Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "talking". We find it in Mark 9:4:

4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. KJV

This is the Greek word "sullaleo". Strong's Concordance says: to talk together, to converse. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to speak with. I believe that the message for you and your family this week is to thoroughly enjoy your time together having fun and enjoying adventures, all the while being aware of God's presence IN you! "Talking to Jesus" as you go about your days because HE desires good things for you always! So here is Brandon Lake with the song "Talking To Jesus"! Our very BEST Friend!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

I thought that this morning devotional by Oswald Chambers was very inspiring, so I am sharing it with you this week!

"I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." — Luke 19:40

But could the stones cry out? Assuredly they could if He who opens the mouth of the dumb should bid them lift up their voice. Certainly if they were to speak, they would have much to testify in praise of Him who created them by the word of His power; they could extol the wisdom and power of their Maker who called them into being. Shall not we speak well of Him who made us anew, and out of stones raised up children unto Abraham? The old rocks could tell of chaos and order, and the handiwork of God in successive stages of creation's drama; and cannot we talk of God's decrees, of God's great work in ancient times, in all that He did for His church in the days of old? If the stones were to speak, they could tell of their breaker, how he took them from the quarry, and made them fit for the temple, and cannot we tell of our glorious Breaker, who broke our hearts with the hammer of His word, that He might build us into His temple? If the stones should cry out they would magnify their builder, who polished them and fashioned them after the similitude of a palace; and shall not we talk of our Architect and Builder, who has put us in our place in the temple of the living God? If the stones could cry out, they might have a long, long story to tell by way of memorial, for many a time hath a great stone been rolled as a memorial before the Lord; and we too can testify of Ebenezers, stones of help, pillars of remembrance. The broken stones of the law cry out against us, but Christ Himself, who has rolled away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, speaks for us. Stones might well cry out, but we will not let them: we will hush their noise with ours; we will break forth into sacred song, and bless the majesty of the Most High, all our days glorifying Him who is called by Jacob the Shepherd and Stone of Israel.

Here is Brandon Lake with a song that has grown to be oneof my favorites! "Graves Into Gardens".

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The 'word' for this week is actually translated into two words. "Well done"! We find it in these two portions of Scripture: Matthew 25:14:

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. KJV

And Verses 16-23

Matthew 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.  Matthew 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. KJV

These two English words are actually the Greek word  'eu'. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to be well, fare well, to prosper. What Holy Spirit impressed this word on me as I was praying and meditating about what would be the "word" for this week. Then He said that you have already received many 'well dones' from Him over the course of your life. Every moment of obedience to His Word and to His Spirit received His "well done". Every act of kindness to someone, every moment of selflessness, every quiet prayer, every word or act of respect toward someone, every moment of honoring another person, every time of diligence, every finished project, every act of patience and every moment of forgiveness receives His "well done". He sees, He knows, He approves! Rewards are definitely waiting for you in Heaven on that day, but His still small voice is always saying this! My prayer for you is that you will begin tho here these more clearly every day! We are so BLESSED to know and love you and your family! Here is Brandon Lake with an opportunity to thank and praise JESUS for His approval! "Nothing New":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "dedication". We find it in one verse in the Amplified Bible in the New Testament.  Romans 12:1

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. AMP

So many times over the years I have run into people who do not think that anyone can serve God unless they go into the ministry as a pastor, teacher or missionary. The Dictionary definition of dedication says this: (Merriam Webster) Dedication refers to devotion, loyalty, or commitment to a person or cause. (Cambridge Dictionary) a willingness to give a lot of time and energy to something because you believe it is very important. The Amplified Bible gives us a great definition above! When we commit our whole selves to what GOD has called us to (jobs/careers, marriages, families, friendships, your band), the verse above tells us that THIS is worship! You and your family have made such an impact through all of your activities, friendships, support and encouragement. Rewards in Heaven and while we are here on earth come because of these things! Your lives are having an impact and THIS is true dedication to JESUS by being the best YOU! Here is Brandon Lake and Benjamin Hastings with another of my favorite songs called "More":because HE IS and WE ARE so much more than we or anyone else realizes! 

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

We will be looking at Ephesians 6:4 for our word(s) for this week! 

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. KJV

We've covered "nurture" before, but not "admonition". We'll be taking a look at both of them.

Nurture is the Greek word " paideia". Strong's Concordance says tutorage, education or training, disciplinary correction. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: instruction which aims at the increase of virtue. The dictionary definitions of "nurture" involves caring for, encouraging and teaching. Admonition is the Greek word "nouthesia".  Strong's Concordance says:  calling attention to, mild rebuke of warning. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: exhortation. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: A putting in mind, the training by Word by encouragement or reproof. The dictionary definitions of admonition involves proof, advice, warning. I LOVE to see how your daughters have grown, and continue to grow, into the fine young ladies, great students artists and athletes that make you proud! I especially love how you have taught and trained them to know JESUS and His Word! They are a product of the nurturing and admonition that has come from you and Kristine! WELL DONE! Here is a that new song again by Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship called "I Know A Name":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!