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!