Wednesday, July 30, 2008

And Another Thing...

Hey bloggers,

Here's what's up...

First of all...to Bishop Tommy Smith in the Philippines...I got your message, and I'm glad that you all liked the "He's Got the Whole World" videos (especially the Adidas one...it was my favorite, too). For some reason I can't return your call or text you, so let me just say, if you're reading this, that the dates for November are fine, and we're already working on it (let me know if you saw this...)

Speaking of the Philippines...P. Joshua Foster texted this to me earlier, "Hey, I just got off a 14 hour flight from LAX to Taipei. Only nine more hours til I reach Manila and a twenty-two hour layover til I reach Ozamiz. I'm almost there! Love you Bishop"...to which I responded, "Hang in there. You will fly and not be weary, you will layover and not faint!"

Also...

Last night, Debye and I went to see James Baldwin's classic play, The Amen Corner , at the Alliance Theatre, featuring our own Chandra Currelley (thanks, Chandra, for the tickets!)...and let me just say that you all need to go see it if you can. It's really, really good, and Chandra is incredible in it. We all know what an amazing writer and singer she is, but she's also a very fine actress and comedienne (it's certainly not a comedy, but some of it is very funny, and she gets some of the biggest laughs in it). It plays through Sunday the 3rd. Weekday shows start at 8pm, and weekend shows are Saturday at 2:30 and 8, with one show on Sunday
at 2:30.

The story is about religion, and how it often affects relationships (and vice versa)...some of it is very poignant, especially in regards to questions we all have at times about the will of God, and why things happen in our lives the way that they do. In the end, the message is really about the healing power of love vs. the oppressive force of religious bondage.

As a matter of fact, during a part of the show I had my Blackberry on (on vibrate), and I was putting some of your, shall we say, very interesting comments through to the blog, and it was very, well...interesting...even ironic...that on many levels, some of what some of you were saying was in sync with what the play was saying. I finally had to turn it off because I was distracting people, and I didn't want to be rude to the excellent cast.

While I'm on the subject, let me say (as I've said before), that because this is my blog, with my name on it, I reserve the right to post (or not post) anything that comes through, without explanation or apology. But, for the most part, I put everything through, even if it doesn't necessarily reflect a viewpoint of mine. If the comment is in the form of a question, I may wait to publish it until I can find the time to write an answer to it, but I don't mind answering questions, especially if I think that there's a larger purpose met in answering a particular individual.

Then, as in the case of my many deletions of comments on a particular article post a few weeks ago, I also reserve the right to remove something if I feel so inclined. And as I've said before, if you send a comment and don't see it published fairly soon, relax. I'm not at the computer 24 hours a day, and when I'm very busy, I can't even be putting comments through on my Blackberry. If you do see that your comments are appearing almost immediately, it means that I'm online, and the blog is then more accessible. When it's like that, I don't mind if you use it as a kind of chat room...just be cool when you do. "Edgy" is fine, "funny" is great, even "controversial" is usually OK...but "disrespectful" is discouraged. Capiche?

On the other hand, if you don't see things come up quickly, don't keep resending. When I'm in a meeting or appointment, and I have my Blackberry, I just put the comments through from names that I recognize as I'm doing other things. I don't have time to read them until later, so if you keep sending the same comments, I just inadvertantly keep posting them.

Anyhoo...

We'll be in Washington tomorrow and Friday, so I may not post anything until we get back. I don't know. Sometimes I think it's good for all of us here to take a little break and regroup. "Could be...could be not." But, one way or the other, if you have something to say, feel free to send it, and I'll be happy to put it through. Maybe...Probably...More than likely...

I may start a new series tonight out of the first chapter of Ephesians. I've been meditating a lot lately on the phrase "...the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" (v. 17). In my own life right now I am learning many things about the difference between wisdom and revelation, and why both are important. As for me and my house, revelation is needed these days more than wisdom...how about you? Whatever the case, I hope you'll be a part of tonight's experience.

One more thing...I really do love and appreciate you all, and I enjoy having you here every day.

Walk in the light as He is in the light today...

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

OK, those of you who need it, relax... breathe... relax... breathe... one more time, relax... and breathe. Holy Spirit, thank you that you're on time everytime.
Peace.

NTL

Son of Zadok said...

OK, I'm reading the blog this morning and I'm wondering where on yesterday's comments their might have been anything, um controversial?

"Is it me Lord, Is it me?"

Let me just clarify something I was thinking last night that I was not able to post until now and what my point really should have been. Their were so many commandments in the Bible it could make someones heads spin. And I'm sorry reconciliation folks Jesus really didn't come to destroy the law; He came to fulfill it. Yet at the same time we are admonished that all the law can be summed up in: loving God, and loving your neighbor as yourself. In the middle we have a grey area with certain things that have been argued about for ages and handled differently by different tribes, tongues, religions, and denominations throughout the ages. 65,000 Christian denominations?! For real?! Anyways when it comes to these things true obedience comes from listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. What is sin? It's a sin to not obey the voice of the Lord. Whether it's something He's told us TO DO or something not TO DO. That's what sin is. And don't kid yourself; His sheep hear His voice. So in no way am I condoning any "bad" behavior, but at the same time I believe we make a critical mistake to cut off fellowship from those who we judge to have such "awful" behavior.
Let us be led by the Spirit and listen to His voice. Paul was all things to all men. We who are pure of heart would do well at accomplishing the same if we want to reach the world as He. But we also need to be an example and an ensign to those under us and the children and young people who would do better. I hope you all understand my heart on these things.

Over & Out !

Anonymous said...

Word verification; ffbrgod, now that has got to mean something. The best I can do right now is, favorite friend Bishop revealing God overpowering devil.

How's that Donald? BTW I knew you would jump all over that Barney clip. That was fun and the nanner puddin was pretty good too.

Anonymous said...

I need both revelation and wisdom but I'll tell ya, I'm crying for the revelation in this season in my life. I yearn for it so much. It makes me feel alive, connected, and where I should be.

Sweepea said...

Good morning Bishop and Bloggers - it's another beautiful hot and sunny day in Georgia! Make it a good one wherever you are.

Pray for me please my friends, whole lot of "stretching" going on!

G8TRGRL said...

Wow, the attention Christian the Lion video is getting! Thank you Natalie Morales on the TODAY show for finally mentioning the message of the video!! The love breakin' through...

Son of Zadok said...

I've got the joy, joy, joy ,joy
down in my heart
Where? down in my heart
Where? down in my heart
I've got the joy,joy,joy,joy
down in my heart
down in my heart to staaaaay!

I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart
Where? down in my heart
Where? down in my heart
I've got the peace that passes
understanding down in my heart
down in my heart to staaaaaay!

And if the devil doesn't like it
he can sit on a tack
Where? sit on a tack
What? sit on a tack
And if the devil doesn't like it
he can sit on a tack
Where? sit on a tack to staaaaaay!

Just found out I've got a half day at school today. Keep them blessins' comin' Lord!

Iris said...

Good morning everyone… what a wonderful day to be alive…

For me revelation is what gets me through… I know God is talking… He is saying things that call out to the deep of me and bring them to light…. And then everything around me seems to confirm it… Revelation is so powerful… It is like a food source to me… I am hungry for it… without it I will starve…I can’t live on old, stale revelation… it has to be new every morning… And I will tell you this, once you have tasted the new…the daily… the fresh revelation of God… you can’t partake of the aged and musty….It will almost make you nauseated…. Not that the old was bad at the time… it was great… and has nourished the Spirit… But there is nothing like brand new revelation… my mouth even waters as I think about it…

Now wisdom on the other hand… wisdom comes through life and maturity… Through every circumstance in life we are molded and shaped, wisdom is part of its out come… Wisdom is always a good thing… and needed for decision making…. But…

When you mix wisdom with new revelation…. WOW!!!! Now that is powerful….

But revelation… is what is longed for… it is deep calling to deep… it is what helps press us through… it is something I can’t live with out….I praise Him for the daily manna of revelation that He provides for us daily…. It is all around us… we just have to see it… then taste it… I’m telling you it is the best….

If we don’t see it… and haven’t tasted then our perception is wrong….(there is that perception word again)… God is talking... He is calling the deep things out of us… He is providing us daily with revelation… If we are not seeing it… then we have to look at ourselves and see if we are seeing things right… does our perception need adjusting?… I know mine does alot… If I am not getting anything from God any particular day… I look at myself and see what has to be adjusted in my life to perceive and to partake in the revelation He is serving for that day… I will tell you that if I don’t see it… 100% of the time it is my perception… and once that is changed… I can then tasted and experience what my daily portion is…. And WOW it is 100% of the time AWESOME!!!!!!

Love you all
Iris

Anonymous said...

Simply put, I really don't think that He will lead me to do anything that He wouldn't do. Peace

NTL

Anonymous said...

Just have time to say Good Mornng to you all,

Have a busy day ahead..its all good.

I prayed for you all this morning, I love you guys!

"sit on a tack" too funny SOZ

Peace,
Iconoclast

Son of Zadok said...

I'll amen that NTL. But what about when God told Hosea to marry the whore? I don't think Christ was ever involved in relations of the flesh, infact; He wasn't. I think we'll be very surprised when we see Him face to face. He did turn the water into wine. Was he enabling the one soul who may have had to much to drink that night? Lord lead us by your Spirit.

Anonymous said...

soz,
You might want to bring it down a notch, and reread what I wrote.

I said I didn't think ( meaning that it more than likely won't) that He would lead me (thats m e me) to do something that He wouldn't do.

I don't understand why you seem so defensive today. Take a deep breath, eveythings gonna be alright.

NTL

Son of Zadok said...

My sincerest apologies if I seem to have come off that way. I'm serious, I'm sorry. It stung my heart to think I might have offended you. I love it here and that's not at all my intention. And I think I've gotten out of my system what I needed to say. You know how you sometimes tell others something, but it's really you who needs to hear it.
These are things I myself struggle to understand and I most certainly do not have all the answers. Iron sharpens iron, so I feel safe here to discuss most things. And I don't find friendly debate even a bad thing. I also posted here early on when I first became involved that I am fully open to correction. I hope to relate myself in a spirit of love. And I love your posts and all the blessings I've received from you NTL.

Love & Peace

Son of Zadok said...

So, how bout them Braves?

Anonymous said...

Bishop,

I'm with you, revelation is vital right now for our house too. Once we have clear revelation then is where the wisdom needs to kick in as to how to go about accomplishing what we are shown to do/speak.

It is a challenging time, but a great time to be alive. Sometimes I feel like the children of Israel in the wilderness following the the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, and trusting the manna to show up fresh every morning to meet our needs. The best part is not so surprisingly that our shoes aren't wearing out and our needs are being met.

Eventually, I know that there will be overflow again. For now I am thankful to be alive to know He loves us. Its great too that in Christ its about covenant not so much commandment.

God made covenant promises to us that He because of His nature will keep whether we do or not. He always gives us opportunity to fix it from our side (repent). Even at that His unconditional love will drag us to Him through circumstances if we somehow think we don't need Him.

God is sooooooo good!

Friend4Life said...

Good Afternoon All!! Yes, it is a beautiful day the Lord has made. Let us All Rejoice and be GLAD!!

Kids are so excited to return to school in a couple of days from now. My youngest will be attending this year...So, lets say I'll be free.

Don't know what I'll do now, but I know its going to be exciting!!(smile)

Safe trip to Washington and back home.

Love ya All,
~L.W.~

Anonymous said...

soz my brother from another mother, and yet the same Father who is God,
You came no where near ringing my bell, but oh how the Lord is good.

I decree to you a truly blessed rest of this day. Peace

NTL

Donald said...

How's everybody doing? I thought I was gonna have to take my belt off there for a little while.
Anonymous since you mentioned Barney, I saw Andy Griffith on a video with some country music guy the other day. You oughta go to YouTube and check it out. Pert near brought a tear to my eye there towards the end of it. The song is called "Waiting on a Woman."

Anonymous said...

Hey All

Where I'm at

Sweet Freedom Lyrics
Artist(Band):Michael McDonald

No more runnin' down the wrong road
Dancin' to a diff'rent drum
Can't you see what's goin' on
Deep inside your heart
Always searchin' for the real thing
Livin' like it's far away
Just leave all the madness in yesterday
You're holdin' the key
When you believe it

[Chorus:]
Shine sweet freedom
Shine your light on me
You are the magic
You're right where I wanna be
Oh sweet freedom carry me along
We'll keep the spirit alive on and on

We'll be dancin' in the moonlight
Smilin' with the risin' sun
Livin' like we've never done
Goin' all the way
Reachin' out to meet the changes
Touchin' every shining star
The light of tomorrow is right where we are
There's no turnin' back
From what I'm feeling

[Chorus]

Coz there'll be starlight all night
When we're close together
Share those feelings dancin' in your eyes
Tonight they're guiding us
Shinin' till the mornin' light


Oh Ya
Shout out to my husband
Happy 50th Birthday

Anonymous said...

Hear ye here ye

Laura's husband

Today is "50"

Wooooo Hooooo!!!!

NTL

Anonymous said...

Donald, thanks for the heads up on the Brad Paisley video with Andy. I especially loved the fade out at the end where Andy was in all white sitting on the white bench. It at first made me think of my departed Dad waitin on Mom to join him but then it became even more meaningful when I thought of Christ waitin on His Woman. Bish might want to catch that one too.

Today has been marvelous darlings.
Hope to see most of you ITB tonight.

me

tracy said...

SOZ no harm no foul-I get what you are saying and I think you did feel safe here to air your opinion of who God is to you "personally" as did you NTL. That is why He is called a PERSONAL Savior. He created us in his image and so only from our own personal revelation can we draw a picture of His character for ourselves. That is why each is to work out his or her own personal salvation with fear and trembling. I personally see a much freer God than I saw 10 years ago, because I am a freer me. I did a word study once on the word righteousness and the root word right and basically what it came down to was your correct interpretation and I believe it said specifically "your". Anyway ya'll both stay on board don't go anywhere- I enjoy the iron sharpening iron that takes place here and want everybody to feel at home. PS Peacemaker I again call on you-where the heck are you?

Unknown said...

Hey Bishop!
I see revelation and wisdom like 2 vital organs of the physical body. The heart is no more important than the lungs are. They are both essential to life. Now in the case of a heart attack the heart may seem more important at the time. God is trying to give us life in the wake of a dysfunctive (if that's a word) religious past. Both revelation and wisdom are essential to life after religion, they are cut from the same cloth and evidence of God's love towards us! Think of this; "today's religion was yesterday's revelation."

Daniel

Anonymous said...

Tracy you are awesome. SOZ, nothing but love from this end.

Tracy this has been burning a hole in my head all day, and because of what you said, here goes:
The liberations of the liberator intended for the liberated was not that the liberated would be liberal, or licenced, but free...

Peace and love to all...

NTL

Son of Zadok said...

NTL, I'm all about the love. Amen

I read this yesterday on Icon's blog. For those of you who don't frequent it, let me just say, it's a very scholarly page and does a world of good in leading others to the true love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

not1lost.blogspot.com

Anywhoo, I was wanting to get this over here so everyone could read it because I thought it was so cool. T-minus 30 minutes till ITB , can't wait! Speak and we will hear Lord.

REFORMATION
According to Bob Evely:

-"We need Reformation within the church today as badly as in Luther's day. We need to understand that “orthodoxy” is not truth as compared with falsehood ... it is simply the majority opinion, and it can be wrong. We cannot cling to a set a beliefs or interpretations simply because the majority that preceded us has worked through these issues and developed what they have passed down to us as orthodoxy ... the “majority opinion.” “Orthodoxy” is widely viewed as a safeguard against heresy. But what if the “majority opinion” is wrong, and what if orthodoxy now prevents us from rooting error out of the teachings of the church? Consider this ... When in scripture was the majority opinion correct? Were the Jewish leaders ( the majority ) correct, when God's prophets ( the minority ... like Jeremiah ) were proclaiming things that were “unorthodox” in their day? Were the Pharisees ( the majority ) correct when Jesus and later His apostles were proclaiming things that were “unorthodox” in their day? Were the majority of believers correct as they clung to legalism, as Paul spoke of things that were “unorthodox?” See Acts 21:20-21 when the majority of believers in Jerusalem opposed Paul when he returned to Jerusalem . How Can You Be Right, And The Whole Church Wrong?

-The word “reform” means: the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory. This is what is now taking place in the body of Christ. Those who have EARS TO HEAR are coming out of Babylon ( confusion )! They are hearing the call of the Spirit to come out of deception and STRONG DELUSION, for most of the established visible church is to be found in this state. Remember … If it were possible, the very elect ( God’s own people ) would be deceived ( Matthew 24:24 )

-There is only one road that leads to REFORMATION. This road is revelation truth! The words “revelation truth” mean: unveiled reality. This combination of Spirit and truth is essential to be a true worshiper of God. It takes the Spirit to reveal truth to a person. In essence, they ( Spirit and truth ) go hand in hand. The teachings of Evangelical Christianity are pitiful, for most of what they teach is nothing more than the traditions and doctrines of men. We must admit that …

-IT IS TIME FOR A REFORMATION!-

tracy said...

Sweet Mother of God I know I am not supposed to stream because I live close enough to be there--but I confess I did. Pray for me, anyway that was one of your finest moments.

Anonymous said...

Waiting on the visitation of the visitation, waiting on..., Lord we wait on you!!

NTL

Anonymous said...

Bishop,
I have often thought the same thing about being a Calvinist if I didn’t believe in universal salvation; it the only logical conclusion you can come to .

I needed to here that revelation makes no sense many times; and that wisdom always makes sense. Because I am so analytically minded and trying to figure everything out; I could miss a great revelation.

I loved the comparison of Jesus and Paul’s preaching on circumcision; wisdom always arguing against revelation and the differing phases of the revelation of Christ.

Andrew Jukes…….The restitution of all things, Yeah I love that book. I ordered that book from Gary Ameruilt’s - Tentmaker site shortly after I came into this message. It is old English sort of writing and very wordy. But I devoured it and then read it a couple of more times. I would have to say back then when I was still a little unsure as to whether I would embrace this message; that book was the one that nailed the lid on the coffin of traditional teaching. I ordered many books after that and then met my now good friend Dr Lovelace out at Carlton Pearson’s Azusa meeting, I heard John Gavazzoni Preach bought Dr Lovelace’s Book “read and search the scriptures” and bought a new bible and went through highlighting all the reconciliation verses from genesis to revelation. There was no turning back then; but Andrew Jukes was really the catapult for the whole thing.

“living in a world where nobody listens or sees” sets you apart. Like you I am not saying that I am so superior and I don’t think anything like that……but man, what in the hole in the ground is everyone thinking?

Burning Bridges,
Building new ones,
Iconoclast
Bishop, I have often thought the same thing about being a Calvinist if I didn’t believe in universal salvation; it the only logical conclusion you can come to .

I needed to here that revelation makes no sense many times; and that wisdom always makes sense. Because I am so analytically minded and trying to figure everything out; I could miss a great revelation.

I loved the comparison of Jesus and Paul’s preaching on circumcision; wisdom always arguing against revelation and the differing phases of the revelation of Christ.

Andrew Jukes…….The restitution of all things, Yeah I love that book. I ordered that book from Gary Ameruilt’s - Tentmaker site shortly after I came into this message. It is old English sort of writing and very wordy. But I devoured it and then read it a couple of more times. I would have to say back then when I was still a little unsure as to whether I would embrace this message; that book was the one that nailed the lid on the coffin of traditional teaching. I ordered many books after that and then met my now good friend Dr Lovelace out at Carlton Pearson’s Azusa meeting, I heard John Gavazzoni Preach bought Dr Lovelace’s Book “read and search the scriptures” and bought a new bible and went through highlighting all the reconciliation verses from genesis to revelation. There was no turning back then; but Andrew Jukes was really the catapult for the whole thing.

“living in a world where nobody listens or sees” sets you apart. Like you I am not saying that I am so superior and I don’t think anything like that……but man, what in the hole in the ground is everyone thinking?

Burning Bridges,
Building new ones,
Iconoclast

ver.
fitorf

Erik said...

Hello All are One ,

When Bishop was talking tonight about the question re why Adam could cause the distrust of God for All, and Jesus could restore that trust in All. (Other lingo Adam causes ‘The Fall from Rigtheousness’ in All and Jesus restored righteousness in ALL) . Even though it had been already done from the foundation of our perception of creation.

This is what came to me. Because Adam, Jesus, and each unique spirit that has ever been in this physical reality as a human being, are One. We are unique parts of the One . We choose what Eve & Adam choose, We choose what Jesus choose. Each one is part of the whole, One being. God and The One being are different, God created the One, Jesus is in both. The One is God’s love. We are God’s love. God loves every part of us. Our distrust of God, when we did not believe what God said about the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, was covered from before we ever did. In ‘walking out ‘ this physical realm, God created for us , Jesus is both God and Us. Adams decisions and Jesus decisions are decisions we All made since no part is separate from The One Body, The One Being that God made.

When we love ourselves, we love all others because we are each parts of the One Being.

Erik said...

Wisdom and Revelation –

To me, Wisdom and logic are very different. Logic is Logos, it exists only in the created physical realm. Only here does it matter, to an extent that 2 and 2 are 4. Logic is a process that builds line upon line, precept upon precept, why molecular structures are in the format we perceive them, and hold them to logical paradigms, so we build in this physical realm.

Wisdom, to me, is part of God’s spirit, there as the foundations are laid. What Wisdom says is, ‘Be open to 2 + 2 is not 4, be open to multiplying fishes and loaves which exists outside of logic’.

Revelation shows me that it is done. To me, Wisdom and Revelation are Rhema. Wisdom guides application of Revelation.

Revelation is the original spark, light. It blows where it will. Wisdom says be a sail and ride the wind, where it wills.

Erik said...

As Bishop expressed in regard to prophesying Church in the Now, following revelation is not very logical. It is very Wise.

Anonymous said...

NTL - more like YA HOO WEEE!!!

SOZ - Devil doesn't like it
He can sit on a tack
Love it - learned that in Vacation Bible School. Oh the memories.

LW - One word PARTY

Tracy - Your Forgiven, But we still need you ITB. All In Love

Iconoclast - I said it before and I'll say it again This is the YEAR of Restoration. I agree Build the new bridge. Hey cool thing to think about take out the G in bridge and you get bride.
Build the Bridge and get closer to the Bride

Bishop - Safe Journey To You.
I'm travling via watching the travel channel. LOL

My Final Thought
Man I'm glad to have friends who I can be myself with.