Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "violent". We'll be looking at this verse:

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize — a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. AMP

This is the Greek word "biastes". Strong's Concordance says: a forcer, energetic. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: strong, forceful, using force. The Theological Dictionary adds: brave. I LOVE the Amplified Bible for this verse! There should be nothing passive about our attitude toward study of the Word of God because within is everything we need to walk in power, health, prosperity, success, favor, anointing and Wisdom. My word list says that we have used this word before but I couldn't  find where so I am possibly repeating this, but it IS the leading I had for this week. So as you continue in what you have already been doing, be excited about the results you have to look forward to because I have found that though God is rarely early, He is never late! I believe that so many more good, Godly, powerful, and amazing blessings of favor are headed your way in the coming months! Here, to encourage you in this, is an older song from UNITED called "Wonder":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys

 Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "passion". We have looked at this one before, but the only "passion" found in the KJV Bible refers to what JESUS went through for us when He gave His life for our salvation. We'll be looking at the dictionary definition for the word this time. 

Genuine passion means having a deep, authentic, and persistent enthusiasm for something, shown through consistent action and a willingness to endure challenges for it. It goes beyond just a fleeting interest and involves a deep, internal commitment that fuels actions, conversations, and the investment of time and energy, even when things get difficult. This contrasts with ego-driven passion, which is often more focused on the idea of success than the work itself. Deep engagement:
It's not just being interested; it's being deeply involved and committed to an activity, subject, or goal.

I believe that JESUS desires for us to have this attitude for everything that He has called us to do. When we do that, it reflects His life IN us! I really love how you and Kristine have given your daughters every opportunity to pursue their interests, knowing that they will find their passion in the things that they are really willing to go all out for. Some people think that the only way to serve the Lord is through becoming a pastor, missionary, or some other 'work' in the church, but excelling in natural things as a believer shows our 'passion' for Him in ways that people can really relate to! Here is one of my very favorite Hillsong songs called "Every Breath":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share Charles Spurgeons Evening Devotional. I needed this this week for myself! 

"The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost." — John 14:26

This age is peculiarly the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, in which Jesus cheers us, not by His personal presence, as He shall do by-and-by, but by the indwelling and constant abiding of the Holy Ghost, who is evermore the Comforter of the church. It is His office to console the hearts of God's people. He convinces of sin; He illuminates and instructs; but still the main part of His work lies in making glad the hearts of the renewed, in confirming the weak, and lifting up all those that be bowed down. He does this by revealing Jesus to them. The Holy Spirit consoles, but Christ is the consolation. If we may use the figure, the Holy Spirit is the Physician, but Jesus is the medicine. He heals the wound, but it is by applying the holy ointment of Christ's name and grace. He takes not of His own things, but of the things of Christ. So if we give to the Holy Spirit the Greek name of Paraclete*, as we sometimes do, then our heart confers on our blessed Lord Jesus the title of Paraclesis*. If the one be the Comforter, the other is the Comfort. Now, with such rich provision for his need, why should the Christian be sad and desponding? The Holy Spirit has graciously engaged to be your Comforter: do you imagine, O you weak and trembling believer, that He will be negligent of His sacred trust? Can you suppose that He has undertaken what He cannot or will not perform? If it be His especial work to strengthen you, and to comfort you, do you suppose He has forgotten His business, or that He will fail in the loving office which He sustains towards you? Nay, think not so hardly of the tender and blessed Spirit whose name is "the Comforter." He delights to give the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Trust you in Him, and He will surely comfort you till the house of mourning is closed for ever, and the marriage feast has begun.

* One called alongside

* Exhortation, encouragement, consolation or comfort

I really love this! I was feeling a little overwhelmed this week with so many people needing encouragment from me that I neglected to keep myself encouraged. This made so much sense! Holy Spirit is the ONE Who lives IN us, but He is saying exactly what JESUS would say if He were actually right here. We are NEVER alone. I can imagine that with all that you and Kristine have on your plates, with your individual careers and then four beautiful, talented, hard working pre-teen and teenage young ladies and their interests and needs, you just may sometimes feel overwhelmed. But the POWERFUL Spirit of God is living IN you for the very purpose of whispering exactly what Jesus would say to encourage you! And He does say this in 1 Corinthians 10:13 The Passion Translation:

We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.

ANd here further encourage you is Brandon Lake with "I Need A Ghost":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share a new song by Brandon Lake called "When A Cowboy Prays":

I remember when we were first born again that we knew nothing about the Word at all. We even questioned whether or not WE could pray for someone for healing or if a Pastor had to do it! We have learned SO much about the Word and about our authority as born again believers over the years and now have confidence in our prayers according to the Word! Everyone who has received Jesus as Lord and Saviour HAS this ability within! Here is that song!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!