Saturday, November 1, 2008

If My People...

Hey bloggers,

You may have already seen this on-line, or in a newspaper, but I thought I'd post it here, as well...



Faith and Civic Leaders Call
for Prayer for the Nation


WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On the eve of the election of the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday November 4th, it is appropriate and necessary that "we the people" of America take time to consider the core values and principles that should guide our nation in the next four years.

America is at a crossroads, and faces profound challenges at home and abroad. Our nation's strength - and ability to rise to challenges - lies in the principles that define its ideals, and the people who have endeavored to realize them.

On August 9, 2008, the Global Peace Festival USA launched a campaign to promote an American dream of building "one family under God." This vision underscores three core values that should guide our nation at this time:

1. The family is the "school of love and peace," the most vital social institution that must be honored and strengthened. The human family is bound together by its common spiritual heritage.

2. Universal principles are the basis for interfaith reconciliation and cooperation on a deeper level. Our nation's faith diversity is a great asset, making it possible for America to become a model of interfaith harmony.

3. Promoting a culture of service is the way to substantiate "one family under God." Service initiatives that are international, interreligious and interracial can provide transformative experiences to bridge differences and build mutual understanding.

Many of us are deeply concerned that the political process in our nation has become so partisan and polarizing. Although this election campaign has provided hopeful glimpses of the possibilities of unprecedented change, it has also exposed divisions that are yet to be bridged.

America's distinctive vision shines most clearly in the familiar words of the Declaration of Independence - that all men are created equal and endowed by the Creator with inalienable rights. Those words articulate the fundamental basis of human dignity and intrinsic rights, as well as the principles upon which "one nation" could be created "under God."

America became a pluralistic melting pot, representing how the world could live in harmony under a national vision rooted in our sense of covenant with God. When America has not fully lived up to its founding ideals, leaders have emerged as the conscience of the nation. Such was the case in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the nation to "live out the true meaning of its creed."

What is that "true meaning?" "One nation under God" expresses the essence of the true American vision rooted in our founding principles. In the 21st century we need to take this one step further into the greater, more universal ideal that all humanity is "one family under God." With such a universal vision, America could provide a model and leadership to inspire and unite the human family.

When the Constitutional Convention reached a standstill, Benjamin Franklin called for prayer, saying, "the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"

When the nation was ripped apart by civil war, President Abraham Lincoln called for a national day of fasting and prayer. On D-Day as Allied troops landed in Normandy, President Franklin Roosevelt led the nation in an extraordinary prayer of his own composition.

As our nation makes important decisions, let us pause to reflect, meditate and pray. We urge all Americans to pray for our nation, especially from October 31 to November 2 (covering Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the respective Sabbath days for Muslims, Jews and Christians). Beyond deciding prayerfully, let us also resolve to transcend our differences and come together in support of our newly elected leadership to address the serious challenges before our nation and world.

There is much historical precedent for Americans to call upon God in times of great crisis or momentous change. At this time we are on the doorstep of both.

May God bless America.



Global Peace Festival USA Partners supporting this statement include:

Co-Chairs:

The Honorable Walter E. Fauntroy
The Honorable Matt Salmon
Bishop Jim Swilley
Pastor Debye Swilley
Mr. David Caprara


Partners:

The Honorable Steen Miles
Rev. Mark Abernathy
Rev. Paul Murray
Dr. Mohammad Alam
Ms. Helen Ngo
Matt & Adriana Anderson
Bishop Benoni Y. Ogwal-Abwang
Mr. Dawud Assad
Dr. Charles Phillips
Ambassador Theodore Britton
Ms. Martie Pineda
Dr. Haitham Bundakji
Mr. Victor Pinzon
Ms. Olga Crupper
Imam Mustafa Qazwini
Rev. Tanya Edwards
Rev. Dr. Addie S. Robb
Bishop Jesse Edwards
Ambassador Phillip Sanchez
Ms. Gerry Eitner
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi
Rev. Darrell Elligan
Ms. Fannie Smith
Rev. Mark Farr
Rev. Andre Smith
Mr. James P Flynn
Mr. Gary Spanovich
Rev. Leo Franklin
Hon Richard St. Paul
Bishop Ernest Hamilton
Archbishop George A. Stallings Jr.
The Honorable Earl Hilliard
Ms. Mary Swopes
Dr. Abdul Hye
Mr. Asratie Teferra
The Honorable Donzella James
Mr. Lee Walker
Dr. Michael Jenkins
Mrs. Alexa Ward
Mr. Mohammad Khan
Rabbi Michael Weisser
Rev. Ki Hoon Kim
Mrs. Delece Williams
Dr. Simone A. Mason
Ambassador Sam Zakhem




65 comments:

Erik said...

Praise God !!!!!

For the Wisdom and Life God speaks through creation.

We, The People, have the favor to enjoy and engage the experience.

Amen!

Erik said...

The US Dec. of Independence declares God's love for all Creation, soaked into the fabric of who We all are, in order to form The Perfect Union, All created with unalienable rights. Each One included.

The US is truly an inclusive society, in the footsteps of God. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and others wrote well for The World. They wrote this in a secular document, transcending religion and applied beautifully the Word into Nature. It is proper that one of our core pillars is Freedom of Religion or Freedom From Religion, From in the sense that no man made system of belief can supersede the Love of God in each One.

America is an anomaly, and we have the opportunity to express this to the world. We have had 'The Baton', we can carry it or hand it off. We can declare real power comes from Love, Faith, or continue to join the previous empires and declare guns and money are god. We have at our foundation reconciliation, as the founders were criminals, rebels, and disconnected from what the world system saw as correct, and succeeded anyway, (with minimal guns and money).

Now we have most of the guns and money. We set the world system. What do we choose? To apply what we know as our core, be vulnerable as our foundation, or keep the walls that bring the world to worship and fear/hate us? If love comes from our guns and money, it has no lasting value. If we cling to that power, then we need to give up the baton for a nation that will pick up where we left off.

Godspeed to us if we choose differently and Godspeed to who is our successor if we choose to rely on the natural things that have prompted and withheld every empire.

Either choice is lawful. Mercy and Grace follow each one. It is ours to decide in who we are, regardless of how the election turns out. We, The Created have the choice and All Power for Our Path.

Anonymous said...

Bish, they just showed you and CITN on TBN again from when Kim Clement was here ("There's Corn In Egypt"). He was talking about AYITN. They keep showing it again and again.

Larry Usher said...

Thought this was funny, especially the part about him "resurrecting" the costume! Ha!

N.J. (CBS) ― A Paramus middle school student was sent home Friday after he came to school dressed up as Jesus for Halloween.
For a few hours, Alex Woinski was the messiah of West Brook Middle School, but like the real Jesus, Woinski was condemned, so to speak.
"Sort of like a new remake of what supposedly happened," Woinski told CBS 2.
Decked out in sandals, a robe, fake beard and thorns, the 13-year-old joined 500 other students at his school's Halloween celebration, and on this day, he was the chosen one - to go home.
"It was offensive to some students," Woinski said, when asked what school officials told him the reason for being sent home was.
Woinski says he wore the costume because friends say his long hair makes him a Jesus lookalike, and were not offended by his costume.
The school says thes costume was a disruption and denies its religious nature had anything to do with it.
"I don't think I overreacted," Principal Joan Broe told CBS 2.
BROE SAID TOO MANY STUDENTS WERE DRAWN TO THE COSTUME(!!), and that was reason enough.
"Children were [asking], where is the boy who is Jesus Christ?" she said. "It was disrupting the education process."
Woinski's parents agree it was political correctness gone amok.
"I think the whole freedom of speech and expression has definitely had a damper put on it, and this is proof of that," says Kim Woinski, Alex's mother.
But it won't put a damper on Woinski's trick or treating. This Jesus HAS BEEN RESURRECTED for Friday night.(HA!)
Woinski has developed an interest in religion. HIS MOTHER IS CATHOLIC AND HIS FATHER IS JEWISH. HE RECENTLY CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH AND IS ALSO STUDYING BIBLE SCRIPTURE.
His school says this was the first time anyone had ever dressed up like Jesus. They say other students were ordered to alter their costumes because they were deemed inappropriate.

"This Jesus has been resurrected for Friday night!" This was the funny and meaningful part for me-that although he had a "setback" during the day, he was on a roll again quickly-never giving up!
I love the fact that kids were asking for the "Jesus Christ" character and were drawn to him- so cool! Just like the real Jesus- always drew a crowd! YES!!

Don't give up your dream! God knows the times & seasons of your life and all will be fulfilled!

Blessings & a good night to all!

Bro Larry

Unknown said...

Agreeing, for and in prayer--especially Fri, Sat, Sun.

Anonymous said...

They say that if you put a frog into a pot of boiling water,
it will leap out right away to escape the danger.
But, if you put a frog in a kettle that is filled with water that is cool and pleasant,
and then you gradually heat the kettle until it starts boiling,
the frog will not become aware of the threat until it is too late.
The frog's survival instincts are geared towards detecting sudden changes.

This is a story that is used to illustrate how people might get themselves into terrible trouble.
This parable is often used to illustrate how humans have to be careful to watch slowly changing trends in the environment, not just the sudden changes. Its a warning to keep us paying attention not just to obvious threats but to more slowly developing ones.

It's possible that the next four years, will be of little change.

It's also possible, that in four years, we will find ourselves in boiling water.

On this Tuesday, if the man we chose wins, we will celebrate.

Will we still be celebrating four years from now, the man we voted for? We will have to wait and see.

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G54lfxiid_w

Anonymous said...

Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
Life is worth the living
Just because He lives!

To Erik-Chef of Words- AMEN!
Larry, When Christ is lifted up ALL men are drawn to HIM!

PEACE

Anonymous said...

https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkUJEDYBnBQ

Anonymous said...

I was nineteen when voting in my first presidential election and have only missed one since. It is really cool that Judah votes this year too. Hope you never miss one for the next hundred plus years pal.

I've mentioned this to several people this year and Bishop has written similarly to the thought as well but as a matter of prayer concerning our country, the first answer to a questioning prayer that I was sure of, came to me at nineteen. I was seriously wanting to vote for the right person, the one that God wanted to be our president. The answer that I recieved was that I should just vote for who I thought would be best and pray that I can continue doing that for as long as I live.

God obviously answered the prayers of many people who had prayed for centuries when this country was established in such a way that the will of the people can be expressed with the selection of its leaders without coercion or reprisal for their choice.

Judah it is my prayer that you and I both will continue to enjoy the favor of God to cast our votes for a very long time.

I join all others in prayer for the nation and its leaders in this great time that we live in.

JB

Anonymous said...

United We STAND
Divided We Fall
As For Me & My House
We Will Praise The Lord


Caught the tail end of seeing Kim Clement at our church on TBN. YEP He was showing that book AYITN.
Wish I knew it was going to air again would love to see it from the beginning.

Yo Lar- Amazing that even a
look-a-like image of Jesus still makes some people shake & others draw near.

Today is the day that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice & be glad in it.
For this is the day that the Lord has made

Anonymous said...

There is one thing that must be said in addition to my previous post.

I know there have been isolated cases of coercion and reprisal within our country and do not intend to show any disrespect for those whose ancestors, including some of mine who suffered those things.

It has never been my experience and it is part of my prayer for this nation that it never will be mine or anyone else going forward to feel pressured in our voting choice.

Holy Ghost prompted me to add this so I know it is timely for someone.

JB

Son of Zadok said...

Rock On Izumi/Joy !

You don't know me but I'm your brother
I was raised here in this living hell
You don't know my kind in your world
Fairly soon the time will tell
You, telling me the things you're gonna do for me
I ain't blind and I don't like what I think I see

Takin it to the streets
Takin it to the streets
Takin it to the streets
Takin it to the streets

Take this message to my brother
You will find him everywhere
Wherever people live together
Tied in poverty's despair
You, telling me the things you're gonna do for me
I ain't blind and I don't like what I think I see

Takin it to the streets
Takin it to the streets
Takin it to the streets
Takin it to the streets

Laura, have a great day with your daughter today. The blog wishes her a very happy birthday.

NTL, Holy Ghost festival after the election no matter what! Yes and amen. Just put out for Him like He's the sovereign God that we know He is.

Reign, School of the Bible 5, I'm in! When should I plan for the trip down?

Erik, that's some funny and thought provoking stuff you posted yesterday. We really could tackle many fundamentalist arguments with that point of view. Why does the church fight so hard against abortion if living allows you a chance to be damned for all eternity? Wouldn't it be better to have not even been born than to risk such a fate? God is the ultimate artist, not the ultimate abortionist of His creation. Oh, and next time someone wants to tell you about the end of the world. Tel them you know where the Battle of Armageddon is going to be fought........right between their ears!

Bishop, I love what your doing with the GPF. It really is a God thing. It's a Christ thing! GPF for Bonnaroo!
I know this is kinda outta' left field, but it keeps coming to my mind and maybe needs to be mentioned by someone who is more of an outsider and doesn't know CITN after anything of the flesh.
Have you noticed some of the most powerful services CITN has had in the past 6 months has been when you pull members of the body out of the seats and let them share and minister? I have. I'll never forget that one Sunday in particular when you were just so free, letting the body share with one another. It was so anointed. I know theirs a time and a place for everything, and you so strive to be sensitive to the Spirit. I just wanted to point out how powerful some of those services have been. I think the level that you have brought this church to will allow it to substain itself while you are continuing to be used by God around the world. We need to grow up. The ministry is not for the church to sit under forever, it is for the purpose of replication. Don't be afraid to let go of that mike. You are free to be all God has for you to be. Let the church blossom into the church.

Larry, I love you man! What a powerful story. When we all come together and start "dressing up like Jesus" it's going to be really something. The early church never called themselves Christians. It was the "heathen" who coined that phrase because they were so Christ-like.

Anon @ 8:21, If America gets thrown into the boiling water, then praise God! If He has to turn up the heat, if He has to bring the fire up to get us to where He would have us to be as a nation, I welcome it. We will get exactly what we need and God will administer it in His Spirit of love. And I tell you this, no matter who wins this week I'm going to celebrate.
So Sit back, do what you like to do to relax, and just bask in the serenity and victory of the true King kings, Jesus the Christ. It really is all good. God is the author and the finisher. He does everything according to His good pleasure. I'm really excited about a change at this point no matter who wins. It's going to be exciting. And you know what, even if the person you think shouldn't win ends up winning the election, theirs going to be much good to come out of it, even if our political and party prejudices blind us from seeing it. I'm not opposing what you said, just adding to it. Big hugs...

JB, I'll never forget the first day I voted. It was 12:00 noon and I was singing with the star-spangled banner on the a.m. radio as I was pulling in the parking lot. Gave me goose bumps on my goosebumps, I'll never forget it.

You CAN'T do it today,

But GOD CAN ! His seed of life is within you.

Let God arise in us this day,

and our enemies be scattered !

Love Ya'll, thanks for letting me banter on some more this morning.

Anonymous said...

I will indeed pray for this nation and the world as we embark upon the final days of this election. I truly believe that God is working out something in this country, just like he works things out in us as His children. We have hidden, unknown fears and attitudes that don't surface until a situation arises that really tests who we are. Our character needs tweaking!

I believe that God wants us to search ourselves as Americans, followers of Christ and find out if we really are who we say we are---or are we operating in a fog that covers some of our true selves. Afterall, only God knows the real character...our true hearts. We don't always know ourselves. But, when we go through the fire we can come out purified and without the smell of smoke on our clothes. I believe America needs to be made pure through the fire and this whole election experience will be the catalyst for many of us to search who we really are and what we truly believe!

I pray that we will all come out of this as pure gold!

Signed: Trusting God

NTL said...

erik,
this was on the msn home page:

'Chef to the Rescue'
Video Recipes From Cat Cora:
Stroganoff, fresh & light
Grilled stuffed mushrooms
Onion dip made fun & festive
Cheesy eggplant Parmesan
Tuna casserole gets spicy


here is what nancy posted:

To Erik-Chef of Words- AMEN!


here is my breakfast order:

two eggs over light, grits toast, coffee, and an earful of HS verbage.

Son of Zadok said...

Anon @ 10:03,

That's a really insightful word.

So much fear of the unknown being spread around. It's easy to get sucked into believing the worst in people based on our own idea of the "perfect political/social doctrine".
I could talk about politics a lot, but it's no longer so important in the Kingdom I'm realizing. However, I still am a news junkie. Always want to be in the know when it comes to what's going on in the world. I've even got a bad habit of sleeping with the news on. I know God has tried to tell me it's not the best thing for me. Hey were all workin' out our own thing; wink, wink Bishop. Well anyways, a few nights ago I had a dream that I hung out with Obama. Lol, ya I know crazy right. He actually came across as a very sincere and spiritual person in my dream. It was a very vivid dream. We spent about a half hour together. Now don't throw me in your flake file, it was just a dream, but I did feel like I woke up with a renewed sense of hope and wonder. All is well.

ver: podacopa

Perhaps Obama deserves acceptance. Complaining only predispose aggravation.

NTL said...

Here's what sayin'...

"Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!"

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', "This is my message to you-ou-ou:"

Singin': "Don't worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!
Every little thing gonna be all right. Don't worry!"
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing" - I won't worry!
"'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."

Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right" - I won't worry!
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right."
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing, oh no!
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Son of Zadok said...

K I'm off, but I'll be back. Cloud posts, politics (3 days left, is it time to let some practical feelings out?, its ok...), Battle of Armageddon. I'm all over it today!

See what happens when I miss a day.

The mark of the beast = Adam's mark (Head = mind of Adam, Hand = works of the hand/flesh) vs. actual RDIF chips, was to much for to me figure out yesterday? If the chip does come, do you believe your doctrine enough to not fear it and take the chip? Now that's real....we'll see.

ver: prejuvi

Prejudice is Juvenile.

Anonymous said...

would you say america is a christian nation first, above other faiths?

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Well said, Erik...the ideal that the architects of the DOI embraced was really a vision of the Kingdom of God...and even though we, as a nation, have often fallen short of manifesting that ideal, it still is achievable...the whole creation is groaning for it...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Yeah, Disciple, I saw a little bit of it...I'm actually (pleasantly) surprised thst they've shown it so much...a lot of what happened in those meetings is still somewhat of a mystery to me, but apparently something is going on, in that the word about Corn in Egypt keeps being publicized...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

that they've shown it so much...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks Larry and Avatar...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

The just shall live by faith, Anon @ 8:21, and without faith it is impossilbe to please God...I choose to believe for the best, without losing my discernment and/or grip on reality...we have to depend on the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, everyone, for the YouTube references and song lyrics...


word ver: unded

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

JB, On Thursday of last week, Jared took the time to come sit with me for several hours while I was in the hospital, even though he was leaving for a European tour that evening. He seemed genuinely worried about me (which is out of character for him), and it served to create a nice little father/son memory...

On Tuesday of this week I took my dad to have caract surgery, and spent a good part of the day with him. He wanted to have lunch after the surgery, even though he was bandaged, and had on huge dark glasses, and was still a little groggy from the Valium they gave him. But I could tell that he was/is excited about our Korea trip and wanted to talk about it...and the conversations we had that day served to create another nice little father/son memory...

But on Monday of this week, Judah came out to Covington (I went with him to get the oil in his truck changed and to get his tires rotated) but his real purpose in coming out here was for us to vote together. We stood in a very long line and talked about what it means to be an American, and about the future of this country, and what a privelege it is to be able to vote...and the genuine excitement that he showed about the whole process created a memory I'll never forget. I taught him how to swim. I taught him how to drive a car. But seeing him vote for the first time...well, that was very special...

Unknown said...

The "unded", My people, humbling themselves, alive and righteous in Christ, and availing MUCH.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Actually, I taught Jared how to swim, now that I think of it...Judah we took to the YMCA...

Speaking of Jared, I should say that he also voted while he was out here. I didn't even know he could vote in Newton County, but his drivers license has our address, and he called them to make sure that he could do it. My dad went with him (even though mom and dad voted week before last)...

And also, Debye drove up to get Sofia and bring her down for the weekend, so that Christina can go vote (the lines in Fayeteville are super long, and she doesn't have anyone to keep the baby)...point being, we all voted (Debye went to do it day before yesterday)...but, again, experiencing Judah's first time was special because it's the first time one of my kids has turned 18 in an election year...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, Laura...yeah, I had forgotten how much he talked about AYITN in that service...very cool...

And thanks for what you said yesterday about my taking the time to answer people here, personally. I was sent a list of harsh accusations this week from someone anonymous, and among all the hurtful things they said, probably the worst thing was that I'm a terrible pastor because all I care about is the world or in what is happening globally, and don't pay attention to the needs of the local church...

Of course this person would have no idea of the countless hours that I put in with people one-on-one (I was even counseling with someone while I was hooked up to an EKG machine last week)...

Anyway, it's no big deal, and it comes with the territory if you have a Jesus-like ministry, but I want you all to know that I love you all, and care about each one of you individually.

And I know that I'm a good pastor.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, SOZ, for the confirmation about the GPF...and, yes, when it's the right time for it, that kind of body ministry is very powerful...

Last Sunday night at our Care Pastors meeting we had a time of prayer together, and I just encouraged all the pastors to begin to speak out whatever was in their spirits...and it was amzingly prophetic and effective...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Trusting God,

That is not only happening in our country at large, it's happening on a personal level to relationships, everywhere...everything is being tested by the fire...

Praise God that when he sends the fire (Gr: "pur"), he also sends the brimstone (Gr: "theion", which means the presence or nature of God, and is translated "sulphur" (medicine) in most modern Bible translations). If it weren't for the brimstone, we couldn't bear the fire...but His word is medicine to all our flesh...

When someone asks me if I'm a "fire and brimstone" preacher, my resonse is (in the words of Sarah Palin), "Youbetcha!"

Our God is a consuming fire...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Anon @ 10:52, I don't want to read too much into your question, but I can tell you that when Jesus said "it is finished", He had a bigger idea in mind than just starting "Christianity" as we know it. The earth, not just America, is Lord's...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

OK, I'm done now for a while...does anyone else read this blog?

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

..is THE Lord's...

Cool about "unded", Avatar...

Unknown said...

Thanks, Bishop. Since my get it factor on word vers is often in the single digits, it was cool for me too.

Pamela said...

All I can say is if someone thinks you are only thinking of the World and do not care about us, they are misguided and I pray the Holy Spirit Opens up their eyes to see the big picture. You love us so much that you are teaching us to look at the big picture and that it is not just about us, but the world that is "lost" and does not know the Love of Jesus Christ". If people could only see we are being given a relationship with the Holy Spirit and the World that God can only give.
I am not angry at this person. Whoever you are I love you and want you to know that I am praying for you and that you receive revelation that only the Holy Spirit can give. I know that I have farther to go, but when I look back to where I was a couple of years ago and my relationship with God, and how I looked at others I do thank the Holy Spirit for His teachings and revelations, and transformations that I have received through Bishop and Pastor Debye being obedient to the Holy Spirit and the Will of God. And as we enter November and begin to enter a marked time for THANKSGIVING, I Thank God for CITN, I Thank God for Bishop and Pastor Debye, and I Thank God for all my Friends that God has given me through CITN. I Love you all, Pamela

Also I am trusting God in protecting and providing for this country and that who ever becomes His next President His hands are upon him and that His will, will be done for this Great Nation. I am trusting God because God can make any person or thing great and any situation miraculous. Peace, Love, Joy, Pamela

Anonymous said...

Bishop's poem for November from AYITN:




November In The Now!



NOVEMBER


A month to count your blessings.

Time for thanksgiving for the harvest . . .

Time to show an attitude of gratitude . . .

The seeds you have sown
are all finally full grown!
It’s time to say thanks
for all that you own.

You’ve reached for the prize,
and attained! For your eyes
have been brightened by blessed
Harvest Moons in the skies.

You’ve not ceased to believe,
Now it’s time to receive
and enjoy the fruits of
what you’ve longed to achieve.

Harvest time now is here,
There’s no reason to fear,
You have more than enough;
It’s your bumper crop year!



So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. (Galatians 6:9 The Message)

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

NTL, yesterday you said something about the Holy Spirit being outpoured after the election in a powerful way...and I'm sure that there will be a great sense of relief for all of us when that happens, regardless of which way it goes on Tuesday, which will make the atmosphere conducive to that kind of experience...

But, just between you and me, I'd really like to see that happen tomorrow at CITN, before the election...

Holy Spirit, You are welcome in this place!

Anonymous said...

You're a good pastor and a good father.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Avatar, the word verification is a funny thing...the collection of vowels and consonants run the gamut from spelling out the sublime and prophetic to the silly and obscene...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks for that, Pamela T...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thannks for posting that Anon @ 3:14...my poems don't usually rhyme, but that one does...I wanted to see if I could write something with 5 words in each line...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, Anon @ 3:25...by the grace of God, I am what I am...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Debye's driving back right now from NC wi Sofia, and she just texted me that, wherever she is, she got gas for 1.99 a gallon...

Anonymous said...

New American Standard Bible:

and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
King James Bible
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.


American King James Version:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.


American Standard Version:

if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.


Douay-Rheims Bible:

And my people, upon whom my name is called, being converted, shall make supplication to me, and seek out my face, and do penance for their most wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sine and will heal their land.


Darby Bible Translation:

and my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from the heavens, and forgive their sin, and heal their land.


English Revised Version:

if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.


Webster's Bible Translation:

If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.


World English Bible:

if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.


Young's Literal Translation:

and My people on whom My name is called be humbled, and pray, and seek My face, and turn back from their evil ways, then I -- I hear from the heavens, and forgive their sin, and heal their land.




Word verification - latest

Son of Zadok said...

Singing

"Letters, we getters, we get stacks and stacks of letters....Letters!!!"


Bishop, I'm sorry to continue to hear that some people think you have to be their waiting with a napkin every time they spit something up. This is part of what I was talking about earlier. Delegate, share the load, lean on your body, they are awesome and don't believe these reports about your global outreach. God is using you and this church to reach the world, not just as a Christian daycare center. We need to realize that the day of the one man ministry is passed us. You are an apostle Bishop. You answer to God and not people who think it's your job to be their mediator between them and the Father.
Church you have to grab the alter by the horns and get a hold of God for yourself! My friends, the bread that comes out of this ministry is the finest you will ever find. I pray those unhappy ones begin to realize just what they are involved in. This is not some weekly Christian self-help seminar, this is a ministry to equip you for the work of the ministry. If you really want to find God, turn your T.V. off and go do something for someone else, you'll find Him there. Get your eyes off your own problems and onto Christ and His righteosness that is within you. By serving others and and entering into communion with God you'll overcome, or at least be overcoming. Love and forgive yourself people. Ask not what CITN can do for you, ask what you can do for God. This man has sweated blood to try and meet this body's needs. He doesn't even take a salary from the church right now for God's sake. I mean really ?! Give him a break. It's time. It's time. It's time. It's high time. You are loved. This man looooves you so much. Don't try and make him God in your life. The most high God is available to you every second of the day. Start pulling on our heavenly Father for his time and council. You'll never be free until you do that anyways.

Big Love, Muah!

ver: empor

I implore you!

Son of Zadok said...

Bishop, I realize your good and don't need defended. These are just things we need to remind ourselves of. Someone needs to say them.

tracy said...

Amen SOZ

Son of Zadok said...

The fall, holding each other up, a time to be a child, being on trial and going through the fire. "You'll be gone", speaks to me of losing the old man. A lot of cool thoughts in this song. Is "The Ruse" the idea that anyone can actually hold us up other than the Spirit of God himself? WARNING, ONLY FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO ROCK.

hypem.com/track/524873

Tapes N' Tapes - Le Ruse

Riddles fill and down the stakes
And I'll be around to fall
Cheated all by battle songs
Le ruse was fought back off

We've been trying to hold you up
To keep you safe from the fall
We've been trying to hold you up
To keep you safe from the fall
To belong, you belong

Even with the siren
The comeback is strong
Set against the regret
Of times you've been stung

I've been trying to hold you up
Until you break from the fall
I've been trying to hold you up
Until you break from the fall
You'll be wrong
You'll be wrong
You'll be wrong

You were hiding this time
You've been up and refined
You've been holding up
With your head in the sun

You've been up
You've been had
You've been sold
You were born
You're a man

You're an only child
You're a joke
On the side
You were mine

I'm on trial I'm on fire (x4)
I'm on trial

I'm on trial I'm on fire (x4)
Trial... Fire...
Trial... Fire...

Here by the sideshow
For years come and gone
There will come another
In time to bring down

I've been trying to hold you up
To keep you free from the fall
I've been trying to hold you up
To keep you free from the fall
You'll be gone

NTL said...

Holy Spirit, we ask You to come. We need a touch from You, a big touch.

Anonymous said...

I am so connected to the GPF, praying for nations and all the global connections that are occuring through CITN that it is hard for me to even put in words what is in my Spirit. All I know is that when I read things like today's post, my Spirit leaps for joy!

The following is from a daily devotional I subscribe to.

Progressively Global-Minded

You may find yourself seeking to understand the world beyond your locale today, which could have you feeling broad-minded. You may feel progressive as you look outside your normal sphere of interest to explore the wider world. You might realize you don't know the exact location of a country you've heard mentioned. Or you might meet someone from a place you've never heard of before. Whatever draws you out of your well-worn paths to connect to the rest of the world today can be considered a message from the universe and is worth heeding.
Even with the technology available to us today, we are not much different from villagers who receive news from a person traveling across their path. For most of us, unless we know someone from a certain part of the world, or have been there, stories about a faraway place don't seem to have much to do with us. But just the opposite is true. Now more than ever, choices we make in our neighborhoods affect people around the world. Our ecology and economies are intertwined, and our planet's fate is one we all share. By expanding our thinking to include people in other lands, we become part of a global culture, shifting the balance so that soon we may all make choices while shopping and traveling, driving, and eating that take into consideration our family members around the planet. Your progressive understanding today can be the first step of many to bring together our human family for the good of our home planet.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, SOZ, but I really am good about everything. And the vast majority of people at CITN are totally on the same page with me, and regularly express things like Anonymous @ 6:39 did (above)...

But I appreciate the obectivity of your words, especially since I've never met you...it's always interesting to read what so many of you who are a part of cyber-CITN see about this place from a distance...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

and I appreciate the objectivity of them...

Iris said...

Hi everyone....

Love everything everyone has written today... I say yes and amen. I know for me, as much as I have traveled in my life. I am proud to be an American, and no matter what happens in the elections. We are all going to be ok. Not just because we are American, but because we are believers. Our God reigns. As much patriotism I feel about being and American... I stand tall and solute my belief in God.... Because in the end... that is all that matters, and all will see how great is our God.

I am still feeling weak from my battle in the flesh this week. All is good, and healing well. I am going still try to be ITB tomorrow. I need to be with my family.

OMG... for real gas at 1.99... That is too cool.

Love you guys...
Iris

NTL said...

For God so loved the world. The love for the world started with Him.

Bishop you are an extension of that love, spreading that love of the One who first loved. You were created in His image, and you are by design of the Great Designer an ambassador of love to not only the ones you come in contact with on a daily basis, but to the whole world. Go ye into "ALL" the world...

If anything Bishop Swilley,(one who is the pastor to many pastors in many places around the world, who are also spreading the love of God to people that would not know the love of God unless they were there telling them about it and also the Senior Pastor of CITN, where unconditional love is a way of everyday life through not only himself, but through the many ministries of the church) you just keep on being who you are and I pray that the love of God will overtake your accuser/s and when that does happen it will probably be realized that you were involved in them receiving and realizeing the true love of God, one way or the other.

To the accuser/s of Bishop Swilley, get this, God loves you, Bishop loves you, I love you, we love you and should you decide to walk in forgiveness of yourself you will begin to love yourself, which is a God thing, love your neighbor as yourself... I pray you find the truth in what I have said and that that truth will help set you free.

Miracle, peace and love to us all.

Donald said...

Amen to praying for the country.

Son of Zadok said...

NTL,

You said it all so much better than I did.

Love believes all things.

Donald,

Good to see you brother.

NTL said...

soz,

we both speak from our hearts, that's all that matters.

donald, we pray healing to you all.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget to set your clocks, back.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, we know.

Son of Zadok said...

Hey Donald,

If Bishop shuts down here when he leaves for Korea, we ought to get everyone to crash Pastor Dennis's Blog. We can observe the outcome of what awaits during this historic time. The energy is high in the land this week. We love you. The Lord breaks into pieces the oppressor.

Pastor Dennis,

Tell us something good about your vacation.

Erik,

I know you realize were down to days, not months now before the game this year. Just reminding you.

Iris,

I pray that God continue to give you a sound heart, which is the life of your flesh. You prosper and walk in health even as your soul prospers and the virtue of the Lord lives in you.

Scriptural Prayer

We pray for the Nations,

The leaders of the nations are coming to light. We make supplication, prayer, intercession, and give thanks for ALL the people and the leaders of nations, that I might live a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Let out leaders be just and let them rule by the awe of the Lord. Let the leaders of the world fall down before the Lord, and let the nations serve Him. Let the poor and needy people of the nations be delivered. Let the Lord's dominion be established in the nations, and let His enemies lick the dust. Turn the leaders hearts to awe you. Let the Lord rule over the nations and let them be glad and rejoice. Let us sing a new song, bless His name, and show forth salvation from day to day. Let the people of the nations tremble at the presence of the Lord. We make a joyful noise to You and serve You with gladness. World leaders hear the words of Your mouth. Wickedness is rooted out of the land. The wicked are cut down and withered as the green herb. All the people of the nations turn and worship Him. The nations are the Lord's and the fullness thereof, and ALL they that dwell therein! The idolaters are confounded, all the gods worship the Lord. The nations praise the Lord for His merciful kindness and truth!

Anonymous said...

Bishop's shutting it down?

Anonymous said...

let's all just be honest

word ver - honest

Larry Usher said...

Great interchanges today- lots of exo boxo cognito!
After finishing my work for today, was close enough to the mountains to go ahead and trek northward. Gassed up at 2.09 so that was cool-looking for the elusive 1.99!
The trees were fabulous and the sunshine warm and brilliant; stopped often to take pics. In one area I stopped to take a picture of cows in a pasture that had an old barn and backlit mountains behind them, all bathed in sunshine- glorious! I got out of the Jeep, whistled at the cows to see if they would come closer for a better pic- and as I'm leaning over the fence to take a picture of a small, cute calf, I feel something nuzzle my hand...it was a dog(part husky with those laser blue eyes)who had come running from way down the road in response to my whistle. It's owners followed shortly as they were strolling and enjoying the scene and stopped to chat for a few minutes. Turns out they were Christians and owned a beautiful "spread" a short distance away and had several grown children living close by. He pointed to a small, very old house and indicated that was where he was born & raised- it was all very homey & welcoming. Reminded me of visions of Heaven and the closeness and "welcomeness" of the spiritual place of our Father. Everywhere the eye could see was beauty, even in the several old dilapidated barns, outbuilding and farm equipment- all belonged, all bathed in warmth & purpose(even if simply to provide rustic character).
Nothing wasted, nothing thrown away, all important, all needed, all loved.

Blessings & love to all,

Larry

word ver: SPESS- "Special Places Exude Simple Splendor."

Second word ver: SQUIRL- I'm not kidding! Bishop, have you been messing with the word ver settings??

Anonymous said...

America is going to the Polls
There is only one true Victor!

In a matter of days America will elect our next President. Whoever is elected he will have an enormous job ahead of him. Over the last month, we’ve seen Congress pass an historic $700 billion dollar bailout to help rescue the financial sector. We’re now seeing clearly how greed in this country has almost crippled our economy. Unfortunately, history has a way of repeating itself…
In our study of Isaiah you’ve seen that the days of Uzziah and Jotham were days of wealth, days of plenty. God’s people became proud in their hearts and lavish in their lifestyles. They were eating the fruit of the land and enjoying their houses, but their hearts were full of pride. Sound familiar? “The proud look of man will be abased in that day” (Isaiah 2:11)

As you watch the news, it’s easy to let fear overtake you. I say to you and let me encourage you, there is HOPE! There’s Hope in the one true Victor, the Lord Jesus Christ! There’s HOPE in the Word of God that says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have HOPE” (Romans 15:4). God will see us through these difficult days, but the focus of our lives must be on God alone.

Judgment ---But HOPE! I can think no better time than now to be studying the book o Isaiah. Remember that in everything God has a purpose, and His purposes will be accomplished. During these challenging days, cling to His Word, continue in the study of His Word, and believe His Word that say “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage: I have overcome the World”(John 16:33)

My Friend be encouraged! Remember, we can boldly say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER. I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO To ME, TO ME (Hebrews 13:6)

NOW GO VOTE NOVEMBER 4TH 2008, THE DAY OF THE EVERYTHING IN THIS WORLD.
LOVE& PEACE