Monday, December 15, 2008

MITN XI, Verses 1- 15

1. After Jesus had finished charging His twelve disciples, and preparing them for what they were possibly facing, He went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.

2. John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison on orders of Herod Antipas (in reaction to his condemnation of Herod's marriage to Herodias, the wife of his brother), and the effects of his incarceration had put John through some changes, both mentally and emotionally. So when he heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent his disciples

3. to ask him, personally "Are you really the One who was to come…the One the prophets talked about…the One we’ve been expecting…the Christ? Or should we part with our illusions concerning you, and start to look for someone else to fit that description?"

4. Jesus, without being defensive, non-emotionally replied to them, "Just go back and simply tell John what you hear and see...

5. All that he needs to know is that the blind are receiving their sight, the lame are walking, those who have leprosy are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, even the dead are being raised, and the good news is being proclaimed to the disenfranchised and the destitute.

6. And blessed is anyone who accepts this as My validation, without offense because of their perception of Me, and does not even think of asking such a question."

7. But as these disciples were leaving to take Jesus’ pointed reply back to John, He began to speak to the crowd about him, before anyone could form a negative opinion because of this exchange of words...before anyone could bring an accusation against John due to his obvious doubt and insolence. He said to them, "Just what did you think you were going to see out there in the wilderness? A little weakling who doesn’t speak his mind…a reed swayed by the wind?

8. If not, then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes…a sell-out for the religious establishment? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces, and a shaky reed would never have the nerve to challenge me in this way.

9. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? No doubt…that’s what you wanted to see, and that’s what you did see. But, I tell you…this man, regardless of the mental battle he may be having right now in that lonely prison cell…is still a prophet…more than a prophet, in fact…a prophet, and then some.

10. This is the one about whom Malachi wrote: 'I will send my messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.'

11. This is the absolute truth, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater in history than John the Forerunner. Yet, ironically, in this kingdom which he introduced to you…in this new paradigm where the first shall be last, and the last shall be first…the order of things will be so radically changed, that whoever is perceived to be the least important…the least significant…the least worthy in the kingdom of/from the heavens, is actually greater than he!

12. You see, for a long time now…even from the days when John the Forerunner was at the height of his influence…right up until this very moment…the kingdom of/from the heavens has been subjected to a kind of violence, as it were. People have tried, in one way or another, to literally force themselves into God’s kingdom through their own efforts. Men of passion, like John, have demonstrated this “violence”, and, frankly, it has been allowed, because there was basically no alternative.

13. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied the coming of this kingdom, up until John appeared on the scene, and manifested their prophecies into this reality. They spoke it into spiritual existence, but he literally opened it up for you in the material world.

14. And if you are able and willing to grasp this concept, he is actually the Elijah who was to come.

15. Whoever has discernment, let him perceive what I mean by that."

50 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm enjoying verse 12. It has never quite made sense to me that it was okay for the violent to take the Kingdom--or really even how they so violently took it...and also why was this statement tucked in here with John--"the forerunner" (which is also cool on several levels). A cool flow is here in MITN XI...along with a satisfying that-makes-it-all-line-up "ohhhhhh!" I'm also struck [that's not the right word--maybe "encouraged" is it] by the clear, let-me-say-it-again-in-case-you-missed-it statements about how MUCH Jesus loves John, even starting in verse 2. I sense that many will come across this bridge that has been built to and for those who were violently approaching the Kingdom--

Matthew must be pleased to have dispatched his Caravaggio-perceived angel for such a time as this.

wordver: duffiboo...
well I don't know who duffi is, but it appears your boo would like to say hi!

Unknown said...

I just noticed BLOGINTHENOW is "out of the box" on the main page. Also cool.

NTL said...

Bish,
Some of these days, verse 5 will be a very accurate discription of just some of the goings on at CITN...

Then they that doubt, will know, that you heard and hear from God.

Anonymous said...

I agree Avatar, this is the most clear presentation of what is meant by verse twelve that I have ever seen.

I wondered how many times a zealous Jesuit warrior or some other religious zealot has misused this verse to send soldiers into battle. There are some vain imaginings that I also had as a child of battles going on in heaven where the devil's angels and God's angels slew one another.

It truly is refreshing to see this teaching in a proper mature rendering that is in context with the testimony around it.

Our reciept of these anointed teachings really does spoil us when we take them for granted.

These truths revealed for what they are as the plain language being spoken in context with the event that occurred at the time is reassuring to those that have been troubled by false teachers desiring to lead sheep away from the Master and at the same time is troubling to those false shepherds as they are revealed for the wolves that they are.

This is the plain truth that sets free.

JB

SCRIBE said...

Monday Morning
15 December 2003 @ 0650 Hours


Glory unto the Most High God as this servant proclaims Hallelujah and Amen! Today, declares the Lord of Hosts, shall be noted as a day of Divine Breakthroughs and Evolutionary, Miraculous, Sudden Change, proclaims God. For I have not only set this day apart to be unique from all others, but shall break open all the vessels and jars in the spirit realm that have been sealed up and stagnant! When the fresh breath of life and the wind of the anointing are unable to flow freely, death has been appointed, says God. Therefore, after I shatter the vessels and their existence spills out like water from a broken glass, they will understand that I- the Lord thy God have sent froth the Holy Spirit with the rod of correction to rebuke and drive out folly and rebellion far away from them, declares the Lord of Hosts. No stone shall be left unturned! As surely as I have declared and decreed this very thing, so shall it be in overflowing measure, for mine word does not return to Me void, says God Almighty.

The time has arrived for the tables to be overturned and the bartering, trading, and selling out / shortchanging the anointing will come to an immediate end, says God. There is no more tolerance for they whom are consistently fed the word, yet spit out the word because it does not pacify them in their comfort zones and utter folly, proclaims Jehovah God. Truly, I say unto thee, my dear children, you are about to witness the hands of the Lord your God and Faithful Father at word mightily where all will rejoice, understanding that not only have I avenged my precious Sons and Daughters whom worship me in Spirit and Truth, but the enemy shall be lain to rest. Selah… Those who diligently work to interfere with the destiny and calling of my people shall be demolished. The timing is crucial where those prized vessels, which I call according to my name in them, will and must adhere to my purposes and precepts for their lives. Furthermore, those very things that they have desperately tried to hold onto, even as I commanded them to let go of, will be violently snatched up, far removed, and taken out of their lives permanently, says God. I shall not stand by to watch mine children whom have been appointed for critical Kingdom Assignments, be sifted like wheat by the enemy while wallowing around in utter confusion. I have chastised my people in regards to laying about with the thieves, wicked, pompous, idolaters, greedy, self-serving mongrels that have only arrived on the scene to tamper with the anointing on their lives, causing my precious Sons and Daughters to forfeit their destiny by way of distractions. Selah… Distractions can lead to destruction of the worst kind, declares God!

Be still and know that I AM God. I shall not delay in moving on your behalf as you keep your ears fine tuned into my spirit, you shall hear the report that you have eagerly anticipated very shortly and swiftly, says God. I- the Lord thy God shall not delay in this promise. I neither sleep nor slumber and have paved the way to make all things work together for your good. It is my desire to perfect you and strengthen you every place that you are weak, says God. Although you may feel weak, off balance, and off course, you have not missed the mark because I have placed you front and center and you shall not miss the target, says God. I- the Lord your God am the way, the truth, and the light. So, let they whom know that they are the redeemed of the Lord stand up and say so. Hallelujah! Glory, Honor, and Praise unto the Lord Almighty who is far greater than every circumstance or situation. Amen.

This is your day for Divine Impartations and manifestations not known before. Breakthroughs shall be tangible and made visible, while you shall not be left in lack or need as I have opened the windows of heaven upon, within, and around you. Truly, I say unto thee, you shall not eat the bread of shame or humiliation, says the Lord of Hosts. Just as surely as I have set this proclamation before you this day, everything that you see is about to change at lightning speed. Faint not and do not lose heart, for I am the Lord over the great and the small. All things are subject unto me and must bow down in mine presence, says God.

Divine Order shall come forth! My Name shall be exalted and my will shall be erected, established, facilitated, and implemented, says God. I shall do these things in haste, says God. Just watch me as I reveal everything that I have decreed instantaneously and your family shall be made new, whole, peaceful, and prosperous immediately, declares the Lord Almighty. I honor those whom worship me in spirit and in truth, while acknowledging me in ALL their ways, not just those ways that they desire to put on display for others to marvel over. From this point forward, living in denial is not an acceptable excuse, especially when I- the Lord Jehovah have sent the forewarnings several times. Woe be it unto they who throw rocks and hide their hands while cursing, grumbling, and backbiting against my appointed messengers, playing the devil’s advocates and keeping up confusion by acting as unsuspecting go-betweens and feigning innocence, then putting on masks of false humility and piety, as if what they do is harmless and unseen by the masses! For it is not my desire for my people abide in ignorance or darkness simply because it serves as a comfort zone. Selah… I AM the Lord of Hosts, therefore I am all-seeing and all-knowing. Just because maximum exposure has not yet arrived nor have they been called out and held accountable by others, this is indeed time for Repentance RIGHT NOW, declares God. My bondservant watchmen / watch-women stand at their posts of duty to serve as guardians over the gates, while shielding my people from the predators that I have shown them in the spirit realm as appointed warriors. My word is a two-edged sword and the hammer that shatters the rock into pieces! Shout Hallelujah and rejoice, for I have spoken and so shall it be unto you in great measure. Let everything that have breath PRAISE ME- the Lord Almighty forever more!

Hallelujah! Amen.

NTL said...

Scribe,
Yes and amen.

Word ver...calear...

Anonymous said...

Pic 1 reminds me of Gen. 22:2 when God tempted Abraham, saying, "Take your beloved - your only son, Laughter, & trek to Moriah. A chosen mountain's over there - go check it out."

The character's demeanor is interesting. In spite of what's depicted (hands = works bound; feet = walk bound) his gaze is fixed upward. Maybe my perception's off; looks like a sunflower etched in the stone wall at his right shoulder. (shoulders = authority)

What if that was Peter, smiling?

Verse 1 - Love different interpretations for how Jesus "charged" His disciples and the line, "they were possibly facing." Throughout their journeys with Him, didn't they face the precipice of an event horizon, daily?

"He went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. " One online source says that Galilee means "circuit".

Verse 2 - "... the effects of his incarceration had put John through some changes, both mentally and emotionally." Amazing! John, the camel-coated, leather-girdled, viper-warning-prophet was stymied.

Verse 3 - "should we part with our illusions concerning you, and start to look for someone else to fit that description?" Astounding! For me, not because John asked. But, how he asked. He said, "we". (he and HIS disciples)

I wonder if that word was one of Jesus' blood/sweat/tear droplets at the Olive mountain prayer vigil. In His response, was He charging John, "Remember!" (that day when Mary visited Elizabeth) What if John wasn't accusatory, but experiencing his own temptation? A Zacharias moment?

5. ...the good news is being proclaimed to the disenfranchised and the destitute," says this to me: "Citizenship is here, NOW. In My kingdom the poor are not invisible - their votes count!"

11 - John the Forerunner - somewhat ironic to me, is that his "wilderness" was a prison cell (suffering the likes of carob beans, instead of honey-glazed grasshoppers in my cartoon balloon - cuz, c'mon, John was a wild man, not a vegan!), enclosed between walls - no place to proclaim good news.

12. "People have tried, in one way or another, to literally force themselves into God’s kingdom through their own efforts."

I love that it underscores something the Holy Spirit showed me about warfare praying. I used to, a lot, until the Holy Spirit simply asked why I'd bust down heaven's gates when God already gave me keys.

Also love MITN's wording, "when John the Forerunner was at the height of his influence…right up until this very moment...", bet that was a clue. (John 3:28,30,31.)

14. "And if you are able and willing to grasp this concept, he is actually the Elijah who was to come." This reminds me of Malachi 4:6, reiterates Luke 1:17 & proves Isaiah 55:11.

Anonymous said...

Praise to God for all His blessings today. Thank you Lord. We all expeerince what John was experiencing... doubt, but the beautiful thing, the thing I love here is that immediately Jesus defends John and provides a covering. That is how we are to protect each other because I may sway at times I am still a firm believer just as John was.

I also love verse 5. These are the miracles that validate John's belief... and we are to be doing "far greater works than these." Amen! I pray for that time to be now!

And then verse 9 is beautiful. Stating that regardless of John's present circumstances- or our present circumstances- he (John) is and has been and will always be that thing which God called him to be. And we are and will always be that which God has destined us to be. Jesus knows what each is called to and gives us signs to strengthen us in that calling AND He provides a covering for us when WE fails to realize it our walk in total faith.

Anonymous said...

"It's A Wonderful Life" pic. I admit that holiday planning/shopping/wrapping/cooking has tested my vision.

But, seriously? I'm sitting here staring at a Native American (in full head-dress) behind George and Mary. So, I'm quickened to pray for The Nations people.

When I re-focus, there appears to be a toddler (with fist to mouth) beside George's right cheek & behind Mary's head.

And I think to myself, What an imaginatively, wonderful way to introduce a blog for creative visionaries and dreamers.

wordver: milingo - beautiful!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Anon1:39...I don't see what you were seeing, but just so you don't think you were hallucinating, you should know that I did change the original IAWL picture...

Anonymous said...

I know I wasn't hallucinating and thank you for the confirmation, Bishop. (you should know that I double-checked the expiration date on the egg nog carton...)

G8TRGRL said...

O.K., choke me up the minute I glimpse at the IAWL photo!! (ahem)

To Tracy: I pray your first day in your new endeavor was a great one. As I am sitting in my *twinkling* living room (finally finished decorating) I gratefully have you and your wonderful spouse to thank for it! That gesture embodies what a "church family" can be to one another. My own Mr. Wonderful and I gratefully appreciate the help in fixing that until he gets home.

"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas."
--Dale Evans Rogers

ttfn

word veri: suerp... It suerp was nice for ya'll to help...

Son of Zadok said...

Something I'm becoming aware of this year is just how much the meanings behind the words of ancient texts can be lost through time and translation. I'm realizing that Mideastern spirituality can be miles away from our post-Platonic use of Latin and Greek in many matters. For example, mind, body, soul, spirit, heaven, earth, past, present, and future. In our minds they all seen to have individual identities that are cut and dry. Aramaic, Hebrew, and Arabic, the 3 Semitic languages, do not construct reality in the same way. These languages have roots and patterns that allow the one hearing to understand themes and variations. Something that word for word translations can't even begin to convey.
Matthew In The Now is bringing that type of context, texture, and understanding to light. Things that have been hidden are being revealed. Multitudes of people will use this translation for their own meditation, comfort in crisis, and for public rituals such as birth, marriage, burial, and writes of passage.

Thoughts to myself today.

God is freeing from the way things used to be done. In the mind you have realized things are so different, but you have gone about like things will work the same and be done in the same ways and manners. God is opening us up to see everything in a new light. New ways we may have not known before. Our knowing and our doing are sustained in the perfect light of God's parental loving.

God, I speak your light into our lives. Your nuhrah is illuminating what is unknown.

The word light in Aramaic (nuhra) means the illumination of what is unknown. With one hand over your chest, slowly intone the Aramaic word for light, NUH-RA. Place one hand gently over your heart and let the sound begin there. As you intone the word, feel your connection to the Spirit of love and light. Take a few deep breaths of loves nuhra.

Anonymous said...

Keep On Keepin' On

If the day looks kinder gloomy
And your chances kinder slim,
If the situation's puzzlin'
And the prospect's awful grim,
If perplexities keep pressin'
Till hope is nearly gone,
Just bristle up and grit your teeth
And keep on keepin' on.

Frettin' never wins a fight
And fumin' never pays;
There ain't no use in broodin'
In these pessimistic ways;
Smile just kinder cheerfully
Though hope is nearly gone,
And bristle up and grit your teeth
And keep on keepin' on.

There ain't no use in growlin'
And grumblin' all the time,
When music's ringin' everywhere
And everything's a rhyme.
Just keep on smilin' cheerfully
If hope is nearly gone,
And bristle up and grit your teeth
And keep on keepin' on.

NTL

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Wow, thanks, SOZ!

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

...and EVERYONE ELSE!

Son of Zadok said...

thanks to you and also to everyone here as well. I love this place. Theirs no place like it.

Larry Usher said...

picture of Bishop at pastor's conference in Kamuli, Uganda before laying hands on a lame man.

Bishop- Really appreciated the word yesterday. Just an amen-fest in my spirit! "I feel that somethin' good is about to happen..." (In truth IS happening)

The message sent by John the Baptist to Jesus I feel is more out of a simmering frustration rather than doubt. Jesus said that "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Force can also be translated as "energy" and forceful as "energetic". I see John the Baptist as a big tight end in football blocking for the fullback, paving the way- plowing the way- making the crooked ways straight.
John, the tight end is now on the sidelines- nothing worse for a man of energy, filled with the Spirit: "Come on Jesus, what gives? Let me get busy living or get busy dying(either kill me or get me outa this prison)."
Just another take.

You know, last night I was looking over my journal for the past year and just marvelling at all that the Lord has done and said in and around my life. I think it is very helpful and faith-building to meditate not only on the word, but on the acts which comprise our lives. As David meditated on what the Lord had helped him with in defeating those four-legged creatures! Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of OUR testimony! What is our testimony today? Complaining? Looking at the world economic system? Looking for some human leaders to bring us into the "promised land"? Thinking about the "good old days"?
As Carly Simon said. "These ARE the good old days!" Every day is!
Reflect on your day today. What subtle or obvious situations arose, what voices did you hear, what was the stirring in your belly? God is in it all, interested in it all, orchestrating.
I perceive that there are more that be with us than against us!

Enjoying reading everyone's thoughts- deep calling unto deep...

Blessings in the Heart of God,

Larry

Larry Usher said...

I saw a dandelion with its fluffy "parachutes" in my back yard yesterday at 40 degrees. The Lord said to me, "See, I CAN do the impossible!" I had to laugh!
But...

...it was like a bolt of lightning going off in my spirit man!!! Man.....something GREAT is in the works! I can sense it in my spirit, my dreams are getting more supernatural. It's like seeing "the pitch" to a homerun hitter- you just KNOW it's going to leave the park!!

Hey NTL, SOZ, Izumi!

Blessings to all!

Larry

Anonymous said...

George Bailey: Just a minute - just a minute. Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. You're right when you say my father was no businessman. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I'll never know. But neither you nor anyone else can say anything against his character, because his whole life was - why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn't that right, Uncle Billy? He didn't save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter, and what's wrong with that? Why - here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You - you said - what'd you say a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken down that they... Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be.

Anonymous said...

George Bailey: [praying] Clarence! Clarence! Help me, Clarence! Get me back! Get me back, I don't care what happens to me! Get me back to my wife and kids! Help me Clarence, please! Please! I wanna live again. I wanna live again. Please, God, let me live again.

Anonymous said...

George Bailey: Merry Christmas, movie house! Merry Christmas, Emporium! Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!

Anonymous said...

Anon @ 11:02: thank you for writing that. Like George Bailey I want my happy ending and "I wanna live again"

Holy Spirit help me, encourage me, invigorate me!

NTL said...

Anon 12:08,

You already know how to get your life back. Just do it. Come on.

peacemaker said...

My God...this is so good. Part of me wants to continue reading in these segments and the other part wants to wait for the completed work. Guess I'll just have to satisfy them both by doing both.

Avatar and JB...I agree with you about v.12. As "enlightened" as I think I am sometimes, that has always been a hard one for me to totally understand. From this perspective it's much clearer.

V.14 is very interesting.
For the most part, the traditional western Christian world view does not allow for such a "taboo" subject as re!@#$%^$*!>@, but to the eastern mindset, then and now...quite the norm.

I'll apply v.15 now.

Gotta Love Me,
PM

Lisa said...

Greeting from China! I was so surprised to be able to get access here when I can't even get to my own blog!!!! I Love the It's a Wonderful Life pic on the page. I am so homesick and was so happy to see and hear a little Christmas here. Looking forward to reading this installment of MITN when Zachariah finally falls asleep! He is a very busy little boy who has never seen the world outside an orphanage and is making up for lost time!!!!! I miss you all and can't wait to be able to stream services again when we get home Christmas eve!!!!
Much Love

NTL said...

Anon 12:08,
You have already made a step in the right direction, by posting here.

Come here often, and you will find encouragement, and get invigorated.

Before you know it, you will be ministering to others who need it.

Stay in touch.

NTL said...

word ver...fechamen...

Anonymous said...

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me. Three French Hens...

Anonymous said...

Now it don't take a lot of money to know what riches are
A simple candle in the window
At Christmas
In your Heart.

by Alabama (Candle In The Window)

Don't think about the economy.
Think About Him.
Gifts are cool
Gifts are fine
Without Him
We wouldn't be refined.

Jesus Is The Reason
For The Season

Anonymous said...

This seems good to me and is encouraged by others who I’ve allowed to speak into my life. It is also good to the Holy Ghost who has obviously not struck me dead before it reached the blog master and since you are reading it must also be good to him whether he readily agrees or not.

Throughout known history of humanity we have developed various cultures that have all created myths to explain where we came from while at the same time the very cosmos from which we emerged has continued to shape our destiny without regard for the many different things that have been said by the many different humans concerning its Creator. As the Creator, of that cosmos and all that comes from it, established a continuous message that both whispers and shouts with great noise so do we become enlightened as we acknowledge the message of the Way, Truth and Life.

This scripture and the many teachings I have received push, pull and hedge me into the path of destiny that I believe to be the same for all humanity as though we are all the same person. Should I be right about that, then if I am saved or lost, so are all.

For me there are confirmations, too many to count, that dispel any doubt concerning the origin of life as we know it. Although I may assert that the creation story in Genesis is a myth along side those of other cultures it is also clearly revealed to me that poetic rendering holds important keys to understanding the larger more detailed process of creation. There may be other creation myths that have these same keys within them also. What is more important than where we came from though is what we are doing with the information that we have knowledge of.

It is pretty much indisputable that humans have used their gift of speech to describe what they observe around them. An assertion made by people of faith that I am in complete agreement with is that the words we use to describe things around us actually have an energy that is creative. An example of this is doubt itself. One could grind all the elements of the universe to its smallest particles and sift them but would not find either doubt or faith. These are creations of those who were created from the cosmic elements.

Groups of people have used violence to assert that what they have agreed upon to be truth is the whole truth for all humanity but these same groups even when given an opportunity of a long time period have turned against what they once thought to be the truth.

The more we open our hearts (the soul of our spirit) to all of humanity and listen to what is being spoken by them, the more complete our understanding will be of the truth within all hearts as though they are one.

All of what I have spoken is about what already exists concerning what has been spoken in the past. What I now speak is that humankind has never fallen from God’s grace and never will. We are coming into singularity by the design of the Creator.

As this picture is becoming clearer to all there is both a resistance to and anticipation of real peace in our dimension. The eyes of those alive now will see this new era.

JB

Anonymous said...

Amen JB.

Hey, Larry & ditto on blessings to all!

Anonymous said...

Holy Spirit, we keep believing
That from You we are recieving

We're not looking, for anything free
Just divine direction from Thee

We wait on You, to hear
Please make it very clear

Show us which direction to go
We desire the center, of Your flow

Son of Zadok said...

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop?

Anonymous said...

soz,

According to the official Tootsie Roll website, over 50,000 children have written in since the launching of the commercial in 1970, claiming they know how many licks it takes. Their responses have ranged from 100 to 5,800.

Three independent research studies have been carried out to determine the answer. Engineering students at Purdue University devised a "licking machine" that showed an average of 364 licks are needed to get to the center. Using 20 human volunteers, the figure was 252. A doctoral student at the University of Michigan created another licking machine and came up with an average of 411 licks.

Anonymous said...

soz,

what's faster, a rabbit

Lise said...

SOZ,
I give up! How many? And do you know the answer from experience ;)

Bish, thinking off and on about Sunday's message. Particularly, "give the supernatural a chance."
I bow in gracious reverence at the serious manifestations, and giggle with glee at the humorous ones.

A couple examples:
Many of you know the health situation my dad faces. He has been off of chemo for quite some time now. I'm not even sure how long anymore, but I'm pretty sure over half a year. He's holding steady. Just had another scan a week or so ago, but won't find out results until the 2nd week of Jan. (Guess his doctor is taking vacation or something.) We're believing for even better news this time around.
I wish that my daddy had never had to face this trial, but I've seen a change in him that has been such a blessing to me. To my knowledge, the only extended family that he has left are 2 nieces. You'd have to have known his side of the family to grasp what a joy this has been for me to witness. They were ALL very pessimistic/negative about most everything. I remember discussing this, as a teenager, with my mom, and finding it sad that they had no perception of the supernatural or miraculous. My dad knows that countless people have whispered prayers on his behalf, and yes, he prays for himself. He's just always been a quiet man, and never saw the necessity in making a demonstration out of his prayer life. But I caught wind of a conversation that he had with a neighbor (who has also held him up in prayer) in which my dad said that he is believing that this disease can go away completely. YES! Give the supernatural a chance!

And yes, I've experienced the humorous manifestations, too!
P.Debye, isn't TJMaxx the GREATEST?!? Couple of months ago, went looking for a product that I hadn't seen there in many months. Something that they used to stock most of the time. They have the best gourmet section, ever! And call me crazy, but I was conversing with God on the way over... just talking, not praying... IT WAS THERE! Sonoma Vanilla Bean Extract 'Crush'... the BEST STUFF ON THE PLANET (if ya like to bake)! I swear, I could pull an Ellie Mae and wear it behind my ears!!! Anyway, I got 2. Just in case. They should last me awhile! Love it when those things happen!

Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus...

peacemaker said...

Johnny,

I hear you...

Peace, Love, and Agreement,
PM

Larry Usher said...

Was just thinking about the expression "noticed a change in" someone. It came to me that we "discover" or "uncover" our true nature more than we "change", so to speak. Although this is perceived as change in us and by others.

Another thought: Was reading in the Book of Jude last night and largely it is a scathing indictment against "ungodliness" or "ungodly behavior, but what caught my attention was the simple "out" that was given in vs. 20:

"But you dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit."

Simplicity.
Childlike.
K.I.S.S.- "Keep It Simple, Saint."
Edify.
Build Yourselves Up.

Bro Lar

Word Ver" MATOCKE- "Motivation And Testing Occur Constantly- King's Edict"

ps- watched a hawk at close range today "playing around"- they are awesome birds of prey!

Larry Usher said...

Pic of kids at Pastor Ben's orphanage in Uganda, all trying to connect in their own unique way!
All special. All needed. Nothing wasted. No excess.

River said...

SOZ

A one
A two
A three
crunch
A three
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop?
The world may never know

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks for the comments, everyone...I've been in full Papi mode, but I'll get something posted for tomorrow ASAP...

Thanks to those of you who are following the other site...glad to hear it's filling a need...

PM, I wrote you a note over there about the other one...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And Lisa, it's cool that you logged on there in China...the possibilties afforded by the internet still amaze me...

Anonymous said...

Love the depth of insight into the real meaning behind the words and how you bring that out in a very well flowing, understandable narrative in today’s language – (language in the now) LITN.
Your explanation of a “shaky reed” in vs 8 is a good example. Well, I especially appreciated the whole recount of Johns doubting; and how you made it very clear what was actually taking place and being said. I had never thought of it in this way. It was very clarifying for me.
Peace on Earth,
Dennis

Anonymous said...

Scribe,
Your words are like cool water to my thirsty soul.....

Dennis

Anonymous said...

Bishop,
I know about that "full Papi mode" when I get in "full pawpaw mode" it is nearly impossible to get anything done. as I have said before we have 9 as of last Friday. the thought of having them all at once scares me to death....they are a lot of fun though; I will never forget what one of the four year old boys, Tyler said to me sunday when I was hooking the laptop to the tv to watch CITN. "what ya doin Pawpaw? hooking up the pc so we can watch church." then he said "if you wana know bout church I can tell you, you gotta be baptized in the Holy Ghost and Fire" Just as plain and clear as a bell, never batted an eye. I was silenced by that reply for a moment, then just said with a smile "you got it son"

In the mouths of infants......

Peace,
Dennis

Anonymous said...

I am reminded why the Lord had us have children while we are young........

Son of Zadok said...

Anon @ 4:43. That was a very interesting Tootsie Tale. I probably asked that to say what you said River. Some questions we just don't have the clearest answers to yet. Maybe some we never will know. And Elle, I've tried to find out how many licks, but never made it. I'll have to give it another attempt sometime and compare my findings with these.

Lisa you got me thinking about China. That picture I had up a few weeks ago of the men standing by the scroll was from the opening ceremonies at the Games. I still think about how great that was. I was looking through the internet at some ancient Chinese proverbs. These two stuck out at me.

Talk does not cook rice.

You guys sure are talking the talk and walking the walk. Love on. God's continuous blessings on your happy home.

I'm all about equality and onesness, I even think the greatest realize being the best means being the servant. Saying all that. I liked this quote to.

They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and
they who love it are not equal to those who find pleasure in
it.

May we with God always take pleasure in It.

Hey back at you Larry!(a little late on that sorry). Isn't it great when you don't know what to do, or feel like your caught in a trap, you can start praying in your prayer language. I love that. And it works to. God inhabits our praises, and that includes much more than just musical expressions. Amen!

Bishop, take all the Papi time you need.

Reverend D,

Great to see you.

Holy Ghost and fire indeed! I got a little joy-jolt when I read that. You might have one their that'll carry on the flame.

I thought they said 8 was enough? I'm kidding, grandkids are great. My parents keep prodding me to make them some more. I don't think that's the order of operation! My brother Eric has two sons now, that'll have to hold em or awhile longer.

ver:Acres

Acres and Acres and Acres, ripe for the harvest!!!

Acres...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

P. Dennis, I returned your e-mail...I'll look for the book tomorrow...thanks for reminding me...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And thanks again, everyone...your feedback is appreciated...