Monday, November 24, 2008

MITN IV

Hey bloggers,

Thanks for the good reports from yesterday...apparently CD and DVD sales of the service were way, way up, which is awesome! One thing that really seemed to strike a chord with everyone was the part about Jesus saying, "satan, get behind Me". In that point I said that, because he ultimately helps to fulfill God's purposes (see Colossians 1:16, especially in the Amplified Bible, for more on that), that we should say, when tempted or tested by him, "satan, get behind me...get behind me and PUSH...push me into my purpose and destiny!" I wanted to refer to this before you read MITN Chapter IV, because Jesus made that particular statement in the 16th Chapter of Matthew, not here in this one.

Also, Sunday before last in my sermon (entitled: "After This"), I read this same passage from the Khaboris Manuscript (in Aramaic, the language that Jesus actually spoke), and pointed out that in that translation, Jesus refers to his own conflicting thoughts as "satana" or "satan", and speaks to "it", rather than "he" (get the CD for more info). But I have paraphrased it here in MITN in the more conventional sense of satan being an actual separate entity or being, a concept with which we are more familiar, and with which we are probably more theologically comfortable. Just some food for thought. Hope you enjoy...

























1. Then Jesus was purposely led by the Holy Spirit out into the solitude of the desert wilderness for an intentionally staged and personal confrontation with the devil (or the adversary) into a place where He could be tempted, tested and tried by him, one-on-one, for kingdom purposes.

2. And He went completely without food for forty days and forty nights, and at the end of His fast He realized that He was hungry.

3. And at that time the adversary came and said to Him, “If You really are who You believe and say that You are – the manifestation of God in the physical realm…His own Son – then command these stones to be made into loaves of bread.”

4. But He replied, “I will not, because it has been written, ‘Man shall not live and be sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth, in the now, from the mouth of God!’”

5. Then the adversary took Him into the holy city and placed Him on a high gable (or turret) of the temple sanctuary.

6. And he said to Him, “If You really are the Son of God as You say You are, then throw Yourself down off this tower; for it is written, ‘He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

7. Jesus said to him, “Yes, but it is also written, ‘You shall not tempt, test, or try the Lord your God!’”

8. Again, the adversary took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him in panoramic view all the kingdoms of the world and the splendor and magnificence of them all.

9. And he said to Him, “All of these things I will give You if You will simply prostrate Yourself before me and sincerely worship me.”

10. Then Jesus said to him, “All right; that’s enough! I have nothing more to say to you. Your purpose here has been accomplished, and so you are dismissed – be gone! For it has been written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve’; so that is that…this episode and this conversation is over!”

11. Then the adversary departed from Him, having been dismissed so matter-of-factly, and ministering angels immediately came to Him and took care of His needs.

12. When Jesus got word that John had been arrested, He left Judea and returned to Galilee.

13. First, He went to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region and area of Zebulun and Naphtali.

14. This fulfilled what God said prophetically through the prophet Isaiah:

15. “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where there is a great population of Gentiles,

16. the people who sat in darkness have now seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death reigned by constantly casting its shadow, a bright light has shined.”

17. From then on, Jesus began to preach, “It’s time for a complete paradigm shift! You must begin to think differently about God and about your relationship to Him – you must change your lives by changing your minds – because the kingdom of/from the heavens has come near enough to you to now manifest in your personal world!”















18. As He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed a pair of fishermen brothers: Simon, who is also known as Peter, and Andrew his brother, throwing a dragnet into the sea-like lake.

19. And, deliberately interrupting their routine, He said to them, “Come, follow Me…let Me be your life-guide, and as you are disciplined into My world-view, your skills as fishermen will be incorporated into the larger purpose of influencing people, to the point that you will literally ‘fish’ for human beings and become ‘fishermen of humanity!’”

20. His words were so compelling, and the concept of fishing for people was so intriguing to them, that they immediately left their nets right where they were and became His disciples.

21. And going on further from there, He noticed two other brothers: James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were busy in the boat with their father, mending their nets and preparing them for use, and right then and there He called them, as well.

22. And, finding His concepts and His charisma irresistible, they left the boat and their father at once and also joined Jesus as disciples and followed Him.

23. And He went all throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching nothing but the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every weakness and infirmity among the people.

24. So His fame as a healer spread quickly throughout all Syria and, as a result, they brought Him all who were sick and those afflicted with various diseases, those who were tormented and seemed to be under the influence of demons, and epileptics and paralyzed people. And regardless of the sickness or disease, or the seriousness of the situation, or the circumstances surrounding the individual, He healed them all, without reservation!

25. So enormous crowds of hurting people began to accompany and even mob Him, coming from Galilee and Decapolis (the district of the ten cities east of the Sea of Galilee), Jerusalem and Judea, and all the way from the other side of the Jordan.

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

In case you have'nt thought of this this way.

MITN- Matthew In The Now
MKITN Mark In The Now

I love how your words just go into my spirit and my thoughts, as, if Jesus is standing here telling them himself. I do believe that it is part of your destiny to have the BITN. It is your way, your gift for that ,that brought me to your church 20 years ago. I didnt stay then, but came alot on and off over the years. However, I am here now for the last 5 years and you are more anointed now to do this than ever.

Be blessed,
Debra M

Donald said...

Good stuff Bishop.
I have some thoughts about some things here, but have got to get to work early this morning to put out a fire.
I'll be back later.

NTL said...

The picture of Jesus praying.

We know by the scriptures it was at this time He was surrendering His complete obedience to the will of His Father, and Him knowing what was soon to be done to Him. Oh, what love.

I am also, reminded by the picture, it was for me that God had to have His Son go through what He was about to go through, because of my sin, and His love for me.

Amazing love, how can it be...


Bish,

You showing us the chapters that you have completed before the book is done, makes me think I am a kid again, getting to see ahead of time what I am getting for Christmas. Write on!

Anonymous said...

donald,

I'm thinking you could put some of that fire in a five gallon, metal can, and send it to us.

Then at the next prayer/walk, we could open it, to stay warm.

Be blessed.

Anonymous said...

There is way too much to say about all that is being said by Holy Ghost through Bishop right now so I will speak from the point of greatest interest to me. That is usually closest to what is being said by the Holy Spirit to an individual and is in the best alignment to what that person should be speaking as the gospel that has been revealed to them.

Sunday’s message was delightful and inspiring and the thing about acknowledging Satan’s true role to play in our journey is priceless to say the least. There is for me a word that continues to flow with where I have seen that God has brought CITN.

In seeing the big picture under point number two yesterday my soul reflected on some points that have stood out to me from the pages of MITN recently.

First, in MITN chapter two it is made clear that the wise men were from outside the Jewish faith. I love Izumi’s point that was made in verse one that they came from Southern Arabia where by tradition there was an expectation that the Messiah would come from Israel. That parallels to what the world is expecting from those who call themselves Christians.

Second, is the similarity of Matt 3:2 and Matt 4:17 that so sweetly and completely are addressed by MITN. The pragmatism of the concept that God’s Kingdom is here or at hand is given new life through the magnified revelation of what the purpose for the kingdom being at hand is.

Finally, for now anyway is MITN 4: 25 that, in agreement with the KJV points out that people were drawn from the other side of the Jordan or beyond Jordan. There is nothing more important to the delivery of the good news of peace on earth and good will toward humanity than for the world of those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ to effectively give that truth of God’s Love to those beyond the Jordan.

It is a delight to me that CITN under the leadership of Bishop Swilley has been and is continuing to be effective in this important part of the great commission.

Even more satisfying to my soul from the word imparted Sunday was when Bishop stated a recognition that he/we have lived and moved according to our understanding of obedience and that now we have grown to be joyful with thanksgiving for our being.

I love this place,

JB

the revelation said...

I agree that the Spirit is leading Bishop and I love the "trickle down effect" of that anointing. I find more and more that the Holy Spirit is speaking audibly to me and directing my thoughts and actions. And as I heed His direction the Kingdom that is near at hand is being revealed to me and ultimately us all. All honor and praise be to our Lord for His infinite blessings.

Anonymous said...

GOOG MORNING,
PEACE OF GOD BE WITH YOU ALL
FAITHFULL BLOGGERS!

This Morning I wake up with this Word from the Lord, our God!

HE SAYS: NOW IS OUR TIME!

He says, when I say “this is our time”, I am not talking about what just happen in the election. Or in the economy I am talking about the things happening in the Kingdom.

The year of 2009… what will it be like? Will it be a year of disasters and catastrophes beyond imagination as some have predicted? Or will it be a continuance of the glory of heaven manifest?

The year of 2009 will have some very serious catastrophes. There will be some things happening that the world will not know how to handle. But you may rest in Me, saith the Lord, because the manifestation of My glory will be so great in the year 2009, and there will be such overflowing revival throughout this nation and around the world that you’re hardly even going to notice the natural catastrophes that happen. And the things that the devil is trying to do will get caught up in the swell and the explosive power of My Spirit being manifest, saith the Lord.
Hallelujah.

Year 2009 will be known as the Year of the OPEN DOOR. My Word states in Revelation chapter three that I OPEN DOORS no man can shut. I SHUT DOORS no man can open.
There are those of you who the years have set out with commitment and resolve to do things that I have assigned you to do, and over a period of time it looked like the devil just slammed the door in your face. Some because of catastrophic things happening in your family, others because of sickness and disease that has attacked, and others because of financial disasters and just plain old not enough money to get it done, that the devil was able, as I said, to just slam the door in your face. But you hear Me now, saith the Lord I am OPENING YOUR DOOR! I am OPENING YOUR DOOR! I am OPENING YOUR DOOR! And in 2009 neither the devil nor anybody else will be able to CLOSE IT on you!

DON’T QUIT! DON’T GIVE UP! The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Don’t give up on this nation. Don’t give up on your church. Don’t give up! Don’t quit! Don’t stop! 2009 is the year of DOORS OPEN and HELD OPEN. Go through them with great faith and stay on the Word! Stay on the Word! You abide with Me, I’ll abide with you, and together we will see victory beyond anything you or anybody else has ever seen before!
Hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Glory, glory, glory!

Oh, hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes, bless the Lord. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Oh glory to God.

And by that same token, saith the Lord, there are certain doors that the devil has been holding open, doors of war, doors of destruction, doors of all kinds of disobedience and blaspheming lies and tongues. Well. I’ll tell you; in 2009 you and I together are going to slam the door on him. We are going to slam it in his face. We are going to walk on him and you are going to find out what I meant in My Word when I said set your feet on him and walk on him. He has been put under your feet. He is becoming the footstool that I said he would be. And NOW IS OUR TIME, this is your time, saith the Lord.

Hallelujah. Yes. Bless the Lord.

PEACE OF THE LORD IS WITH YOU ALL!

KETTLY

Anonymous said...

As I sit here writing bills for the end of 2008, I have BLOGINTHENOW- playlist playing in the background and I cannot continue without saying...
THANK YOU Bishop! Jeff and I are very grateful not only at this time but continually.
Content, blessed, indebted to your leadership, guidance and direction everyday!
Having our being....

Pamela said...

I was going to post this last night, but it was late and I was too sleepy to edit it. I also wanted to be sure I was ready for what these words would bring to existance.

What a great word yesterday. I wish I could put in words how really great it is. I say is because it is alive and a real rhema word is alive and transcends time.

I say to satan(spell check says to capitalize but I do not want to give him that much credit) to keep on pushin, because no matter what you say or do, I am going to be what God has ordained me to be. I've come too far to stop or give up now. Thank you Bishop, giving us that extra insight or vantage point, to see things as God wants us to see. You make it so easy for us to comprehend. You just don't preach the grace of God, but His Love and his desire for us to love him through our service to others. We have a duty and honor to be the disciples of our time while we are on this earth. Oh what an Honor and Privilege that we get to do……,for God today, this year, in our life. It is up to us to fill in the blanks.

Love and Happy Thanksgiving,

Pamela.

Anonymous said...

19. And, deliberately interrupting their routine, He said to them, “Come, follow Me…let Me be your life-guide, and as you are disciplined into My world-view, your skills as fishermen will be incorporated into the larger purpose of influencing people, to the point that you will literally ‘fish’ for human beings and become ‘fishermen of humanity!’”

I agree with the general consensus of the other bloggers, Bishop you are gifted orator of the truths of God. I like the above verse, one because Jesus said it (I like it in red) and because of it's precision as in the skill of a surgeon (if you will) or a workmen correctly dividing the word for our edification and empowerment as a body of Christ. We are beggetting after you Bishop because when at fellowshipping time, the comments of your BITNer's and CITNers are buzzing with how important our words are and the writers are being awakened because of the mastery you are developing with the accuracy and revelation of the word.

V19 is key to me because here is is more than the Son of God, but we see Him as the Son of Man entreating us to follow him as He trains our very beings to be effective in the earth, as we salt and light and lead with discipline (from word disciple) with the purpose of fishing for humanity the best fruits humankind can yield.

Many times as Christians we are not so sure what we should do and our "leaders" , while being called are amiss in leading by example. Jesus makes himself very clear here that He is our example as He is our Master, our Savior, our Teacher made flesh. And because for the true disciples they are willing to follow him in truth, in discipline but always in love. Fisherman of Humanity...I like that and what a HUGE calling.

Yes, I do believe we will do Greater Things in Church in the Now because of the revelation and teaching and truth coming from this global pulpit for all the world to see the depth and breadth and length and height of who the true Jesus is.

The word says if He is lifted up, He will draw all men unto himself. I know that scripture means that after His crucifixation mankind will be drawn unto Jesus and I know that this is taken out of context. But I believe because He will get the glory from this ministry, all men will be drawn to Him.

BTW, Matthew is my favorite gospel - I never knew why but this is a great blessing for me to have you paraphase it.

I pray 100 fold return on your seed as you continue to sow in famine. You will have a tremendous increase within in a very short time. Because you are giving Bishop, you have many spiritual sons and daughters. I give thanks for your life.

Water Walker

Yve said...

Bishop, is there going on with your playlist, since Saturday, I keep getting prompted for a plugin to access your playlist.

Most of the time I was working from my laptop but I went on my desktop and I am still getting that message.

It could be me! Could be, could be not!

Is everyone is getting the playlist to play okay. Thanks a lot for checking and responding.

love, Yvonne

Pamela said...

The Holy Spirit is amazing and if we trust him for the timing and the words to speak or type it will be well received.

I just invited a friend to stream, that I only know through email who is up in New York.

Share what we are blessed to have all the time, Invite someone, bringsomeone, Invite them to stream, pass on a cd or dvd.

It is a time for Thanksgiving.

Be thankful and give by sharing.
Pamela

Anonymous said...

hmmm...interesting that this morning I read from Isaiah 43:18,19

Behold, I will do a new thing...this reminds me of "behold, all things have become new"...and again "I will even make a road in the WILDERNESS and RIVERS in the desert.

God does this in my thoughts or in my spirit, where I also tell Satan to get behind me because he is IN MY WAY preventing me from moving forward...instead of preventing me now you are going to be my slave and PUSH ME ALONG MY PATH!

Anonymous said...

BISHOP, WONDERFUL MESSAGE ON SUNDAY FILLED WITH REVELATION. I AM BLOGGING TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOUR MESSAGE DID SOMETHING TO MY 15YRS OLD SON, PATRICK ODUAH. HE CAME INTO THE CAR AFTER THE SERVICE AND SAID, WHEN BISHOP SAID SOMTHING ABOUT THE DEVIL GETTING BEHIND AND PUSHING, HE FELT WEIRD I ASKED HIM HOW. HE SAID HE JUST FELT STRANGE. HE IMMEDIATELY RELIZED THAT DEVIL HAS NO POWER BUT ONLY MESSING AROUND WITH PEOPLE. HE SAID HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SCARED OF THE DEVIL FROM STORIES ABOUT HIM. BISHOP I CANNOT EXPLAIN IT ALL BUT I FEEL THAT MY SON JUST HEARD A RHEMA WORD FROM YOU THAT CAUSED HIM TO SEE THE DEVIL AS NOTHING BUT A LOSER. MY SON WAS VERY HAPPY AS WE WERE DRIVING HOME AND I AM HAPPY THAT BISHOP'S MESSAGE MADE SUCH A SPIRITUAL IMPACT ON A 15TH YEARS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
LOVE, MERCY

linda said...

Bish
you said yesterday that now is the time for us as a people to decree things instead of just praying about things and I know that you are right on the money. And then, when you said that the economic crisis could be partially our fault, Mercy, I had to take a big girl pill.
Let there be light
Linda

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, Debra...yeah, someone already suggested that for Mark, and I believe it's the best...glad you're still connected here after all these years...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

We'll save your place, Donald...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

That's cool, NTL...Merry Christmas!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Nice flow, JB...the service yesterday tied together with MITN...it's all good...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

"Tickle down effect"...I like it, TR...good stuff...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks for being a watchman on the wall, Kettly...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

We're grateful for you guys, too, P. Nancy...thanks...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Well said, PT...I love when a word lives on like that...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, WW...I receive it!

Anonymous said...

The service Sunday was great as usual. I loved the song “really been good, really really, been good to me” this is Monday afternoon and it is still in my head. The seven point sermon was definitely the best battle plan for dealing with hard times one could use. Now if I can just keep my focus on God and His word and truth for these trials; and stop looking around at the wind and the waives……..Just came to me as I was typing, “if God has really been good, really, really, been good to me so far, in spite of my circumstances; why would He change now?” Praise God! He wouldn’t !

MITN
Love verse 2:2 and saying, “It’s time for a complete paradigm shift! You must begin to think differently about God and about your relationship to Him, for the kingdom of/from the heavens – the interior, tangible reign of God through Christ where His will is done on earth (in the physical realm) as it is in heaven (in the spiritual realm) – has now become available and accessible because it has come very near to you!” if everyone could only see this was his message and mission in a nutshell.

Glad you straightened out the bug eating in v4.

Much needed clarification of the Greek word Pur in verse 10. If only the early translators of the bible would have been this honest and correct I might add, in their choice of words. This also adds clarification to John’s strange words in verse 11.

In verse 16 I believe we see the key and focal point of what John has been saying portrayed in a heavenly show of symbolic expression as the Spirit visibly comes down from heaven upon the Son Who is also the second Adam and representative of us all. You might consider expounding on this picture of the pinnacle of the purpose and significance of this prophetic symbol of this new paradigm of His ministry and plan for all mankind through this one Christ.

Verse 17 “This is My Son, My Beloved, in Whom I take pleasure and with Whom I am completely and absolutely delighted!” Oh what awesome wonderful good news, when you understand that God Our Heavenly Father is also looking down at you and me and saying the same thing! Because we are IN CHRIST, it makes me feel warm inside with joy unspeakable to know that when God said these word that day to Jesus; in reality in His huge heart, He was saying them to all mankind! God loves you! And don’t forget it!

In the story of the Temptation of Christ I believe the use of “adversary” is a step up from the traditional Devil; I realize some people just got to have their devil. And I do believe there is an entity known as this devil who plays an important part in God’s plan and redemptive purpose in the ages. But I do like the way the Khaboris Manuscript has it; as it gives, I believe an even more human revelation of the person of Jesus.

It all flows very well and is an easy read. I believe the way you have it is easier to follow the storyline while also expounding on the deeper truths of the narrative.
Peace,
Dennis

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Yve, I'm not aware of any problem with the playlist...as you can see, I have posted a Thanksgiving one...I wasn't going to do it, but I was feeling like I overlooked Thanksgiving (which is, in a way, my favorite holiday)...the Christmas one will be back on after midnight on Thursday...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, Karl...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks for sharing, Mercy...and tell Patrick that I said he's awesome...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Good one, Linda...made me laugh...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, P. Dennis...your feedback is very valuable to me...

Anonymous said...

I should have said MITN "3" verse 2....OOPS!

Also to add to what I said earlier about 3:16-17 many translations leave this untranslated and do not include it; but two times in these verses we have the word idoú; it is a demonstrative particle. "Lo and behold!", serving to call attention to something. I believe this is God saying now be careful to pay attention to this, it is very important to what I am saying.

I realize though that it is a little early in the story to let this cat out of the bag. Maybe God intends us to just keep that in our heart until we get the rest of the story......

BTW I love the new playlist

Peace,
Dennis

Anonymous said...

I'm lovin' it!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

One other thing, WW...I like to see Jesus' words in the Gospels in red, too...I haven't been able to create that effect here on the posts, but it will be that way when the book comes out (as it was in JITN)...

Anonymous said...

I'm having so many issues to deal with ,I'm really embarrassed to come to church. I had asked God about a situation in my life that has been going on about 4 years and when I turned on streaming, you answered me question like God was talking back to me. Don't ever doubt that you aren't reaching people or why are you saying what your saying. Even the word about sex was right up my alley. Pray for me that I can return to church. I just don't feel like I can come face everybody(I'm very well known). I'm having a hard time coming as is when everyone else seems to have it all together...Satan get behind me and push!

Donald said...

Red ink! Many years ago I was making a FERVENT effort to win a hopelessly lost coworker to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Looking back I can see where I probably made the guy really hate to come to work every day.
But one day as I was showing him something in the Bible (yes, I actually used to keep one in my toolbag so that I could break it out as needed), to show him how far away from God he really was, he told me that that particular part of the Bible didn't mean anything to him. He said that the only part of the Bible that he considered real was the part written in red ink.
I thought, "Thank God for red ink, because if it wasn't for red ink this guy would be a complete atheist."
But anyway, I was thinking of something that I just read again in Matthew ch. 4 that has always made me wonder. Jesus had just gone forty days without eating and was hungry.
Along comes the devil and tries to get him to turn the stones into bread. What I can't figure out is that it seems that he had actually completed his fast and since he was hungry anyway, what the heck.
It seems like he could have just said, "You know devil, I don't have much for you, but that is actually a pretty good idea."
I'm not being disrespectful but from what I can gather, shortly after the devil left him, angels came and ministered to him, which I have always assumed (ew, not that word) meant that they brought him something to eat.
Bottom line, he was hungry and needed something to eat. The devil made what seems like a plausible idea that Jesus turned down, only to receive aid from angels a little bit later.
Alright, the worm can is open, everybody dive in.

Pamela said...

ANONYMOUS (WHOEVER YOU ARE)-
WHO HAS IT TOGETHER? Coming to CITN, and the Power of the Holy Spirit are the only things holding me together at times. We all have issues, some public some private. I just know that you can be blessed and loved from afar. But being in the presence of the Almighty, Feeling the Healing Power of the Holy Spirit. Seeing the smiles of others, feeling the love as you embrace others and truly want what God wants for them, and they you. That’s what I feel every time I walk in CITN. I don't have it together, And if it was the only way I could get the message I would have to stream, but please do not stay away from church because you are feeling unworthy, or embarrassed. I don't know who you are, but I love you and God loves you. The enemy wants you to believe that lie, your church family and God want you to come celebrate, praising and worshiping him, being drenched in the Holy Spirit, Being in his presence. So please do not stay away. When I feel down, or not worthy it is the time I most need to walk in that church with my head held high, smiling and embracing others, sharing the love, feeling the love, soaking in his presence and worshipping. Worshipping when it makes no sense, giving when it makes no sense, being there when it makes no sense.

God’s goodness is the light in the darkness and we are the possessor of that light. When we praise every situation, we empower it with the greatness of God.

So get yourself ITB!!!!

Pamela said...

TOO MY LAST COMMENT,

WITH LOVE, PAMELA

Pamela said...

WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER ITB.

Linda Luke said...

ok, Donald...here goes...(ew...worms give me the creeps but I'm diving in anyways!)

....maybe cuz He was being tempted...(s)atan was tryin to get Him to listen to he rather than the Father. I think it's probably more of what would have happened in the spiritual realm rather than what was logically seen in the physical. The Father IS the source! (can't exactly find the the expressions)~could be...could not be~ (pondering) =)


Anon 7:35~God will HELP you get back! Nothing can separate you from His love!!! We are all being human in need of a SAVIOR! It's wonderful when we can realize the lies of the enemy that we bought into so that we are fully pursuaded that He has given us all the instructions that pertain unto life and that He is always waiting like the father with the prodigal son to welcome us home! Hang in there~sounds like the Father is directing you! =)

Love the new playlist too!

...thanking HIM in everything!

Sweet peace! Love this place and all of you~

Son of Zadok said...

Anon @ 7:35

I can't say enough what great teaching is on these online audio files.
Let their truth wash over you. God is shaping us with these trials. You are not alone or out of the ordinary.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all.

1 Cor 10:13

sigler.org/audio-gary.htm

tracy said...

Anon @ 7:35 Who would we be not to welcome you back without judgement and with open arms? Whom has appointed us to the judgement seat? Far be it from me that is for sure. Cool God ordained you to hear streaming at that very moment....for such a time as this. And as Bishop always says none of us has it all together, but together we have it all...something like that anyway!

Donald said...

Anon, pray for you that you can return to church?
Heck, tell somebody where you live and one of that bunch up there will come by and pick you up. You won't even have to use your own gas.

I stream to, but it's not because I want it that way. I live 400 miles from the ATL. You can believe that if I was closer I would be there everytime.

Quit worrying about all the "stuff"/dookey/baggage and go on to church. Those folks don't give a flip about all of that. Believe me, I've been there enough to know some of them and have stayed in several of their homes.

"They good people, man!"

Donald said...

SOZ, I'm glad you put that link back up there.
I started listening to that guy earlier when you posted that link and forgot to bookmark it and couldn't remember how to get back to it.

That's an interesting theory crownjewel. And I know there has to be a reason for Jesus' decision, I've just never been able to figure it out.

Anonymous said...

The devil only suggested bread; He wanted some meat on that sandwich and He knew that ole Gabe could fix a powerful better sandwich than the devil could.

Donald said...

Alright Dennis, you've got Her Majesty and me cuttin' up down here.

tracy said...

Donald I always like a good can of worms, and David and I were sitting here discussing your ideas about that particular reference. That is a good question and the answer probably falls along the same lines of why he waited to raise Lazarus until he was past stinky. Which translates to hmmmm why didn't he? Maybe same reason he doesn't do things in our lives the way that we think he should or the obvious easy way. When you figure that one out let us know.

Donald said...

Tracy, I hope you're not in a hurry for an answer because I've been hammering on that one for a lo-o-n-n-g-g time and I don't feel like I'm a bit closer to the answer now than I was when I started.
I think that Jesus did things sometimes and told Himself, "That oughta' keep 'em guessing why I did that."

Anonymous said...

Speaking of links, here is one I found a few years back, when I clicked on it, Whew! I didn't show up for work for days..........

actually I was off with a knee injury, sounded good though didn't it.

Dennis

Anonymous said...

Oh I forgot to put the link on the post.....:)

http://www.sigler.org/kingdom/page1.html

Get a tight grip on your mouse before you open this one or it'll shoot right out of your hand....

Iris said...

Bishop, yesterday was just what the Doctor ordered. When you spoke the words “Get behind me and push.” It was felt deep. It penetrated and was engraved on my heart. It was like a breath of God, and I was able to breathe deeply into it.

In going through… and now with the extra push to advance us on to the deeper purposes God has for us in His Kingdom, we become consumed with the knowledge of the love of God. We realize we are not alienated and alone, but brought to a pentacle of true comprehension where His unadulterated love transcends into abyss of despair and brings us where His creation truly knows and has known the goodness and love of God’s heart. For as we go through with our destination of purpose in sight, we experience Him and His love with every push.

No longer do we take the blows the advisories in our lives have to give. We use them for our advantage. We live the truths that we are put here on earth to enjoy, which is a life with the fullness of love, joy, peace, health and abundance… we have to choose to be an active participant to take pleasure in these gift, rather than a spectator and always trying to obtain them. We have to tell our advisories where to stand. And on purpose take what is promised us and live in it. With the power of sheer determination, will and faith in God, we intentionally take the journey that is uniquely our own and walk in it on purpose. Each person’s path being exclusively theirs individually, but together our paths create a beautiful garden of experiences to be shared and enjoyed by others.

We have to choose to create the lives we want. We have to speak it. We have to put out the vibrations (Thanks Judah for the word you gave as well.) and watch them create what we want in our lives. And approach every aspect or our lives as an event that produces the result we want.

So as we speak to our own individual advisories, and tell them where to stand, with the words of our mouth, and the meditations of our heart, we create the world that we are meant to live in. The journey is ours, we must each walk our own, we can either be blinded by the headlights of our advisories or we can snap out of the daze, and walk with the headlights behind us lighting the path, as it pushes us into the fullness of our future.

Iris.

Word Veri: cmsgc…Change means something greater (is) coming.

NTL said...

anon 7:35,

The more you talk about it, chances are you'll talk yourself right out of it. I add my agreement to all of these seasoned veterans of the faith. I'll add this, too. Stop talkin' and start walkin'. Only you know if you are for real. We know we are. If you're comin, then come on. And as far as having it together, I only have it together until the next time I screw up. Same goes for all of us. I really don't care what you did, and don't even want to know. This place is unconditional love waiting to put it's arm around you. If and when you decide to decide to be with us, we are here waiting on you.
Peace.

Donald said...

I like that NTL. You only have it together until the next time you screw up.
BINGO!!!
Like you said, that's really the way it is with all of us.

Anonymous said...

when Ive got it together until the next time I screw up; even then I only think Ive got it together.

Anonymous said...

Ver word "blest"....yep!

Anonymous said...

deserve it?.....Nope!

Erik said...

Anon 735 ---

As much as I can enjoy boasting it up, in all seriousness, if I can be in this church, anybody can be. Actually, it took decades to fin this place. I do not write that in low self esteem , ( I can assure you of that) I write it knowing God’s grace. God has connected you with this part of the body on purpose, not one of us can judge you or what God has connected. I am personally thankful for that, myself. ‘Cause I got nothing in the natural to stake a claim, only in the Spirit, and Grace ( I actually run around picking up the Grace , it is all over ,just layin’ there. I bring my ‘Grace bag’ and just scoop it up. Stuff my pockets with it. Sometimes I lay in it, and just absorb it in. )

If you decide to come back, look me up, and I’ll give you whatever I got in the bag, and my pockets. both usually quite full, (plus, there is plenty more to gather up, Paul had a good thing, and it just keeps on givin’). I know (really) that some things are just like gum on your shoe, no matter how many times you think you got it off, there it is again! I wash in grace ALL the time, and when I notice the gum again, I just lather up with more Grace. So, really, if anyone has an issue with you, bless them, Thank them, and soak in The Spirit , who is there in abundance. And THAT, is why this particular part of The Body is especially gorgeous, whatever struggles any of us has, they melt away in The Spirit.

SOZ – Loved your entry last night. Well woven, as always. Amen.

Larry Usher said...

WOW!!

Everyone is speaking with the Voice of the Spirit today! Awesome!!

I am sure of it! We HAVE reached a tipping point in the Spirit. I shared with the men the other night about pushing the snowball up the hill becoming so hard until the tipping point is reached and it starts downhill and gathers a strength, power and speed of its own. This is it. The wake of the Spirit has become irresistable and is pulling people along almost in spite of themselves. Like the expression: "I wouldn't quit now, even if I could." The devil has resisted us as a blocker would try to keep a linebacker away from the quarterback-and having failed to block his progress, all he can do is try to push him or impede him from the rear. He won't succeed.

Bid us come to you Lord, walking on the water!
Launch forth into the deep.
Cast your nets again into the water.
Hope that your nets don't break for the size of the haul!

Mercy- That was so cool to hear about your son! "...and then the Son broke through..."

Anon 7:35- I speak this into your life: You will come back because the simple truth is that no matter how much of the pig sty all of us still have in us(and we all have our own share)-God is always looking down the road to WELCOME US BACK! It's NEVER about judgment with God, it's ALWAYS about reconciliation! You ARE a child of God and no matter how you "feel" about it, THAT will never change- and as far as the Father is concerned, he's simply wondering when you're coming home for dinner!
So, welcome home!
As the song says:

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace."

Look forward to hearing your testimony!

The whole text of the above song is as follows:

"O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!"


When we look at ourselves too much, we see sin & failure, but when we TURN(Repent) our eyes upon Jesus, we see OURSELVES as we really are- CHILDREN OF GOD- SEATED WITH CHRIST IN HEAVENLY PLACES!! (I apologize for yelling, but this is SO important to understand!!!)
Christ IS IN US- not we hope He is in us, HE IS IN US! Let's shake ourselves awake and walk in the light of the Son who HAS set us free!

Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
We are in Christ & He is in us.
The Comforter has made His abode WITH us and IN us...NOW REJOICE!!! My heart is SCREAMING this!!! OPEN THE EYES OF OUR UNDERSTANDING LORD AND LET US SEE!!! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! SSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Hallelujah!! Thank you Father for the downhill run!!

Be blessed!

Larry

Ocelander Mason said...

As I read MITN IV, I got to vs 6 and it got me thinking that "the devil" knows the word. Your teaching on Sunday...wow.
I feel like I cannot miss one service because to me it's like you are in a series and if I miss one day I will miss a part of that whole revelation that I am to get.
As I think about the teaching that you have done since I have been coming it got me thinking and a few scriptures are popping out like if your right hand is causing you to sin cut it off and don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.
I got to vs 17 and as you said today in your message about what the author said about praying to God to change you and you change your situation. And I thought yeah that makes a whole lot of sense than Lord change the situation without changing me kinda thing. If my mindset is changed then I will be forced to make better decisions because I am thinking differently.
I started to think about President Elect Obama and the people that he is choosing to be in his cabinet.
Because when Jesus was going to study at the temple at age 12 yrs that access would have opened him up to a whole of different kinds of people like scholars and so forth. But even though Jesus had that access he still went to the streets to choose his company. I know I seem to be all over the place but I am writing as a big picture is coming together.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes, I wonder if you're deliberately being ironic or if I'm just reading a different translation, Bish.

Right above the pic of Jesus, you wrote, "Just some food for thought. Hope you enjoy..." I often do.

Food for thought - amazing!

In verse 2, Jesus is fasting everything but thoughts. God thoughts.

The pic seems to illustrate Luke 1:79 to me. Jesus was/is the light to those who sit in darkness. Peace guides away from death's shadow.

2. And He went completely without food for forty days and forty nights, and at the end of His fast He realized that He was hungry.

Why didn't I ever see this before?! At the end of His fast, He realized that He was hungry!

How was Jesus so focused, that His physical needs weren't a distraction throughout the fast? Was the earth man sustained & fortified by the heavenly manna from Himself? He actually became leaven.

Reading the exchange between Jesus & satan seems different today.

* Make some bread for yourself outta these rocks. (oh man! What if satan had already read the script & was referring to Cephas/Peter & the rest of the guys from the future - verses 18-21?)

It's so metaphysically fun just wondering!

* Throw yourself off this tower. Could that be Proverbs 18:10 & Luke 14:28?

* Bow down and worship me. (satan
trying the Isaiah 14:13,14 ploy again?)

Pic 2 - I like how it not only illustrates the fishers casting their dragnets, but, also, turned sideways resembles a fountain pouring water & a lamp's overflowing oil.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Wow, good stuff here...thanks for thinking, everyone...

I like the concept of the "tipping point", Larry...

Interesting and timely observation about Obama choosing his cabinet, Nicola...

Yes, "food for thought" was intentional, Izumi...thanks for noticing...

Love all the feedback, bloggers...