Sunday, April 27, 2008

What's Goin' On?

It's a great day to be alive! If you're reading this before church, my word to you is...CHURCH IS GOING TO BE AWESOME TODAY!!! If you're reading this after church, it's...WASN'T CHURCH AWESOME TODAY?! Both statements are/will be true...

I did some remodeling here again...as is typical with every change that I make, I get completely different reactions from people...like when I shaved the other day, people lined up to tell me that they were so happy that I did, and that I looked so much better without facial hair, and just as many told me that I had ruined my looks by doing it...comes with the territory...five new songs on the playlist...love what's going on here...happiness is setting your faith for 100 comments on an article and getting 161...

...saw Ben Stein's movie Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed about the scientific world's prejudice against the concept of intelligent design...it's pretty good...makes some interesting points...I would say worth seeing...but fans of the Beatles' Imagine, beware...it has a negative take on the song...

...yesterday, before Sofia's party, I was watching a documentary on the World Trade Center that I have actually seen a couple of times before, maybe more...but I had never payed attention to the fact that the now-deceased architect, Minoru Yamasaki, was terribly afraid of heights...don't know why, but I can't seem to stop thinking about that...I mean, he designed what was, at the time, the tallest buildings in the world, and he couldn't go to the top of them! I'm sure that that will find its way into a sermon at some point...

...it's been quite a week...I was struck by how much Jon Bon Jovi borrows from gospel preaching when he is performing...several times during the concert he would tell the crowd to say "Amen" or ask "Can I get a witness?", and the way he just generally interacted with the audience was very much like an old-school preacher getting his congregation all riled up...interesting...

...when I got home from Nashville Friday my daughter and granddaughter were here...wonderful...Sofia is walking a little and we've had such a blast with her...she's so much fun...I hate that Daisson is missing this time with her and her 1st birthday, but he'll be home in a few weeks...may have to go to Afghanistan...

...also, when I got home Judah's cap and gown were hanging on a door in the hallway...can't believe how time is flying...gotta seize the day, every day...

...excited about the Spirit moving all over the earth...CITN is alive and well...we are blessed...if you didn't get a chance to respond to yesterday's article, please do so...it took me a long time to put it together...

...just wanted to share what was in my head and heart today...

39 comments:

Unknown said...

Fun at the paint store!

I'm checking out Raphael on wiki and checking back on the colors. If the opinion of the playlist counts, the Hallelujah chorus was playing for this one when I came back.

Hmmm. Can't tell if that posted. Got no yellow bar.

Unknown said...

Well then, this can't be a coincidence! Refreshed for one last time and Hallelujah Chorus came up again. Hmmmm.

8 hours to blast off!

Night, Bishop.

linda said...

Hey Bishop and blog family
Cant sleep so I decided to check the blog, seems like everytime I turn to the computer now this first thing that I check
I'm the same way as far as remodeling or changing around, when I do something, I do something big. an't just rearrange a room, have to do the entire house. (smile)
Can't wait for church this morning, I know that it will be awesome (as usual)but it's different, even more expectancy than normal, Zach and Jacob (my sons) always bet between themselves about how long I will stay around alter, they may not see me at all once we get ITB (smile)


g8trgrl how are you doing, I've been praying for you

Dennis hope you are feeling better

avatar, mystic, laura you guys inspire me to think,

donald, didn't you go to a concert this weekend? I hope I remember right, if I'm right, hope it was good

I'll see some/most of you ITB

shout out to Judah on your graduation,

Love you Bishop, glad you my daddy
Linda :0)

Kettly said...

To All the Saints in Christ Jesus at Bloginthenow:
Grace and Peace to You All!

" What’s goin'On?"

First: All over the world the Spirit is moving,
All over the world like the water cover….?
All over the world like the Prophet said it will be
There’s mighty revelation…..?

Second: to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until the we all reach UNITY in the faith and in the KNOWLEDGE of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of CHRIST. (Ephesians 4:12-13)

"What’s goin'on?"

The Holy Spirit today; limits His Ministry to His witness for CHRIST. According to Romans 1:1 there is a Gospel of God. According to Romans 1:9 there is a Gospel of CHRIST. But there is no Gospel of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul spoke of “of my gospel,” but he was referring to the gospel of CHRIST that had been revealed directly to him. There is no gospel of the Holy Spirit. It is the task of the Holy Spirit to energize truth, to give it sharpness, to make it like a two-edge sword. The Holy Spirit’s ministry is that of a motivator, inspiring persons to write truth. He is the one who guides persons into truth. He is an interpreter of truth, and it is by if the truth that he convicts, the life of an unbeliever. The Holy Spirit today is present in us, not in the form of an angel, but indwelling in us as a living Personality.

"What’s goin'on?"
Today, Reach Out and Touch Someone…..!

“Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
who was, and is, and is to come.”

Amen!
Bonjour!
Kettly

Kettly said...

Again..!

Just about ready to get some when this powerful song started to play.


Breath on Me, Breath on Me.
Holy Ghost Shower
Breath on Me!
Yesterdays gone, Today I Belong. Holy Ghost …!
Breath on Me.
By Mr. Clint Brown

Again Bonsoir,
K.

Kettly said...

Again..!

Just about ready to get some when this powerful song started to play.


Breath on Me, Breath on Me.
Holy Ghost Shower
Breath on Me!
Yesterdays gone, Today I Belong. Holy Ghost …!
Breath on Me.
By Mr. Clint Brown

Again Bonsoir,
K.

Anonymous said...

I like how the format keeps changing, Bish.

Anonymous said...

Good morning Cyber Siblings!
Great New colors Bishop. Thanks again for making me hush, go to bed, and get some rest. LOL!:)
It is a great day to be alive! "SPECIAL" is the word I received from the Lord this morning. We are "special" each and everyone because we all are unique. And God has a special reason for creating each one of us. And it’s all good! Then there are the Specal of the Special within the purposes of God. God is doing a special work in and through CITN/BITN with specially chosen ones. We have been given a special mission on the earth and locally.

But mostly the Lord has shown me that TODAY is going to be a SPECIAL DAY. I woke up with a special excitement and anticipation for what the day will bring. ESPECIALLY in the service today! Can’t wait!!!

Here are some verses that ESSPECIALLY spoke to me this morning. Maybe they will speak to some of you in a special way.

Exo 33:17 GOD said to Moses: "All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name."

Mal 3:16 Then those whose lives honored GOD got together and talked it over. GOD saw what they were doing and listened in. A book was opened in God's presence and minutes were taken of the meeting, with the names of the GOD-fearers written down, all the names of those who honored GOD's name.
Mal 3:17 GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies said, "They're mine, all mine. They'll get special treatment when I go into action. I treat them with the same consideration and kindness that parents give the child who honors them.

Rom 9:11 and her babies were still innocent in the womb--incapable of good or bad--she received a special assurance from God. What God did in this case made it perfectly plain that his purpose is not a hit-or-miss thing dependent on what we do or don't do, but a sure thing determined by his decision, flowing steadily from his initiative.

1Co 14:30 Take your turn, no one person taking over.
1Co 14:31 Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other.

1Co 16:2 Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you'll have it ready, and I won't have to make a special appeal.

Eph 1:1 I, Paul, am under God's plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ Jesus, writing to you faithful Christians in Ephesus.

Col 1:1 I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God's master plan. Together with my friend Timothy,

1Th 1:4 It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.

1Ti 1:1 I, Paul, am an apostle on special assignment for Christ, our living hope. Under God our Savior's command,

1Ti 4:14 And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed--keep that dusted off and in use.

2Ti 1:1 I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus.

2Ti 1:6 And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed--keep that ablaze!
2Ti 1:7 God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.


Praise God!
Dennis

Jimmie said...

Good morning all! Looking forward to the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit ITB today! It really is going to be the greatest day ever! And tomorrow even better.

Much love!
Pastor Jimmie

Anonymous said...

Good morning, blog family! Bishop, personally love the orange background!

Only had time to blurk yesterday... have a comment that I started and will copy/paste later! Isn't that a great function... wouldn't it be nice if we could do that with more things?...

Linda, thanks for asking; I'm doing fine--the rest of my family is doing well too. Had one moment yesterday when I read my niece's blog about the whole thing on her myspace page that really made my eyes leak...

YITN today... timely, inspiring, just what I need! ... looking forward to service this a.m...these labor pains are wearing me out... what will we birth today?!? :o)

G8TRGRL

Friend4Life said...

Good Morning ALL!! Today is going to be great!! Love the BITN changes. Especially, the neon green letters. I'll be back later. Time to get ready to head out.

Cya in the ITB,
L.W.

Donald said...

I thought I was going to a concert this weekend Linda, but after I checked the schedule, Stevie Wonder is not going to be there until next weekend.
Y'all should check out the schedule to see who all is performing over there this week. Jazz Fest is a big thang. I wanted to go see Dr. John and also Elvis Costello, but just couldn't work it in.

Donald said...

I know I shouldn't say anything, but I can't help myself, but Imagine was not by the Beatles, it was John Lennon solo.
I'm saying this in love.

Anonymous said...

OMG! OMG!........all my life…..I mean…….IMAGINE……..NOT the beatles!!!!!! Whatever shall I do! Oh Dear…….its too much, I don’t think I can take this……. No no no….OK OK now,,, I will be OK.. yeah… I’m alright now.

Donald said...

Simmer down now, Dennis.

Lise said...

Morning, Bish & all...

Just have to say it! I'm so down with the idea of God in a leather jacket, but with all due respect to the Harley riders out there, I see God as more of a mover & shaker. Thus, I humbly submit the idea of God on, say, a Triumph Speed Triple. What 'cha think? You know... the triumphant trinity... God speed, and all that?!? Blood red, perhaps! Now THAT would be cool! I know, I know... semantics. I apologize! (notice how I didn't say I'm sorry) Just a thought ;O

Lise said...

HEAVENS! Where's the ruler-bearing nun when you need her? I feel her waiting to smack my knuckles, as I didn't mean to imply that Harley riders are not movers and shakers. I simply meant in regard to speed... riding really fast... my personal vision of God would be on a sportbike. Please don't take offense! None was intended :O

Ebony said...

Like the new layout (loved the "Alabama Crimson" red you had before, but I like the Orange too).

Bishop, the part in the sermon you mentioned about seeing your kids in a different way really struck a chord. As the youngest of two kids I'm told I'll "always be their baby", but, I'm not, I'm a woman, and I think sometimes they forget that. But, all in due time.Also, the wilderness, our Gethsemane experiences, although not fun, are necessary. Several analogies to the Christian walk are made to soldiers, because they're tough. When we storms come, the Spirit helps us man (or woman) up so we can fight, we're like weebles, no matter how hard we're hit, we may wobble, but we don't fall down.
When you begin to travel I will be PROUDER THAN EVER to say that you are my pastor, because I know you're steps are ordered, and you have favor. It's very rare to find a preacher who can be as comfortable in a middle school library, or at his son's band concerts or with local ministers as he is in front of dignitaries and heads of state. ¡Vaya con Dios padre!

linda said...

Wow, what a service today
you won't know who you really are until you conquer your own personal wilderness
the devil that tempted Jesus in the wilderness could have been thoughts in His head!!!
Not a red thing with horns on head and carrying a pitchfork.
This gives a whole new level to personal responsibility
you mean that I have to own all my mistakes and I can't blame anyone or anything else.
deeper and deeper and deeper,
the rain is soaking us all

That video with Mark Chirona(spelling) was mind blowing
love you all
Linda :0)

Anonymous said...

I think I'll be OK now Donald.

Bishop,
The service today was great. in the praise and worship I have been wanting to say that I really like the lead Guitar stuff. And the message really made me think about some of the things I am going through and have been through. It is enlightening and consoling to know that it is really the Holy Spirit leading me through my personal refining process. It gives these experiences value instead of a waist of time they would appear to be in the natural mind.

elle,
I wish you wouldn’t have mentioned riding. I would really like to ride my RUMBLE RUMBLE BLUB BLUB BLUB - RUMBLE RUMBLE BLAUGHGHGHGH -BLAUGHGHGHGH- BLAUGHGGHGH.

I dont ride a - wingy dingy wingy dingy weeeeee weeeeee weeeee

Just Joken :)

Dennis

Anonymous said...

Bishop,
I cant believe I forgot to mention the Video. Wow that blew me away, I have heard him prophecy many times when I used to watch TBN and always thought he was more anointed than most. But that prophecy was so anointed that it still carried a powerful sensation watching it today! And then to see how it has all worked out over all these years! WHEW! Thank God for the Holy Ghost!

Grace,
Dennis

brenda said...

Hi,
Service was awesome today, especially since I just joined after being at my church for 25 years. The song spoke to me which said I'm leaving my past behind and I'm going forward, scarey but exciting.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks for the comments, everybody...I like the pics that many of you have added to your name...missing some of the regulars...DBA, PM, where are you?

Lise said...

:) Dennis,
The wingy-dingys will grace our city this summer, I think. National rally or something. Not complaining; they seem like nice folks, and it's GREAT for our local economy. What I can't quite figure is why bother with a bike?... they might as well be in cars! Just my opinion, of course.
Praying for your health sitch, man!

dgm2007 said...

Church was awesome today. but can service and i was just crying and worshiping the Lord. so great to hear that all things come from God. The holy sprit is truly with us all. I was talking to one of my good friends on campus who is muslim and from UAE. I was telling her how the holy spirit guides me and she totally brushed me off laughed in my face and said i have that too thats just your consciousness. todays service reminded me of that moment. i was cracking up when Bish said do you know how many Muslims there are in this world they are not about to accept Jesus.. so funny... the only in you have with ppl is the holy sprit who is with us all. great stuff. i know im missing a few points but i have some papers to write.. love you guys..
Pz

Tom said...

Hi Bishop Swilley and the gang.

What's goin on?,catching up on the other post's,taking care of household chore's,and a whole lot of nothing.

I hope everyone has had a great weekend and everyone is safe.Peace and God bless to everyone,especially those who chose to call themselves my enemies.

Ebony said...

This question is for Pastor Jimmie (who did the Darn thing in service today!!!) Bishop had said at one point Israel wanted to do a live DVD from the church, is that true?

famman87 said...

Low traffic here today, guess everyone is digesting the incredible meal we were fed this AM.
Awesome, Bish...of course...

Pastor Jimmie, y'all were on it as always today... love the screamin' guitars!!!

Not much else today, but to say that I love you all so much, and thanks for the daily infusion of peace, love , and joy that you all bring to my life...

Much, much, MUCH love...

Anonymous said...

Yvonne - Thanks for this morning.
I'm still dealing with questions.
At least the headache's gone. K.I.T.

Pastor Jimmie - Storm In The Heavens Ya! LET IT RAIN

Larry Usher said...

Bishop & all,

Just amazed at the threads of lives running together like a tapestry lately, common visions, common words, hopes. etc. Have seen a new level of favor in my life this last month and with it a higher level of expectation of God using me and doing wonderful things in our midst- in, through and around us! I have been having computer probs lately so haven't been logging on, but at Friday morning prayer the Lord was talking to me about connecting to Him and also about the Stream of Life that emanates from Him which carries fresh, daily drinks from His Spirit, then I read today you were talking about connecting! Cool!
The main thread running through me lately is that God is THE thing, THE One I seek, THE Answer to all questions. Have been meditating on "Seek ye first..." and how basic this is to our mission in life, how crucial it is, how freeing it is. Instead of having all these "balls" being juggled in the air, we have ONE-Him, and He is juggling all the rest! Ha! That's a neat thought. We try to micromanage our lives too much sometimes when what we really need is the rest of His presence. So many things I could share, but we are all living our own Book of Acts, we are all so important to the Lord's plans...the eye opened sees the Hand of God in all...

Larry

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Again, thanks for the comments, all…Tom, good to hear from you…

Ebony, yes Israel Houghton wants to do a (free) live CD from here…it was originally slated for February, but he hasn’t been able to work out the details with his label yet…it’s still going to happen…

thanks, Famman...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

hey, Laura...and Larry, you finally found us!

Anonymous said...

Bishop
Been resting and working on new poems. Does it seem that when you go through hard times your creativity shines. I'm having a lot of mixed emotions right now and it seems that I'm zoneing in and out. To many questions and looking for answers.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

No doubt...expressing creativity is really the attempt to answer your own questions...hang in there...

good night

PattiL007 said...

Thank you for the fabulous spread you put on the table today, Spirit Dad...that "Storm In the Heavens" has boiled through the atmosphere and shot straight down into my spirit riding on a bolt of Light and is now causing me to POUR OUT ON ALL FLESH! Me? Pouring out on others? YES! I understand that to be a BIG part of my purpose here in this dimension. Praise and Pouring...Hal El to Jah!

This is how it is stated in the KJV: "...prove me now herewith saith the LORD , if I will not open YOU, the windows of heaven, and pour YOU OUT, a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Punctuation added for clarity.)

Religion is forever SAYING what God has said in the past and rarely DOING anything...we're here to ACT--as in the ACTS of the APOSTLES. NOW...let's be about our Father's business!

I am digesting the Word received so that I can pour it out...not in words, in actions.

Just stopped in to say hey and to thank everyone for their contributions to CITN/BITN...all of us together make each other and the services SHINE and FLOW and ROCK like we did today!

(Hmmm...I know I saw a post for Monday...I was going to reply to it, but it must be one of those "now you see it, now you don't blogs" :o

Goodnight and prayers and blessings to the Blog Fam!

PS...PM and DBA and all who are MIA today..."Come back, Shane!"

dgm2007 said...

What a great day it is. I just finished watching rev wrights speech. It totally tied into today's message of not backing down and just sticking to your faith. Isn't God enough. What I thought was awesome was how he keeps saying that change is going to come. And that totally ties into how we spoke Christ into existence and now we recognize just how much we need the Holy Spirit to bring Peace and reconciliation. I was thinking man I wish that they played some of the older songs that I knew so I wouldn’t have to just listen but could really participate. And the more I thought about that I was like boy am I wrong the song ministers to times ahead of now. I remember when we literally wore out that song we speak to nations. Not that I didn’t like It I really love it but we don’t do It as much as I feel we used to. And look what is happening in your own ministry and in that of your sheep. I can testify that I have friends of all different beliefs and we have such a great time livin gin peace and understanding. What a great thing to say I must go so that he can come. Wow so powerful I hope its ok to write about rev Wright you tend to stay away from political talk which is great.. I really respect that. The more I listen to you and other spiritual leaders that are tuned into change and acceptance of all peoples it reminds me that we are speaking into existence what will be. I have been so watchful over my words these are the things that people forget they have power over. And I have decided to believe that words are only placeholders for experiences. What experience do you want to convey. It may seem like preaching to the choir when you ask certain questions of ppl that are actively searching and living in Gods word. But what I think is that the choir will expel this greatness the faithful few will create the faithful many. I have also found that no one really downs the Holy spirit like they can Jesus. They just don’t know what to make of it and when you tell them whats he's done for you there's no disputing that. Great work Jesus really great work.

Sparkle said...

Really enjoying the blogsite although I don't always have time to comment (sorry - I know you hate that). Like you with or without a beard, Bishop! Tried to be one of the at least 100, but because I'm new at this, was not successful in getting my message published - this is actually my 3rd attempt. :-(

Have been in prayer about your DC trip - looking forward to seeing how God uses you and Pastor Debye to change the world!

Sparkle

Anonymous said...

Yes the service sunday was absolutely awesome....and seeing the response was wonderful, and I certainly did enjoy being involved, like old times...and about the blog, the new colors and pictures were great!! wonder where you get all that creativity?....keep it up! Mom

Anonymous said...

I understand about the precedent issue. Thanks for posting my comment in your community.