Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "knock". We see it these 3 times in the New Testament:

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. KJV

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. KJV

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. KJV

These are all the Greek word "krouo". Strong's Concordance says: to rap. Vines Expository Dictionary says: to strike as knocking on a door. It also adds: of imporunity in dealing with God. (importunity means persistent, urgent, and shameless insistence on having something) The Theological Dictionary adds this: knocking signifies the seeking of entry by believers. Seeking and knocking stress the material content of asking. The point is not the general one that prayer may count on an answer, or that action is the presupposition of fulfilment, but the specific one that God's promise of salvation gives us the assurance in faith that when we knock the door will be opened and access made possible. 

I also really like the Amplified Bible for Luke 11:9 So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. AMP

Our persistence in prayer, never giving up, guarantees that HE will answer! Here is Brooke Ligertwood with one of my favorite songs about prayer called "Like Incense (Sometimes By Step)":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "Immanuel" from the Old Testament. Isaiah 7:14:

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "`Immanuw'el" . Strong's Concordance says: with us is God. Brown-Driver-Briggs says:  the symbolic and prophetic name of the Messiah (the Christ), prophesying that He would be born of a virgin and would be `God with us'. The Theological Word Book adds: With us is God. This proper name occurs twice. It is the name to be given to the child to be born of the virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Isaiah addresses Judah's king, of Davidic lineage, as Immanuel (Isaiah 8:8). The prophet also gives the meaning and application of the name by stressing that, in spite of what a disobedient king does, God will be with his covenant people (Isaiah 8:10). The name Immanuel gives expression to the truth God had expressed in various ways to his covenant people in times previous to Isaiah. He had specifically said that he would be God to Abraham and his seed (Genesis 17:7). He would go with Jacob (Genesis 28:15) and Moses (Exodus 3:12). God identified with his people saying he had taken them to be his possession (Exodus 19:5-6). The angel of his name would go with and guard his people (Exodus 23:20,24). To Joshua the word came, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you" (Joshua 1:5). To David God said, "I have been with you" (2 Samuel 7:9).  Solomon earnestly prayed that the Lord would be with him and Israel as he had been with David (1 Kings 8:57). By various visible means, i.e. cloud, pillar of fire, and the ark of the covenant the Lord confirmed his word. He was with his people. He led, upheld, and blessed them. Isaiah, speaking to Ahaz, assured him that the faithful covenant God was present as he had been and as he would be in the incarnate Son to be born of the virgin. Thus the past, present, and future intimate relationship of God's presence with his people is summed up in the name Immanuel. 

I LOVE this! God IS and ALWAYS will be WITH HIS PEOPLE! No matter what happens from one day to the next, our GOD will NEVER leave us, but will be EVER PRESENT in us and with us to supply our every need! Here is Hillsong with an older Christmas song called "We Have A Saviour":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "encourage". We find it in these two verses in Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 1:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. KJV

Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. KJV

These are both the Hebrew word "chazaq". Strong's Concordance says: To fasten upon, to sieze, to be strong, courageous. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: To strengthen, to prevail, to be strong, to become strong, to be firm, to be resolute, to display strength. God's people were encouraged in Joshua 1:9 to be strong and of good courage:

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

..but the verses above are instructions for US to encourage others! So, I want to encourage both you and Kristine that you are doing such a wonderful job raising your beautiful and talented daughters to be the very best that they can be! It has been such a blessing to watch them learn and grow and develop their interests. It seems that there is nothing done half way with them! Plus they are kind and thoughtful and loving! We love you all so much and we are so proud of you! I believe that 2025 is going to be a very good year for you all! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with a song called "World Outside Your Window" that I think perfectly describes your family because you are right where you are supposed to be and doing exactly what God has called you to do!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is 'patient'. We see it used in these Scriptures in the New Testament:

Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: KJV

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. KJV

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

James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. KJV

In Romans 2 we have the Greek word "hupomone". Strong's Concordance says: cheerful or hopeful endurance; constancy. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: steadfastness. In Romans12 we have the Greek word "hupomeno". Strong's Concordance says: to stay behind; to remain, to undergo; have fortitude, to persevere. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to remain, to abide, to endure, to bear bravely and calmly. In 2 Timothy we have the Greek word "anexikakos". Strong's Concordance says: enduring; forbearing. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament adds: long-suffering. In James we have the Greek word "macrothumeo". Strong's Concordance says: to be longspirited; forbearing. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to persevere patiently and bravely; to be slow to anger, slow to punish and slow in avenging. 

These are all qualities that GOD has, and operates in, toward US! He is never desiring for anything but our very best. The enemy of our souls wants us to get ourselves into condemnation and fear when we occasionally miss it, fail, or do less than our best. But GOD NEVER DOES! He is ALWAYS ready to believe and to do the very best of us and for us! I have found in the 44 years that I have been born again that believing the BEST of HIM will cause the praises to flow and the answer to come quicker! The reason that I have been meditating on this is because of that new song by Brandon Lake that I shared with you a few weeks ago called "Hard Fought Hallelujah". Standing strong in the hardest of times has ALWAYS brought significant answers, relief, joy, blessings and opportunities! I hope that this is as much of a blessing to you as it is to me! Here is that song again:

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share with you the evening devotional by Charles Spurgeon on the PC Study Bible.

"O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men."— Psalm 107:8

If we complained less, and praised more, we should be happier, and God would be more glorified. Let us daily praise God for common mercies—common as we frequently call them, and yet so priceless, that when deprived of them we are ready to perish. Let us bless God for the eyes with which we behold the sun, for the health and strength to walk abroad, for the bread we eat, for the raiment we wear. Let us praise Him that we are not cast out among the hopeless, or confined amongst the guilty; let us thank Him for liberty, for friends, for family associations and comforts; let us praise Him, in fact, for everything which we receive from His bounteous hand, for we deserve little, and yet are most plenteously endowed. But, beloved, the sweetest and the loudest note in our songs of praise should be of redeeming love. God's redeeming acts towards His chosen are for ever the favourite themes of their praise. If we know what redemption means, let us not withhold our sonnets of thanksgiving. We have been redeemed from the power of our corruptions, uplifted from the depth of sin in which we were naturally plunged. We have been led to the cross of Christ—our shackles of guilt have been broken off; we are no longer slaves, but children of the living God, and can antedate the period when we shall be presented before the throne without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Even now by faith we wave the palm-branch and wrap ourselves about with the fair linen which is to be our everlasting array, and shall we not unceasingly give thanks to the Lord our Redeemer? Child of God, canst thou be silent? Awake, awake, ye heritors of glory, and lead your captivity captive, as ye cry with David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name." Let the new month begin with new songs.

In these days there are SO many new praise and worship leaders, singers, musicians, writers and those that organize it all. They collaborate in a GOD work and so many more people are BLESSED by them! As I was reading this, I had the distince impression that Holy Spirit has been creating (breathing) a new song inside of YOU for HIM. This may be only for your own personal praises, or to share with many, but if this confirms something in you, then I am encouraging you to take a deep dive into what Holy Spirit is saying and make it YOURS for HIM! I also forsee some new opportunities for you, your family, your business and your interests. I will continue to pray for you and that! You and your family are and have been a tremendous blessing to us and we love you all SO much! Here is Hillsong with an older song that I love called "Love So High":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is 'thanksgiving'! We find it in these verses in the New Testament:

2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. KJV

2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. KJV

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. KJV

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. KJV

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; KJV

Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. KJV

These are all the Greek word "eucharistia". Strong's Concordance says: gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God as an act of worship). Vine's Expository Dictionary says: "Thanksgiving" is the expression of joy Godward. Believers are encouraged to abound in it.

I am sure that this is the reason that Thanksgiving was made a holiday in America! All thanks ultimately goes to God for all that He has done, AND all that He is going to do! This is particularly true of the times in which we are coming out of and the great times that we are promised are on the way! As you spend this Thanksgiving with your beautiful and wonderfully blessed family, remember that WE are very thankful for all of you! We pray that this next year will be one of extraordinary blessings, prosperity, favor and anointing for you all! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Here is Brandon Lake with "Gratitude":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I just want to encourage both you and Kristine. I know that there may be many changes as the new administration steps into their roles! The basics of all that they plan on doing are for the ultimate good of this nation, but change always has effects. Some of those may be difficult to deal with, but I want to remind you both of this promise in Luke 6:38:

38 Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over,  For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you. AMP

You both, and your girls, have already given SO MUCH! There is not a family at The Spoken Word Church who have not received something that you have given! Some of those things were brand new, with tags on! So, when you are faced with things that may APPEAR to have negative results, remember all that you already have 'in the bank' and expect extraordinary FAVOR, BLESSING, HONOR and CREATIVITY! Then, after you have increased your expectation level with this promise, here is another that you can count on! Proverbs 18:16:

16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. AMP

I cannot wait to see how our GREAT GOD works all things out for YOUR BLESSING and BENEFIT! Here is a song by Brandon Lake well suited for these times! "Fear Is Not My Future":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "cost". We find it in this verse of Scripture in the New Testament.

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  KJV

This is the Greek word "dapane. Strong's Concordance says: to devour, expense (as consuming).  There is a price to pay for every promise inthe Word of God! JESUS has already paid HIS part. OUR part is to study and meditate on the Word of God until the understanding comes and faith rises! Everything that has been provided for us in our new and better Covenant will COST us time, energy and faith to believe and receive! There are moments when it can seem HARD and may also seem to take a long time, BUT, the main thing is that God's PROMISES are OURS and HE has no lack! Here, to illustrate this TRUTH is Brandon Lake with a new song called "Hard Fought Halleujah":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

It was SO good to see you all yesterday! Your home is always so warm and inviting and your girls are so loving and fun! I hope we get to see all you more! I am still a little lacking in computer access this week. Nothing from my old one that I use for Bible study could be transferred to the new one yet. So today I am just going to share a verse that comes to mind when I think of you all! Proverbs 22:1:

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

The word name here is the Hebrew word "shem". Strong's Concordance says: honor, authority, character. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: fame, reputation. When we chose to pursue God's will rather than wordly things, HE rewards that attitude with favor, position, Wisdom, honer, reputation AND riches and honor! You, Kristine and your family are the first ones I think about when I see this verse! It is such a blessing to witness how GOD blesses you! We are praying for many more wonderful, fun and adventurous journies for the Weber family! Here is another of my favorite songs by Brooke Ligertwood and Brandon Lake called "Honey In The Rock":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

 Hi Brian!

I am having to replace my computer this week, so I will have to miss the blog. Still and always praying for your beautiful family to have the very BEST and MOST BLESSED rest of this year and an even better 2025!

LOVE and SHALOM FROM THE SWOVEYS! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "surrender". It is found in this verse in the Amplified Bible:

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, 17 For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.  [Hab 2:4.]  AMP

This is the Greek word "pisteuo". Strong's Exhaustive Concordance says: to have faith (in, upon), to entrust, to put trust in. The "surrender" here is of our own efforts to rely on His ability. When we have confident trust in God and His Word, it becomes easier and easier to let go of the care of this and allow God to do what only GOD can do! And He WILL! ALWAYS! Here is a song by Brandon Lake and Sarah Reeves called "Lost In Your Love":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "garment". There are a few words translated garment but we will be looking at the word found in Isaiah 61:3.

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "ma`ateh". Strong's Concordance says: vestment. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: a wrap, a mantle. This is something to be worn, of course, but the real importance of this particular "garment" is found when we look at verses 1-3 together:

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. KJV

Isaiah was saying that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him as Prophet to minister to the people. Under our new and better covenant every born again believer has the Spirit of God within them AND upon them to carry out our Ministry of Reconciliation, sharing JESUS with everyone He leads us to. We are anointed to preach the Gospel,  to comfort people with the Word, to lay hands on the sick for healing, to encourage them in praise and worship so that they, too, can realize the presence of God. And in all of this HE is glorified! I have noticed a shifting in the praise and worship leaders and songs that have been coming out lately. A boldness and an anointing that moves people and draws them into His presence. Miracles have been occurring by people simply pouring their hearts out in worship to the King of kings! I believe that as you (we, all of us) continue in this worship, we will step into a deeper awareness of just Who He is - in us - and who WE are - IN HIM! Here is a song that is very personal in worship by Brandon Lake called "Nothing New":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "amazement". It's found in Acts 3:6-10.

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.  KJV

This is the Greek word: ekstasis. Strong's Concordance says: A displacement of the mind. (Bewilderment; ectasy). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: universally, in Greek writing, any casting down of a thing from its proper place or state; displacement.  2. a throwing of the mind out of its normal state, alienation of mind.Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to turn inside out, to change entirely. What the people saw when the man at the gate received his healing completely amazed them! 

They had never seen anything like that! I believe that when we BELIEVE, something happens to our physical body and our mind! This IS the time of supernatural manifestations of God's GLORY and HONOR and PRAISE! HE wants to work THROUGH us much more than WE desire it! I really believe that people who see you and your family, with all that you do and how well you all do it, are in 'amazement'! Many times it is not our words that reach people, but our simply living a life that gives God the opportunity and the room to DO GOD things! You DO YOU and GOD does GOD and people are blessed, and AMAZED! Just like in this song by Brandon Lake called "Count 'Em"! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I am sharing again from Charles Spurgeon's devotional.

"A living dog is better than a dead lion." — Ecclesiastes 9:4

Life is a precious thing, and in its humblest form it is superior to death. This truth is eminently certain in spiritual things. It is better to be the least in the kingdom of heaven than the greatest out of it. The lowest degree of grace is superior to the noblest development of unregenerate nature. Where the Holy Ghost implants divine life in the soul, there is a precious deposit which none of the refinements of education can equal. The thief on the cross excels Caesar on his throne; Lazarus among the dogs is better than Cicero among the senators; and the most unlettered Christian is in the sight of God superior to Plato. Life is the badge of nobility in the realm of spiritual things, and men without it are only coarser or finer specimens of the same lifeless material, needing to be quickened, for they are dead in trespasses and sins.

A living, loving, gospel sermon, however unlearned in matter and uncouth in style, is better than the finest discourse devoid of unction and power. A living dog keeps better watch than a dead lion, and is of more service to his master; and so the poorest spiritual preacher is infinitely to be preferred to the exquisite orator who has no wisdom but that of words, no energy but that of sound. The like holds good of our prayers and other religious exercises; if we are quickened in them by the Holy Spirit, they are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, though we may think them to be worthless things; while our grand performances in which our hearts were absent, like dead lions, are mere carrion in the sight of the living God. O for living groans, living sighs, living despondencies, rather than lifeless songs and dead calms. Better anything than death. The snarlings of the dog of hell will at least keep us awake, but dead faith and dead profession, what greater curses can a man have? Quicken us, quicken us, O Lord!

Simply put, having the LIFE of GOD living IN us gives us a powerful edge over those in the world without HIM! You have that edge in all that you do just because HE lives IN you! Then when you apply Wisdom, knowledge, patience, prayer and hard work to HIS presence, you give HIM access to make you even more successful! Here is Brandon Lake with "Coat of Many Colors":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

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

Psalm 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. KJV

Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. KJV

These are both the Hebrew word "milchamah". Strong's Concordance says: a battle, engagement, generally war or warfare. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: skirmish, combat.

I love the Bible account of the battle at Engedi, where the king was instructed to put the praisers in the front and they did not even have to fight because God took care of it all! Under our New Covenant we fight against a different and defeated enemy and with spiritual weapons that the enemy cannot answer! Ours is the fight of faith in what God has promised against the lies of the enemy! When we know the TRUTH, and we declare the TRUTH and then stand on it in faith, the enemy has no recourse but to flee! I love this song by Tauren Wells called "Take It All Back". THIS is how WE fight!

Love and Shalom in Him!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "lamp". We find it in this verse in the Old Testament:

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. KJV

This is the Hebrew word "niyr" (neer). Strong's Concordance says: Meaning to glisten; a lamp (i.e. the burner). The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says: The small bowl like objects which contained oil and a wick to be lit to provide light. We have covered the word "light" a few times here but not lamp yet! The light is His presence which illuminates everything around Him, which makes the lamp the container that the Light shines from. WE are the present day 'lamps' who are filled with His presence, His glory, His Wisdom, His Light and His LIFE! We really do not have to work at being the lamp, we must keep ourselve in His love and joy and peace in order for the LIGHT to not be hindered from being seen and received! I LOVE that! Everywhere you go, YOU SHINE! You and Kristine have done a wonderful job of guiding your girls to be the LAMPS that allow HIS LIGHT to shine! My prayer is that you will become more aware of the POWERFUL effect that YOUR presence as the LAMP who allows HIS presence as the LIGHT to shine, changing peoples' lives! Here is another Brandon Lake song called "Running To The Light":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share again from Charles Spurgeon's Evening Devotional from my PC Study Bible! 

"The exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead."
— Ephesians 1:19,Ephesians 1: 20

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power. What shall we say of those who think that conversion is wrought by the free will of man, and is due to his own betterness of disposition? When we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Ghost. This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds: even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners upon earth, can stay the hand of God's grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says, "Thou shalt," man shall not say, "I will not." Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious. It reflected honour upon God and wrought dismay in the hosts of evil. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner. It was everlasting power. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him." So we, being raised from the dead, go not back to our dead works nor to our old corruptions, but we live unto God. "Because He lives we live also." "For we are dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God." "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power which raised the Head works life in the members. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ!

THIS TRUTH has meant more to me this year than any other time before! God the Holy Spirit is the ONE Who works IN us to be more like JESUS! We have everything we will ever need within us when we receive JESUS as Lord and Saviour! When we put the time in through His Word or through intimate fellowship with HIM, we will see HIS LIFE operating IN us and THROUGH us for the benafit of those we know and love! I believe that your beautiful young ladies have absorbed SO much by the way that you and Kristine have trained them and brought themm up accoring to HIS WORD! Here is Brandon Lake with "That's Who I Praise":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "worthy". we find it in these New Testament verses:

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. KJV

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 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

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. KJV

Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. KJV

These are all the Greek word "axios". Strong's Concrdance says: deserving, comparable, suitable. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: Having weight, befitting. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: Weight, of worth, said of a person and their deeds. The Theological Dictionary says: Bringing into balance, equivalent, being appropriate, deserving. JESUS is WORTHY because He is GOD and He is GOOD! His WORD is WORTHY because it is TRUTH (John 17:17). WE are worthy because HE has MADE US WORTHY by HIS BLOOD, His LOVE and His unwavering support! Our GOD does MIRACULOUS and seemingly IMPOSSIBLE things! ALL because HE loves US! When WE give HIM the praise, thanksgiving and worship that HE deserves, then HE lifts us up out of the ordinary world and into HIS KINGDOM here on earth! YOU are WORTHY of ALL of HIS promises! Here is Brandon Lake with "Angus Dei":

[Chorus]
Holy, holy
Are You Lord God, Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
C'mon, You are holy, holy
Yeah, are You Lord God, can we just lift up His Lordship tonight? Almighty
C'mon tell Him who He is tonight, lift Him over your city, lift Him over your family, hey, hey
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
For You are holy, holy
Are You Lord God, Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
For You are holy, holy
Are You Lord, are You Lord God, Almighty
And worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
'Cause You are, You are holy, holy
Are You Lord God, Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb
Oh, amen, amen, amеn, amen, yeah

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "rest". We find it in the New Testament in Luke 10:5-6:

5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. KJV

This is the Greek word "epanapauomai". Strong's Concordance says: to settle on, remain or rely. In this verse they are speaking of the peace that only God and His people carry. That peace that is beyond natural understanding. The people you may come in contact with can't understand how you can have that peace when everyone around you is in fear, worry or distress about anything and everything going on around them! That peace of God comes in the presence and person of Holy Spirit within you AND upon you! I believe that HE is making HIS presence known more and more as we expect more! My prayer for you and your family is that the powerful presence of Holy Spirit will be apparent withinand upon each of you as you continue to just BE you, allowing HIM to shine through you! We LOVE you!  Brandon Lake has a song on his new album that calls for His presence more and more! "Rest On Us - LIVE":

Fire and wind
Come and do it again
Open up the gates
Let Heaven on in
Come rest on us
Come rest on us

Chorus

Come down
Spirit when You move
You make my heart pound
When You fill the room
You're here and I know
You are moving
I'm here and I know
You will fill me

Bridge

Holy Spirit
Come rest on us
You're all we want
You're all we want

Verse

Fire and wind
Come and do it again
Open up the gates
Let Heaven on in
Come rest on us
Come rest on us

Chorus

Come down
Spirit when You move
You make my heart pound
When You fill the room
You're here and I know
You are moving
I'm here and I know
You will fill me

Bridge

Holy Spirit
Come rest on us
You're all we want
You're all we want

Refrain 1

We want the Holy Spirit
In the holy city
We want the Holy Spirit
In the holy city

Refrain 1

We want the Holy Spirit
In the holy city
We need the Holy Spirit
Here in the holy city

Refrain 2

I wanna burn I wanna burn
I wanna burn for You
I wanna burn I wanna burn
I wanna burn for You
Not just survival
I wanna revival here

Bridge

Holy Spirit
Come rest on us
You're all we want
You're all we want

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "giver". We find it in the New Testament only in 2 Corinthians 9:7.

7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. KJV

This is the Greek word "dotes" (dot' ace). Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: a bestower. He who gives cheerfully. Just as WE love because HE first loved us (1 John 4:19), WE can GIVE because HE first gave TO us! The first part of today's Charles Spurgeon evening devotional says this:

"And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not." — Mark 15:23

A golden truth is couched in the fact that the Saviour put the myrrhed wine-cup from His lips. On the heights of heaven the Son of God stood of old, and as He looked down upon our globe He measured the long descent to the utmost depths of human misery; He cast up the sum total of all the agonies which expiation would require, and abated not a jot. He solemnly determined that to offer a sufficient atoning sacrifice He must go the whole way, from the highest to the lowest, from the throne of highest glory to the cross of deepest woe. This myrrhed cup, with its soporific (inducing sleep or drowsiness, thereby dulling the pain) influence, would have stayed Him within a little of the utmost limit of misery, therefore He refused it. He would not stop short of all He had undertaken to suffer for His people. 

The Classic Amplified Bible says this in 2 Corinthians 9:7:

7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]. AMP

When we give like that, we LOOK LIKE JESUS! You and your family are tremendous givers! You have blessed so many in The Spoken Word Church with your giving! You also give of your time and energy to so many. You have given to us of your beautiful, peaceful and love filled home many times! My prayer is that this coming year will see you all BLESSED beyond measure in every area of life! We love you all SO very much! Here is another song from Brandon Lake's "Tear Off The Roof - LIVE" album called "Your Love Is Strong" with Jon Foreman:

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The 'word' for this week is actually one of the Names of Jesus! "Bread of Life". We find this name in John 6:35 and in John 6:38. 

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

John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. KJV

Bread is the Greek word "artos". Vine's Expository Dictionary says "This word stand for literal bread in some passages and nourishment in genreal in others. In these two it refers to Christ as the Bread of Life. "Life" here is the Greek word "Zoe", which means "Life" according to Strong's Greek Concordance. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: that aboluste fullness of life which belongs to God, life real and genuine.  life as a principle, life in the absolute sense, life as God has it, that which the Father has in Himself, and which He gave to the Incarnate Son to have in Himself and which the Son manifested in the world. So JESUS declared that HE is that Bread of Life which we all NEED and REQUIRE in order to live effectively in this world! We are, of ALL people, MOST BLESSED! JESUS is NOT keeping things from us, but patiently waiting on us to grab ahold of everything that HE is FOR US! Your success in your career, your music, friendships, marriage, parenting and in every other area shows that you are partaking of all that is provided by the BREAD of LIFE! That speaks JESUS without even saying words! Here again is one of my new favorite worship songs. Brandon Lake with "Gratitude":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

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

"The people that do know their God shall be strong." — Daniel 11:32

Every believer understands that to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge; and this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to the Christian. It strengthens his faith. Believers are constantly spoken of in the Scriptures as being persons who are enlightened and taught of the Lord; they are said to "have an unction from the Holy One," and it is the Spirit's peculiar office to lead them into all truth, and all this for the increase and the fostering of their faith. Knowledge strengthens love, as well as faith. Knowledge opens the door, and then through that door we see our Saviour. Or, to use another similitude, knowledge paints the portrait of Jesus, and when we see that portrait then we love Him, we cannot love a Christ whom we do not know, at least, in some degree. If we know but little of the excellences of Jesus, what He has done for us, and what He is doing now, we cannot love Him much; but the more we know Him, the more we shall love Him. Knowledge also strengthens hope. How can we hope for a thing if we do not know of its existence? Hope may be the telescope, but till we receive instruction, our ignorance stands in the front of the glass, and we can see nothing whatever; knowledge removes the interposing object, and when we look through the bright optic glass we discern the glory to be revealed, and anticipate it with joyous confidence. Knowledge supplies us reasons for patience. How shall we have patience unless we know something of the sympathy of Christ, and understand the good which is to come out of the correction which our heavenly Father sends us? Nor is there one single grace of the Christian which, under God, will not be fostered and brought to perfection by holy knowledge. How important, then, is it that we should grow not only in grace, but in the "knowledge" of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This is why it is so important for us to be continually feeding our spirit and soul on the Word of God. The word "know" in Daniel 11:32 is the Hebrew word "yada". According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, this word means: 1) to know by observing and reflecting (thinking), and (2) to know by experiencing. It also says: In contrast to this knowing through reflection is the knowing which comes through experience with the senses, by investigation and proving, by reflection and consideration (firsthand knowing). In addition to the essentially cognitive knowing already presented, this verb has a purely experiential side. The "knower" has actual involvement with or in the object of the knowing. "To know" God is to have an intimate experiential knowledge of Him. It is still thrilling and amazing to me that after all of these years of studying the Word (44 years!), I am still seeing, learning and knowing something new every time I do! I believe that you have seen the same thing happening for you. As you and Kristine continue to raise your ladies in the Word, new situations will arise and you will have the Wisdom and Knowledge that you need to smoothly go through each one! Here is Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham with "Love Of God":

Love and Shalom  from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "highest". We will be looking at Luke 6:35:

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. KJV

This is the Greek word "Hupsistos". Strong's Concordance says: The Supreme God. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: Highest of place or rank. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: in the highest regions. The abode of God. The Theological Dictionary adds this: occurs nine times in the NT as a term for God. Worth noting, however, is the ascribing of the title to the exalted Lord, to Christ. When you possess the NAME that is ABOVE every other name! Philippians 2:9-11:

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. KJV

HE is SO far above everyone and everything we will ever deal with here on earth that there should be nothing and no one that ever intimidates us or worries us! Proverbs 16:7 tells us this:

7 When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. AMP

So just keep doing what you do and allow JESUS to continue to lead, guide and direct you by His Spirit into all His promises! Here is Brandon Lake with a new song just out called "That's Who I Praise",  that I LOVE and that speaks about praising "the Heaven seated, undefeated, HIGHEST of NAMES"!

[Verse 1]

I wanna dance like David, I want a faith like Paul

I wanna sing like Silas, tearing down those prison walls

I wanna face that fire, it won't burn me though

God's got my back, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego

I wanna walk like Moses, right through the waves

One day I'll see that promised land, no longer slaves

Though the fear is talkin', no it can't take out my faith

[Chorus]

I'm gonna praise, I'm gonna praise

I praise the mountain moving, body raising, breaker of chains

Gonna praise, I'm gonna praise

I praise the Heaven seated, undefeated, highest of names

That's who I praisе, hey, that's who I praise, that's who I praise

[Verse 2]

I wanna gift likе Mary

I wanna break my vase

I wanna sleep like Daniel even in a lion’s cave

I’m gonna get that promise

Just like Jericho

Yeah I know what’ll make it fall

[Chorus]

I'm gonna praise, I'm gonna praise

I praise the mountain moving, body raising, breaker of chains

Gonna praise, I'm gonna praise

I praise the Heaven seated, undefeated, highest of names

That's who I praise, hey

I praise the God who's proven He can do impossible things

That's who I praise, hey, that's who I praise, that's who I praise

[Bridge]

He is the Lion of Judah, He is the Lamb that was slain

The only One's who worthy, worthy, worthy of all of His names

That's who I praise

He is the risen Messiah

He is the Ancient of Days

The only One's who worthy, worthy, worthy of all of His names

That's who I praise, oh

[Chorus]

So I'm gonna praise

I praise the mountain moving, body raising, breaker of chains

Gonna praise, I'm gonna praise

I praise the Heaven seated, undefeated, highest of names

That's who I praise, hey

I praise the God who's proven He can do impossible things

That's who I praise, oh, hey, that's who I praise

That's who I praise, that's who I praise

[Outro]

That's who I praise, that's who I praise

Mmm-mmm

I wanna love like Jesus

That kind of grace

I wanna live like I got no more precious time to waste

I'm going to give Him glory

With all my thanks

There is no greater, stronger, higher name

That's who I praise

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "wonder-working". It is found in the Amplified Bible in 1 Corinthians 12:9:

9 To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit;  AMP

In the KJV it says this: 1 Cor 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; KJV

The Webster's Dictionary says: producing wonders. There is a 'new to me' song out by Brandon Lake and Cody Carnes called "Too Good To Not Believe". This "Wonder Working God" is mentioned continually in this song and He IS doing so many wonderful things as His people dare to believe and to operate by Holy Spirit expecting HIM to show up! I have said it many times lately, but this IS the very BEST and MOST EXCITING time to be ALIVE and serving the LORD! Here is that song with the lyrics following because there isn't a lyric video out yet for this particular version. 

Lyrics

I've lived stories that have proved Your faithfulness

I've seen miracles my mind can't comprehend

And there is beauty in what I can't understand

Jesus, it's You, Jesus, it's You

I believe

You're the wonder-working God

You're the wonder-working God

All the miracles I've seen

Too good to not believe

You're the wonder-working God

And You heal because You love

Oh, the miracles we'll see

You're too good to not believe

Too good to not believe

Too good to not believe, oh-oh

And I can't resurrect a man with my own hands

But just the mention of Your name can raise the dead (yeah)

All the glory to the only One who can

Jesus, it's You, Jesus, it's You (come on)

Oh, I believe

You're the wonder-working God (yes, You are)

You're the wonder-working God

All the miracles I've seen

Too good to not believe

You're the wonder-working God

And You heal because You love

Oh, the miracles we'll see

You're too good to not believe (too good)

Too good to not believe (come on)

Too good to not believe

After everything I've seen (after everything I've seen)

You're too good to not believe

Too good to not believe

Too good to not believe (after everything I've seen You do)

(Oh, God)

Yes, I believe (I believe, I believe it)

Oh, I believe, ooh-ooh

We've seen cancer disappear

We've seen broken bodies healed

Don't you tell me He can't do it

Don't you tell me He can't do it

We've seen real life resurrection

We've seen mental health restored

Don't you tell me He can't do it

Don't you tell me He can't do it

We've seen families reunited

We've seen prodigals return (come home)

Don't you tell me He can't do it

Don't you tell me He can't do it (don't you ever tell me)

We've seen troubled souls delivered

We've seen addicts finally freed (finally freed)

Don't you tell me He can't do it

Don't you tell me He can't do it

We'll see cities in revival

Salvation flood the streets (come on)

Don't you tell me He can't do it

Don't you tell me He can't do it

We'll see glory fill the nations

Like the world has never seen

Don't you tell me He can't do it

'Cause I know that He can

Yes, I believe (I believe)

You're the wonder-working God (oh, You are, You are, You are)

You're the wonder-working God

All the miracles I've seen

Too good to not believe (too good, too good)

You're the wonder-working God

And You heal because You love

Oh, the miracles we'll see

You're too good to not believe

Too good to not believe (oh, oh-oh-oh-oh)

Too good to not believe

Oh, never stop believing (oh, yes, I believe)

We've seen so much (yes, I believe)

You're the same yesterday, today and forever (too good to not believe)

You can do anything Jesus, You can do anything (I believe, I believe, yeah)

Hallelujah, wonder-working God

Wonder-working God

Don't you ever stop believing

'Cause He's so, so good

So, so good

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!