Monday, April 7, 2008

Meanwhile, Back in the USA

Hey bloggers…just getting caught up with everything here…getting back on a daily blog schedule…

Yesterday was wonderful…I want to thank you all for hearing the message with mature ears…your agreement and support is important to me…more than that, however, it is gratifying/satisfying to me that you discern what God is doing in my (our) life and ministry…it’s a great time to be alive…anything is possible…

Communion was very sweet last night…having you all up close like that was very powerful…it felt unusually real for some reason…

The new AYITN came out today…it's the third edition and fourth printing...very cool…I’m excited about it…Judah said it looks like something that should be sold at Starbuck’s…I'll be doing a signing soon...




I don’t know if you’ve paid attention to any of the new songs on the playlist or not…I added 10 last week and another 10 this week…one of my favorites is The Power of the Gospel by Ben Harper…it has a long guitar solo at the beginning of it, but when you get past that part, you hear the song…I don’t know what it is about it…the song itself…his haunting voice…it’s just very moving to me for some reason…makes me cry every time I hear it…

I also love Spirits in the Material World by the Police…

And America the Beautiful by Ray Charles seems quite timely and prophetic right now…sort of like speaking faith over the country…which of the new ones most speaks to you (they’re all at the end of the list)…

Several of you have e-mailed me about what you got out of the service yesterday…what you heard in the Spirit…I really wish that you would blog it and share it with the class…and I always want to hear from people out in cyberspace...you don't have to be connected with CITN to participate here...all are welcome...

One more thing…don’t be moved by anything negative you perceive with the 5 natural senses today…the life/power/victory/joy is in the Spirit realm…in the 6th sense of FAITH…stay tuned in…look at the big picture...God is good…God is real…God is here…God is love…God is now…

19 comments:

Philip said...

Bishop,

I am a first time blogger and very excited to become part of bloginthenow. Yesterday was awesome. You know I wasn't sure about how I felt when you mentioned a few weeks ago about the picture of you and Farrakhan(forgive my spelling) and the conference you were speaking at but after yesterday I was totally at peace with it. I LOVED when you said you told the people you were meeting with.... look people I believe every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord(I have that verse on a chain around my neck) and if you have a problem with that then tell me now! It truly takes a man who understands the plans God has for him to stand up and talk about what you did. I just love the message you preach and proving all the time that God is In The Now!!

famman87 said...

Oooh, I may be first...

Bishop, yesterday was awesome in both services. Finally getting to hear about your trip was very exciting. I think we all knew in the Spirit, a little of what was goin' on, but WOW!!! I am so thankful that God has put me in this place at this time. Being a small part of such a great thing is almost too awesome for words. I can't wait to see what is still to come, 'cause we all know that as great as this was, it's just the first small step, even bigger and better to come.

I agree that last night's communion was soooo good. The intimacy level between all of us with you and Him made it feel even more special than it usually does. You could feel the love and the Spirit (one and the same I guess) flood the sanctuary.

On a somewhat personal note, you calling those girls on stage was so awesome!!! It is beyond anything words can say how much it means to see our children celebrated and honored that way instead of being simply tolerated. I love how my children are fed just as much as we adults.

Scribe, I'm with you... I agree for you and claim victory for you
over whatever your circumstances are.

Much Love...

Donald said...

Haven’t had much time for writing lately; seems to be a lot going on around here (I’m doin’ this and I’m signing that).
I’ve always wanted to believe that Jesus desires to be a “hey, let’s go do something together” type friend but some of the articles I’ve been reading lately and some of the messages I’ve heard lately have really intensified that belief. In fact the picture from the “The Lord is my Shepherd” blog where Jesus is embracing some of the people and some of the other people are standing around in a state of utter elation is now the background on my computer at work.
I have been remembering some of the things you shared yesterday involving such a diverse group. From my experience, most groups believe that the world would be a perfect place if everyone would be just like them. For example, the UPC probably believes that if everyone believed as they do that all would be well or the AofG folks probably believe that if everyone believed as they do that all would be well and on and on for the other 50 gazillion sects/belief systems. I actually used to believe this.
I no longer believe this and certainly do not believe that God would want a generic group to follow Him. I believe he gets a kick out of all the diverse groups in the world. Maybe in some way they each share a different attribute of His. For instance, there may be a characteristic of God that is more dominant in one particular race than in any other race while another characteristic of God may be more dominant in some other race. That doesn’t adequately express what I’m feeling inside, but figure that if you get all those groups together in one place at one time in agreement with each other, God might just look at that and think He’s looking into a mirror.

Ebony said...

I've always wondered that if Jesus Christ was walking the earth today, who would he be welcomed among, and who would he call the "brood of vipers" (I have a few theories), and the answers would probably surprise people (well, except you). I've always loved the idea of inter-faith dialog, and think it's awesome that you're being used in this light. Like I said in the other post your heart, your spirit are for the nations, and I think this is the beginning of a new chapter for you, and I can't wait to see how it turns out. Hope you got some rest. *off to ice injured hip*

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Welcome aboard, Philip, and thanks!

Thanks, Famman...it's all about the kids...next generation is very important...

Well said, Donald...looking forward to seeing you guys Sunday...

I appreciate the affirmation, Ebony...be well...

JMG said...

Bishop,

Machion and I were on vacation with my parents this weekend. It was great; very relaxing and quite. However, I missed being in the presence of my church family. I always feel like I'm missing something when we are not there. Then when I read the blog, I know we have missed a great time.
Your birthday celebration was awesome. Debye really put allot of hard work into putting everything together along with everyone else that participated. Your dad was awesome...and the video still leaves me speechless when I think about it.
I was extremely sick that day with an accute sinus infection and the flu, but I was not missing your birthday celebration. I enjoyed every minute of it and I'm glad God gave me the strenght to be there.

I love you dearly....

JaQuetta (JaQ)

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks JaQ...and welcome!

Unknown said...

Hips/flu--healing to both of you, Eb and JaQ.

Donald, God seeing Himself in the mirror of US, the world. Bishop has a cool list of the "dominant characteristics" of nations and faiths. Have you heard it?

AYITN at Starbucks. Way to go, Judah. I'll bet we can get famman87 to magnetize that one with us!

Paid attention to the songs? You're kidding, right? Kept thinking all day about the blessings you daily load us with. A consummate host, broadening horizons, opening possibilities, cheering us on.

There will be an offering for you personally in Wed. nights offering, but please KNOW that no amount of money would ever be enough. [what's that? You wanna at least see if 7 digits might come close? Well, it can't. For now, I'm glad the thought counts in your book, for now.]

Faves today: I Hope You Dance, "lovin' might be a mistake but its worth making...give Faith a fighting chance...and DANCE!" love it; Revelation Song, I need to go look up Gateway Worship, first time I've heard them; Come Together, Third Day could sing a commercial and I'd love it; Power of the Gospel, love the fingers on the strings sound and the coffee house feel (though it sounds like there are thousands in the house--smile).

Bishop Tommy Smith said...

Bishop,

If you are curious about what Tuesday looks like - I can tell you it is a beautiful day here in the Philippines. Welcome to the Future.
Sorry I missed the service Sunday on streaming Faith, I really wanted to hear how your trip went. After preaching yesterday's service and taking the Kids to the beach, I crashed early. I will catch up with all that is going on soon enough. A Year In The Now brought me daily bread today, Thank you. April 8th hit the bulls eye. Thank God for "FREEDOM" - Thanks to you for bringing me out and being a voice that continues to cry in the wilderness. The last two weeks were the most difficult circumstances that I have ever had to deal with in ministry. Day after day of nasty comments made about me and you. The words poison, False prophet, deceivers were the words that Keyes chose to use in his letters and farewell speech to the people here in the Philippines. When the people heard what he said they all went into shock. They had just heard Him say two days earlier that He knew Ging and I were going to do great things and how we had been such a blessing to the ministry. He went on to say He had never met any body who had more of a heart for God than me. He prophesied on tape saying that God was ordering our steps and was going to use us in a mighty way in Ozamiz City. It was all about love and peace face to face but behind the mask religion was waiting to show itself. Reminded of David and Saul, prophesying words of blessing and ready to throw a javelyn to kill. It hurts when the ones you love turn on you. However I know all things work together for good. Nothing to Beware of - cause they are not all speaking well of me... Sunday's service for me was the most anointed service we have ever had in the Philippines. I preached on the Simplicity of the Cross-Matthew 22:34-40 - All the law and the prophets hang on these two. Stole if from you Bishop - but I did give you props. The people really got it and they extremely excited about the future. It is a time of Great expectation and we are moving Forward into the things God has prepared for us. It's awesome because God had given me the theme for 2008 back in November "MOVING FORWARD 2008". So the past is over and we know He makes all things new. I have found God's unconditional love for me and the joy to be able to share it to other. So many lives are being touched and changed as they see who God really is for the first time. Not through the eyes of Religion. It feels good to bless those who curse me. I love the fact God has given me the ability to understand that they don't know why they do what they do. I see what the enemy means for evil - God is working something Beautiful. Thanks for being a constant encouragement to me and the world around you. Thanks for the voice of God that comes from your mouth. Keep bringing the truth. We hear you loud and clear. You are truly a Father in the Faith - You have been a savior, deliverer, and redeemer for so many people.

I LOVE YOU BISHOP -
Your son in the Lord.
Tommy

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Bishop Tommy…hey, bud! Glad to have you on board!

Blessings on you and your beautiful family, and on the Philippines!

I haven’t heard anything from MK yet, so I won’t discuss that or him here…and even when I do hear from him, I probably still won’t say anything…I don’t know…

What I do know is that you are going to be fine and that the Lord will perfect that which concerns you. You are walking in a great anointing, and in great authority. The last time you preached here, everyone saw it. Your steps are ordered. Don’t let anyone get in your head and distract you from the big picture of the triumph of Christ. I mean, what is there to say when you find out that it is considered a false doctrine by some when you preach love and mercy and the simplicity of the cross? How do you even answer that?

I know in my own case I have found that “making yourself of no reputation” is really a blessing at the end of the day. Being liberated from your own ego is the ultimate freedom…it allows you to simply have confidence in the fact that you have an Advocate with the Father. And when someone calls you whatever, you can say with Jesus “there is none good but God”.

I’m at peace with whatever happens with my relationship with our brother. But I can tell you that for the first time in many years I am actually excited about returning to your part of the world, and about strengthening my relationship with you.

Let not your heart be troubled today…it’s all good.

I hope that you’ll visit here often.

Peace.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

B. Tom...I don't like the way that sentence sounded...I meant to say:

"But I can tell you that for the first time in many years I am actually excited about returning to your part of the world...and, as always, I'm excited about strengthening my relationship with you."

That's better.

Unknown said...

BISHOP TOMMY!!! What room are you in? Izjoy has your tatami mat and wants to deliver it. You probably already know and can help those of us who are still trying to figure it out, what's the best way to get up off the floor (smile)?

Still pondering Pentecost art but I'm jumping in here to add an AMEN to Bishop's "everyone saw it, B.Tommy"--I'm one of those eyewitnesses. Was here when you left with one bag to your name, too.

Is a visa required for the Philippines?

PS--cool new cover for AYITN. Props to the ar-teest!

Tom said...

Bishop Swilley,I really enjoyed your message Sunday on your trip to Korea.It reminded me,of Paul's trip to Athens in Acts 17:.He didn't get all puffed up in holiness,condem and leave the city because of the rampant idolarty that was there.No,he entered into the market place were he could be heard and have an impact on the culture.Thats how I see your trip to Korea or should I say Mars Hill in the Spirit

One more point I'd like to make is when Paul began to speak of God to them he didn't refer to Jehoveah,Elohim or any other name God had called Himself by,but he found a monument to the Unknown God and declared Him.He went to their point of understanding of who God is and began to reveal God to them.When you on Sunday read from the Arimaic translations and hearing how simalar the name for God in Arimaic sounds to Allah just floored me.It got me to thinking,maybe if we stopped condming Islam,saying it is an,"evil religon"and went found the,"Unknown God"as they understand Him maybe we could reveal Him more clearly to Muslim's and have an impact on their culture?

Peace be with everyone.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Hey Tom...at first I thought Bishop Tommy was back here, but then I realized it was you. You're obviously a part of cyber-CITN...do you mind telling me if you are local or out of state? Whatever the case, you definitely are on the page with us...loved the Acts 17 reference...you should post here every day!

Teezy313 said...

All these new faces!! Welcome aboard guys!

Bish, Sunday's services were awesome! Really enjoyed communion as well!! reminded me of communions when I went to a Baptist church...the spirit would get to movin...the mothers would sing an old hymnn or two.....glad i was ITB!!

Teezy

Donald said...

Yeah, Bishop Tommy getting smashed by someone you trust and/or look up to can be a very disheartening thing. I may not be able to help you out any with your situation but if it means anything to you, I would just like to say “join the club.” Don’t ever lose faith in your fellowman, but at the same time, it’s a good idea to keep your guard up. It seems like the older I get the easier it is to deal with folks that decide to do stuff like that.
I have always worked around some pretty rough guys so over the years I guess I have become somewhat calloused to personal attacks. Personally, I have found that it is a good idea for me to rehearse as many “what if” scenarios as I can possibly imagine in the event that someone does lash out at me. That way I am usually ready with a fairly intelligent sounding rebuttal because I have already played the situation out in my mind.
For example, I consider if somebody says this or that about me or to me I try to think of what I could say in return that will make them look like a dummy and make me look like I’ve got my “stuff” together. That is very easy to do when I’m right. It’s especially fun to do this when I’m wrong and the person making the accusation is right but they failed to consider that I would be prepared to defend myself anyway. I’ve also found that by doing that I seem to have fewer detractors.
But that’s business and tough situations in the ministry would probably have to be handled somewhat more delicately.

tracy said...

Bishop Tommy- good to hear from you, hate to hear that you are going through a tough time though. When David and I first came to Church in the Now 7ish years ago Bishop preached a sermon about Jonah being spit out of the whale's belly into his destiny. That was the first message we heard here after being all but destroyed by a ministry. We know now that what happened was the best thing that could have ever happened to us, so we say to you it is ALL good for you and your sweet family. Love ya brother!

dgm2007 said...

this is a bit late but i just wanted to post how awesome it is to read the blog and tune in online. So glad ur birthday was awesome. ppl on campus ask me hey do you want to go to church for like fellowship im like hey you want to talk about how awesome God is.then i tell them that i watch my home chruch online and my bishops got a blog. there like your bishops got a blog!!! im all hecks yes.. okay i really am getting lost but its so nice to be under a bish that totally gets it. I don't know where else i would go. so cool that you fit in with so many ppl of diff religions. I have a lot of friends from all over the world and well our beliefs aren't all that similar in fact but by the spirit we are connected and i never feel compromised. the second i start to think hey maybe i should get more christian friends and hang out with a certian crowd I remember woah woah every knee shall bow and that includes my own so i just feel so covered no matter what. this past sunday i was like look at my bishop he so cool. traveling the word being totally covered in christ and accepted by all. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas..

Tom said...

Bishop Swilley,thank you for the kind comments and I'll try to post more.

I'm a local guy living in the Atlanta area.I remember seeing you on TBN from time to time,I just never knew you were this deep.I thought you were just one of the echo's,boy I was wrong.

Bishop Tommy Smith,keep your head up,God will vindicate you and will openly prove false every accusation made against you and use the whole situation to give you more favor with the people than ever before.

Take care Bishop and everyone else.