Hi Brian!

This week I want to share again from Charles Spurgeon's morning devotional. 

"Lo, I am with you alway."— Matthew 28:20

The Lord Jesus is in the midst of His church; He walketh among the golden candlesticks; His promise is, "Lo, I am with you alway." He is as surely with us now as He was with the disciples at the lake, when they saw coals of fire, and fish laid thereon and bread. Not carnally, but still in real truth, Jesus is with us. And a blessed truth it is, for where Jesus is, love becomes inflamed. Of all the things in the world that can set the heart burning, there is nothing like the presence of Jesus! A glimpse of Him so overcomes us, that we are ready to say, "Turn away Thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me." Even the smell of the aloes, and the myrrh, and the cassia, which drop from His perfumed garments, causes the sick and the faint to grow strong. Let there be but a moment's leaning of the head upon that gracious bosom, and a reception of His divine love into our poor cold hearts, and we are cold no longer, but glow like seraphs, equal to every labour. If we know that Jesus is with us, every power will be developed, and every grace will be strengthened, and we shall cast ourselves into the Lord's service with heart, and soul, and strength; therefore is the presence of Christ to be desired above all things. His presence will be most realized by those who are most like Him. If you desire to see Christ, you must grow in conformity to Him. Bring yourself, by the power of the Spirit, into union with Christ's desires, and motives, and plans of action, and you are likely to be favoured with His company. Remember His presence may be had. His promise is as true as ever. He delights to be with us. If He doth not come, it is because we hinder Him by our indifference. He will reveal Himself to our earnest prayers, and graciously suffer Himself to be detained by our entreaties, and by our tears, for these are the golden chains which bind Jesus to His people.

I am sharing this with you this week because it is so evident that you and Kristine and your family have already been doing what he is speaking about here! It is evident that "you have been with Jesus". So as an encouragement for 2023, whatever you have been doing - continue! If tempted to spend less time in His presence, spend more! Because this is the avenue that the enemy will TRY to pursue with you to get you all "off your game". This new year has been spoken of as OUR year! A year of more and more of the restoration of things lost or stolen, of a continual harvest of the good and godly flowing into our lives and of the seeds we've sown in faith to come forth in an abundance of dreams fulfilled, of favor, anointing, power revealed and of opportunites not yet seen! I will continue to pray and observe all that God does in and through you all! You are my role models! We love you all so much! Here is TAYA with another new song called "Lover Of My Soul":

LYRICS: I hear You knocking at the door of my heart Oh what a sound it is I’m scared to see You but I know who You are So I will walk You in I shrink back, You come close My resistance up in smoke And I tremble when I feel Your touch I give in, You give all Feel Your mercy washing all of me And I know there’s no one like You You’re the lover of my soul You’re the lover of my soul You’re the lover of my soul You’re the lover of my soul I can’t believe that You would meet me again Seventy-one times seven But You’re the one who died to breathe life again So I will breathe You in This is love, this is real Words that pierce, words that heal And I know there’s no one like You You’re majestic and You’re humble Magnificent and noble And I know there’s no one like You Always holy, full of glory None can rival what You are to me And I know there’s no one like You The lover of my soul Yeah Lover of my soul Lover of my soul

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "shield". We'll be looking at two portions of Scripture, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. 

Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: 2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. KJV

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. KJV

I LOVE the differences here! In Psalm 144 we have the Hebrew word "magen". Strong's Concrdance says: a shield (the small one or buckler), a protector. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says: refers to an object which provides covering and protection to the body during warfare. Refers to the smaller and more common type of round shield carried by light infantry and officers. In Ephesians 6 we have the Greek word "thureos". Strong's Concordance says a large shield (as door-shaped). Vine's Expository Dictionary says: a stone for closing the entrance of a cave, a shield large and oblong, protecting every part of the soldier, used metaphorically of faith, which the believer is to take up in all as affecting the whole of his activities. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: the ancient four-cornered long shield. The long shield comes in various shapes, but the reference is to the rectangular Greek shield which is almost a portable wall, which covers the whole person. The only New Testament use in Ephesians 6 has in view the divinely given reality. Believers have a fellowship with God that hurls back all the attacks of the enemy! 

We know from the Word of God (Hebrews 8:6) that we have a NEW and BETTER Covenant! In our recreated spirits we have been made in the image of Almighty God and have the same right to use His Word as Jesus did during His ministry! I LOVE how our intimate fellowship with God, by Holy Spirit Who lives IN us, builds faith in us that we can and do "hurl back all the attacks of the enemy"! The more time that we spend in the Word, prayer, and praise and worship, the more our confidence in this Truth will build and grow until doubts flee and faith rises up big in us so that we overcome every attack of the enemy! I LOVE the WORD of GOD! Here is Hillsong's TAYA with another song from her new album called "Canticle":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is actually a phrase, "get out". We see this in these three verses:

Luke 13:31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. KJV

Acts 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. KJV

Acts 22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. KJV

This is the Greek word "exerchomai". Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to go or come out of, to go out from some assembly, to come forth from physically, arise from. In Luke 13 this was a warning to Jesus to flee for His protection, but He was not afraid of what Herod was theatening because Jesus knew Who He was and what He was there to do. In Acts 7 Stephen is reminding those asking him questions of what God had spoken to Abraham to do in order to fulfill God's will for him. In Acts 22 Paul is telling of his instructions from the Lord to get out of Jerusaslem for his own safety. Whether for our protection, for our blessing or for fulfilling our calling and anointing, we should always be ready to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in every situation. There are times when people will receive what we have to say and times when they will not. There are times when being in a certain place or participating in a certain activity is God's plan for our blessing or for someone else to be blessed by our presence. There is a Scirpture that we use to know when to go and when to stay! Isaiah 55:11-12a:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:  KJV

If what we plan to do or where we plan to go is of God then there will be peace and there will be joy! If either of those is missing, then take a moment to step back and hear what Holy Spirit is saying. It may just be a slight variation in timing or it may be that there is something more or less that needs to happen. Then when the peace and joy come, go ahead with boldness! This "formula" for being led of the Lord keeps us from sitting around waiting for God to say something. If we have plans to go somewhere or do something and the peace and joy are there, then God is involved! I have a strong sense that you and your family have affected so many people already just by being in their presence and I believe that this is only going to happen more often in this new year! As you and Kristine spend time in HIS presence and then go about your daily lives, people will KNOW that there is something different about you! Here is a new song by Taya Gaukrodger called "Getaway" that speaks of this time with Him that HE loves to have and uses for our benefit! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Instead of a word this week I wanted to share this with you from Charles Spurgeon. 

"Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."— Romans 8:23

This groaning is universal among the saints: to a greater or less extent we all feel it. It is not the groan of murmuring or complaint: it is rather the note of desire than of distress. Having received an earnest, we desire the whole of our portion; we are sighing that our entire manhood, in its trinity of spirit, soul, and body, may be set free from the last vestige of the fall; we long to put off corruption, weakness, and dishonour, and to wrap ourselves in incorruption, in immortality, in glory, in the spiritual body which the Lord Jesus will bestow upon His people. We long for the manifestation of our adoption as the children of God. "We groan," but it is "within ourselves." It is not the hypocrite's groan, by which he would make men believe that he is a saint because he is wretched. Our sighs are sacred things, too hallowed for us to tell abroad. We keep our longings to our Lord alone. Then the apostle says we are "waiting," by which we learn that we are not to be petulant, like Jonah or Elijah, when they said, "Let me die"; nor are we to whimper and sigh for the end of life because we are tired of work, nor wish to escape from our present sufferings till the will of the Lord is done. We are to groan for glorification, but we are to wait patiently for it, knowing that what the Lord appoints is best. Waiting implies being ready. We are to stand at the door expecting the Beloved to open it and take us away to Himself. This "groaning" is a test. You may judge of a man by what he groans after. Some men groan after wealth—they worship Mammon; some groan continually under the troubles of life—they are merely impatient; but the man who sighs after God, who is uneasy till he is made like Christ, that is the blessed man. May God help us to groan for the coming of the Lord, and the resurrection which He will bring to us.

The balance that is necessary for living a life pleasing to God is to LOVE being in His presence through prayer, praise and worship, study and meditaion in the Word, and intimate fellowship with Him! When we live a lifestyle of that, we become so intune with His heart that we are able to love His presence and to long for those times, while living a full and intentional life  so that others can see HIM in us! Your family is a great example of loving the Lord and His Word while pouring youselves into the things that He has called, equipped and directed you to do. Without saying anything directly, your lives show forth the love, joy, integrity, patience, goodness, commitment and generosity of Jesus Himself. That causes the people around you to wonder! When they wonder and then ask, they are ready to hear about that joy that you shine with! You are all such a blessing to me and I pray that 2023 will see even more favor, anointing, blessing, opportunities and pure joy for you all as you enjoy more of His presence! Here is Hillsong Worship with one of my favorite songs called "Song For His Presence":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "multitude". There are a number of verses with this word in them, but we are concentrating on these this time:

Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. KJV

Genesis 32:12 And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "rob". Strong's Concordance says: abundance in any respect. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: greatness, numerous. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: Appears about 150 times in biblical Hebrew, with numerical implications apparent in its first biblical appearance (Genesis 16:10 above). The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament adds: much, many, great. 

In the verses above the Word of God is referring to the descendants of Abraham. There is another area where this idea of multitude is found referring to His thoughts toward us! This is found in the verse below where the word "numbered" is used.

Psalm 40:6 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "caphar". Strong's Concordeance says to tally or record, to enumerate, intensively to recount. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: to count, to number, to enumerate. 

Whether our God is speaking of His people or the promises of His Word, He is always a God of abundance! There is no shortage in Him at all! No limits to all that He will do for us when we dare to believe and stand on His Word! Here are Hillsong Kids with "You Know Me" which speaks of the multitude of His thoughts toward us! And they are ALL good! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "speak". We will be looking at this word found three times in Mark 13:11:

But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. KJV

This is the Greek word "laleo". Strong's Concordance says: to talk, utter words. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to utter a voice, to emit a sound, to use the faculty of speech, use words in order to declare one's mind and disclose one's thoughts.The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: to speak, to gather with the twofold nuance of repitition and separation. God spoke the world we know into existence with WORDS! We are called to a ministry of "reconciliation". Speaking God's Word into every situation allows HIM to go to bat for you! Never tire of hearing, reading, meditating and devouring the WORD of GOD! He IS your LIFELINE! Here is Hillsong with "So Will I":

Love and Shalom from thwe Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I wanted to share another encouragement for you! I read this for today by Charles Spurgeon in my PC Study Bible software. 

"And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." — Luke 6:12

If ever one of woman born might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect a Lord, and yet none was ever so much in supplication as He! Such was His love to His Father, that He loved much to be in communion with Him: such His love for His people, that He desired to be much in intercession for them. The fact of this eminent prayerfulness of Jesus is a lesson for us—He hath given us an example that we may follow in His steps. The time He chose was admirable, it was the hour of silence, when the crowd would not disturb Him; the time of inaction, when all but Himself had ceased to labour; and the season when slumber made men forget their woes, and cease their applications to Him for relief. While others found rest in sleep, He refreshed Himself with prayer. The place was also well selected. He was alone where none would intrude, where none could observe: thus was He free from Pharisaic ostentation and vulgar interruption. Those dark and silent hills were a fit oratory for the Son of God. Heaven and earth in midnight stillness heard the groans and sighs of the mysterious Being in whom both worlds were blended. The continuance of His pleadings is remarkable; the long watches were not too long; the cold wind did not chill His devotions; the grim darkness did not darken His faith, or loneliness check His importunity. We cannot watch with Him one hour, but He watched for us whole nights. The occasion for this prayer is notable; it was after His enemies had been enraged—prayer was His refuge and solace; it was before He sent forth the twelve apostles—prayer was the gate of His enterprise, the herald of His new work. Should we not learn from Jesus to resort to special prayer when we are under peculiar trial, or contemplate fresh endeavours for the Master's glory? Lord Jesus, teach us to pray.

I LOVE this, and when we combine this message with Hebrews 7:22-25: our confidence in HIM and HIS provision grows so strong! 

22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. KJV

Jesus saw us when He created the world that we now know! He knew then that we would be here, where we are, right now! He prayed for us back then, and now continues that prayer and intercession from His place in Heaven! I can't think of another person I would rather have pray for me than JESUS! And He does! Continually! Here is Hillsong with "Alive In Us":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is actually an Aramaic word. It is found in two places in the New Testament:

Matthew 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? KJV

Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? KJV

Strong's Concordance says: thou has left me, a cry of distress. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: thou hast forsaken me. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: an Aramaic word signifying "Thou hast forsaken Me", recorded as part of the utterance of Christ on the cross. Also a quotation from Psalm 22:1:

1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? KJV

I have always looked at these verses as some of the most powerful verses in the entire Bible. What JESUS went through was not a light thing, with the scourging, the crown made of very long, sharp thorns, the mocking and taunting that He endured and the spikes driven through His wrists and feet, causing Him incredible pain and agony as He hung there, dying the death that was needful to be paid for OUR sin! All of that was for the purpose of paying our debt of sin, for providing health and healing to our bodies, and for bringing us back into a position in God that was even better than Adam had known because we now have GOD IN US! That is all so wonderful for us, at HIS expense! But, the hardest of all of that for JESUS to endure was what this week's words reflect! JESUS didn't just TAKE our sin, but He was MADE TO BE sin with OUR sinfulness! God the Father had to turn away from the SON because He could not look upon sin! THAT was the ultimate price that JESUS paid! And He did it of HIS own free will and out of HIS great love for us! Knowing this, we should never, ever forget who HE has made us to be, all because HE desires fellowship with US! HIS FAMILY! What a GLORIOUS SALVATION! Here is Hillsong with "Who You Say I Am", in case we are ever tempted to forget! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "pleasure". We will be looking at these verses in the New Testament: 

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. KJV

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, KJV

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. KJV

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. KJV

In Luke we have the Greek word "eudokeo". Strong's Concordance says: to think well, to approve, to approbate (meaning to formally sanction). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to think it good, to choose, determine, decide. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to be well pleased with. In Ephesians and Philippians we have the Greek word "eudokia". Strong's Concordance says: satisfaction, delight, purpose. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: will, choice. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: good pleasure. In Revelation we have the Greek word "thelema". Strong's Concordance says: determination, choice, purpose, decree. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: what one wishes or has determined to be done, will, choice. The Theological Dictionary says: the will of God as good, sovereign, creative and all-determinative.

 In the first three verses the translation refers to "good pleasure" and is definitely a very positive and beneficial thing. In Revelation we see the WILL of GOD revealed and that He does what He does FOR us for HIS pleasure. The idea we clearly see here is that our Heavenly Father delights in us and in doing GOOD in and for us! The Amplified Translation of Philippians 2:13 says this: 

13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. AMP

When we really understand and believe that HE only ever desires the very best for us in every area of life, we will have such a freedom to pour ourselves into every good thing that we do! Knowing that God desires for us to succeed at everything we lay our hands to is a great incentive to always strive for our best! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "God Song":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

I found this from Charles Spurgeon on my PC Study Bible and thought it was very interesting! 

"The trees of the Lord are full of sap."— Psalm 104:16

Without sap the tree cannot flourish or even exist. Vitality is essential to a Christian. There must be life—a vital principle infused into us by God the Holy Spirit, or we cannot be trees of the Lord. The mere name of being a Christian is but a dead thing, we must be filled with the spirit of divine life. This life is mysterious. We do not understand the circulation of the sap, by what force it rises, and by what power it descends again. So the life within us is a sacred mystery. Regeneration is wrought by the Holy Spirit entering into man and becoming man's life; and this divine life in a believer afterwards feeds upon the flesh and blood of Christ and is thus sustained by divine food, but whence it cometh and whither it goeth who shall explain to us? What a secret thing the sap is! The roots go searching through the soil with their little spongioles, but we cannot see them suck out the various gases, or transmute the mineral into the vegetable; this work is done down in the dark. Our root is Christ Jesus, and our life is hid in Him; this is the secret of the Lord. The radix* of the Christian life is as secret as the life itself. How permanently active is the sap in the cedar! In the Christian the divine life is always full of energy—not always in fruit-bearing, but in inward operations. The believer's graces, are not every one of them in constant motion? but his life never ceases to palpitate within. He is not always working for God, but his heart is always living upon Him. As the sap manifests itself in producing the foliage and fruit of the tree, so with a truly healthy Christian, his grace is externally manifested in his walk and conversation. If you talk with him, he cannot help speaking about Jesus. If you notice his actions you will see that he has been with Jesus. He has so much sap within, that it must fill his conduct and conversation with life.

*a source or origin of something. "Judaism is the radix of Christianity"

This is what is so obvious and evident in you and Kristine! The life and nature of God, whether you even mention Him or not, is what shines through. You are both becoming more like Him, yet you are both unique in personality, interests, gifts, talents and strengths. You are finding favor because people are seeing HIS life and nature through you. And THAT is exactly how every believer is supposed to operate in all of our individual uniqueness! GOALS! I want to be more like you two! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Never Walk Alone" because we never do! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

 Hi Brian!

Rather than a 'word' this week, I am going to share something that I found preparing for Adult Bible Study on Sunday! This is a letter that comes in my email from Bob Yandian. This is SO good that I felt it would be a blessing to you an your household! We love you all so much and we are SO very grateful for the blessing of being in your home for a couple of days! 

"If there is therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit." Philippians 2:1 (NKJV)

Today I want to share with you a few ways to have fellowship with this supernatural friend, the Holy Spirit. You can pray with His power. When you pray in faith, the Holy Spirit joins your prayer and gives it it supernatural power. You can wait on the Spirit - be quiet in His presence. He will speak to you, guide you through your most difficult situations and give you peace as evidence of His direction. You can pray in the Holy Spirit, in tongues and make yourself sensitive to the will and leading of God. Finally, you can praise God and experience the Holy Spirit's presence and fellowship. Just as the power of the Spirit is so present in church when you praise God, the same thing can happen each day as you drive, work, or live out your daily life. When was the last time you had fellowship with this powerful friend?

Here is Hillsong with "Oceans":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "reverence". We will be looking at just these verses in the New Testament:

Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. KJV

This is the Greek word "deos". Strong's Concordance says: awe, godly fear. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: fear, awe. When we read in the Old Testament of the "fear of the Lord", the meaning is to revere or be in awe of. As we continue in fellowship with HIM through the study of the Word, prayer, praise & worship and listening, we come to realize just how great, powerful and complete HIS love is for us! Being able to receive HIS love makes us able to walk in greater love with our loved ones, and also to forgive and pray for those who are not loving to us. The more that I recognize and am thankful for HIS love for me, the harder it even is to hold a grudge or even be hurt by the words and actions of others. Then we find that it really is TRUTH that "Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:8)!  Here is TAYA of Hillsong Worship with "All Eyes On You" from her new album.

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "vocation". it is found only once in the New Testament in Ephesians 4:1.

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, KJV

This is the Greek word "klesis". Strong's Concordance says: an invitation. Thayer's Greek Lexcion says: a calling. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: Is always used in the New Testament of that 'calling' the origin and destiny of which are heavenly (the idea of invitation being implied). It is used especially of God's invitation to man to accept the benefits of salvation. The dictionary definition of "vocation" is: a person's employment or main occupation, especially regarded as particularly worthy and requiring great dedication. "her vocation as a poet"; a trade or profession.

I believe that God had both in mind when He was preparing us with gifts, talents, interests and abilities for the work that we are each presently doing. Your success and achievments in your career and in your business reflect on the 'calling' that God has placed on YOUR life from before the foundaion of the world! Your character, work ethic, honesty, wisdom, honor and integrity refect the image of the Father in all that you do! And it flows from you so naturally! You and Kristine are an inspiration to us older people to keep on being active, productive and committed to God's will for our lives! Here is Brooke Ligertwood  with  "Honey In The Rock":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "desperation". It is found in 2 Chronicles 13:4:

4 But when they in their trouble turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and [in desperation earnestly] sought Him, He was found by them.  AMP

This is the Hebrew word "tsar". Strong's Concordance says: narrow, a tight place, in trouble. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: straits, distress, an enemy. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: describes a narrow place easily blocked by a single person. There are SO many people right now who are searching for the TRUTH, even if they don't actually know that this is what they are seeking! The enemy will always try to hinder someone from receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour because he KNOWS that they will never be the same, and that as they grow, they will rise up to defeat him and put him on the run! I have learned to believe for the seemingly impossible in every situation because GOD loves to show Himself to His people! Never doubt that all you do for others is seen and recorded by Almighty God Himself! He keeps track and HE rewards! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Have Mercy On Me Now":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

I came across a devotional by Andrew Womack the other day that I thought you might like! It's all about our view of Heaven!

Heaven

Mark 12:25 'For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.'

The word heaven comes from the Greek word meaning 'the sky; heaven as the abode of God'; by implication, 'happiness; power; an eternity.'

Paul mentioned being caught up into 'the third heaven' in 2 Corinthians 12:2. Since 'the third heaven' exists, there must also be a first and second heaven. The first is probably the atmospheric heaven, the second, the abode of supernatural angelic beings, and the third, the place where God dwells.

God now dwells in the hearts of His people, but He also sits on His throne in heaven. The Lord's commitment to dwell in us and never leave us or forsake us, must be taken as an indication of His great love for us. Heaven has a real temple which is patterned after the Old Testament tabernacle. Saints who die go immediately into heaven and into the presence of God.

Paul had a vision of heaven that made him long to go there. Most people cling to this physical life for selfish reasons. Only when we lose our life (die to self and live for Christ and others) do we truly find out what life is all about. If we seriously thought about what the scriptures teach us about our life with Christ after this physical life, we would all think like Paul. The things prepared for us are so wonderful that we can't totally comprehend them with our finite mind. We need to value our eternal life more and our temporal life less. This would solve many problems and remove a lot of grief.

I LOVE this attitude! There is no question that we will be in Heaven when we finish our race here in this life, but keeping mindful of Heaven, and all that is promised to us of that next life, makes our time here on earth even more valuable! Heaven is for all of eternity and it is beyond description that can be understood by our natural, human thinking! That being said, just the thought of all that awaits makes everything expected of us here and now so much more meaningful and important! You are and your beautiful, smart, loving, funny, friendly and determmined family are such an insrpiration and make people rise up and take notice! One of the things that they notice is that you all have "been with Jesus"! You won't even know until we all are together in Heaven just how many people and families that you all have touched, blessed, challenged and inspired towards JESUS! The Word of God tells us that our faithfulness here and now will provide for us an "abundant entrance into Heaven" at that time! 2 Peter 1:10-11:

10 Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall.11 Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

But until then, this life is so much fun as we continue to trust in God and His Word! And the next will be SO MUCH BETTER!  Here is Hillsong Young and Free with "Even When The Fight Calls":

When The Fight Calls

Words and Music by Michael Fatkin, Aodhan King, Scott Ligertwood & Melodie Wagner

Verse 1

You’ve overcome this world with love

And made my fight Your own

I lift my eyes and throw fear aside

And sing out into the night

Chorus

Even when the world caves

Even when the fight calls

Even when the war’s waged

I’ll take heart

I know You are greater

Forever You are Saviour

I will sing Your praise

Tag

With all that I have

With all that I am Lord

Verse 2

I’ll stare down the waves

Cause You own the tide

I’ll still my soul and know

You wait for me on waters wild

Where faith walks above the storm

Bridge

I won’t let the storm weather my heart

Won’t let the darkness beat me down

Sing in the night my hope alive in You

I’ll walk through the fire and not be burned

Pray in the fight and watch it turn

Jesus tonight I give it all to You

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "majesty". This is found in several places in the Bible, but we will only be looking one verse for it today! 2 Peter 1:16:

2 Peter 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. KJV

This is the Greek word "megaleiotes". Strong's Concordance says: superbness, glory, splendor. The Theological Dictionary says: greatness, majesty, glory. Born again believers who actually read and study the Word of God will not be moved by the whims and ways of the world, but will learn to stand strong on the Word of the Living God! The WORD that HE has 'sown in our hearts'! Here is a new song from Hillsong UNITED's "Are We There Yet" album called "Chariot"!

Love and Shalom from thw Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

Instead of one word this week I am led to share Rick Renner's devotional for today from Sparkling Gems From The Greek - Volume 2. 

But without faith it is impossible to please him… — Hebrews 11:6

I am so glad Denise and I chose to obey God when He called our family to move from a comfortable life in the United States into the unknown challenges of ministering in the former Soviet Union. I vividly remember that difficult time when I struggled with the growing awareness of that divine call. However, I ultimately came to the place where I knew there was no way around it. If we were going to obey God and walk in divine alignment with His plan and purpose for our lives, we’d have to obey His leading and move halfway around the world to the former USSR.

A verse that really helped me back in those days — and that still helps me today — is Hebrews 11:6. It says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him [God]…” The word “without” is the Greek word choris, a word that means to be outside of something — like outside the city limits or outside the house, as opposed to inside the city or inside the house. It should actually be translated, “But outside of faith…”

This word describes faith as a location — a place where you can live “in” or live “out” of. The Greek literally means, “But outside of the place of faith, it is impossible to please Him…”

Furthermore, the word “please” is the Greek word euarestesai, a compound of the words eu and arestos. The word eu means well, as in something that is well — and the word arestos means enjoyable or pleasing. Together they describe the pleasure one feels from seeing something that is especially excellent or delightful.

So when you take all these different meanings into account, Hebrews 11:6 can be translated: “Outside of the realm of faith, it is impossible to bring delight and pleasure to God…” The flip side to this statement is that when you are living “in” a place of faith — that is, if you are where God has called you and doing what God has asked you to do — you bring pleasure to the Lord.

For Denise and I to live in a place of faith, it required us to be where God was calling us — and that was the former USSR. In the years that we have lived in this part of the world, God has asked us to do many things that required us to have “faith.” Each time, we had to decide to stay “in” the place of faith until the assignment was accomplished. Regardless of how difficult the task was or how long it took us to do it, we knew we had to be committed to stay “in” the place of faith until the job was done. According to Hebrews 11:6, God has been observing us — and as long as we’ve stayed “in faith,” it has brought delight and pleasure to His heart. That has been our great motivation to stay “in” faith!

If you want to fully follow God’s plan for your life, you must find out where God wants you to be. Then you must get in alignment with God’s call and stay there until the task is fulfilled. It is only from this position of solid, unequivocal alignment with God’s will that you can know you are pleasing God!

But you have to get started! So in today’s Sparkling Gem, I want to help you know how to start moving toward that all-important goal of being “in” faith with the tasks and assignments God gives to you. It may be that you don’t know where to begin your tasks of faith, so I want to help you learn how to get started and to discover where you’ll find God’s will for your life.

I want to offer six suggestions that can help you get moving in the right direction. If you don’t already have concrete direction, I’ve discovered that it’s best for you to first find a place to serve; then as you serve, God will start giving you a vision for your own life. So here are my simple six suggestions:

1. Decide to start.

Look around you and assess the various needs you see. Decide which needs you may be able to help meet. Prayerfully determine how your talents, gifts, and money can best reach souls and bring them into God’s Kingdom.

Then go for it “full throttle”! Actively set your faith on fulfilling the task. Believe for blessing to come upon it. Make it a priority in your prayer life, praying and serving as if the entire project depended on you.

2. Decide how you are going to start serving.

Seek guidance from the Lord regarding how you’re supposed to move forward. What is God specifically telling you to do? Is it something at church, with a ministry, or on your own? Are you supposed to start by giving financially to the work of the Lord? It takes fuel to run any ship, so your finances provide a powerful means of serving. Giving is one of the most effective ways to help promote and advance the cause of the Gospel.

3. Decide where you are going to serve.

Don’t take just any opportunity that comes along. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are supposed to serve. Once the Lord shows you, go for it with all your heart. Don’t be a low-level performer at anything God calls you to do. Give your best to the assigned task and remember that there’s a reward awaiting you in the future.

4. Decide what level of commitment you are willing to make.

Don’t overcommit yourself by promising to do something that isn’t possible for you to do. Even if your heart wants to say, “Yes, yes, I’ll do that,” step back and ask, “Is this realistic? Will I be able to do what I’m committing to?”

Evaluate how this level of commitment fits in with all the other commitments you’ve already made. When you commit to do something, people think they can depend on you. So if you back out of your commitment later because it’s too much for you to handle, you mess up the plan for everyone else involved. It’s better to move slower in the beginning so you can make sure you’re making the right decision.

Before you make a financial commitment to a church or ministry, make sure it’s a commitment you can really keep. If your heart is crying out to give financially, act on that desire.

However, first analyze what amount you can actually give. If you have the ability to give large amounts, go for it! But if you need to start by giving smaller amounts because your financial resources are limited, that’s all right too. It’s better to commit to an amount that is actually achievable than to make a financial commitment that is larger than your current ability to fulfill.

5. Decide to make a habit of sowing seed — and start immediately.

Galatians 6:7 says, “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” This law of sowing and reaping works for everyone in the world. What you sow is exactly what you are going to reap. It may take awhile, but harvest day is coming if you’ve been planting seeds along the way. So decide to become a sower immediately — and start sowing those seeds today!

You also need to decide what you are going to sow. Since Galatians 6:7 says, “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,” it’s very important to know what you want to reap. Determining what you want your harvest to be is the best way to determine what you should sow.

For instance, if you need time, you should sow time. If you need love, you should sow love. If you need friendship, you should sow friendship. If you need money, you should sow money. This is a law of God that always works. So look at what you need to reap, and then start sowing your seed accordingly.

You need to decide where you’re going to start sowing seed. As you make that decision, I urge you to make sure that you sow your seed into good ground. By that I mean you should sow seed into a church, ministry, or Christian organization that is truly accomplishing something profitable and good. Don’t throw your seed into ground that doesn’t produce excellent fruit. Look for fruit-producers. Once you find them, you’ll know where you should plant your seed.

I also strongly recommend that you sow your seed into what you want to become. I plant my seeds into ministries I believe in and into ministries from which I want a particular harvest. The Bible promises that we become “partakers of the grace” that rests on any ministry we sow into (see Philippians 1:7). Therefore, I carefully choose where I sow my seed. I sow into ministries that have something I desire for myself. In other words, the grace that is on that ministry is the grace that will flow back into my life.

6. Decide that you will not stop for any reason.

Galatians 6:9 continues, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Keep your eyes on the prize, and don’t allow weariness to knock you out of the game! The Bible promises that your due season is coming. Even if it looks like it’s taking too long for your harvest to come back to you, hang on tight and keep doing what you know God wants you to do. Your “due season” is on its way.

In the process of receiving that expected end, keep your level of expectancy high. God promises that your “due season” will come if you don’t faint and give up. So don’t let the devil or discouraging circumstances maneuver you out of the manifestation you’ve been waiting for. The moment you’re on the brink of your “due season” of God’s plan for your life, that’s usually the time the devil tries the hardest to get you to quit!

These six principles of God’s Word always work — in every country, in every culture, and for every person. If you will follow these principles, they will work for you to get you on the path that leads to your divine destination.

I urge you not to waste any time just sitting around and waiting for something to happen. It’s time for you to jump into action and expend whatever level of energy is necessary to move forward in fulfilling what God has put in your heart to do. And if you don’t know how to get your own dream moving yet, take this time to sow your time, talent, and money into someone else’s God-given dream. Remember, the law of sowing and reaping is always in operation. What you do for someone else is exactly what will come back to you!

So if you don’t know where to start in your own journey of faith, I pray that these six suggestions are helpful to you. Once you start moving, serving, and giving, I am sure that the Holy Spirit will begin talking to you about your own faith assignment — which may be entirely to help someone else. Whatever your divine assignment entails, God will make it very clear to you as He observes you staying faithful. These six suggestions are very simple, but if you put them into practice, it won’t be long until you begin to hear God speak some concrete direction to you. Then you’ll begin to understand where you need to be and what you should be doing to stay “in” the place of God that makes Him smile when He looks at you!

I think it is pretty safe to say that you and your family are right where you belong, doing exactly what HE wants you to do! But this message will cause you to be even more aware of the leading of Holy Spirit should He ever decide to lead you into something new or different! In the meantime, keep up the fantastic job that you have been doing! You all are affecting way more people than you can even imagine! Here is another new song from Hillsong UNITED called "Not Afraid":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "afraid". We'll be looking at these portions of Scripture. 

Matthew 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? KJV

Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. KJV

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. KJV

These are all the Greek word "phobeo". Strong's Concordance says: to frighten, to be alarmed, to be in awe. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to terrify, frighten, to put to flight, to flee. The fear of the Lord is a GOOD thing! To be in awe of Him with reverence and respect keeps us in an attitude of faith, expectancy and confidence! To be frightened, alarmed, deeply concerned or full of trepidation is NOT a good thing! Even in the midst of trying circumstances. Fear is actually a spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that and I love it in the Classic Amplified Bible! 

 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. AMP

The reason I felt led to use this word this week is because I know that Avery is starting Junior High this year! Those teen years can be a trying time to navigate, but with everything that this beautiful young lady has had to deal with in these last couple of years, you can tell that you and Kristine have done such a great job of raising, teaching, training and being a shining example to her of how to be a WINNER! You have nothing to fear! She will SHINE! So for those times when you may be tempted to be concerned, this song from Hillsong Worship should be an encouragement to you both! God's got this, therefore you do, too! "Be Still":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share another devotional from Charles Spurgeon. I love this one!

"I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain." — Isaiah 45:19

We may gain much solace by considering what God has not said. What He has said is inexpressibly full of comfort and delight; what He has not said is scarcely less rich in consolation. It was one of these "said nots" which preserved the kingdom of Israel in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, for "the Lord said not that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven." 2 Kings 14:27. In our text we have an assurance that God will answer prayer, because He hath "not said unto the seed of Israel, Seek ye Me in vain." You who write bitter things against yourselves should remember that, let your doubts and fears say what they will, if God has not cut you off from mercy, there is no room for despair: even the voice of conscience is of little weight if it be not seconded by the voice of God. What God has said, tremble at! But suffer not your vain imaginings to overwhelm you with despondency and sinful despair. Many timid persons have been vexed by the suspicion that there may be something in God's decree which shuts them out from hope, but here is a complete refutation to that troublesome fear, for no true seeker can be decreed to wrath. "I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; I have not said," even in the secret of my unsearchable decree, "Seek ye Me in vain." God has clearly revealed that He will hear the prayer of those who call upon Him, and that declaration cannot be contravened. He has so firmly, so truthfully, so righteously spoken, that there can be no room for doubt. He does not reveal His mind in unintelligible words, but He speaks plainly and positively, "Ask, and ye shall receive." Believe, O trembler, this sure truth—that prayer must and shall be heard, and that never, even in the secrets of eternity, has the Lord said unto any living soul, "Seek ye Me in vain."

I have heard people say that if you don't do (whatever they think should be done) then God will not hear your prayer. NOT TRUE! Or that if you ARE doing (what they think you should not do) then God will not hear your prayer. This portion of Scripture above tell us that He will NEVER say that! Answered prayer for us is NOT based on what WE do, but on what JESUS has ALREADY done! Here is Hillsong UNITED with another new song called "What Love Is":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is actually a phrase! "I will" is the phrase and it is found many times in the Bible. We are just looking at these verses and the same Greek word.

Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. KJV

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth. KJV

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. KJV

John 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. KJV

2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. KJV

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. KJV

Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. KJV

These are all the Greek word "poieo". Strong's Concordance says: a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make, to do (in a very wide appliction, more or less direct). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to make, to produce, construct, form, fashion. To be the author of, to cause. To make ready, to prepare. To acquire, to provide a thing. To make a thing out of something. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this: To make, to do, to create, to produce, to cause. My favorite of all of these in John 14:13-14. The Classic Amplified Bible says this:

John 14:13 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. 14 [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM].  AMPC

Representing all that He is means that when we ask in His Name, we have an understanding that He IS exactly WHO He says He is and He WILL DO exactly what He says He will do! Meditating on these promises as Joshua 1:8 AMPC tells us will bring us to that place of the God kind of faith! 

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. AMPC

So, if God says it, HE WILL DO IT! We can count on it! Here is another new song from the Hillsong UNITED album "Are We There Yet" called "Know You Will":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "overshadow". It's found in two places in the New Testament.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. KJV

Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. KJV

This is the Greek word "episkiazo". Strong's Concordance says: to cast a shade upon, to envelope in a haze of brilliancy, to invest with preternatural (beyond what is natural) influence. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to throw a shadow upon, to envelope in shadow. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: is used of the bright cloud of the Transfiguration, metaphorically of the power of "the Most High" upon the virgin Mary, of the apostle Peter's shadow upon the sick. When the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, at her acceptance of what the angel told her, the supernatural power of God conceived within her the baby Who would become the Saviour of the world. When Peter, who was born again by the power of the Holy Spirit, with the Holy Spirit living IN him, and filled with the Holy Spirit, walked by people, the power and presence of the Spirit of God Himself healed those people. WE carry that same power and presence within us and upon us everywhere we go! I believe that as we continue to get to know Holy Spirit better, we will become much more aware of that presence and power and much more receptive to His leading to minister to people. One of my favorite tesimonies was from Jerry Savelle who had been ministering by the Holy Spirit in a meeting and then on the way home did something so normal and natural as stop at a store and buy bread and milk. As he did so, someone came up to him and fell to his knees wanting to receive Jesus! That presence and power will reveal Himself to anyone who is really seeking and receptive! I am expecting the same types of things to begin to happen more and more! Get ready! Here is Hillsong Worship with "Song For His Presence":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

I just returned from a whirlwind road trip to Colorado with my daughter and her three daughters. We were taking the middle daughter there for a two week stay at Summit Ministries which prepares Christian young people to take their place in the world and how to deal with current issues. It also creates lasting friendships through fellowship and adventures! Instead of a word for this week, I want to share a testimony that we have that Romans 8:28 works so powerfully!

28 We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

We had booked a hotel for our one night stay. I had put in a reuest for a room for 3 adults and two teens. They brought up a list of rooms and I selected the one we liked. I filled in everything and printed off my confirmation. When we got to the hotel at 9pm I was told that the rooom only holds 4 people and we could not have 5 because of a fire hazard. They had no other rooms available, so I couldn't book another room for the three girls. I went back out to the car, praying for FAVOR and told Kori what had happened. It 'just happened' that there was a Holiday Inn Express right next door. I called them and the only room left was a suite with a king bed in one room and two queens in the other. The price was only a little more than the previous hotel, so I booked it right away and went over there and got settled. The suite was amazing! So comfortable and spacious with so many nice features! I called back to the other hotel and the check in person told me that her manager had said that she could let us in the room. I let her know that we had already made other arrangements and she canceled the reservation. The LORD knew that we needed something better and He provided for it! We rejoiced for that and when I returned home, someone had given Greg money for me for the trip and it made up the difference in price! GOD is SO good! I know that you and Kristine have had some amazing testimonies of the goodness and favor of God in your lives. I hope that this is an encouragement that He will ALWAYS do so, no matter how impossible the situation may seem! We love you and your beautiful family! Here is a song that I love that worships JESUS for Who He is! Hillsong's "For Who You Are":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "betrayed". We find it only in the New Testament and in these verses:

Matthew 17:22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: 23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry. KJV

Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. KJV

Luke 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! KJV

John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. KJV

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: KJV

In each of these verses we have the Greek word "paradidomai". Strong's Concordance says: to surrender, yield up, transmit. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to give over, to give over into one's power or use. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to hand over, to deliver a person to be kept by another, to deliver over treacherously. I think that we have all probably been betrayed to some degree by those we trusted or cared about. I think it is pretty safe to say that not one of us have ever been betrayed to this extent! When we meditate on all that JESUS suffered for us and on our behalf, this is one that I sometimes forget about. Even though we know that He actually knew from the start that this would happen, it still had to hurt! Any time that I feel hurt, disappointed or pressured, I simply meditate on what JESUS went though and realize that my problems are so small compared to that! Here is a new song by Hillsong UNITED called "Blown Away" that speaks to all of this! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "impossible". We find it in these verses in the New Testament.

Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. KJV

Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. KJV

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. KJV

Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: KJV

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV

These are all the Greek word "adunatos". Strong's Concordance says: unable, weak, passively, impossible. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: without strength, impotent, impossible. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: unable, void of power. The Theological Dictionary says: no ability or strength. In all of these instances the idea is that these things are NOT possible for us without the help and siistance of God! The only thing that is revealed to be impossible for God is to lie! His WORD is TRUTH and HE cannot lie! So if we desire for impossible things to be made possible, we must rely on the promises of God and HIS ability to do what we on our own cannot! I LOVE that when we stand on His Word, all the responsibility moves from us to Him! We can count on Him! ALWAYS! Here is Hillsong with another new song called "Show Me Your Heart" that speaks of impossible things being possible in HIM! Another song that I really love called "That's The Power" says: "You do impossible like no one else can!" I LOVE that! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "mourning". We will be looking at Psalm 30:10-12:

10 Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper! 11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, 12 To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.  AMP

This is the Hebrew word "micepd". Strong's Concordance says: lamentation and that it is also translated as lamentation, mourning, wailing. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: a wailing. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Tetsament says: wailing, 'beat the breast as a sign of wailing'. It is also found in reference to mourning rites at someone's death. "At such times, all who sensed the loss of the departed would come to share their grief with the members of the family. Their grief could be demonstrated in many ways: going barefoot, stripping off one's clothes, cutting one's beard or body, fasting (or banqueting), scattering ashes, or beating some part of the body. Some of these rituals were proscribed for the Israelite, doubtless because of pagan association (Leviticus 19:28). Shrill cries or loud wailing often accompanied the mourning, which in time became stereotyped and structured into formal laments. Of course, weeping, especially by the women, was greatly in evidence. These verses above show that we, as born again believers have had our mourning turned into a celebration as we KNOW that our loved one has simply moved on to Heaven and is among those who are waiting for our reunion one day! THAT is why we can DANCE! Here is Hillsong with "Delight (The Sower Never Wastes a Tear)" Those with no hope will continue to mourn, but we who do know our God will rejoice that the believer is about to see JESUS! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "author". We find it in these two verses in the New Testament:

Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. KJV

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. KJV

In the first instance we have the Greek word "aitios". Strong's Concordance says: causitive, a causer. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: that in which the cause of anything resides. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds this: Christ is not the merely formal cause of our salvation. He is the concrete and active cause of it. He has not merely caused or effected it, He is, as His name, "Jesus," implies, our salvation itself. In the second instance we have the Greek word "archegos". Strong's Concordance says: chief leader. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: leading, furnishing the first cause or occasion, the chief leader, one that takes the lead in anything. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: one who takes the lead in or provides the first occasion of anything. When we understand this about JESUS, it will be SO easy to hear His voice and to know and obey His Word! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "God Song":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share a devotional from my PC Study Bible by Charles Spurgeon. 

"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." — 1 Corinthians 7:20

Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying the Most High if this were the case. Beloved, it is not office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable us to glorify God. God is most surely glorified in that cobbler's stall, where the godly worker, as he plies the awl, sings of the Saviour's love, ay, glorified far more than in many a prebendal stall where official religiousness performs its scanty duties. The name of Jesus is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives his horse, and blesses his God, or speaks to his fellow labourer by the roadside, as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, like Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our serving Him in our proper vocations. Take care, dear reader, that you do not forsake the path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take care you do not dishonour your profession while in it. Think little of yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. Every lawful trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. Turn to the Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected either with most daring deeds of faith, or with persons whose lives have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be not discontented with your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work, abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something else. Let your first care be to glorify God to the utmost of your power where you are. Fill your present sphere to His praise, and if He needs you in another He will show it you. This evening lay aside vexatious ambition, and embrace peaceful content.

Charles Spurgeon lived and ministered in the 1800s, so his language is sometimes difficult, but he always has something important to impart. In this selection he is encouraging every believer to serve the Lord in the capacity in which HE created them to function. I remember a time when some of our partners thought that everyone should be 'in the ministry' without realizing that if that were to happen, there would be no one left to finance the Gospel! We glorify the Lord most when we are obedient to His Word and fully committed to sharing the TRUTH with everyone HE brings into our lives or across our paths! You and Kristine see so many more people than I will ever see in person. The light that shines from you both, and your girls, is what will draw unbelievers to the JESUS in you! THAT is the MOST vital ministry! Here is another new song from Hillsong UNITED called "On Repeat":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!