scripture:

Romans 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. KJV

Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. KJV

The (red) "justification" in each section is the Greek word "dikaiosis". Strong's Concordance says: aquittal (for Christ's sake). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the act of God's declaring men free from guilt and acceptable to Him.Vine's Expository Dictionary says: the act of pronouncing righteous. It's precise meaning is determined by that of the verb "dikaioo" (to justify). "Justified" in Romans 5:1 and the second "justification" in Romans 5:18 is the Greek word "dikaioma". Strong's Concordance says: an equitable deed, a statute or decision. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: that which has been deemed right so as to have the force of law. What has been established and ordained by law; an ordinance. A judicial decision, a sentence. A righteous act or deed. The Theological Dictionary says: The term has varied legal senses. A gound or claim. Written proof, document, validation. A decree, statute, ordinance. A sentence, punishment. Right action. 

So we have been declared by Almighty God as free from guilt, acceptable to HIM, made righteous, legally free of all condemnation. NOT by anything that WE have done, but by EVERYTHING that HE has done to stand in our place. So many believers over the years have been held in bondage by the thinking that they were 'just an old sinner, saved by grace'. We WERE sinners, but we HAVE BEEN saved by GRACE! NOW we are RIGHTEOUS SAINTS, recreated in the image of God, with HOLY SPIRIT living IN us, the ANOINTING of God upon us, the gifts and callings of God available to us and HIS plans and purposes working FOR US! We are, of ALL people, MOST BLESSED! I know that you KNOW this, but sometimes a refresher is GOOD for the SOUL and to stir up joy and confidence that we ARE who HE says we are. We CAN DO what HE says we can do. And the BEST is YET TO COME! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "All My Life":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "kindness". We'll look first at 1 Peter 1:5-7 for one type of kindness:

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. KJV

This phrase comes from the Greek word "philadelphia". Strong's Concordance says: fraternal affection. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the love of brothers and sisters, in the N.T. the love which Christians cherish for each other as 'brethren'. Another similar word is found in Acts 28:1-2:

1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. KJV

This is the Greek word "philianthropia". Strong's Concordance says: fondness of mankind, benevolence (philanthropy). Both of these forms of 'kindness' are great, positive ways to respond to people. The really important "kindness" is found in these verses: 

2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, KJV

Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. KJV

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; KJV

Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. KJV

THESE are all the Greek word "chrestotes". Strong's Concordance says: usefulness, moral excellence (in character or demeanor). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: moral goodness, integrity, benignity. The Theological Dictionary of the N.T. says: denotes God's gracious attitude toward sinners, the fullness of salvation in Christ, the experience of the love of God that is manifested in Christ and shed abroad by the Spirit works itself out as 'chestotes' toward others, a fruit of the Spirit. This is the kindness that we are to show people that will lead them to want to know JESUS! It goes beyond just being 'nice' or 'friendly' to people. It shows the selflessness of God to them. There is power in that! This is what attracts people to you and your family! THIS is BEING a witness and not simply 'witnessing'! Actions really do speak louder than words. Our responsibility is to be putting God's Word in so that this WORD becomes part of us, changing us more and more into His image. Then our actions reflect His nature and draw people to HIM! There is such freedom in just being ourselves and living our lives FROM His presence! You do it well! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with another new song called "As I Am":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "obey". We'll be looking at two of the Greek words translated "obey". The first is found in Matthew 8:27 and the second in Acts 5:29:

Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! KJV

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. KJV

In Matthew we have the Greek word "hupakouo". Strong's Concordance says: to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to submit to. In Acts we have the Greek word "peitharcheo". Strong's Concordance says: to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e. to submit to authority, to conform to advice.

The meanings of the two words seem almost the same, but the difference is in the choice! The disciples of Jesus were shocked that the wind and the sea, the elements, obeyed His commands! The great revelation that WE have is that those same elements MUST obey when WE speak HIS WORD, in His Name! Peter and the other apostles recognized the authority of Jesus and refused to be intimidated by those who had no REAL authority! It is our responsibility to find out who WE are - IN HIM - and what authority WE have in His WORD and His NAME. And then it is also our responsibility to know when to stand up to those who use their God-given authority to demand that we go against God's Word. HE is always our first priority! Here is Hillsong Young and Free again with another new song called "Uncomplicated":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "illuminated". It's found only one time in the Word of God. Hebrews 10:30-35:

30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. KJV

This is the Greek word "photizo". Strong's Concordance says" to shed rays; to shine; to brighten up. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to give light, to enlighten, to light up, to bring to light, to render evident, to be imbued with saving knowledge. The more time that we spend taking in the Word of God, meditating on it until we receive revelation of it, and then actually DOING what it says to do, the more illumination or enlightenment we receive from Holy Spirit Who is our personal Teacher! Notice that when the illumination, or understanding of the Word came, 'great fights of afflication' followed! The enemy does NOT like when we become more proficient in the Word because it means that he cannot devour us (1 Peter 5:8). Paul said that satan sent a messenger to attack him when he had gained special revelations from the Lord (2 Corinthians 12). He will always fight us to try to keep us out of the Word, but God ALWAYS gives us the victory over him when we boldly stick with it and refuse to give up! My prayer for you and your family is that the illumination of His Word will continue to grow so strong that DOING the Word will be second nature to you, keeping the enemy continually on the run FROM you! Here is another new song from Hillsong Young and Free called "Lord Send Revival":

 

VERSE 1: Peace like a river wash over me Immerse me in water as deep as the sea Hide me in love Your healing embrace Peace like a river wash over me CHORUS As I worship Your majesty I worship Your holy Name Jesus my everything All that I am is Yours VERSE 2: Come Holy Spirit rain down on me Break open the heavens and drench the unseen (oh) Pour out Your presence as I pour out Your praise Come Holy Spirit Lord have Your way BRIDGE 1: Open the heavens Fling wide the gates Flood every heart with mercy Pour out Your presence Inhabit our praise As we cry holy holy TAG: (Whoa whoa) As we cry holy holy (Whoa whoa) BRIDGE 2: Lord send revival Lord send it now A move of Your Spirit Heaven break out Come now in power Cover this land Like You’ve done it before Would You do it (oh come on) again

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

This week I want to share this from Rick Renner's "Sparkling Gems From The Greek Volume 2". I believe that his experience here may be useful for you and Kristine as you continue to grow your businesses and ministries! 

A Revelation!

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. — 1 Corinthians 2:10

For years I searched for a way to reach the very large elderly population in Moscow, Russia, where we live. They are a very specific generation, and I had never understood the key to touching them in large numbers. I knew there was a way to do it, but I didn’t know that way. To be honest, I had nearly bent my brain trying to think of how “I” could reach them! I didn’t realize it at that time, but I had worked so hard thinking on my own that I hadn’t involved the Holy Spirit very much in obtaining the answer!

I’ll never forget the day I looked out the living room window of our apartment in downtown Moscow — and there on the street that ran parallel to the Kremlin was a massive demonstration of pensioners, widows, and elderly, looking like they were having the greatest party of their lives! Some of them were carrying signs with Communist slogans like they did in the old Soviet Union. Some even carried huge photos of Lenin and Stalin, waving them over the heads of the crowd.

As I leaned out our window to get a better glimpse, I heard music from the Soviet era being played, and I saw that many of these pensioners were actually dancing in the streets to the music. Although most people in the West remember Communism as an evil entity, these elderly people grew up in the USSR and remembered it as the time of their youth. They were reveling in the memories of earlier times when they were younger and life seemed easier than it had become in their old age.

I told Denise, “I want to go downstairs, get out on the street, and experience those elderly people!” Within minutes, I had my winter coat on; I pressed the button on our elevator to take me down to the street; and I nearly flew out of the door of our building to quickly join that big demonstration. My eagerness to join the pensioners on the streets wasn’t because I agreed with Communist dogma; I just wanted to share the experience with these thousands of lively elderly people!

When I stepped into the huge throng of senior citizens, I suddenly found myself engulfed by elderly people who were behaving like teenagers. All around me was a mass of white-haired senior citizens who had seized the moment to step into earlier memories of life in the USSR. For several hours, they really “whooped it up” on the central street of downtown Moscow! It was so invigorating to see them enraptured in their memories that I lingered among them until several hours had passed and the crowd finally began to dwindle down. As I walked home toward our apartment, the streets were covered with confetti and large banners with Soviet slogans that lay scattered on the ground.

As I stood there pondering the whole experience, I cried out, “Holy Spirit, please show me how to reach this generation!” Before I got back to our apartment, God had marvelously opened my heart and mind to a new idea of how to reach this older generation, and before I stepped back into our elevator, God had given me a plan to reach them. He imparted to me a revelation that when later acted on, enabled us to build what is now one of the largest senior adult ministries in the world.

It all began with an idea from the Holy Spirit that was birthed in my heart when I was not expecting it. It had started out as just an ordinary day that then developed into an unusual set of circumstances that I shared with thousands of elderly people. And in the midst of that unexpected situation, suddenly the Spirit of God showed me something to do that I had never thought of before. It was like a supernatural beam penetrated my mind, and I could see what to do. Since that moment, years of fruit born from the implementation of that idea have proven that it truly was a revelation from the Lord.

I had always prayed for a way to reach the senior population in Moscow because they represented such a large part of the city. But I would have never been smart enough to dream up the idea that the Holy Spirit dropped into my heart that afternoon on the streets of Moscow. And not only did the Holy Spirit give me an inspired idea, but He also injected me with the courage I needed to obey it. In one split second, I had both the idea and the courage to do what the Holy Spirit had shown me. Insight for the plan and the faith to move forward on it came simultaneously, and the outcome in the years since that moment has been truly profound. Through this outreach that was birthed in my heart in that moment years ago, many thousands of senior citizens have gotten saved and experienced the love of God. The path to reaching them was so simple and so powerful, yet I had never seen it before that moment.

Very often we think so long and hard about how to do certain things that need to be done — when all along, the Holy Spirit knows exactly how to do it. The Holy Spirit sees and knows everything. He knows the key to every heart. He knows the secret to every success, whether in ministry, education, family, or anything else. If we will listen to Him, the Holy Spirit will reveal exactly what we need to know for every situation we face in life. The question is — are we listening?

In First Corinthians 2:9, Paul wrote of the restrictions normally placed on our minds, but in First Corinthians 2:10, He told us that part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry is to remove those restrictions so we can see what we normally could not see on our own. He says, “But God hath revealed them [hidden things] unto us by His Spirit.…”

The word “revealed” is the Greek word apokalupsis. The root word is kalupsis, which describes something that is veiled or hidden to the human eye and mind. It is there, but it isn’t seeable or knowable. It’s like an entire lawn that is beautiful, green, and landscaped, but because the curtains inside the house are closed, you are unaware of the beauty that is right outside for you to see.

But in First Corinthians 2:10, the word apo is added to the front of the word kalupsis, and that little addition of apo means the curtain that once hid our view has been removed. Suddenly what was unseen becomes visible, and what was hidden becomes revealed. This is the reason apokalupsis is translated as something revealed or as a revelation. And Paul stated that this was a strategic part of the Holy Spirit’s ministry — to take hidden things that we cannot know on our own and reveal them to us.

On that day when the Holy Spirit spoke to me on the streets of Moscow, it was as if He held the strings on an invisible curtain that had blocked my ability to see how to reach that older population. When I cried out to Him for answers, He lifted that curtain, and I instantly saw what I had never seen. In a split second, I had an answer to a question I had been asking for years. It wasn’t something I sat around and concocted on my own; it was something revealed to me as the Spirit removed the invisible veil that had separated me from the answer I had been seeking.

God has blessed our ministry enormously over the years, and I am the first to tell you it isn’t because we are so smart. If Denise and I have done anything right, we have listened. We discovered that if we’ll remember to ask the Holy Spirit for help, He will always be there to show us that which we’re not smart enough to figure out on our own.

I don’t know what answer you’ve been seeking, but I know who has the answer! The Holy Spirit sees everything and knows everything — including those things that your mind would never see or know on its own. Perhaps you’ve been seeking answers about your marriage, your business, your children, an important relationship — the list could go on and on. You may have been seeking answers for years, but you just couldn’t see what to do.

In my own case, all those years the Holy Spirit had the answer I had been seeking, but I was so busy trying to brainstorm ideas by myself that I hadn’t allowed the Holy Spirit to operate in His revealing ministry on my behalf.

Today I want to encourage you to open your heart to the Holy Spirit in a new way. He is present with you right now, holding the strings to the curtain that has blocked your view. This may be the very moment that He pulls those strings and you see what you’ve been searching for so long. Instead of brainstorming and trying to think it through on your own, look to Him — and get a revelation of what the Holy Spirit wants to happen next!

There is no limit to the Wisdom and understanding that is available through the Holy Spirit Who lives IN us! My prayer is that He will continue to lead, guide and direct you both in every area of your lives and that you will both be in a position to receive His revelation! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with another new song called "Glimpse".

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "needful". There are a few Greek words translated "needful" in the New Testament, but we'll be looking at only one this week. Luke 10:42:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. KJV

This is the Greek word "chreia". Strong's Concordance says: employment, occasion, demand, requirement. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: necessity, duty, business. The Amplified Bible of this whole passage reads like this:

Luke 10:38-42: Now, as they were going on their way, He himself entered a certain village. And a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him as a guest into her home. And she had a sister called Mary, who also having seated herself beside the Lord's feet, was listening to His word. But Martha was going around in circles, over-occupied with preparing the meal. And bursting in upon Jesus she assumed a stance over Him and said, Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has let me down to be preparing the meal alone? Speak therefore to her at once that she take hold and do her part with me. And answering, the Lord said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and excited about many things, but of few things there is need, or of one, for Mary chose out for herself the good portion, which is of such a nature that it shall not hastily be snatched away from her.

The Passion Translation of verses 41-42 says this:

41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Are they really that important? 42 Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.”

In this life, especially in the times in which we find ourselves these days, it is vitally important that we know how to discern what is REALLY 'needful'! Spending time in fellowship with JESUS through the Holy Spirit Who lives IN us, puts us in position to gain an increasingly greater understanding of the Word and how to put it into practice! Doing the "needful" thing brings the Wisdom that is necessary to make wise choices and decisions in every area, which is even more important when others depend on you! It is obvious that you both have chosen the needful, and I believe that as you continue to do so, there will be even greater FAVOR and ANOINTING on you and your family as this year closes down and the new one begins! I can't wait to see it all unfold for you! And to actually SEE you all again! We love you! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with another new song called "Need Your Love":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "never". We'll be looking at three different Greek words translated never in the New Testament. 

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst. KJV

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails: KJV

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. KJV

In John the Greek word is "popote". Strong's Concordance says: (with negative particle) at no time. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: neither at any time. In 1 Corinthians we have the Greek word "oudepote". Strong's Concordance says not even at any time, i.e. never at all. In Hebrews we have the Greek word "ou me". Strong's Concordance says: a double negative strengthening the denial; not at all. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: not at all, anymore, by no means, neither, never, in no case, nor ever. In all three of these instances, the same idea is expressed that this particular activity is not EVER going to happen! NOT AT ANY TIME! When we come to JESUS as our Source for anything that we need, we will NOT EVER be left without His supply! When we choose to make the decision to walk in love, there is not even a chance that we will fail! And their is nothing that we can ever do that will cause HIM to turn His back on us once we belong to Him! We can COUNT on this! On HIM!  Numbers 23:19 tells us this:

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

I love these definite aspects of God's character! I want to be that clear about who I am in Him so that the people I care about can always count on me! Here is another new song from Hillsong Young and Free that incorporates the word "never" called "Never Have I Ever":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The 'phrase' for this week is "new thing". We'll be looking at Isaiah 43:18-19:

18 Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.  19 Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  AMP

This is the Hebrew word "chadash". Strong's Concordance says: new. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrrew Lexicon says: a new thing, fresh. Vine's Expository Dictionary of  the OT says: new, renewed, both in the sense of recent or fresh, and in the sense of something not previously existing. It is ALWAYS exciting when the Lord moves in a new and different way! It gets the attention of people who may have become complacent, but it also stirs up renewed enthusiasm among the faithful ones who have been 'keeping on'! THIS is a day of new things! People getting born again in places like Iran, where the Gospel has never been freely preached! Miraculous dreams and visions among the people getting there attention and pointing them to the Saviour. We have even heard of New Births and baptisms happening wherever chaos and destruction has occured with the riots, looting and burning of cities. These ARE exciting times to be alive and living for JESUS! There was an old DC Talk song called "New Thang" back in the 90s. It was all about how GOD, at that time, was doing a 'new thing'! Fast forward about 30 years and Hillsong Young and Free have another song out called "New Thing"! Here it is!

VERSE 1: These are the days that we prayed for A stirring of faith has begun And I’ve seen so much still I’m certain That the best has not yet come CHORUS 1: Jesus You’re not done with me You’re doing a new thing You’re doing a new thing VERSE 2: I see a wave of revival Preceded by justice and praise Where young and the old run to Jesus And all the sins that held us back are laid to waste CHORUS 2: Jesus You’re not done with me You’re doing a new thing You’re doing a new thing For all I’ve seen I still believe You’re doing a new thing You’re doing a new thing BRIDGE: Your love is never gonna give up You never give up You never give up on me TAG: I know I know OUTRO: We’re ready for what’s yet to come Ready for what You’ve got next We’re ready for the past to pass We’re running where the future is It’s coming like the rising sun We wanna see Your kingdom come Do a new thing Oh come do a new thing Cos You’re doing a new thing Oh You’re doing a new thing

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "honesty". The only place this is found in the Bible is in 1 Timothy 2:2:

1 Timothy 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

This is the Greek word "semnotes". Strong's Concordance says: venerableness (Dictionary definition:  commanding respect because of great age or impressive dignity; worthy of veneration or reverence, as because of high office or noble), probity (Dictionary definition: the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.)Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: dignity, gravity, majesty, sanctity. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: honorable, reverent, nobly serious. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: serious and worthy conduct, children's obedience should be won by an authority that commands respect. 

I have been having the sense lately that both you and Kristine are going to be having a great influence on young people, and especially teenagers, as your lovely ladies continue to grow and mature! Maybe earlier than we think because Avery's basketball is already bringing her in contact with older players. One thing that many young people lack is an example of how to treat others with respect and honor,  expecially in dealing with and speaking to adults. Your quiet strength of character speaks volumes to people, sometimes without saying a word! We are praying for you both as your careers continue to grow and your family continues to grow up! We love and appreciate you all so much! There is a new Hillsong Young and Free album out now called "All My Best Friends". Here is another of the songs on it called "Uncomplicated":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "pretence" . We had this word about 8 years ago when we first started this blog, but it is especially important now, in this time we are living in! It's found in 3 portions of Scripture in the New Testament. 

Matthew:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. KJV

Mark 12:38 Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, 39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: 40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation. KJV

Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. KJV

These are all the Greek word "prophasis". Strong's Concordance says: An outward showing, a pretext. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: a show. The scribes and Pharisees were great pretenders in that day. They represented the learned scholars of the Bible, but they didn't actually KNOW the Word. They had memorized portions and could recite, but it was all empty words to them. They LOVED their positions of honor, rather than loving the Lord their God! That became increasingly obvious to the general public when they came out so vigorously AGAINST Jesus! They, of all people, SHOULD have been expecting the Messiah to come, and SHOULD have recognized Him when He did. Instead, they were so fearful of losing their respectable, and well paying, positions that they tried with all their might to stop JESUS! They did NOT know the LORD, so they had to PRETEND to be 'spiritual'!  I especially like the example given in Philippians 1! Paul was saying that SOME were preaching the Gospel that they KNEW, and with a right heart and attitude. He also said that SOME were preaching in order to Lord it over people and to try to get a 'step up' on Paul, since he was imprisoned at the time! I LOVE Paul's answer! Verse 18:

8 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. KJV

Paul's only concern was that the GOSPEL be preached so that EVERYONE could have the opportunity to be born again! THAT attitude will ALWAYS receive the BLESSING of Almighty God! There is a song on the new Hillsong Young and Free album, "All My Best Friends", called "Best Friends" that speaks of young people today tired of pretending! They want the REAL TRUTH! There is no better time than right now to get the TRUTH to them, because they will always affect those around them! Hunger for the presence of God among young people has ALWAYS fueled great revival! HALLELUJAH! Here is that song! 

Love and Shalom From the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is a little odd! We'll be looking at the word "porch". It's found in these New Testament verses:

Matthew 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. KJV

Mark 14:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. KJV

John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. KJV

Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. KJV

Acts 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. KJV

In  Matthew the word is "pulon". Strong's Concordance says: a gateway, doorway of a building, a prtal, a vestibule. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: a large gate of a palace, the anterior part of a house. In Mark the Greek word is "proaulion". Strong's Concordance says: a compound word meaning a forecourt, a vestibule (alleyway). Vine's Expository Dictionary says: the exterior court, between the door and the street. In John and Acts we have the Greek word "stoa". Strong's Concordance says: a colonnade or interior piazza. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: a portico, a covered colonnade where people can stand or walk protected from the weather and the heat of the sun. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: is used of the porches at the pool of Bethesda, the covered in the Temple colonnade called "Solomon's Porch". With each Greek word used there is a slightly different picture of what we are speaking of. In all of these, the porch was a place to go to either get away, to get comfortable, to hide, or to be seen and heard. 

The song we'll be hearing this week is a new one by Hillsong Young and Free, the Youth Group of Hillsong Church. Listening to this took me back to when Kori was in High School. Her whole group of friends were, for the most part, good kids who loved just coming to our place in the summer and hanging out. We had a 24' pool, picnic tables and Kori had a trampoline. They would just bring their own cases of soda and snacks, play music and sit around on one of the three picnic tables and talk. We were happy that they were here so we could keep an eye, and ear, on things! Young people now have a much more complicated life with all that is going on in the world, but some things don't change! Kids are still looking for answers, want to have fun and friends. Your beautiful daughters, with their different and unique personalities, interests, dreams and goals, will present you and Kristine with some challenges and tons of good times! This song is called "World Outside Your Window" and speaks of reaching those young people! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "elements". We see it in these verses:

Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: KJV

Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? KJV

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. KJV

2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? KJV

These are all the Greek word "stoicheion". Strong's concordance says: something orderly in arrangement, a serial constituent, a proposition. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: any first thing, from which others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise, an element, first principle, the letters of the alphabet, the material causes of the universe, the heavenly bodies, the rudiments, primary and fundamental princicples. Rick Renner's original  "Sparkling Gems From The Greek" mentions these elements in this devotional from Novermber 30:

Are You Living Only for Today Or Living Also for Eternity?

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness? — 2 Peter 3:11

One day I was standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt with my wife and sons. We had spent that entire week floating down the Nile River, touring all the sites of ancient Egypt, many of which were more than 4,000 years old. We were amazed at how well the condition of these ancient locations had been preserved. Finally we stood at the foot of the ancient, massive Great Pyramid of Giza. It, too, was in marvelous condition, considering that it had been standing there for so many thousands of years. It was very evident that the Great Pyramid had been built solidly so it would stand as an eternal remembrance to the Egyptian king who built it.

As I stood there with my family, I told my sons, “This pyramid has stood here for thousands of years, but a day is coming in the future when it will be completely dissolved. When the final Day of the Lord comes, the Bible tells us that everything that exists on the earth will melt with fervent heat, and the earth and all its works will be burned up. Boys, that means a day is coming when none of these monuments will exist any longer. Everything built by man will vanish, including these monuments that have stood the test of time for thousands of years. The only thing that will last is what people have done for Jesus Christ.”

The scripture I referred to as I talked to my sons was Second Peter 3:10. This verse says that when the Day of the Lord comes, “…the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

According to Peter, when the Day of the Lord comes at the very end of the age, everything we presently see and know will be changed. Even the heavens as we currently know them will pass away. The words “pass away” are from the Greek word parerchomai, which pictures something that is temporary and will soon be passing away. Peter says that the present heavens will pass away with a “great noise.” The words “great noise” are from the Greek word hroidzedon. This word describes a sound so loud that it is nearly deafening to those who hear it. It further carries the idea of a tremendous hissing, sizzling, cracking sound that rushes all about or a noise so thunderous that no one can escape it.

When these events transpire, the heavens and all “the elements” shall melt with a fervent heat. The word “elements” is the Greek word stoicheion, and it refers to everything that exists — from the heavenly bodies in the sky overhead to the mountains, the earth, the buildings constructed by man, and even the smallest atomic particles. Absolutely nothing will survive the transforming, purifying fire that will melt everything.

The word “melt” in this verse is from the Greek word luo, which normally means to loose. But in this case, it pictures the dissolving of matter and the complete dissolution of the earth’s elements.

This melting of the elements will occur because of a “fervent heat” that will be manifested on the Day of the Lord. The words “fervent heat” come from the Greek word kausoomai, which depicts a fire so intense that nothing escapes its blaze. It was used by medical writers to convey the idea of a fever that consumed a victim. This is an intense, raging, blazing, blistering, burning fire that consumes and hence purges everything it touches. Absolutely nothing will survive this fire when Jesus purifies this present world and creates a new heaven and a new earth.

I spoke these words to my sons because I wanted them to know that the only thing to survive this life will be what we do for Jesus Christ. We tend to think that our houses, buildings, and the things we construct in life will live forever. But the truth is, even the structures that are built to survive through the ages of time will eventually pass away. Since only that which is done for eternity will outlast this world, we can see why Peter asked the question, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).

A day is coming when all the material possessions you own and hold to be dear will be “dissolved.” The word “dissolved” is from the Greek word luo, which is the same word mentioned above in Second Peter 3:10 to describe the complete dissolution of everything that presently exists. By using this word, Peter alerts us to the fact that nothing we presently own will last forever. In light of this truth, how should we view our material possessions, and how should we prioritize our lives?

Too often we devote the bulk of our time to our homes, gardens, cars, businesses, or other worldly affairs. Although we must give attention to the basic things that are necessary to life, we make a huge mistake if we focus on these temporal matters while neglecting the eternal spiritual issues that will pass from this life into the next. Only what is done for the Lord will last. Everything else will be left behind in a world that will one day be consumed with a fervent heat. Since everything will be dissolved, as Peter tells us, doesn’t it make sense that we invest in our spiritual futures as well as in our present lives?

How should this knowledge affect the way you live? Peter asked, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be…?” In other words, since the heavens and the earth and everything in them are temporary and will one day pass away, what should have your greatest attention and devotion?

Unsaved men in today’s world live for the present. Often they do great philanthropic works because they want their names to be remembered in future generations. Their desire is to have people revere them, place their names on buildings, name streets after them, and so forth.

However, every building that bears a person’s name will one day evaporate. The pyramids that have stood before us for centuries will one day be gone. Those who live only for the present or to impress men will be the greatest losers of all, for everything they have lived for will burn up and pass away, never to be remembered again. On the other hand, those who live for eternity, walk by faith, and obey what the Word of God tells them to do will make a name for themselves that will be remembered in Heaven for all of eternity. These are the biggest winners in life!

The message I conveyed to my sons that day in front of the pyramids is the same message I want to impress upon you today: Take the time to consider your priorities in life. Are you investing in eternity, or are you consumed with natural things that won’t survive that consuming fire, which will one day melt everything that exists? Since what you do for Jesus is the only thing that will survive, don’t you think it would be wise to prayerfully consider your life to see if you are investing as much in eternity as you are investing in the present?

No matter where we are in life, or what we all are doing at the moment, when JESUS appears for us, none of this will be what is on our minds and hearts! Knowing this, as we go about our daily lives, we should always be aware of the importance of our fellowship with HIM! When JESUS is our top priority, it will make everything else we are involved with fall into proper perspective. It will also allow us to enjoy every aspect of this life to the fullest! I have often heard this saying: "It doesn't cost to serve the Lord, it pays". THIS would be that result. I hope that you all are really enjoying your blessed life as much as it appears that you are! It is a joy to see the things that you and Kristine share and to feel a part of it all! Know that we are praying for you all every day and believing God with you for all of your dreams and goals to be fulfilled beyond all that you can imagine! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with a new song called "Indescribable":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!