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!