Friday, October 17, 2008

Nothing Can Separate Us

Romans 8 - The Message

The Solution Is Life on God's Terms

1-2. With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.



3-4. God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that. The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn't deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us.



5-8. Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them — living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored.



9-11. But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won't know what we're talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God's terms. It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's!



12-14. So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!



15-17. This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!



18-21. That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.



22-25. 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.



26-28. 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 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.



29-30. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.



31-39. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.



None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.





SELAH

110 comments:

Son of Zadok said...

Laughter and tears in one post. You made Papa proud today Bishop.

swsmvb - somewhere, someone, must value being.

Anonymous said...

A Masterpiece!

Son of Zadok said...

Hey any of you apolitical junkies out there should head over to Drudge Report and follow the links on the top left to the videos of the candidates speeches from the 63rd annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan last night.

They had each other in stitches. Some of the funniest lines I've heard all year. I love this country.

Son of Zadok said...

I swear I'm going to pray for and support whoever wins, but you can't make this stuff up. I'm sorry I've just got the laughter bubbling up tonight and just have to share.

From Yesterday:

youtube.com/watch?v=bq-eeWow_WU

Anonymous said...

I AM SPEECHLESS!!!

NTL said...

Bish,

Off the chain...

tracy said...

WOW and agreeing with disciple-a MASTERPIECE. Your best work ever.

G8TRGRL said...

WOW... just what I needed to digest this morning.

Yummy!

veri word: ndhvw- no doubt however viscous (the) world

G8TRGRL said...

meant to say vicious... but viscous by definition fits too... "gummy, sticky or thick" (!)

NTL said...

Bish, the eleventh picture, is that laminin?

Pamela said...

Happy Friday, This just continues off Wednesday night the Peace I felt that He is Great and has everything taken care of. No need to fret or worry. Just Love and be Loved. To think he even prays for us when we are unable to get there and all we can do is groan and ache. He is so faithful.
When you can't or don't know what to pray just worship and you will receive the the biggest gift of peace. I love you guys got to go for now. Love Pamela

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

No, NTL...it's the "Cross of Hubble" or the "Hubble Cross". It's actually the nearby spiral galaxy M51, taken with the Wide Field Planetary camera on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The "X" is due to absorption by dust and marks the exact position of a black hole which may have a mass equivalent to one-million stars like the sun. The size of the image is 1100 light-years.

I don't know what laminim is.

Thanks to the few of you who have responded about the pics...they took F-O-R-E-V-E-R to find, but I've been reading Romans 8 in the Message the last couple of days, and I wanted to illustrate what I was seeing in my spirit. It was totally worth the effort.

I hope whoever logs on today will take the time to really read the chapter. It's got some amazing words and phrases in it.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Such as: "Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture"...

Beautiful!

NTL said...

Bish, when you have the time, google laminin. It's a protein in our bodies that keeps us running. The pictures of it are similiar to the one you have shown us. I was just curius.

Unknown said...

You've probably looked it up by now, but laminin is the other direction...a cross shaped protein that holds our bodies together.

I'm still taking the whole thing in...but ditto Disciple, NTL, agree anon@148 and g8trgrl and Tracy for now.

Anonymous said...

Here comes that Conyers reign/rain again. More Lord...

Unknown said...

it has four arms--(smile)!

NTL said...

And not even those that leave the church and come back, either. I am living proof.

Anonymous said...

www.snopes.com/glurge/laminin.asp

Who knew?

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Cool. Thanks for the info...

Anonymous said...

There are many comparative scriptures scattered throughout the Bible but Romans eight seems to have the most powerful collection of statements concerning what we are in Christ and the best overall statement of assurance concerning the power of God to prevent his creation from being taken away from Love by anything.

I've enjoyed reading this in the Message before but have to say the addition of the spectacular pictures made it even more potent.

I will totally love to see what you do with this scripture in a Romans in the Now version someday. I can imagine that you have given much thought to it already. With the great respect you gave to the Word in JITN I know that RITN will be a mega blast!!!

I give thanks to God with the greatest worship and honor for CITN having a friend like you Bishop, you are the best mentor that I have read and it is an answered prayer to me and my family to be influenced by you.

JB

Linda Luke said...

Tears & Joy!!!!! The most powerful message I've ever heard~the true good news of the gospel!!! A wonderful paradigm shift! Wish I'd had the revelation way before now but thankful now! Talk about damage control! WOW~ FREEDOM!
Love the pictures and how they visually depict the message....all are great..esp the one of the child filled with life and wonderment!

Thanks Bishop! Blessings to you and all with love~peace

Anonymous said...

I like what is written on the shirt of the guy standing in the water.

Teezy313 said...

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come!!!

Good stuff Bish! Loved the photos as well!

I'm particular to verses 18-28 myself especially now...I love the way the Message puts it...it's almost as if it was written in our present economic situation....there is a pregnant Earth that is going through labor pangs...the Spirit of the Lord is stil hovering over the Earth and in all our lives even as we live breathe..He's been hovering and covering over us as we go through what seems to be diffucult times in the economy only to remind us that we don't live by this world's economy or governemnt...we live by Kingdom economics and therefore because THE Kingdom is far greater that EARTLY Kingdoms the economy of this world must bow to the economy of the Kingdom!

Teezy

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, bloggers...

I like that pic, too Anon 2:46. You have to click on it to really see it well.

BTW, I chose the first pic because, to me, the Ferris Wheel juxtaposed with the dark cloud of the law of sin and death impressed me as being symbolic of the insanity of fundamental religion. The rules and regulations are a pointless and naturally inescapable merry-go-round that don't get you anywhere.

Also, the pic of the street preacher caught my attention because he is staring into the face of a child. When you enlarge it and can read his shirt and all his buttons, he appears particularly absurd. Jesus said you must become like a child to enter the kingdom, and the kid in the pic, in my mind, represents liberty staring down an obsolete system and paradigm.

Thanks,JB

Later

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

correction: "DOESN'T get you anywhere"

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And I love the "What's next, Papa?" kid, too, Crownjewel...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And you're right, Teezy...that verse just sounds unusually relevant right now...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And, yes, SOZ...both candidates were very funny...they had very good writers...

But, I have to admit that McCain's timing, delivery, and GIF was pretty good for a man his age...

Unknown said...

I'm still scrolling up and down to take it all in...and process it,

but the first pic made me think of the "low-lying black cloud" that religion puts on good-clean-spinnin'-twirlin'-ferris wheel FUN!

The striking beauty of the beach side pregnancy pic is the one that holds me the most.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Someone else jump in here. I'm just sitting here, waiting for the TV repairman to arrive, and, in the meanitme, today's blog is becoming a one-man-show!

Anyone else out there?

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, Avatar...we must have posted at the same time...that's kind of what I wrote a few spaces earlier about pic #1...

Thanks for the input...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

On second thought, it's kind of just the opposite view...iteresting...

Art is subjective...it says something different to each of us...

Son of Zadok said...

Yes I must say one of, if not the best use of words and pictures on the Blog yet. You've developed quite a piece of art in itself with this place Bishop. From the wide eyed wonderment of the young child, which I'm sure brought laughter and smiles to everyone. To the awe and wonder of the mother at full term with the earth, what imagery. To the strong feelings of love and compassion for the girl with tears running down her mascara lined cheeks, she is out there by the untold millions. I know we were talking some this week about the law of sin in death from Romans 7. But yes, and praise God for chapter 8! We truly have a glorious covenant with our God!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And it's INTERESTING...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

In the MEANTIME!


Why can't I spell today?

Son of Zadok said...

Yea Bishop, I wasn't trying to get political at all by telling people about those speeches last night. I just thought they were really, really funny and we need to laugh. It was great to see them both getting such a kick out of each other. In my heart it felt like a real coming together of goodwill between them, and we could use more of that.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, SOZ

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

I was saying thanks for the previous statement, but I agree...

Laughter does good like a medicine, and our country needs a good dose of it right now...

Unknown said...

funy!

The first pic: with "a new power in operation" [like I said, I'm still processing the hugeness of this pic/post]...I see the spinning of the ferris wheel as the new power, low-lying cloud or not, we're gonna spin and ride and have fun...until all of the clouds go away! Get a ticket. Hop on. It doesn't hurt. It's not scary. It won't make you sick. And just wait until you see the view when the wheel stops at the top!

[this post could take me days!!]

Linda Luke said...

Bishop, it is amazing and I guess by the Spirit but I got the each picture as I was reading which caused the message to be deeply felt just as you have been explaining them! Loved them all but esp also the portrait collage of people from different nations, religions, races! Just BEAUTIFUL!!!

Son of Zadok said...

It's really amazing when the new covenant is actually taught. I mean, we can go through our whole life believing in a twisted old testament version of Jesus that is in fact quite Anti-Jesus. I mean really! Today the Saul church is being replaced by the David company. Now what we have to understand is that not all the church will have this happen at the same time. Some churches took forever to come through Passover. Many, many over the years came into Pentecost. Now, as the true light of the gospel is shining into open hearts and minds, We are coming into and becoming living Tabernacles. In fact we are in the Feast of Tabernacles this very week. I don't know about you individually, but I can feel a real shifting and revelation in the Spirit this week. For me personally and I'm sure corporately.

PattiL007 said...

Hey Bish and Blog Fam!
I know it's been awhile (except when another brother channeled me...shout out to Erik) but I just had to stop in long enough to blog about this post...one of your all-time best I believe. Those pics...well they are just as expressive as the translation you mirrored through them.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this chapter in The Message (and most other translations) but with the visual aides...WOW! It is tough to pic a fave but I think it's the pregnant woman by the sea...she's giving birth to the new world by the sea which is going to disappear "and there was no more sea"...anyone feelin' me here? The world is in her...God is in her...and also in US! As He IS So Are WE IN THIS WORLD! From glory to glory! Hallelujah!

I enjoy all the other pics, Bishop and really appreciate your taking the time to place them here for our enjoyment and education.

I hope to be able to be here more often once I get used to this whole "going back to college" thing...oh...did I forget to mention that? I'm getting my degree online so my schedule has filled quite a bit, but I will be here every chance I get...and I pray to be a good E.A.C.H.© member. Please y'all...remember me in your prayers...college is a big step for me as I know it is for many of you...now I know how you feel but together, we can do this...whatever your "this" may be!

Blessings Blog Fam!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Mystic! I'm going to kill the fatted calf!

Anonymous said...

Bishop, the pictures are phenomenal, and I have looked at this at least four times today and I think words to describe this would just be chit chatting in light of what the scriptures already say and the pictures to bout. I absolutely love seafood and shell fish, it is like comparing a seafood smorgasbord at Ocean City in Maryland or a buffet in New Orleans and trying to describe or say or write something. I just kept coming back since 5 this morning and each time, another part or phrase or sentence of Peterson's translation of Romans 8 totally intrigued me, that I thought how ingenius of Bishop to put these pictures to these words and what must they mean.

I actually sent a copy of this posting to some of ministry partners in different parts of the country to encourage them.

I love the word and I really like the Message bible, but I was thinking, where in the world does Bishop find these pictures. I really would like to know your sources, sometimes I think some are people you really know.

Anyway, you know how you say, often times you are not good at small talk, well the depth of this is so massive, one does one say. And as you know from my previous blogs, I am not one to be lost without words.

The issues facing many of us today, homelessness, frustration, angry, confusion...and the rest of the gamut..even in all of this God's love is eternal.

The unfailing love of God seems to be a recurring them throughout your writings and my writing as well. Truly He is a wonder. So I bless you and I hope you can get your big screen TV fixed today with no problem.

Peace, Yvonne

Son of Zadok said...

Oh yea, that picture is awesome Crownjewel!

You can do it Mystic! Kill the fatted calf, haha. Beef! It's what's for dinner.

Hey Bishop, while your on the Blog, what do you think of that idea to bring the GPF to Bonnaroo with a booth next year? I really think they'd go for it! If you don't see it, that's cool, but I'm tellin' ya, I feel like I saw something big in my heart last night. Where are all our Jewish, Muslim, and Eastern seekers with a heart after God out there? We need to hear from you!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And thanks.


And congrats on getting the degree. Good for you...but don't say away so long!

Anonymous said...

Hey All

When I got to verses 15- 17 I just thought of....

Good Times.
Any time you meet a payment.
Good Times.
Any time you need a friend.
Good Times.
Any time you're out from under.

Not getting hastled, not getting hustled.
Keepin' your head above water,
Making a wave when you can.

Temporary lay offs.
Good Times.
Easy credit rip offs.
Good Times.
Scratchin' and surviving.
Good Times.
Hangin in a chow line
Good Times.
Ain't we lucky we got 'em
Good Times.


Maybe I watch to much TV Land. LOL

Need some sunshine on this rainy day.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

The "thanks" was for Mystic...

And, thanks, Yvonne...the pics come from everywhere...

Gonna let you be the ambassador to B., SOZ...

The TV guys is here! Got to go...

Unknown said...

High five, Mystic, congratulations on your decision!

And yes, I'm feeling ya...but I'm really still on the title--Nothing, nope, not a thing, can separate...........US, separateUS. Not just me and God or you and God, but "us", US, US! This post feels like laminin doing its thing.

I admire y'all's ability to get things from your spirit to your fingers so quickly.

PattiL007 said...

Well thank you, Bish! What time's supper?

I know...I have SO MISSED Y'ALL! I really am trying here, it's just that college online is a lot more time consuming than even I thought it would be...however, I pray that it will become easier as I get the hang of things. I must admit though that I sure am enjoying the whole experience. I do love the process of being edumacated...hehehe...but I will do my best to get back in here at least a little more often.

Blessings...and I'll be awaiting the invite...how long does it take to prepare one of them there fatted calves? :D

Make sure they git er done, Bish!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Actually, just the TV GUY is here!

Unknown said...

funy, againn~~~

PattiL007 said...

And you are more than welcome, Bish...I shudder to think what our lives might be like without you...but I thank God that we need not know.

BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME BLESS HIS HOLY NAME!

More blessings Blog Fam!
My first day back and already the word ver is cussin' at me :o

Son of Zadok said...

You know I heard something the other day from Gary Sigler. I know I've been mentioning him on here a lot the past week, but his side of the council of God has just been really tearing the walls down for me, something special. He said something in a total heart of love, to this effect:

You know I don't even like being called a Christian anymore. Because of everything that is associated with that word. I tell people, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist; I tell them, I am none of these things ! , but I am the truth in all of them!

Wow!

Now that's Christ!

That really has stuck with me. It says a lot.

Anonymous said...

So what are you going to do? Do what you came here to do and ride the thing?(ferris wheel) Or are you going to let a few clouds beat you out of it? I've never heard of a cloud kicking anyones butt. I've never heard of a cloud ever doing anyting to anyone. Yeah, it might rain, and then again it might not. I say ride it. I'd rather be a wet ferris wheel rider than a dry car rider 'cause of a little water. And that's only "if" it even rains. What if it doesn't rain and you get in your car and leave? I'll tell you one thing, don't let donald find out about it. I would just about guaruntee it that he would come to GA just to deal with you. Now get on the thing and let's ride.

PattiL007 said...

SOZ! Dude I have missed you! That last post...OMG! I mean O-M-G! "I am the TRUTH in ALL of them!" You are SO right about that...that is CHRIST right there!

And thanks to all of you for the kudos...I really appreciate the encouragement. Even though I have some "issues" with which to deal (who doesn't, right?), I really think...no I believe I can do this and I believe I can maintain the standards I set for myself long ago when I first went to college--I was not able to finish my degree then but that was then and this is NOW!

Son of Zadok said...

Press up, through the clouds!

Amen!

Son of Zadok said...

Yes Mystic, you'll never forget that saying. Neither will I.

NTL said...

TV guy, Git r done.

PattiL007 said...

NTL! Hey, Man! I have missed you too! How's every little thing? I may not have been present at roll call here but I have remembered everyone in my prayers...really nice to "see" you. It's great to see you all...Avatar, Teezy, Tracy, G8trgrl, Pamela, JB (hey!), Crown, Laura...I love y'all so much...I apologize for not being able to post as often...but I'll work on it. Thank you all for being here...seriously.

Oh and Bishop...I REALLY DIG the new front page photo of you in the African style shirt at the headwaters of the Nile. The whole vibe is...well it's just WAY cool.

Blessings Blog Fam!

Oh...and yes...I had to bring back "Duck Butt" for my post pic...it makes me laugh and I hope it does the same for y'all!

Unknown said...

A-a-a-men, anon@402

tracy said...

Hey ya'll! Yvonne I too have looked at the pics several times. I actually ran thru the rain a minute ago with my lap top to show my mom and dad (they live across the driveway) and read it to them and showed the pics. It was a really cool exchange and too awesome not to share with them. It was funny too when I first logged on this morning and saw the cloud/ferris wheel pic. Last night I had a conversation with a fella who said a black cloud had been hanging over him for awhile and I said yeah I know what you mean(watch the words of your mouth ya'll-I didn't even mean to say it!) but, I did and let's just say I invited that cloud to follow me today. I have dropped stuff, stuff has broken, my computer has crashed in the middle of creating invoices ....had to start over and when my computer rebooted I went to the web site for a little encouragement, saw the cloud/ferris wheel and before I even read it I remembered my words of yesterday and thought man, I chose the cloud when I could've chosen the ferris wheel today!

tracy said...

And Heyyyyyy Mystic. You just go for it with that college thing!!!!

Unknown said...

Mystic, tell DB for me, he's been missed too.

Which reminds me...where's DBA?...

[only the "letter" connection is implied there--smile!]

Son of Zadok said...

All of this cloud talk. I think I'll add an unknowing post. Not a dark stormy cloud, but direction towards the cloud of glory!

The Cloud of Unknowing said...

INTRODUCTION

My dear friend in God, I beg you, stay alert and attentive to the way you are progressing in your vocation. And give thanks to God for this calling, so that with the help of his grace you may stand firm against all the subtle assaults of enemies who will harass you from within and without and so that you may come to win the reward of life unending.

Amen.

Chapter 1

Of the four degrees of the Christian life; of the development of his vocation for whom this book was written.

My dear friend in God, I would like to pass on to you what I have roughly observed about Christian life. Generally, it seems to progress through four ascending phases of growth, which I call the Common, the Special, the Singular, and the Perfect. The first three may, indeed, be begun and completed in this mortal life, but the fourth, though begun here, shall go on without ending into the joy of eternity. Do you see that I have arranged these stages in a definite sequence? This is because I believe that our Lord in his great mercy is calling you to advance by these steps. I discern his call to you in the desire for him that burns in your heart.
You know yourself that at one time you were caught up in the Common manner of the Christian life in a day-to-day mundane existence along with your friends. But I think that the eternal love of God, which had once created you out of nothing and then redeemed you from Adam's curse through the sacrifice of his blood, could not bear to let you go on living so common a life far from him. And so, with exquisite kindness, he awakened desire within you, and binding it fast with the leash of love's longing, drew you closer to himself into what I have called the more Special manner of living. He called you to be his friend and, in the company of his friends, you learned to live the interior life more perfectly than was possible in the common way.
Is there more? Yes, for from the beginning I think God's love for you was so great that his heart could not rest satisfied with this. What did he do? Do you not see how gently and how kindly he has drawn you on to the third way of life, the Singular? Yes, you live now at the deep solitary core of your being, learning to direct your loving desire toward the highest and final manner of living which I have called Perfect.

Anonymous said...

Hello Bishop,
I just wanted to say thanks again for the word of peace you brought Wednesday...and thanks for the touch.

I hope to read the blogs since Wednesday, maybe tomorrow. Gotta go for now.

God bless, protect and watch over you and family.

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL PICTURES AND MESSAGE. I MUST CONFESS BISHOP, SOMETIMES YOUR PIC MAKES MY HEAD SWELL AND CAUSES MY HEART TO SINK INTO MY STOMACH. I AM NOT KIDDING. MAYBE I AM A SCARING CAT. THE 8TH PIC, THE WOMAN PREGNANT WITH THE GLOBE PIC STOOD OUT IN MY MIND. WAS THAT THE PIC OF GLOBE/WORLD OR AM I READING IT WRONG. IF IT IS, WHAT CAME TO MY SPIRIT IS INTERCESSION. YOU KNOW WOMEN ARE GREAT INTERCESSORS BECAUSE OF OUR COMPASSION. EVERY WOMAN IS TO CONCEIVE AND CARRY A PORTION OF THE WORLD IN PRAYER AND AT AN APPOINTED TIME BIRTH THE WILL OF GOD. BECAUSE MOTHERHOOD HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US WE NEED TO KEEP GIVING SPRITUAL BIRTH IN PRAYER.
WELL I DO NOT WISH TO TALK MUCH TODAY, MAY BE SOME OTHER TIMES.
BISH, I WAS NOT THE ONE THAT ASKED YOU ABOUT PRAYER YESTERDAY. SUPRISE TO SEE YOU BLOG, MERCY THERE IS PRAYER. I GUESS SOMEONE ELSE IS EQUALLY EXCITED ABOUT FRIDAY PRAYER.
SEVEN PEOPLE IN TODAY AM PRAYER. AS I COUNTED I HEARD, I HAVE PERFECTED EVERYTHING ALREADY, RECEIVE IT IN THE PROCESS. LOVE, MERCY.

Son of Zadok said...

Donald,

I just got over to yesterday's blog and read your post, would have addressed this their but its closed. I know Bishop said to put a cap on it, but I just gotta say a few things.
If anyone tries to tell you having a drink is a sin besides the Holy Ghost himself, which He very well could, then just pat them on the head and let them on their merry way. However, and this is a very big however, if you are in fellowship with someone and due to their lack of understanding or addictions, violates their conscious and causes them to fall into error, then their life far, far outweighs any value in a drink. I wouldn't order a steak while having a vegan at my place for dinner or go out with an orthodox Jew for lunch and order up the pulled pork! Being drunk, as to the point that you become something or someone your not, is a sin. But it is only vile religion that has sold us the bill of goods that it is a sin to have any alcohol pass your lips to make your heart merry. That fundamentalist doctrine has made more sons of hell than we can imagine with it's legalistic dogma and drama. LIES! You preaching Christ and having an occasional drink could very well save someone's life. Let's get rid of the garbage of religion. The Word is good enough, we don't have to add our own law to it. If you'd like to study it out for yourself, visit my local church's site here in Dayton. A great sermon is their in the sermon archives under Stout Theology along with a link to a great PDF teaching that points to every instance of alcohol mentioned in the Bible. Okay, I um apologize I guess?

theparadoxchurch.org

Next topic.

Son of Zadok said...

"order a steak while having a vegan at my place for dinner"

i mean cook a steak, I don't order anyone around here..haha

Linda Luke said...

Mystic...you can do it!!! Cuz of the power of Him on the inside of you!!! You are just in the birthing process!~
...his story will def inspire you!

(I just got to hear Bo Eason thru one of the insurance companies I represent and his story is totally amazing and inspiring! I love it even though I know very little about football except when they make a touchdown and cheering!) =)

...thought you all might enjoy~I'm thinking the actual movie probably depicts more the details that I heard and yall probably have already heard of him before~(I'm just from South Georgia so things reach us a little late sometimes...hahaha) PeAcE

http://www.theruntofthelitter.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezgANUt6sVY

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Hey Mercy...I thought it didn't sound like you to ask, but I know that you are an intercessor, and you always write in caps, so I assumed it was you. My bad.

And, yes, the pic of the woman giving birth to the earth is powerful, and it is a great symbol of intercession (which is giving birth to things in the Spirit)...

Thanks, everyone else.

Great interaction today...

As Avatar pointed out - nothing can separate US! As much as I minister on the power of US, I hadn't even thought about it as it pertains to Rom 8:1. Very cool.

There has been a lot of "US" going on here the last couple of days...

Son of Zadok said...

Wow Jewel,

That looks really good. Loved the hits too!

Unknown said...

Yeah, really cool, Bishop.

Since I have been processing and pondering the experiencing of oneness, the Body of Christ, the joy of fellowship, loneliness, physical separation or perceived separation, today's title seemed to scream confirmation, a joyful scream like when the ferris wheel is full and keeps turning and turning--,

No clue when I'll get to pic #2. This one's too good to leave. But, wow, thanks for creating the beautiful gifts that are yet to be opened.

Cyberhugs, Blog Fam--been watching you open today's gifts with great joy--like Christmas in a house where the rule is only one gift opened at a time and everybody sincerely oohs and ahhs. My heart is full.

word ver: kpmfy - a misspelled "comfy" -- did you do that God? Too funy!

Son of Zadok said...

You must address America in its entirety, not as a sliver or a series of slivers, but as a full and whole entity, a great nation trying to hold together. When you don't, when you play only to your little piece, you contribute to its fracturing.

~Peggy Noonan 10/17/08

I just read this in an article of hers and I must say its truth can stretch far beyond nationalism.

Linda Luke said...

LOVE the mission statement of your church SOZ and the CRASH introduction! ~Cool!

Our Mission
Our mission is to bring Heaven to Earth (Matthew 6:10) by living in the tension (Acts 17:16-34) of a collision between the Kingdom and our culture (Revelations 21:1-3; Matthew 22:37-40).

Ebony said...

Hey Bishop

Has the TV been fixed yet? The more I read the message, the more I love it, and I really think you shouldn't throw out "the Bible in the Now", idea or at least do an illustrated bible, you've got a gift for connecting visual to word. Well I'm off to eat dinner. I'd like for all of you to pray for my best friend Adriane who's getting married tomorrow. This marriage I think is the beginning of a restoration for her.

Side Note: I was watching a college football game and they were doing a tasting of different foods from the Texas State Fair and they had-I'm not making this up-Fried OREOS. Am I the only person grossed out by that? (And I'm an AVID oreo lover, but yech)

Son of Zadok said...

Yes Jewel,

CITN and Paradox are both very much GOD THINGS that have appeared in my life. I am so thankful for the both, who preach this glorious gospel of the Kingdom here on Earth!

It's Spreading like a prairie fire !

Son of Zadok said...

Infact,

We only have service on Sunday mornings and I've been sharing about CITN's stream on Wednesday nights. You all are developing a strong link here in Dayton that is only going to exponentially increase!

Fried Oreos?

I'm In!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Yes, Ebony...the TV is fixed! All is right the world again...

NTL said...

Mystic, I was in rush and run mode earlier. Hope all is well at school. I'm sure the Holy Spirit and you are taking care of business there too. It's all good here and gettin' mo betta as we go.

Son of Zadok said...

First Blog to 100?

I won't be able to stick around to find out. But you all have 4 hours left. I see it happening!

Larry Usher said...

Great posts, pics & discussions today! Couldn't wait to get home to read the blog!
Had an opportunity to pray for a man today that had experienced a second stroke and is confined to a wheel chair. Just keep obeying...
Really enjoyed my rounds today driving on Peachtree Blvd(Peachtree City)- felt like being at a state park with the overhanging trees and separated lanes-very pleasant.
Was listening to a cd with Bishop Huskins where he shared about the Sabbath being about relationship rather than a ritual day to keep. Being Christ minded rather than sin minded- what a blessing & joy.

I too, loved the pic of the woman with the earth in her belly...very prophetic.

Watched a minute of Oral Roberts today talking about how a family has helped him pay down millions of dollars recently on ministry debt(perhaps including the university)...TENS of millions!
I believe the same for this house!

I watched the 2 candidates give their comedy talks as well, very funny. The McCain stuff about Bill & Hillary was HILLARYOUS!!

The pic of the Ferris wheel is especially meaningful because of the implication of being top one moment and down the next. Many "Christians" I believe live this tortured existence of "saved" one day & not the next- not having a full revelation of God's grace and mercy. You can't trust your feelings about the matter EVER. You can only have or not have revelation and revelation only comes from God. Like treasure buried in a cave, it must be sought after & dug out.

Blessings to all,

Larry

word ver.- DZTGH- "Does Zoe Tell God's Here

2nd word ver.- WTHZBWS- "With Zoe Blessings Will Show"

Anonymous said...

Fried Oreos
1-1/4 C. All-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 Large egg
3/4 C. Milk
Vegetable oil for frying
20- -25 Oreo Cookies
Confectioners' sugar, for garnish

Combine flour, baking powder, & salt in large bowl, set aside. In small bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Combine the milk mixture with the flour mixture, stirring just until well blended. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add enough oil to come 1/3 of the way up the sides of the pan, or about 1-1/2" deep. Heat the oil to 360-degrees. Dip cookies in batter & carefully place in hot oil (I recommend using a slotted spoon). Fry until batter is golden, about 2 minutes. Turn cookies & fry for approximately 1 minute more. Remove & place cookies on a paper towel-lined plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

Anonymous said...

SOZ, April 24 had 163 comments.

Larry Usher said...

Farrakhan Says 'New Beginning' For Nation of Islam

CHICAGO (AP) ― The Nation of Islam, a secretive movement generally closed to outsiders, has planned a rare open-to-the public event at its Chicago-based headquarters in what the Minister Louis Farrakhan deemed a "new beginning" for the group.

Hundreds of religious leaders of different faiths have been invited to the event planned for Sunday, a rededication of the group's historic Mosque Maryam on the city's South Side. Farrakhan is scheduled to speak.

Hmmm......

sorry, the word ver was not for the faint of heart...

Linda Luke said...

The Benefits of Obedience
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, October 17 2008

"This is what the Lord says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'" Isaiah 48:17

My career has been in marketing and advertising. Early on, I learned to distinguish the difference between features and benefits. Features represent characteristics of a product or service. Benefits are those things that directly profit or benefit me by using the product or service. For instance, my new computer has incredible speed and lots of memory (feature). This allows me to do things more quickly and easily (benefit). People are more concerned about the benefits than the features.

God tells us in the above verse that there are some direct benefits to the features of His nature. He is a God who is committed to teaching His children in the way they should go. What is the real benefit of His teaching? He answers this in the next verse. "If only you had paid attention to My commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea" (Is. 48:18). The Lord tells us that the benefit of allowing God to teach us and lead us in the way is peace and righteousness. Here is a guaranteed promise from God. I often use guarantees in my advertising claims. Here is God's immutable guarantee: You will have peace like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea! What a great promise!

Are you trusting God with the very details of your life so that He can lead you in the way you should go? Are you allowing Him to teach you? Seek the Lord today for what He wants to teach you and allow Him to lead you, and you will ensure peace and righteousness in your life.

NTL said...

Crown Jewel, are you someone that could help me with marketing a product that I have?

Anonymous said...

soz mentioned about hitting the one hundred mark tonight. I keep checking to see where it is. Is this a sign of addiction? If so is there a blog anonymous?

Anonymous said...

a blogaholics anonymous

Iris said...

Calling all bloggers and blurkers… Can we make it to 100?

Welcome by Mytic.

Rock on Blog Fam…

Iris

Anonymous said...

Who is "Mytic"?

Iris said...

My bad... Welcome back Mystic

Here's for 94

Iris

Anonymous said...

Considering the many things I have done on Friday nights in my life, from partying like there was no end to driving dirt track race cars, I wouldn't trade waiting on the one hundredth post for anything.

Linda Luke said...

Hi NTL~

I am actually in the insurance and financial services biz but will definitely keep my eyes open for you. There are some people that I can ask that may/may not know someone. Will ask them and if so will let you know. I pray favor and blessings on you and your endeavors!!!

Goodness graciousness!~


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUyZPnPqjCw

Sweet dreams everyone~

Larry Usher said...

Crown- Great post! Yah, in sales it gets easy just to spout off a bunch of features like everyone you talk to is going to paint their own picture. A good salesperson will paint the picture for you, tell a story, if you will, and make it seem like the most natural thing to be a proud owner of the product. They will dance with you to the edge of the water, exciting you to the point where you have to drink! Then they will say, "I was never planning on buying anything."
And you say, "Alas! You, however, made a most excellent choice...you have the wisdom of Solomon!"
God is such a wonderful "dancer" and lover, never giving up the wooing or the pursuing. Ahhh....

Bro Lar

word ver.- PABROZSB- Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Babies... sorry moms! :)

Larry Usher said...

Training tomorrow, eh?

(Little bit of Canada there?)

Lar

Larry Usher said...

Just posting for the word ver:

LOVVY- nuf said!

Anonymous said...

MOVING FORWARD (everybody point)

Linda Luke said...

Awwww....thank you Bro Lar! That was really good!!! That was wisdom! Thanky!!!

...counting sheep~ummmm....no mean counting posts...hehehe...we made it!

Iris said...

WOOOO HOOOOO!!!! 100 now 101

Iris said...

oooops 102

Linda Luke said...

...now sugarplums are dancing in my head~

Goodnight my blog fam~

Anonymous said...

Bishop, at present you have a one hundred and four fold return on your initial investment you created this morning. May I decree to you, that two hundred posts will be here soon.

Erik said...

Romans Ch. 8 says it all. The pictures are excellent illustration. There is no thing, event, choice, belief that separates us from Love, ever.

Lise said...

Hey gang!
WOW! 106 comments... just finished perusing them. Beautiful passage today, Bish. I particularly like that translation.
Much going on here. Spent HOURS with the doctor today... the Rug Doctor, that is. Trying to freshen everything up, as we may be putting our place on the market. There is a house that Joe and I want to make an offer on, but we have to find out if the guy wants to 'play ball.' He'd have to come down a bit in price AND deal with a contingency clause, because we want to sell our place first. So, we'll see. It's hard to know which direction to take in the current financial climate, but it's only because of the current housing market that we are considering this. So, my prayer has been that God will have His hand in the whole process, and if it's a bad decision... block it. If it's a good decision, let it flow... from the purchase price to the sale of our home. We would really love to have the place, but if it's meant to be, it'll happen. If not, then I'm gonna have one spotless home!!!
Much more to do tomorrow. My friend and gal who will be our listing agent is coming to take a look Sunday evening.
I'm pooped, but I'm still blurking fairly regularly.
Have a great night, everyone ;p

Reign! said...

It is well with my soul!
Good nite.

Anonymous said...

WOW What a day.
Many things on the blog.
TV tunes
Learned how to make Fried Oreo's
Many fun things on the blog.
Bishop 's TV Fixed YEA
Wonder what else he has to say.
It is now Saturday
9am the training begins.
So off to bed I shall go.
Sweet dreams to all you blogger's
till later this afternoon. We shall blog again.
Peace Out

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

What a day, indeed!