Thursday, May 22, 2008

Thursday Thoughts

First of all, there are 2 new songs on the playlist…

Service was great last night (thanks, Rev. Dennis for the review)…


Here’s what’s on my mind today…

Best memory from Dottie’s funeral on Monday: Spending time with Andrae Crouch before the service…

Worst memory: Nearly backing over Gloria Gaither and Sandi Patty as I was getting in line behind the hearse for the processional (and I’m not kidding)...



Found this on-line from a blog review of the service…

"Another moment of reconciliation was when Bishop Jim Swilley gave the obituary. Another bit of history is that Dottie went through a divorce from Buck Rambo back in 1994. When Bishop Swilley completed the recitation of the family members, he said, “I would also like to, with your permission, honor the great Buck Rambo and his wife, Mae, in the spirit of reconciliation. Selah.”

I’m glad he did that…to pretend a spouse of 40+ years never existed wouldn’t have seemed right. The spirit in which the Bishop Swilley made that gesture was perfect."

I really appreciated that...



Christina and Sofia are driving down today to be here for Judah’s graduation…can’t wait to see my grandbaby…and I think Daisson's coming home next week...

…need to get ready today for ISRAEL trip (more about that tomorrow)…

BTW, the blog will probably be suspended while we’re there, but I’m going to post a schedule so that you’ll know where we are every day and can keep us lifted up in prayer…

AYITN is a good word for today…WALK TALL (you can read it on the CITN site)…




Finally, my prayer for you today is for the restoration of your soul. I know that there is a lot going on with all of us right now, but the Holy Spirit is restoring us. We're strong...you're strong...and by His Spirit, you are emotionally stable and healthy. No matter what difficulty you may be facing, you're not going to fall apart. You're not going to lose it. You're not going to lose your mind. Put it in perspective and walk in the peace of God. The Lord is your Shepherd, and He restores your soul.

Put your hand on your computer screen, and know that I am speaking peace and strength and wholeness and restoration to you today.

Now go have a great Thursday!

32 comments:

Kettly said...

Good Morning Bishop

Last night after the service, I said to you to give them “hell”. I hope you know, I did not mean “hell” on a bad way, rather than a good way.
Please, forgive me for making this kind of comment. Better yet, give them the Words, and show them Love. Be Christ-Like to them, when you go there. I want to send you away with these words of PSALM 23.

The Lord is your shepherd;
You have everything you need.
He lets you rest in green meadows;
He leads you beside peaceful streams.
He renews your strength.
He guides you along right paths,
Bringing honor to His name.

Even when you walk
Through the dark valley of death,
You will not be afraid,
For He is close beside you.
His rod and His staff
Protect and comfort you.

He prepares a feast for you
In the presence of your enemies.
He welcomes you as a guest,
Anointing your head with oil.
Your cup overflows with blessings.
Surely His goodness and His unfailing Love will pursue you all the days of your life,
And you will live in the house of the LORD FOERVER!

While you and Pastor Debye away taking the nation by storm, I’ll keep you both in my prayer. May God’s peace be with you both?

PS. Bishop walks unto your prophecy. This is one of your BIG IDEAS, speaking to the Nation.
Love you both. BON VOYAGE!
JOY, PEACE, LOVE.
Kettly

Anonymous said...

GOODMORING BLOGGERS.
IT IS HECTIC HERE IN MY UNIT. LOTS OF SICK PEOPLE AND STRANGE ILLNESS. I AM KIND OF SAD. BUT I AM BLOGGING TO WISH BISHOP WELL ON HIS TRIP TO ISREAL THE HOLY LAND. I PRAY THE WISDOM OF GOD WITH HOLY GHOST BOLDNESS AND UTTERANCE ON YOU. PEACE IS SO MUCH NEEDED FOR THE WORLD TO BE A BETTER AND SAFE PLACE TO LIVE. BLESSED ARE THE PEACE MAKERS OF OUR GENERATION. WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU. I HAVE TO GET BACK TO MY VERY, VERY SICK ONES HERE. LOVE MERCY.

Anonymous said...

Bishop:
I receive all that you have spoken/imparted today...thank you.

Exciting news about Christina, Sofia, Daisson AND Judah...love is eternally a lifting thing.

Israel...onward and upward! I am so excited about how God will use you there...all will be in my prayers.

Rest easy,
mayam

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the blessing of restoration. Teresa and I both recieved it.

Your account of life to all of us is more than the fresh air of restoration that you breathe out in anointed words. For me in particular it is much like sitting at the table with my own perception of Jesus Christ. That is probably because you have such an excellent understanding of what the Christ of Jesus is.

Your mission will be exceptionally well recieved and you will be given honor for the message of reconciliation that is dominant in your ministry but your good reception is only like the horizon of a great land mass that is being approached from sea.

Will see you ITB Friday and Saturday. Missed being there last night but will get the recording.

Anonymous said...

Hey Bishop and P. Debye, we love you so much and we the watchers decree revelation, prophetic utterances, gifts of counseling, and understanding and knowledge healing and restoration and wholeness and traveling mercies and favor and mercy and grace and love and dominion and power and the words of life to you, over you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Name of Jesus. Amen

Now go and walk into your destiny and you son and you daughter as the Lord goes before you and is your rear bumper and goodness and mercy is following you and we (your peps) have your back!

love ya, Go change the world!

Anonymous said...

Hey Everyone

Peace to you.
Bishop that's what I needed to hear and more than likely need to hear in the next few weeks.

One Shout Out To My Husband Tim
Happy Anniversary (20).

Have A Blessed Day

Lise said...

Bishop & Debye,

Wishing you health, peace & safety during your trip to Isreal. What a profoundly life-changing experience. You are blessed!

Joe & I plan to be ITB the last Wednesday night of June. Bringing some pieces down a week from Friday for the art fest, but unfortunately, can't stay the weekend. So we will there that Wed. in June to pick them up. Hope you'll be in town to teach that night! I LOVE Wednesdays!

Also, congrats to Judah! He has more wisdom in his little finger than many of us attain over a lifetime. Well done!

Bloggers, love you guys & wish you a beautiful Thursday!

G8TRGRL said...

Hi blog family! Thank you for the prayer of peace today...today's AYITN, a very timely word!

I ponder walking tall as I prepare to go down to FL Monday for my brother's memorial service on Tuesday. This will be the first trip i have made "sans family"/by myself in almost 13 years. I am believing that I will be walking in the "new me in Christ" that I have become, and that my family will see me in that light! That they will receive me as the married-wife-mother-of-3, and not fall into that "teenage daughter" syndrome... and that I will "provide a speaking platform for God, as I plainly personalize the power of His gospel before the public" when I speak at my brother's service on Tuesday. In the midst of all that, I also prepare for the return of Mr. Wonderful on Saturday! Yea!! Our family will be together! July marks a year that he has been away working... please be in agreement that opportunities will blossom here for him/us here...

Godspeed to you Bishop and Pastor Debye... Sunday's AYITN is "Shining Light" which I know you will be in this landmark journey you are taking!... we'll hold down the fort while you're away!!

TTFN

Anonymous said...

“FINALLY, MY PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY IS FOR THE RESTORATION OF YOUR SOUL. I KNOW THAT THERE IS A LOT GOING ON WITH ALL OF US RIGHT NOW, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS RESTORING US. WE'RE STRONG...YOU'RE STRONG...AND BY HIS SPIRIT, YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY STABLE AND HEALTHY. NO MATTER WHAT DIFFICULTY YOU MAY BE FACING, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FALL APART. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LOSE IT. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO LOSE YOUR MIND. PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE AND WALK IN THE PEACE OF GOD. THE LORD IS YOUR SHEPHERD, AND HE RESTORES YOUR SOUL.”

Bishop Jim….as I read these words this morning I could have sworn that you had hidden cameras and microphones everywhere. Really it is such a comfort to know that the Holy Spirit is so intimately involved in my personal life that He would speak such an encouraging word through you, yes amen and amen!

Peace,
Dennis

Anonymous said...

Oh…Congratulations Judah! I want you to know that you are an amazing young man. Every time I have heard you speak or sing I cannot hardly believe how talented, anointed, and gifted you are – far beyond your years. It is obvious that you are going to be great in the work of the Kingdom.

I wanted to get over and say hello, and shake your hand Sunday but there was too much going on and I didn’t get the chance.

Also Jonah….Wow Sunday’s song was great I loved it! definitely my kind of music, loved the guitar too.
I don’t know If you guys read the blog but maybe someone will tell you what I said.

Peace,
Dennis

PattiL007 said...

Peace, Strength, Wholeness, and Restoration! Let it be unto us all according to your word!

As for your trip(s)...Peace, Safety, Blessing, Honor, Power, and Favor, Favor, Favor!

My prayer is that everyone's day be the best they've ever had...CHOOSE LIFE TODAY!

(Great senior pic, Judah...what a handsome young man you have become. Thanks for sharing it with us, Bishop.)

Blessings Blog Fam!

PS...now the word ver looks like it's praising God...the whole earth is filled today!

Anonymous said...

Keeping Stephen Curtis Chapman and his family lifted up, after the tragic accident yesterday with his little girl. Everyone, please be careful in your driveway, parking lots, etc., for "little people" that you can't see well!!

Erik said...

Hello wonderful bloggers, etc. etc. etc. Siam I am .

This is something that was initially for a specific person yesterday. After it was received and I read it again, it seemed, in particular today’s reading and last night’s service, good to copy here.

________________________

God is kissing each area in your life that has discomfort with Her tender care. She attends to every area. He covers you in complete safety and assurance. You are favored, forgiven, blessed, and loved. Your spirit is beyond what you see, it encompasses what you see and feel, and much more. It is grander than environment, money, marriage, relationships, family, etc. it is all of that and bigger than all of it.

As a reminder, money is your servant, a good and faithful servant ; money is not in charge, it is not a partner, it is not a guest. It is a good servant who looks out for you in every way, searching for new ways to serve you. It is unfit for driving decisions, it is not foundational. You are, and that is why non foundational function to serve what is foundational.

Creating environments that support, nourish, and grow you is always available. The best basis for choices, are those that promote your spirit, and long term peace. Short term or non foundational basis generally do not promote long term peace, since their focus is short term, recurring things. The core issues, not the recurring symptoms, irritants, are best to put effort to.

No matter what though, The Universe always forgives, it is bigger than any mistake. She casts them into the see of forgetfulness, and sees the you that is His masterpiece. Throw all of the frustrations and fears on Elohim, and they will always be there to trade you peace and life for frustration and fear.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bishop and Pastor Debye,
What a marvelous moment for you both to experience Israel and walk where Jesus once walked. Praying that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit will do a mighty work through both of you in Israel and looking forward to your *good* reports.

It is "ALL GOD
" for such a time is this. When it is ALL GOD there is no need to fear..not by might nor by power but by my Spirit...It is ALL GOD!

These seem to be very thought provoking times and God is most assuredly doing something in the earth, the heavens, and in us. All that can be shaken is shaken and what remains is ALL GOD! Unity... ohhh that we could be one! God's heart to the world...

In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on ALL flesh...Shower down! The world needs you. I need you. Shower down! More power...more love...more of You in our lives. Shower down!
Love
Overcomer

Ebony said...

Bishop it never ceases to amaze me how you know what to sat to us and when to say it. That post this morning was the shot in the arm I needed. As if you can feel the burnout and fatigue in us (but that's what makes you a good pastor). So I thank GOD for the good, say "this too shall pass" to the bad. And remember in the end it's all good. How cool is it gonna be to see your son graduate in CITN! Congratulations on this achievement!!! And you are protected, blessed, favored and your steps are ordered for the Israel trip.

peacemaker said...

Still out of town but was able to find a computer. You know, I don't know if I'm supposed to be in this room or not. Oh well...if they can't take a joke...

Sounds like everything went well as expected at Mrs. Rambo's service. I'm glad you didn't back into SP though. She would have shielded Sister Gaither but would have probably disabled your car.( Oh God...did I say that outloud...sorry). But seriously forks, as stated in the blog article about the funeral, what you said about Buck Rambo was perfect and 100% class. I'm glad it was recognized.

Israel is going to be lifechanging. I think you will realize your destiny as never before. There will be Peace, Peace, Peace, where they say there is no peace. Things are already being prepared there for the word of reconciliation you will bring. Your presence is definitely preceding your person in that region. It's gonna be good.
Probably too late for me to get a plane ticket though, so I'll just have to try and astral project myself.
See you there...on some plane.

Peace as you bring Peace.

PM

PS...
Things are good here. Your flowers arrived. Much gratitude from SW. Family seem to have found unity and peace. It's uncanny how much similarity between this family and mine and how last few years of his Mom's life almost mirrors the last few years of my Mom. Aside from my connection to S, there are other reasons I'm here. Love how the universe sets things up.

Peace and Love

peacemaker said...

Oh...BTW,
Congrats Judah. You are awesome and your future's so bright...you gotta wear shades. Stay cool!

Jonah,
You are natural on stage and have a great voice. We need to hear more from you...got it.

PM

Unknown said...

Hello y'ALL. Dropping by quickly to say that greens are greener and blues are bluer today! Thank you to each of you who were led to lift me up[CITN and BITN] and especially to Mayam, SoilTester, Bishop and the Holy Spirit.

In this new place, I sense the "mistake" was an event that helped open a door and that a death took place. Whatever, I'd go there again if necessary because It's ALL God!, and that is a bright, blue and green place today. I’m not sure I can say that I’ve ever been here after a “mistake”. It's a different place to be...I like it.

Love you all, back later to catch up on Thursday thoughts--(smile)!

Anonymous said...

Hello Bishop,

I'm at the library with just 9 minutes left, but wanted to say 'thank you so much' for praying with me up front afterwards.

I'm trying to balance time and parenting and all to see where I can make more time for my passions, like the songwriting I mentioned last night. I agree with your prayer over me and I hope that you have a great trip to Israel! Blessings and protection on your journey!

peacemaker said...

"But seriously FORKS..."? Maybe a little too much time at happy hour.(just kidding...not really):)

Anonymous said...

Bishop,

I so needed this word today of peace, strength, wholeness and restoration...that I won't fall apart. The past few days I've been feeling like all that, and I really needed to hear that I'm going to be ok.

Laying my hand on the screen is new to me, sorta, but I do believe that it helps me mentally to be more receptive and focused on that word coming forth.

Gotta run, take care.

tracy said...

PM-Cool that you are there for several reasons, just goes to show multi-tasking is also one of God's gifts. We never got the details for SW's mom's arrangements so we will acknowledge w/ S in person. In the mean time safe travels. Ya'll keep praying for David- those of you that have e mailed or called thank you. His feet still look like the elephant man. Back at doctor today, ruled out lymes and gout, testing for lupus and rheumatoid and we just say no, so your agreement would be much appreciated. Also- congrats Judah and Jonah....who knew?! Looking forward to hearing more from both of them!

Anonymous said...

I posted this earlier but I guess I pushed the wrong button or something. Here it is again. I keep everything I write just in case the Spirit says something that I need to keep. Also the little paper clip guy keeps my spelling in line "usually" I really like that little guy; well I do have a little dog on there sometimes that is pretty cool too. what was I saying........ oh yeah I'm going to copy and past it here again.

Oh…Congratulations Judah! I want you to know that you are an amazing young man. Every time I have heard you speak or sing I am astonished at how talented, anointed, and gifted you are – far beyond your years. It is obvious that you are going to be great in the work of the Kingdom.

I wanted to get over and say hello, and shake your hand Sunday but there was too much going on and I didn’t get the chance.

Also Jonah….Wow Sunday’s song was great I loved it! definitely my kind of music, loved the guitar too.
I don’t know If you guys read the blog but maybe someone will tell you what I said.

Peace,
Dennis

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Dennis, you posted it under May 15...I thought that you meant for it to be here...thanks for re-posting...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Make that May 18...

Anonymous said...

Erik, I don’t know who that was for but it really spoke to me. I believe I’ll just take it if you don’t mind. I don’t know maybe there is enough to go around if someone else needs some of it. ;>)

Thank you,
Dennis

Donald said...

Bishop, thanks for so many things.
I am really appreciating you more than normal for some reason.
I really started feeling that last night during service.

Anonymous said...

Prayer request; I am having breakfast with a man in the morning that could help me with the music in a new church or should I say “a NOW church”.

Amen,
Dennis

famman87 said...

Hey Y'all,

geez, I hate not being here every day. one misses so much in such ashort period of time... This new job training is wiping me out, but it's all about God showing up and out... I'm getting some of that "more than I ask or imagine", praise and thank Him...

Erik, I'm with P.Dennis, I see that every word of that is for me. Thanks, my brother, I needed that.

Judah, I hope you're reading. I didn't get to speak with you last night, so... You are an incredible man, and it is my honor to know you. Your words have spoken into my life very often, and you are a tremendous example to every Mix teen, to say the least. I can't wait to see what God has in store for you, and the great things you are going to do for this world. Graduation is just the begining... No pressure...

PM, no worries on the typo... the sentiment was very nife. Hope you get back spoon. But I digress...This has already gone on too tong... Sometimes I think I'm too cleaver...

Bishop, I think I'll sleep tonight with my hand on my screen...Such peace flowing through... Thank you and Godspeed...

g8trgirl... Peace to you and yours..will keep you in my prayers on your trip and your husband's opportunity... forget blossoms, you're getting the fruit!!!

Here's a little something that came to mind, courtesy of Kenny Wayne Sheppard... had to change up a word here or there, but I think it works out real well...

I found love when I found You
When I look to the skies,
I know it's true
My life was lonely,
Yeah, broken and blue
Then I found love, when I found You.

Oh once in a lifetime, Hey that's how it feels
Theres something so good (so, so good)
How can it be real?
Oh when You touch me, yeah
You touch me through and through, yes You do
I know I found love, when I found You.

Now Lord, you've got all of me
And I want You to know
Want You to know right now...
That There's nothin' in this crazy ol' world
That would make me wanna let you go.
Oh Yeah...

Yeah, for my whole lifetime, and now that's how it feels...
Yeah, Something so good (oh so good)
How can it be real?
Oh now Lord when You touch me, yeah
You touch me through and through, yes You do
I know I found love, when I found You

I know I found love, when I found You
Yeah when I found You
Yeah when I found You

Much, much Love...

famman87 said...

Dennis,

Just caught your request. You got my agreement...

D...

Anonymous said...

Hey all!

Missed y'all last night as I was attending my lovely daughter Leanna's high school graduation ceremony. She graduated from Parkview over in Lilburn-just an absolutely beautiful night, beautiful ceremony, great kids!

Congrats Judah on your graduation! Now it's time to really crank it up! Good things are surrounding you-make the most of all of them.

Read the articles on Dottie's funeral, it sounded like a great send-off for her and her family. I always admired her tenacity after all the physical junk she suffered through-she gave me hope in dark times.

Appreciated all the posts today, lots of encouragement. It's just not time to give up! Just not time to faint. Certainly no time to look back!

Blessings to everyone. Keep the faith.

Larry

Unknown said...

It's been good catching up tonight. Memorials and celebrations, illness and health, petitioning and rejoicing, life. Its just plain nice to be with you all.

G8trgrl, very cool storm picture. Looks like an electrified funnel cloud. Do you know anything about the pic? "Landmark journey"--I liked that.

PM, somehow "forks" works. check it out.

Erik. Erik! Tasty Dinner at Erik's once again (smile)

Donald, amen. Hard to put a definition on it, but I agree.

Jonah, your own two hands and band were a brighter place on Sunday.

SHOUTin' it loud, It's been a great Thursday. Love, Love, Love you all.