Hi Brian!
The wordf for this week is "throne". we know what that means to us, but we'll be looking at some verses that talk about the throne that JESUS has!
Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. KJV
These are all the Greek word "thronos". Strong's Concordance says: a stately seat, by implication, power or a potentate. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: a seat of authority. This is representing all of the authority of God! He IS the ultimate authority in every area of life! Then HE says THIS about US in Ephesians 2:4-6:
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. KJV
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "restored". The same Greek word is translated "restored" in all of these New Testament portions of Scripture:
Matthew 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. KJV
Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. KJV
Mark 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. KJV
Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. KJV
These are all from the Greek word "apokathistemi". Strong's Concordance says: to reconstitute ( in health, home or organization). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to be in its former state. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: restoration to a former condition of health. Includes the renewal of the covenant. Giving or bringing a person back. Before JESUS, by His Word and by the Spirit of God, created all that we see, He already had HIS plan in place to buy us back from the enemy! To "restore" us to the fellowship that we were always meant by Him to have! The place where we receive this restoration is in His presence! That 'secret place'! When we spend time there, WE are changed, renewed, restored and empowered! Here is Hillsong Worship with another new song that is my favorite! "Song For His Presence":
Love and Shalom for the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "correction". It's found only once in the New Testament. 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. KJV
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The phrase for today is one that stood out to me from one of the new Hillsong Worship songs. It is "jail breaker". Although that specific phrase isn't found, the essence of it is found in these two portions of Scripture!
Acts 5:16-25
16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. 17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. KJV
Acts 12:1-10
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. KJV
These are both the Greek word "phulake". Strong's Concordance says: a guarding place. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: the place where captives are held. In both of these instances the Lord sent angels to release them from prison, or jail, as the song says! The message: when we trust in the Lord, HE will get us out of any bad situation, and then He will use that to make the Gospel known, reaching people! I have often thought about the 'what ifs' of being thrown in jail and have commited that IF I would ever find myself in that situation, I would sing praises to the Lord and speak His word BOLDLY and LOUDLY so that all would have an opportunity to hear and be saved! In these situations, the Lord released them supernaturally so that they could continue doing that very thing OUTSIDE of prison and the people continued to be set free! So, here is that song called "Freedom":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
This week we are looking at a phrase found in Psalm 91:1:
Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. KJV
This phrase comes from the Hebrew word "cether". Strong's Concordance says: a cover. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: covering, a shelter, a hiding place. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says: He himself is ever a place of refuge and protection from all dangers for the believer. I really like the Amplified Bible for Psalm 91 and I speak that over my life and family!
1 HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! 3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, [Psalm 91:1,14.] 10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. [Luke 4:10,11; Hebrews 1:14.] 13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. [Luke 10:19.] 14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness — trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. AMP
That 'secret place' is that place where we are aware of His presence. We do that through prayer, praise & worship, study and meditation of the Word and in intimate fellowship with Him by Holy Spirit Who lives in us! That is the place of our greatest protection from the works of the enemy and the negative things of the world. Hillsong Worship has a new song that is all about this powerful 'place'! And, of course, it is called "Secret Place":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "surround". We find it in Psalm 32:7:
7 You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! AMP
This is the Hebrew word "cabab". Strong's Concordance says: to revolve, to surround, to border. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to turn, to turn about, to go around, to encircle, to encompass, to envelop, to transform. What I love the most about this is how much greater our omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (everywhere present) God is than any human being we know! When we support each other, we can only walk alongside of each other, but His presence surrounds us! In His presence we are covered on all sides and in every aspect! The more that we meditate on His presence IN us, the more confident we become that there really is nothing that is impossible for us to accomplish with God on our side! Here is a new song from Hillsong Worship called "Surrounds Me" that speaks of this great confidence!
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
This week I want to use a devotional by Charles Spurgeon again. This one makes me think of you and Kristine!
In order to learn how to discharge your duty as a witness for Christ, look at His example. He is always witnessing: by the well of Samaria, or in the Temple of Jerusalem: by the lake of Gennesaret, or on the mountain's brow. He is witnessing night and day; His mighty prayers are as vocal to God as His daily services. He witnesses under all circumstances; Scribes and Pharisees cannot shut His mouth; even before Pilate He witnesses a good confession. He witnesses so clearly, and distinctly that there is no mistake in Him. Christian, make your life a clear testimony. Be you as the brook wherein you may see every stone at the bottom—not as the muddy creek, of which you only see the surface—but clear and transparent, so that your heart's love to God and man may be visible to all. You need not say, "I am true:" be true. Boast not of integrity, but be upright. So shall your testimony be such that men cannot help seeing it. Never, for fear of feeble man, restrain your witness. Your lips have been warmed with a coal from off the altar; let them speak as like heaven-touched lips should do. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Watch not the clouds, consult not the wind—in season and out of season witness for the Saviour, and if it shall come to pass that for Christ's sake and the gospel's you shall endure suffering in any shape, shrink not, but rejoice in the honour thus conferred upon you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord; and joy also in this—that your sufferings, your losses, and persecutions shall make you a platform, from which the more vigorously and with greater power you shall witness for Christ Jesus. Study your great Exemplar, and be filled with His Spirit. Remember that you need much teaching, much upholding, much grace, and much humility, if your witnessing is to be to your Master's glory.
The underlined parts are so what you do and how you live your lives! You don't have to preach. Your life of love and care for others, the way that you are raising your beautiful young ladies, your hard work, ready smiles and joy for life are so evident and speak louder than any spiritual sounding words ever could! You are an inspiration to me every day with the things that you post! It is a blessing and a privilege to be able to pray for you all and to see the answers to those prayers played out every day! We love you all so much! Here is a new song from Hillsong Worship with Cody Carnes called "Hope of the Ages":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "covering". We find it in several places in the Old Testament, but we are looking at only one particular verse for this one! We find this in Psalm 105:39 concerning the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire that God put between the fleeing Israelites and the Egyptians who were after them again.
Ps 105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. KJV
This is the Hebrew word "macak". Strong's Concordance says: a cover, a veil. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: a screen. The dictionary definition of 'covering' is: a thing used to cover something else, typically in order to protect or conceal it. Something laid over or wrapped around a thing, especially for concealment, protection, or warmth.
The Israelites, before they crossed the Red Sea, were protected from the enemy chasing them by this supernatural 'covering' of cloud and fire so that the enemy could not touch them. Once they crossed over, the 'covering' was lifted and the enemy gave chase, only to be caught by the resurging waters. They are said to have discovered chariot wheels and other things that give evidence to the army that perished there! Our GOD does NOT take our protection, provision and safety from the enemy lightly when we are standing in faith on His Word and promises! We can count on the same powerful 'covering' when we stand on Psalm 91 and other promises in His Word! There is a new song out now by Hillsong Worship called "Never Walk Alone" that declares that He is our 'covering'. I am counting on THIS for my family and yours! I am also thanking Him daily for His 'covering' of Wisdom, knowledge and understanding in order to stay in this protection and to operate to the highest level of success and properity in order to continue to BE a BLESSING! Here is that song:
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "answer". We'll be looking at two verses with two different Greek words. First is Colossians 4:6:
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. KJV
This is the Greek word "apokrinomai". Strong's Concordance says: to conclude for oneself, to respond, to begin to speak (where an address is expected). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to give an answer to a question proposed. This is mainly speaking of our attitude and manner of answering questions so that we draw the questioner TO Jesus rather than away from Him! The next is found in 1 Peter 3:15:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: KJV
This is the Greek word "apologia". Strong's Concordance says: a plea. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: verbal defense, speech in defense. It comes from the Greek word "apologeomai" which means: to answer by way of making a defense for oneself. This is instructing us to prepare ourselves to be able to answer the 'whys' that come when people are interested in the things of God. By getting to know Jesus and His Word more every day, we will be able to answer with a confidence that shows them that we DO know something that they do not yet, but will want to! There are so many people interested in 'something more' than what and who they have known all of their lives. When they see your successful, kind, loving and very fun and interesting family, they do and will want to know more! I am sure that this is already happening for you all! Here is a new song from Hillsong Worship, along with Cody Carnes, called "Hope of the Ages":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "railed". We find it in these two New Testament portions of Scripture:
Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. 29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross. KJV
Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation. KJV
These are both the Greek word "blasphemeo". Strong's Concordance says: to vilify, specially to speak impiously. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate (make false or defamitory statements about). Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to blaspheme, revile, speak evil of. The Theological Dictionary says: abusive speech, personal mockery. in both of the instances above people were mocking JESUS for hanging on the cross. In Mark we see an account of those passing by Him 'railing' on Him! Then in Luke we see one of the two thieves who were crucified next to JESUS mocking Him and speaking 'reprocahfully ' at Him! I have noticed in my life that there are more people than ever before who, if given an ear, would speak evil even of their own families! WE are NOT to be 'railers' of other people but we are also instructed in God's Word to notice and remember the BLESSING that comes with simple obedience to His Word! Remember, we CANNOT outgive God, but it sure is fun trying! Here is Hillsong with "Who You Say I Am":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
This week I want to share this devotion from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest".
The Bias Of
Degeneration
Wherefore as
by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed
upon all men, for that all have sinned. — Romans 5:12
The Bible
does not say that God punished the human race for one man’s sin; but that the
disposition of sin, viz., my claim to my right to myself, entered into the
human race by one man, and that another Man took on Him the sin of the human
race and put it away (Hebrews 9:26) — an infinitely profounder revelation. The
disposition of sin is not immorality and wrong-doing, but the disposition of
self-realization — I am my own god. This disposition may work out in decorous
morality or in indecorous immorality, but it has the one basis, my claim to my
right to myself. When Our Lord faced men with all the forces of evil in them,
and men who were clean living and moral and up right, He did not pay any
attention to the moral degradation of the one or to the moral attainment of the
other; He looked at something we do not see, viz., the disposition.
Sin is a
thing I am born with and I cannot touch it; God touches sin in Redemption. In
the Cross of Jesus Christ God redeemed the whole human race from the
possibility of damnation through the heredity of sin. God nowhere holds a man
responsible for having the heredity of sin. The condemnation is not that I am
born with a heredity of sin, but if when I realize Jesus Christ came to deliver
me from it, I refuse to let Him do so, from that moment I begin to get the seal
of damnation. “And this is the judgment” (the critical moment) “that the light
is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light.”
I love reading and meditating on these because he spoke from a different time period, so it means taking extra time to get what he is actually saying. So many people that I have spoken to over the years have the mind set that God is taking account of our evil deeds and that these are why some people will end up in hell. That is NOT the case at all. It isn't the evil deeds and wrong doing that sentence people to hell, but the refusal to realize that we are (all) sinners by virtue of the first sin, and we NEED a Savior! Nothing less than perfection is acceptable for the Heaven of the Bible! The ONLY WAY to attain to that perfection is to identify with the ONE Who BECAME sin with OUR sin, taking upon Himself the price to be paid for sin. Because He DID this when He was completely innocent, His innocence is applied to OUR account, IF we receive HIM. That's why the Gospel message is such GOOD NEWS! We do NOT have to 'confess all of our sins' in order to receive JESUS, but we DO need to confess (acknowledge) that we ARE sinners. People have really complicated the message when it is really SO simple! I am, by being human, a sinner, and I NEED a Savior! His Name is JESUS and all I have to do is BELIEVE that He IS Who HE says He is, and RECEIVE all that He has done for ME! Everything good about me now comes from HIM! HE gets all of the credit and I get HEAVEN in the future, and all of it's resources now! What a blessed life we have here while we are waiting to be there! Here is one of my favorite songs from Hillsong Kids called "My Best Friend":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "devout". There are three different Greek words translated "devout" in the New Testament. We find one of them here:
Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. KJV
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. KJV
These are the Greek word "eulabes". Strong's Concordance says: taking well (carefully), i.e. circumspect. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: taking hold well, carefully and surely, cautious, reverencing God, pious, religious. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: careful as to the realization of the presence and claims of God, reverencing God. "In that mingled fear and love which, combined, constitute the piety of man toward God, the Old Testament placed its emphasis on the fear, the New places it on the love. This is basically an attitude toward God with the emphasis on our love for Him based on gratitude for all that He has done for us! Another is found in these two verses:
Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. KJV
Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; KJV
These are both the Greek word "eusebes". Strong's Concordance says: well-reverent, pious. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: dutiful. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: sacred awe, reverence exhibited especially in actions. The Theological Dictionary says: refers to conduct relative to self, others and God. It is not just outward worship, nor a mere concept of God, nor a virtue, nor an ideal. It covers everyday conduct in honoring God as Creator and Redeemer. This one refers to the actions that come from the attitude! If we truly appreciate HIM for Who He is and for all He's done, then there will be corresponding actions for all to see! The third one is found in these two verses:
Acts 13:50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. KJV
Acts 17:4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. KJV
These are both the Greek word "sebomai". Strong's Concordance says: to revere, i.e. to adore. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to worship. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to feel awe. The Theological Dictionary says: Six times in Acts the 'sebomenoi' are God-fearers. The term denotes worship of the one true God and indicates that the Gentiles thus styled do not merely honor God but actively worship Him. This is referring to not just everyday actions, but to the active worship life of believers, where worship is not just an attitude or emotion, but is expressed outwardly where it is seen and noticed! These three words overlap each other in many lives! And they should! When our lives reflect Who HE is to us, then people will be drawen to Him by our example. And that IS why we are here, operating in all of the different areas that life, and the lives of our children and grandchildren, take us! This word and all of it's meanings is best represented in Hillsong's "Children Of The Light":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "vengeance". We'll be looking at these two portions of Scripture in the New Testament:
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. KJV
Hebrews 10:30 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. KJV
These are both the Greek word "ekdikesis". Strong's Concordance says: vindication, retribution. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: that which poceeds out of justice, not (as often is with human vengeance) out of a sense of injury or merely out of a feeling of indignation. The word is most frequently used of divine vegeance. The judgments of God are holy and right, and free from any element of self-gratification or vindictiveness. We have been so beyond blessed to hear of how GOD has worked to vindicate Avery, over and over again! Walking in forgiveness and love allows God to do what only HE can do! His promise is that HE WILL REPAY, but HIS is so much better for everyone involved! We are so proud of her, for her great attitude and such hard work, and you and Kristine, too, for your handling of it all! When GOD does it, the favor and blessings just keep coming and building! And those involved in the problem have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and go on to be blessed, or not! Here is Hillsong with "The Passion" because you "honored His love", allowing HIM to bring "death to death" and all that the enemy tried to do and experienced His LIFE that sets free! We can't wait to hear more of the 'adventures of Avery' and all of your beautiful girls in all of their endeavors!
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
This week I want to share an article by one of our favorite Bible teachers, Bob Yandian. This one is on the Covenant of Blood and I found it to be very interesting!
What is a Blood Covenant?
In parts of the world, and in most
all times, a blood covenant was the strongest type of covenant two people could
enter into. It has been used in civilized as well as primitive nations to unite
two people together in marriage, business or friendship.
The covenant was made when the blood
of two individuals was mingled. It could be done by cutting the palms of the
individuals and then the shaking of hands combined the blood. It could also be
that a few drops of blood from each person could be mingled in a glass of wine
and then drunk by both, although the Bible forbid the drinking of blood. In
either case, the blood was mixed, thus indicating that two lives were mixed. Or
finally, an animal’s blood could be shed as representative of both individuals
mingling their lives together. After all, “the life is in the blood.” The
cutting of the skin and mingling of blood left a permanent scar as a reminder
of the covenant from that time on.
God’s Covenant with Man is Symbolized
by Blood Covenant
In Genesis fifteen, when God entered
into covenant with Abraham, substitutes were used. After all, how could God
bleed except through a substitute. God introduced the covenant by saying He now
would be Abraham’s “shield and exceeding great reward” (Genesis 15:1). God
would be Abraham’s protector and provider from that time on. Since God and
Abraham were in covenant with each other, they shared each other’s assets and
liabilities. Abraham had nothing but liabilities and God had nothing but
assets. Abraham certainly got the better end of the covenant with God. The
blood of a heifer, goat, ram, turtle dove and pigeon were mingled to represent
the blood of Christ shed for us on the cross. Through this act, God and Abraham
began a covenant which is still in effect today, faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for
us. The innocent shed His blood for the guilty and has given God’s life to
mankind ever since. We have been saved today "through the blood of the
everlasting covenant" (Hebrews 13:20).
The Covenant Between David and
Jonathan
“The soul of Jonathan was knit to the
soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day
and would not let him go home to his father's house anymore. Then Jonathan and
David made (cut) a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan
took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to
his sword and his bow and his belt” (I Samuel 18:1-4).
The Hebrew word for “made” a covenant
means to cut. David and Jonathan cut a blood covenant with each other
because God brought them together, they recognized it, and mingled their blood,
thus joining their lives to each other. Like Abraham with God, David had more
to gain from this covenant than Jonathan. But, they were not in this covenant
to take, but to give. David was a shepherd, Jonathan was the son of the king.
David had few possessions to give. Jonathan had the riches of the kingdom at
his fingertips. David had a slingshot for his protection and Jonathan had the
military of Israel. They exchanged their robes, armor, sword and belts. This
meant that now, by the robe, the power and authority of the kingdom was as much
David’s as it was Jonathan’s. So it was with the armor, Jonathan would be
David’s protection. By the sword and bow, Jonathan would be David’s defender.
And, by the belt, all children to come in their loins, would be included in the
covenant. David and Jonathan were more than friends, they were covenant
friends. Jonathan and David loved each other as much as they loved themselves
(1 Samuel 20:4, 41, 42).
Mephibosheth
After David took the throne, he began
to look for an heir of Saul and Jonathan to bless. The blood of his covenant
with Jonathan was demanding that he find if anyone was still alive he could
share Jonathan’s generosity with.
“David said, "Is there still
anyone who is left of the house of Saul, so I may show him kindness for
Jonathan's sake?" And there was a servant of the house of Saul
whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said
to him, "Are you Ziba?" He said, "At your service!"
Then the king said, "Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to
whom I may show the kindness of God?" And Ziba said to the king,
"there is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet." So
the king said to him, "Where is he?" And Ziba said to the king,
"Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo
Debar." Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of
Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. Now when Mephibosheth the son of
Jonathan, the grandson of Saul, came to David, he fell on his face and
prostrated himself. Then David said, "Mephibosheth?" And he answered,
"Here is your servant!" So David said to him, "Do not
fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and
will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat
bread at my table continually. 13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem for he ate
continually at the king's table. And he was lame in both his feet." (2
Samuel 9:1-7,13)
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan.
He was included in the blood covenant with his father and David, but he never
knew it. He grew up hating David. He believed all the reports put out by his
grandfather Saul, that David stole the kingdom from the king he served and from
Jonathan, David’s best friend.
When Saul and Jonathan died,
Mephibosheth’s guardian grabbed him and ran for their lives. While she was
running she dropped Mephibosheth and he was crippled in his feet from that time
on. He was raised in poverty among Arabs and grew up all his life knowing he
was the one surviving heir to the throne but thinking David had stolen it from
Saul, Jonathan and him. He had spoken badly about David for years and secretly
feared the day David would find out about him, discover his location and have
him killed. Then one day his worst fears came to pass. He was taken by David’s
servants and brought face to face with David.
Seen Through the Eyes of the Covenant
But David saw Mephibosheth through
the eyes of the covenant he had made with Jonathan before he was killed. David
looked on Mephibosheth and saw Jonathan. What Jonathan had poured out in love
to David, David got to pour out in love on Jonathan’s son. When Mephibosheth
saw the benevolence of David poured out on him, he was shocked. He then called
himself a “dog” (vs. 8).
I’m going to take a small amount of
liberty with the story at this point. Putting a few things together from what
is written, I want to address what must have been going through Mephibosheth’s
mind. It must have first struck him that he had David figured out all wrong. He
had believed a lie about David. David was a man of love and not of
vengeance. David was thinking of Mephibosheth above himself. Why
would David do this to a poor son of Jonathan? Why would David treat a lame man
with such honor and give him back so much of what his father and grandfather
used to own? Why would David make Mephibosheth like one of his own sons?
As Mephibosheth laid in the floor,
David reached down to lift him up. Mephibosheth saw in David’s hand a scar.
That was the same scar he remembered in the hand of his father, Jonathan. And
suddenly he understood it. David and his father were in blood covenant together.
He was receiving a blessing into his life today that began before he was ever
born.
“But the king spared Mephibosheth the
son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, because of the Lord’s covenant between
David and Jonathan the son of Saul” (2 Samuel 21:7).
He was not blessed by anything he had
done or could do. He was wealthy and powerful since birth and did not know it.
He lived poor because of ignorance, not because of David’s hatred.
Our Blood Covenant
So it is with our covenant. We
received God’s righteousness, not because of our own worth, but because of a
covenant made long before we were ever born. We are crippled in our feet
because of a fall also, the fall of Adam. God overlooked it when we came and
bowed before Him in total submission to Jesus Christ. God called us by name as
David did with Mephibosheth. God has given us an inheritance and called us to
eat at His table every day. Even though our feet are still crippled, we can eat
at a table which covers our feet. All we do is continue to feast at Jesus’
table and our crippled feet will never be seen. Oh, the power of daily
fellowship with God.
This covenant can never be broken. It
was really not drawn up between Abraham and God, but between God and Jesus
Christ. Neither one can break the covenant.
God, determining to show more
abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed
it by an oath “that by two immutable (unchangeable) things in which it is
impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for
refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:7,8).
Our covenant can never be broken
because it was drawn up by two sides which will never change or break the
covenant, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. We joined an unchangeable
covenant. We are one with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. You can’t
tell where the Father stops, and Jesus begins or where Jesus stops and we
begin. We are truly united as one. And besides, how do you unmingle blood?
Knowing that WE have this unbreakable Covenant with Almighty God by the BLOOD of JESUS is one of the most powerful Truths! Your beautiful girls KNOW that they can count on you and Kristine for anything, and everything, that they need. WE should have that same confidence, peace and great joy because we KNOW that OUR FATHER has already provided for all that we will ever need! And His Word is GOOD! Here is Hillsong with "Your Word":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "wavering". We find it in two verses in the New Testament. The first is found in
Hebrews 10:23:
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) KJV
This is the Greek word "aklines". Strong's Concordance says: not leaning, i.e. firm. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: not inclining, firm, unmoved. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: without bending, without wavering, that it not waver. In context, this is speaking of the TRUTH that our New Covenant provides us with a right standing with God that allows us to come boldly into His presence with confidence and to stand strong together! The second verse is found in James 1:6:
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. KJV
This is the Greek word "diakrino". Strong's Concordance says: to separate thoroughly, i.e. to withdraw from, to oppose, to discriminate or hesitate. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to be separated, to withdraw from, to oppose, strive with, dispute, contend, to be at variance with oneself, hesitate, doubt. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to stagger. This verse follows verse 5:
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. KJV
We are to come to God with every question, problem, need, desire, trouble or situation! And WHEN we come, it is to be in faith (trust and confidence in HIM) without wavering, staggering or doubting. The only way that we can do this is to stay consistently in the Word, learning and growing every day, so that we can move in full confidence that our Father WILL DO what His Word says He will! HE is pleased when we do so! I LOVE learning something new about JESUS every day! I made the 'determined purpose' to do so in my personal study and He has never failed to teach me something every day! Someimes it is the smallest of corrections to my thinking that opens up a whole area of freedom that I didn't even realize that we had! It is such a joy to know that I am SO loved! That we all are! Here is Hillsong with a worship song that I really love called "Every Breath":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
We want to thank you and Kristine and your lovely ladies so very much for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home. It was such a fun and restful time for us and we so appreciate it! Rather than a word for this week I want to share from a devotional that Terri Lynn gave me a few years ago. It's by Oswald Chambers and it called "My Utmost For His Highest".
Am I Convinced By Christ?I LOVE this so much! It is never what we do for Jesus that is of utmost importance to Him! It is the relationship that we have with HIM that is all important. It IS the very reason that He went to the cross in the first place! To put US in the position to be ABLE to be HIS! He will work THROUGH us mightily as we submit more and more of our will to HIS, BUT, HE is more interested in who WE become when we are IN HIM! I am so awed by the TRUTH that even though I may not seem to be accomplishing much in this life, HE is more concerned with whether or not I belong TO HIM! The MOST exciting life awaits us when WE are found IN HIM! Here is Hillsong with "You Are Life":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
This week I am simply going to share some verses that encourage you to CELEBRATE with your family!
Psalm 145:7 They
shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout
joyfully of Your righteousness. AMPC
Psalm 145:7 Our
hearts bubble over as we celebrate the fame of your marvelous
beauty, bringing bliss to our hearts. We shout with ecstatic
joy over your breakthrough for us. TPT
Psalm 95:2 Let us
come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with
psalms. NAS
Psalm 95:2 Let
us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to
Him with songs of praise! AMPC
Psalm 126:3 The Lord
has done great things for us; We are glad. NAS
Psalm 126:3 Everyone come meet his face with a thankful
heart. Don’t hold back your praises; make him great by your
shouts of joy! TPT
Psalm 118:24 This is
the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. NAS
Psalm 118:24 This
is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
AMPC
Psalm 118:24 This is the very day
of the Lord that brings gladness and joy, filling our hearts with glee. TPT
Zephaniah 3:17 “The
Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you
with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of
joy. NAS
Zephaniah 3:17 The
Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He
will rejoice over you with joy; AMPC
Since HE shouts over you all with JOY, have a very JOYFUL, FUN, ADVENTUROUS, HAPPY, BLESSED, LOVING and MEMORY MAKING time together! We love you all so much! Here is one of my favorite new songs by Hillsong Young and Free called "Indescribable":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
This week I'm going to share a verse that has been on my heart for you and Kristine! It is by way of encouragement that THIS is what you are doing! The verse is Proverbs 22:6. Here it is in the KJV:
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The promise is that if we bring our children up according to the Word of God, instructing them in the Way of the Lord and His Word, then when they are old, they will not turn away. The Message Translation says it this way:
6 Point your kids in the right direction — when they're old they won't be lost.
All that we can do as parents is to provide them with the Truth of the Word and be examples of how to live it out. We will not do everything perfectly, but God is able to make up where we may fall short! Just point them to HIM and He will take care of what we can't do or don't know yet! Then we have The Living Bible that says it this way:
6 Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it.
We show them the Way, cover them with prayer, speak the Word over them and BELIEVE that God will do the rest! My very favorite translation of this is the Amplified Bible:
6 Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Each one of your 4 lovely ladies have a different and unique calling and anointing from God to fulfill what He has called them to do, along with all of the gifts and talents necessary to carry it out! You have both done such a wonderful job of allowing their uniqueness to shine while giving them every opportunity to find what they enjoy doing, are willing to work at doing and have a gift to build on. The Dictionary definition of this use of "bent" is to have a strong inclination or interest. You are blessed with such precious daughters! They are blessed to have you both as their parents! WE are blessed to know and love you all! It is great encouragement for what we have been believing for and standing on for our own! Here is Hillsong Worship with a song that I've been thinking about called "Touch of Heaven":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "affection". There are a few different Greek words translated "affection" in the New Testament. We have this in Romans 1:31 and in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:
Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: KJV
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. KJV
This is the Greek word "astorgos", which is a compound of the "a" which is a negative and "storge" which means love of kindred according to Vine's Expository Dictionary. It goes on to say 'especially of parents for children and children for parents'. We have seen so many more examples of this in recent years than ever before! It is unnatural and shows a negative or ungodly influence. The next one is found in 2 Corinthians 7:16:
2 Corinthians 7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. KJV
This one is the Greek word "splagchnon", which Strong's Concordance says means: an intestine, figuratively, pity or sympathy. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: heart (tender mercies). Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: 'the bowels' which were regarded by the Hebrews as the seat of tender 'affections'; hence the word denotes 'tender mercies or 'inward affection'. This one has more to do with the emotions and 'feelings'. Relying on these or making decisions based on them can be tricky! The best is found in the next one in Colossians 3:2:
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. KJV
This is the Greek word "phroneo". Strong's Concordance says: to exercise the mind, entertain or have sentiment or opinon, to be mentally disposed, intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to have understanding, be wise, to seek or strive for. Making a decision to direct our affections and choose to see things God's way sometimes takes discipline, but will ALWAYS produce good things in the end! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Never Have I Ever" which is all about the great LOVE that GOD has for us!
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
As I was opening my PC Study Bible to do research for another word, this devotional by Charles Spurgeon came up! The language is a little out-dated for us, but it gives a new and very interesting perspective!
"Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness." — Psalm 65:11
All the year round, every hour of every day, God is richly blessing us; both when we sleep and when we wake His mercy waits upon us. The sun may leave us a legacy of darkness, but our God never ceases to shine upon His children with beams of love. Like a river, His lovingkindness is always flowing, with a fulness inexhaustible as His own nature. Like the atmosphere which constantly surrounds the earth, and is always ready to support the life of man, the benevolence of God surrounds all His creatures; in it, as in their element, they live, and move, and have their being. Yet as the sun on summer days gladdens us with beams more warm and bright than at other times, and as rivers are at certain seasons swollen by the rain, and as the atmosphere itself is sometimes fraught with more fresh, more bracing, or more balmy influences than heretofore, so is it with the mercy of God; it hath its golden hours; its days of overflow, when the Lord magnifieth His grace before the sons of men. Amongst the blessings of the nether springs, the joyous days of harvest are a special season of excessive favour. It is the glory of autumn that the ripe gifts of providence are then abundantly bestowed; it is the mellow season of realization, whereas all before was but hope and expectation. Great is the joy of harvest. Happy are the reapers who fill their arms with the liberality of heaven. The Psalmist tells us that the harvest is the crowning of the year. Surely these crowning mercies call for crowning thanksgiving! Let us render it by the inward emotions of gratitude. Let our hearts be warmed; let our spirits remember, meditate, and think upon this goodness of the Lord. Then let us praise Him with our lips, and laud and magnify His name from whose bounty all this goodness flows. Let us glorify God by yielding our gifts to His cause. A practical proof of our gratitude is a special thank-offering to the Lord of the harvest.
Harvest time is the greatest time of the year for the farmer, gardener and crop grower. God's promises to us of HIS desire for us to be blessed is all that we should need to overcome any fear or anxiety over the future! GOD is ALREADY there! HALLELUJAH! Here is Hillsong with "You Crown The Year":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
I read something interesting today in Joseph Prince's "Grace Inspirations" daily devotional. I have never heard this taught before, but it makes so much sense. Here is the devotion with the Scripture referred to in the middle!
God’s
Perfect Law Perfectly Fulfilled
And you,
being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made
alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out
the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.
And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians
2:13–14
When we
consider the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8, interestingly,
the Bible is silent on what Jesus wrote on the ground with His finger in
response to the Pharisees on the matter (John 8:6). But I believe that when He
stooped down, He was writing the Law of Moses.
2 Early
in the morning (at dawn), He came back into the temple [court],
and the people came to Him in crowds. He sat down and was teaching them, 3 When the scribes and Pharisees brought a
woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the middle of the
court and put the case before Him. 4 Teacher,
they said, This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery.
5 Now Moses in the Law commanded us
that such [women—offenders] shall be stoned to death. But what do You say [to
do with her—what is Your sentence]? 6 This
they said to try (test) Him, hoping they might find a charge on which to accuse
Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger.
7 However, when they persisted with
their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among
you be the first to throw a stone at her. 8 Then
He bent down and went on writing on the ground with His finger. 9 They listened to Him, and then they began
going out, conscience-stricken, one by one, from the oldest down to the last
one of them, till Jesus was left alone, with the woman standing there before
Him in the center of the court. 10 When
Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no
man condemned you? 11 She
answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your
way and from now on sin no more.
I have been
to Jerusalem many times. During one of my visits many years ago to the temple
precinct where Jesus would have met this woman, the Lord opened my eyes to see
that the floor of the temple precinct was made of hard cobblestone. This means
Jesus was not writing on soil. He was writing with His finger on stone.
Then, in a
flash, I saw that Jesus was writing the law on stone. He was
effectively saying to the Pharisees, “You presume to teach Me about the Law of
Moses? I am He who wrote the law.” Jesus wrote twice on the ground with His
finger, thus completing the typology, as we know that God wrote the Ten
Commandments with His finger twice.
The first
set of the Ten Commandments was destroyed by Moses when he saw the Israelites
worshipping the golden calf at the foot of Mount Sinai. God then wrote another
set on stones and gave it to Moses for it to be placed under the mercy seat in
the ark of the covenant.
I had never
heard anyone preach this before—it was a fresh revelation straight from heaven.
I love it when the Lord opens my eyes to see His grace!
Do you know
why it’s so exciting to know what Jesus wrote on the ground that day? It’s so
significant because it shows us that the very author of God’s perfect law does
not use the law to judge and condemn us today. And it’s not because God simply
decided to be merciful on us. No!
It’s because
Jesus Himself fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf
and took upon Himself every curse and stroke of punishment for our sins on His
own body at the cross. We are forgiven because He was judged. We are accepted
because He was condemned!
Whatever
your challenge today, your answer is found in receiving a fresh revelation of
how much you are forgiven in Christ.
One of the recurring messages that I have seen lately, and had the opportunity to share with a number of people, is that the Blood of JESUS was, is, and always will be SUFFICIENT to cover anything and everything that we will ever face. ALL authority was taken back by JESUS and satan has none over us. The only power he has is to decieve people in to thinking that he still has any, and then giving in to that fear. There is not one thing that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit left undone. We are FREE and we are EMPOWERED with HIS power. I wish that I had known the Word as I know it now when my kids were young! There is so much more to learn! Here is a song that one of the ladies at church shared with me today! It's rather long, but powerful! Elevation Worship with "Rattle":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "relief". It's only found once in the Bible in Acts 11:29-30:
29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. KJV
This is the Greek word "diakonia". Strong's Concordance says: attendance (as a servant), aid, service. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: service, ministering. The Theological Dictionary says, regarding the Greek word: The first meaning is 'waiting at table', 'providing for physical sustenance'. A wider meaning is 'the discharge of a loving service (Stephanas as an example in 1 Corinthians 16:15). It is linked with works, faith, love and patience in Revelation 2:19. Acts of care, all that edifies, and preaching itself (Acts 6:4) the offering of the Gospel as the bread of life. In general, anything that we do for another that helps them in any way would be considered "diakonia", or relief. Some of the greatest acts of love involve simple things that are not hard to do, but sometimes don't even occur to us to do them! You and Kristine have always made us feel so welcome in your home and so loved when we see you! THAT is diakonia to us! And the really wonderful thing about that is that you have brought up your lovely ladies to be loving and considerate, too! It is such a joy to be around you all! But with all of that, I think that the Lord would say that the very BEST act of love (relief, diakonia) would truly be the sharing of the Gospel (the Bread of Life)! As Living Epistles, living out the Word of God so that others can see HIM in you, you are constantly providing what ALL need! A breath of HIS Life! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Relentless":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "manifest". We'll be looking at two different Greek words found in these verses:
Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. KJV
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. KJV
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: KJV
These are the Greek words "phaneros" or "phaneroo". Strong's Concordance says: shining, apparent or to render apparent. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: evident, known, or to make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown whether by words, deeds or any other way. In the next verses we see a similar Greek word.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? KJV
Romans 10:20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. KJV
These are all the Greek words "emfanees" or "emfanizoo". Strong's Concordance says: apparent inself, to exhibit in person or disclose by words. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: exhibit to view, to indicate, disclose, declare, make known. I believe that the most important TRUTH that we get from each of these words and from the verses they appear in is that our God WANTS us to know Him, His Word and His ways. He wants to reveal Himself to us, but He can only reveal Himself to those who press on to know Him. One of my favorite Old Testament verses is Hosea 6:3:
3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. KJV
"IF" we 'follow on to know' Him, we WILL come to know Him more. The Amplified Bible says it even better:
3 Yes, let us know (recognize, be acquainted with, and understand) Him; let us be zealous to know the Lord [to appreciate, give heed to, and cherish Him]. His going forth is prepared and certain as the dawn, and He will come to us as the [heavy] rain, as the latter rain that waters the earth. AMP
We CAN know Him just as much as WE desire and choose to know Him! This is progressive revelation as we continue to seek to know Him, but we DO have THIS promise from 1 John 3:2:
2 Beloved, we are God’s children right now; however, it is not yet apparent what we will become. But we do know that when it is finally made visible, we will be just like him, for we will see him as he truly is.
I am looking forward to THAT day, but I intend to keep learning all that I can here and now! Here is Hillsong UNITED with their new song "Know You Will":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
PRAYING FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY!
I exhort therefore, that, first of
all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for
all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour…. — 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Even if we don’t like the way things
are going in our government, we must obey the apostle Paul’s
exhortation in First Timothy 2:1-3 to pray for our governmental leaders. Before
you dismiss Paul’s instructions to pray for those in authority as too
simplistic, remember that he lived at a time of grossly immoral governmental
leadership and that he ultimately was martyred by Nero — the very “king” he
asked people to pray for! In First Timothy 2:1-3, Paul declared, “I exhort
therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in
authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour….”
Paul gave us six prayer
commands in these verses that God expects us to obey — regardless of who
is calling the shots politically. In this passage of Scripture, he clearly
defined guidelines for us to follow when we pray. Rather than rush to God with
accusations, complaints, grumbling, protestations, and whining, we are to
follow the positive approach in prayer Paul provided. He began by saying, “I
exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications….”
1. A Right Attitude
The word “supplications” is a
translation of the Greek word deisis, which describes the attitude of
one who beseeched a king. Access to a throne was a great privilege in the
ancient world, so when an individual approached a king, he showed respect and gratitude for
the privilege.
As Paul began to outline his
instructions regarding how we should pray, he reminded us of the kind of
attitude we ought to have when we draw near to God. Before we utter a single
word in prayer, we must clearly understand in our hearts that we have been
afforded a great privilege to access the throne room of God.
Regardless of the thoughts swirling around in our minds or the complaints we
may be harboring in our souls, we need to come into God’s presence with hearts
of respect and gratitude. We certainly are not to enter His
presence ready to unabashedly spew ugly, disrespectful, or slanderous words at
Him as though it’s His fault that things aren’t going the way we
wished they were going!
Therefore, the first thing we need to
do when we prepare to pray for our government is get our attitudes right.
2. A Prayer of Personal
Consecration
As Paul continued, he wrote, “I
exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers.…” The word
“prayers” — the Greek word proseuche — literally means an
exchange or a surrender and pictures a person who comes into the intimate
presence of God to consecrate himself as a first matter of priority.
So Paul affirmed that our first
responsibility as believers before we ever utter a request or a complaint
regarding others — before we utter anything else at all — is to enter
the presence of God and get our own attitudes and thoughts right before Him.
Then with clear hearts we can receive His thoughts and know His
ways in the place of prayer. When our own attitudes are corrected and
realigned, it usually changes the way we pray concerning others, because our
words reflect the Father’s heart instead of our own personal preference or
opinions.
Everything must be surrendered
to God and the power of His Spirit before anything else is spoken to Him in
prayer.
3. A Prayer of Intercession for
Others
Once a believer has dealt with his
own wrong attitudes and his need of consecration, Paul wrote what to do next.
He said, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions….”
The word “intercessions” is the Greek
word huperentugchano, which means to appeal to God on behalf of
someone else. Once you have dealt with your own attitude and consecrated
yourself to the will of God, you are in a position to appeal to God about
someone else.
Perhaps you sense the Holy Spirit’s
leading to pray for someone who is unable to pray for himself, such as a novice
believer who simply doesn’t know how to pray effectively, or for a government
leader whose spiritual condition and unwise decisions are negatively affecting
masses of people. In other words, you sense the Holy Spirit’s leading to assume
an intercessory position and to focus your prayers toward a specific
individual or situation. And if you have made sure your own heart is clear of
clutter, you can pray for others in this way while remaining free from any
selfish agenda or wrong attitude.
4. A Prayer of Thankfulness
Paul continued in his list of prayer
guidelines by saying, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks….” According to this verse,
you are also to give “thanks” while you are in God’s presence. This phrase
“giving of thanks,” which is a form of the Greek word eucharistos, depicts an
overflowing, grateful heart.
Let’s be honest — it’s difficult to
be grateful and thankful when you are harboring a complaining attitude at the
same time! God knows this. So He instructs you to allow thankfulness to flow
from your heart, which will literally shift your “inner atmosphere” during your
time of prayer.
So before you start griping about a
political leader — or anyone else for that matter! — first take time to think
of reasons you can be thankful regarding that person. This will change your
tone and make you more effective in prayer. And rest assured — God will
appreciate your change of attitude!
5. A Prayer for Everyone
Paul continued, “I exhort therefore,
that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks, be made for all men….” The word “all” means we are not to show
favoritism or to be picky about the people we pray for. Regardless of their
spiritual status or political affiliation, we are to pray for “all men.”
This is a good test, because if there is someone you think you can’t pray for,
it probably indicates a problematic attitude inside you that needs to be
consecrated to God. This is very important to understand, because your
inability to pray for someone actually reveals a deep need for change in you.
6. A Prayer for Governmental
Officials
Next, Paul said that we must pray for
“for kings.” If anyone needed prayer, it was the unsaved kings who possessed
lofty positions of power and authority in the First Century AD! But Paul
broadened the scope of this divine command by saying that we are to pray
for all who are “in authority.” The word “authority” used here
is huperarche and depicts prominent governmental officials.
Ponder that for a moment. That means we are to pray for all prominent
governmental officials — even those whom we don’t care for at all!
Paul told us the reason for all this praying is “…that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in
the sight of God our Savior….”
Most believers in New Testament times
had no option to vote, so they did what they could do and followed
Paul’s six prayer commands. I’m sure if they had been given the right to vote,
they would have rushed to the polling booths to cast their votes. But the only
vote they could cast was in prayer — so they prayed! Since their governmental
leaders were entrenched in power and there was nothing they could do to change
it, these early believers took their role in prayer very seriously. And
ultimately the power of those prayers brought about change far greater than any
election day could ever produce!
Remember — our democratic system
allows us to vote, and we must exercise this cherished right. But once the
election is over, we have to face the fact that the men and women who have been
placed in positions of power are there because of the democratic system that
elected them. They represent the choice of the people who put them there. If we
are unsatisfied with the outcome, our opportunity is coming again a few years
down the road to change the situation. Yet even so, our greatest effectiveness
will be found as we enter God’s presence in the authority of Jesus’ name and
fulfill these six prayer commands given by the Holy Spirit to the
Church through the apostle Paul!
MY PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I cherish the right to vote. It is a freedom that cost the lives of
many. At the appointed time, I will exercise that privilege to make my voice
heard via my voting ballot. However, I realize that I don’t have to wait for an
upcoming election to cast my vote for righteousness. I take my place in prayer,
in obedience to Your Word, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, and I pray
with all manner of prayer and supplications. Seated together with Christ Jesus
and by the authority of His name, I pray with confidence according to Your
will, knowing that You hear me.
I pray this in Jesus’ name!
MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY
I confess that I exercise my rights on earth and in Heaven. I pray for those in
offices of governmental authority as I exercise my authority in Christ through
prayer. I operate according to the divine law of love, and I refrain from
criticism and negative speech. Instead, I speak words in agreement with the
will of God and the establishment of righteousness in my land.
I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!