Thursday, June 12, 2008

Groanings Which Cannot Be Uttered

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, MAKING A PRAYER OUT OF OUR WORDLESS SIGHS, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
(Romans 8:22-28 - The Message)


________________________________

As you can see, I changed the article for today. Well, really, all that was here earlier was a quote (with no title), and at the time of this addition there are 10 comments posted, which I am leaving. I just wanted everyone to look at this passage from Romans 8, my favorite chapter in the Bible. The 26th verse in the KJV talks about praying with "groanings which cannot be uttered". Here in The Message it says it this way..."making a prayer out of our WORDLESS SIGHS"...

For those of you who are really connected here, I want you to know that I believe I feel where you are today. I hear you in the spirit-realm, but I understand why it's hard to express in natural words what's going on inside all of us right now. I understand it because it's hard for me to use words today, myself.

In fact, I am making the conscious effort today to allow the sword of the Spirit to divide my own spirit from my soul (Hebrews 4:12), because my soul, frankly, just needs to be quiet today. There is a time to speak, and a time to keep silent, and I need to keep silence in the material world...

For whatever you may be going through right now (the best of times and the worst of times?)...let not your heart be troubled. Many of us are in a death process right now...a process that brings us to the point where we can say, "It is no longer I who lives, but Christ Who lives in me..."

If that bears witness with you on any level, just post a little confirmation here (in the mouth of two or three witnesses...)...something like "Bishop, I'm out here...it's all good...just need to make a prayer out of "wordless sighs" today"...

If you want to say more than that, feel free to do so...

The bottom line is that today there is a "quiet" before the storm in the heavens that is coming this weekend...

And the good news from this promise in Romans 8 is that the prayer of v.26 causes the results of v.28, where all things work TOGETHER for good!

Be still and know that He is God...

Peace to all...

36 comments:

Kettly said...

1:45 AM IN THE MORNING!

ENTITLE:

While I was praying with some friends over the phone, the Spirit of the Lord shows up and says: “CALL FOR WOMEN TO STAND ON THE WALL TO PRAY.”

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS CALLING FOR US WOMEN, TO PRAY. PRAY LIKE WE NEVER PRAY BEFORE. HE SAYS: SOMETHING IS COMING! SOMETHING BIG! VERY VERY BIG.
HE CONTINUES TO SAY; (2 Chronicles7:14) “IF MY PEOPLE WHO CALLED BY NAME WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND HEAL THEIR LAND.”

(JEREMIAH 9:17- 24) -17- Thus says the Lord of host:
“Consider NOW! Call for the wailing
Women to come;
Send for the most skillful of them.

18- Let them come quickly
And wail over us
Till our eyes overflow with tears
And water streams from our eyelids

19-the sound of wailing is heard from
Zion:
‘How ruined we are!
How great is our shame!
We must leave our land
Because our houses are in ruins

20- Now, o women, hear the word of the Lord;
Open your ears to the words of His mouth.
Teach your daughters how to WAIL;
Teach one another a lament.

21- Death has climbed in through our windows
And has entered our fortress;
It has off cut off the children from the streets
And the young men from the public squares.

22- Say, “This is what the Lord declares:
“The dead body of men will lie
Like refuse on the open field,
Like cut grain behind the reaper,
With no one to gather them.”

23- This is what the Lord says:
Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
Or the strong man boasts of boast of his strength
Or the rich man boasts of his riches,

24- But let him who boasts boast about this:
That he understands and knows me,
That I am the lord, who exercises kindness,
Justice and righteousness on earth,
For in these delight,”
Declares the LORD.
Women I know we pray! But when God calls us and asks us to stand in the gap and PRAY, I don’t take that lightly, “no I don’t”. Do you?
Any way I have this # (712) 432-1402 Access Code 379094 #. We started to PRAY at 9 am in the morning for one hour, if you can at 2pm. And at 11pm before sleep. (If interested call, we’ll very happy to have in line with us. Come make the effort “LET’S PUT GOD FIRST AND TO EXPERIENCE THE RESULT.

LET US PRAY!
Love K.

I KNOW I SAID, I AM TAKING SOME TIME OFF, YES! I AM STILL DOING IT. I CAME BACK JUST TO GIVE THE PROPHECY.

Anonymous said...

My confession about the ageing process is this: I may have to grow older BUT, I will never, it ain't gonna happen, I refuse to,
grow up. I am still an extremely adventuresome kid living in this body that came off the assembly line in 1954. Many times everyday
I'm looking over the next hill to see whats there. I am constantly trying to figure out how to make a better mouse trap. I,m even getting a thrill typing this that you are reading 'cause my one fingered pecking is even getting better. Do I do things that mess up? YES! But to realize where I goofed up and get it corrected and move on is part of the process of life. It's also very rewarding 'cause some how it prepares me for whatever is coming next. So today is a brand new day, a fresh start, another chance for all of us to let the God in us be creative through us. DO SOMETHING!

Free Bird

Anonymous said...

“THIS IS” the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Bishop,
you and I are sooo much alike ………when I was listening to you preach last night hearing you talk is like listening to someone speaking the thoughts you’ve been thinking and the way that you think them. I hesitate to even mention it because it’s almost unbelievable and some might think I’m just trying to sound super spiritual. When you were talking about thinking about God and reconciliation all the time it was like; wow there really is someone like me out there. I know people around me get tired of me making everything out to be something about God and reconciliation. But that’s just the way I think……all the time. I’m just not very interested in anything else much anymore. And when you said that you think something through very thoroughly before speaking about it; I will just say this; when I first heard this wonderful message of universal reconciliation even though it was the best, most awesome thing I had ever heard in my life I studied it out very systematically and analytically from every angle for a year before I even mentioned it, even to my family. I kept it to myself until I knew that I knew. Once you know two plus two equals four; you will never be convinced it is five or three. But now they can’t shut me up about it. It’s what I live for.

Also much of what you shared tonight corresponded with what we had discussed briefly in the email. It was definitely a word in season for me.

I have “connected” with YOU ALL on some level. It is amazing, the familial relationship we are developing in this cyberspace community. You may think this is “out there” but I think blogs were God’s idea for this very thing. AND GOD SAID LET THERE BE BLOGS; AND BLOGS WERE. And while I’m on the subject, thank you cyber siblings for your prayers for my health. I’m going through some fire right now but as a song by Ray Boltz once said “I think I see gold” in the flames.

That may be part of the processing of the New Jerusalem; after the fire dies down there are streets of gold as clear as crystal. So we can see clearly to go on to perfected prosperity.

I will be leaving for Oklahoma City this morning; but I will stay in touch as much as I can.

Peace,
Dennis

Lisa said...

Kettly, Yes I too have heard the call to pray down the walls about a week ago. I will be praying at 9,2 and 11. Something is definitely happening changing and moving. The acceleration of the changes are awsome and I now understand what Bish talked about when he spoke of the power of the Holy Spirit being so strong there was fear. I have no idea what I am to do with this. It is exciting and yet humbling to be a part of this change. Mighty things are comming to us all! I have only had a glimpse of it but it was enough!

Anonymous said...

Free Bird welcome to the Blog...I agree with you are what you said about being a kid at heart...age is only a number that gets better with each year...Every morning before my feet touches the floor my prayer is "Lord create in me a new heart & Holy Spirit lead me & guide me thru the day that I may be able to do what YOU want me to do..Let the Bridges be rebuilt & bring the love back to ALL of us...Thanks for being obedient to the Holy Spirit Bishop, no matter what the cost..

Avatar, thanks for the time we get to spend together & for the words of wisdom!

Love you "ALL"
Here to Worship & Serve

Anonymous said...

Good Morning, Holy Spirit.
Good Morning, Bishop.
Good Morning, Fellow Bloggers.

Ketty, I feel you...and I recevie and confirm the Word of God...when women gather and pray in earnest, petiton with conviction and travail with expectancy, there is always a "suddenly" - a delivery - a new birth, a God-Ordained new thing.

By the power of the unction of the Holy Spirit, there it is ...
nine to eleven...morning until night...throughout the day. For those of us who can and will, we shall pray continually. Something surely simmers...and the winds are definitely blowing...
Se-lah

I rose from sleep with this tune reverberating in my head:
"we will get there
we will get there...
we will get there somehow;
cross that river
cross that river...
nothing's stopping us now;
we will get through the night and make it clear to the other side -
get there, get there, get there..."

Humbled and Bowed down,
mayam

Anonymous said...

Bishop, your word over this upcoming weekend is received. Many of us are witnessing a sense of awe that is relative to this outpouring.

Kettley, I receive your call to prayer as one who heeds his mother’s voice. Holy Spirit gave me peace over a matter of trouble in my soul with these words from your scripture reference. “I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight”.

There is not much more to say for now except that to all of you who are finding it difficult to write on the blog for the moment, I feel ya.

JB

Anonymous said...

ScottyB here in Dayton again. I have so much I could say; so much that is happening in my spirit by the Spirit. When I first told my mother about God's true revelation of his plan and grace 3 months ago, well let's just say she thought the devil had gotten me good. She was asking the pastor of her church to pray for me. Heresy, on and on, anger even. You've no doubt experienced the same. Oh how the Spirit moves and changes us when true knowledge of his word is revealed. Bishop your message last night so blessed my mother and I. And it was funny because at first it was like you were stumbling and bumbling; you couldn't get the words out reading in Ephesians and talking about your slides. I think you were subtly "intoxicated" with the spirit myself. Like a drunk who drinks so much he can get away with it without most people noticing ;). But my mom gave me this look like, "What is wrong with this guy?”. By the time you were through we both had tears in our eyes sharing in the joy of your message. She was especially impressed by what you said about not just waking up one day and saying,"Hey, I think I'm just going to believe this today!" That was such a word from God. The churchworlds FIRST reaction to this is a violent one. Expect it, Celebrate it! Jump up and down! It stirs the pot and SPREADS THE WORD of our God when they vilely assault you with their words behind your back! In contrast the world hears this message and the Spirit of life comes alive inside them to confirm its truth. It's an amazing, amazing thing!

Love and Joy in God,

Scott

Rev. Caldwell I love your posts, keep em coming.

Lise said...

What a morning! Cyber-pat me on the back, guys... I FINALLY after MONTHS of no streaming video (only audio) fixed the problem! And what a minute, stupid-idiot problem it was! I'm flabberghasted that Streaming Faith didn't alert me to this the first time I inquired all those months ago. But, c'est la vie... they sent me the info I needed today, and it worked. So, that's all that matters.

Gosh, guess that means that I get to watch the exciting slide-show with you guys on Sunday ;}
Oh, but wait... isn't it Father's Day? Geez, I really need to see my Dad (wink, wink)! Um, er, hee-hee, couldn't resist, Bish!

Seriously, I'll be streaming first (looking forward to it), and then going to the 'rents.'

Have a great day, everyone!
And your word for today from "elle" is PERSEVERE!

Pamela said...

Thank you for your prayers, Ladies for co-worker Dane and his daughter is out of surgery (quad-bypass, 36 yrs old)and everything went well. Keep Dane and her lifted up in prayer. Have an awesome day, Pamela The Lord is working in their lives and it is awesome. May seem like a negative in the natural, but it was a blessing when he asked us to pray for her and the family. A big step toward God.

G8TRGRL said...

Good afternoon! Had one of those "open your Bible and see where you land" moments this morning, and it put me in Romans 5... verse 3 jumping out at me.

If I may be so presumptuous to paraphrase a word in it, this is what I heard (all of this re: Wed night svc)

"Not only so, but we also glory in our ENDEAVORINGS, because we know that ENDEAVORING produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope".

Endeavoring has such a "forward moving" vibe to it vs. suffering... and the chapter is titled in the TNIV, "peace and hope"...

Achieving peace, piece by piece.

TTFN

Anonymous said...

Boy did I need to hear confirmation for me to make it through the day. I had just prayed the word the best of times and the worst of times and cried out to the Holy Spirit to help me, because I am so frustrated at things at this point.Then here it is in the blog in the words of my shepherd. I will be OK. Dear God...

Anonymous said...

I came on a few times today and one phrase describes how I am feeling
Silents Is Golden
Hummm

Lisa said...

Oh my Bishop you have nailed it this afternoon!!!! The last 2 weeks well since comming back to Indiana after being there supernatural things Holy Spirit things have been going on inside and out. The natural things are falling down around me ( my house has flooded twice) but there is something else going on in the spiritual that I can only say Sigh.
Until the storm this weekend ( which I will be streaming). I am praying

Anonymous said...

Dividing the soul from the spirit...my soul could say some stuff right now! And thanks for emphasizing "endeavoring" in last night's word. Even with all the humor, that was a hard word for me. I'm endeavoring to be a grown up, endeavoring to be a Christian. Yeah, quiet is good.

Anonymous said...

Hey Gang,

The house of representatives passed the bill to extend unemployment benefits for Americans, but only 49 replicans said yes. If you know anyone or you are receiving unemployment this is important to you and the body. Can we agree the President W. doesn't veto it. In other words, the body of Christ and Americans need this extension for their households. So, this call is for the intercessors to pray and for believers to believe and the redeemed of the Lord to say so!

You guys are awesome!

Water Walker

Anonymous said...

I am here...
It's ALL good..
Waiting in HIS presence...
Anticipating GREAT things to come..

Here to Worship & Serve

Anonymous said...

Today has been an interesting one. Earlier I had a doozy of a headache (migraine proportions) and I feel it was God's way of allowing me to rest so I didn't speak out of turn. There is much going on right now in the Spirit and in the natural for us but it is all God, knowing that He works all things together for good! i have such anticipation for every service and this weekend with Kim Clement is definitely no exception. I'm very excited with what he has for our church family. All that has been said about prayer and even what Bishop said a few days agao from Habakkuk about vision and watching to see what God would say. What He says on any matter is all that matters and I like a child need only to say, "Yes Sir".

Also, thanks for last night's word. The humor did help the truth we have been dealing with with our families a little easier. We too are jumping up and down endevouring to keep the bond of peace.

Much love to all, Beth

Anonymous said...

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to thee my blessed savior
I surrender all.....

Unknown said...

Hey, Anon@10:04, backatcha.

Present, Bishop.

"It's all God" seems to be in the midst of every pondering that won't quite form. Rebbe Nachman's quote was thought-provoking.

Still, quiet, expectant, wordless, watching sighs. Amen.

linda said...

Good evening Bishop
Yes, your message today is exactly how I feel. I have been walking around the room (on vacation in FL) and I cannot or don't want to talk today. I just want to pray in the spirit. Tongues are just welling up inside threatening to break forth at any time. I go up stairs or downstairs and prayers just come pouring out of my mouth. Just like when an expectant mother's body is getting ready to have the baby and her water breaks. There is nothing you can to do to stop the flow it is just breaking forth, gushing.
There is something huge coming forth and the body of Christ is preparing herself
Love
Linda :0)

Anonymous said...

As the sun was rising this morning, I said thank you Lord but still I didn't want to arise and when I finally did, of course I read arise, shine. My spirit knows, I spoke it today - it is the best of times (in the spirit) and the worst of times (finances) and yet just like a child, pulling on her/his daddy's jacket tail, I am entreating the Lord - What you got, daddy?

I had the same conversation this week with someone about dying to flesh. The flow of the water is kinda turbelent Now, but my focus is still Him, in His eyes. If I take my eyes from His eyes, I would drown so I don't dare.

I am running to His mercy seat...with great anticipation of His revelation, His mind, His will...

I prophesied a cruise last Thursday (which I have never taken and always wanted to) last week...long story short. I won a cruise today...for real. Praise God! God is really amazing...how He gives us the desires of our hearts...just because He loves us and He knows and He sees and He cares, eternally.

I thought it was cool that you changed the word today - very in the flow of the spirit!

Water Walker

Reign! said...

When peace like a river attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say

It is well, It is well with my soul.

Peace

Anonymous said...

Hello Bishop,
...haven't been here in a number of days, just endeavoring right now to not let my heart be troubled, trusting now for the Spirit to make intercession...just
wanted to say hello.

...prayer needed for Natasha, acute sinus infection, needs catscan and is supposed to go to an allergy specialist...she's in lots of pain...thanks. Love you.
-Karl

Donald said...

That sums it up Bishop. Thanks.

Iris said...

Thanks Bishop…

Silence… I time to ponder… a time to digest what the HS is doing… a time to listen ever so closely to the wind and follow the direction it takes us… In silence is some of my greatest times of tuning in… Listen and be silent… and in return listen to the silence… Drink it…. Take it in… Seeking Solitude and pondering the depths of where one has been in the spirit… and knowing that deeper is one step a way…

I love what you said last night about being addicted to revelation… I know… I am passionately captivated by the desire to have more of all that He has to offer… I want it all… I will die for it… I have to have it ALL… I will not stop until I have experienced every ounce of Him… He moves in every fiber of my being… And the more fervently I seek… The reality of the vastness of God becomes so strong… So huge… The immensity of Him in comparison to my small minuet world is sometimes overwhelming… but the hunger pangs for Him is constant and unrelenting…merciless is my desire for Him… addicted… never to experience the pain of withdraws… I am a God junkie… A revelation junkie… always looking for my next fix… Funny thing… I keep finding the true… pure…uncontaminated stuff at CITN… the high is really high here… so high I don’t think I will ever come down…YAH!!!! Flyin’ high… The colors are really brilliant up here… It’s all God….What else you got Bishop????… What else????….

Perpetually ADDICTED!!!!
Love you all
Iris

Friend4Life said...

I'm here..in anticipation for this weekend. This will be my first time hearing and seeing Kim Clement. I am so looking forward to what may come.

Ok..time to breathe and be still.

Anonymous said...

How icredibly awesome the wonderful sensation I am experiencing in the spirit (while reading these blogs) of the one accord that is happening truly by the spirit. In the natural I don't have a clue who any of you are except for Bishop, but I am getting to know you all by the spirit by what you have to say. Peace to you all.

Free Bird

Anonymous said...

I am here standing with everyone and patiently waiting for the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit on ALL of us and the whole world!!! I desire the outward manifestation of all that God has already placed within us. sigh...I want more power, more love, more of God in my life. I want to see the miracles, the deliverance, the healing, the manifestation of God all around me. I am sooooo ready for what is to come...I have been yearning for some of the "old days" when the fire and power of God was so intense in my life. I don't miss the bondage that also kept me in a prison of works, but I *do* miss the simple "faith" that just believed that all things are possible without questioning...I want that back and the cloud 9 I used to live on but now with the truth and not just the escapism...smile. I didn't know then how to accept the full meaning of the cross and how to appreciate all that Jesus' life and death really meant. He was tempted in all ways, like us, but was without sin...sin to God is quite different than sin to man. Our "works" are as filthy rags especially if they are without love...just a thought.

Anonymous said...

THE LORD REIGNETH
THE LORD REIGNETH
BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD,
FOR THE LORD OUR GOD, OMNIPOTENT
HE REIGNETH IN MAJESTY.

THE LORD REIGNS
THE LORD REIGNS
LET THE EARTH REJOICE
LET THE EARTH REJOICE
LET THE EARTH REJOICE----
LET THE PEOPLE BE GLAD
OUR GOD REIGNS.
LOVE, MERCY

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Great stuff, everyone...especially Anonymous @ 11:06...

I'll be at intercession at 9 tomorrow morning...hope to see some of you...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Well, I'll be there at least by the end...

Teezy313 said...

nothing much to say....just thought i'd get back online and say that all is well and it feels good to be home!

See you at intercession tommorow Bish!

TEEZY

dgm2007 said...

Im going to post on yesterday and tomorrow.. i guess. the he lives in me part really hits home.. i just left hte hospital and my boss actually died in her home and was brought to life.. it still hasnt totally hit me the gravity of the situation but its crazy she had no heartbeat and was not breathing.. this entire week ive been really thinking about her and her granddaughter mostly her granddaughter..so i decided to start praying for her.. when ever i would think of her.. strange thing is that her granddaughter never wakes up but just happened to wake up and notice that she wasnt breathing and wouldnt wake up.. crazy stuff.. needless to say after a some intense heart shock and pounds to the chest she is alive.. and the more i type the more real it becomes.. i had asked God to really show me a miracle.. and boy does this fit the bill.. wow.. good stuff. since this blog has been up and ive been reading and posting ive really grown in the whole prayer department.. its like ppl and issues just come into your spirit and u pray.. for what no clue but u pray and it comes to you.. also another point.. i totally get what you mean when u say its not like i like preaching this i would so rather preach something easy.. because thats how i feel when i talk to me friends or they come up and i just kinda lay out the truth and what they need to hear.. and afterwards i say u know i dont mean to be pushy or what not ... and they will interrupt u and say its exactly what i needed to hear.. and it really does bear down on u.. i just want to be nice to ppl and tell then what they've heard before but not with this monkey of truth on my back.. totally get that.. now im going to post on the other one..

Anonymous said...

Amen and Amen...

Anonymous said...

I missed intercession this morning. Got stopped as I headed out the door.

I was with ya'll in Spirit though, groaning about the change in "my" plan [thank you for translating any whining Holy Spirit] and seeking to connect with His. I sense the importance of this preparation time and wanted to share corporately this morning...a lot!

I guess it will all have to be by the spirit today.

See you Sat. night,
P.Avery