Sunday, January 18, 2009

We The People (And then some...)

Hey bloggers...We're about to leave town, but I wanted to update this post (currently 10 comments). I'm really happy that those of you who were ITB today grasped the message, and understood what I was trying to do. Please tell me what happened to you in the service, especially at the end. I loved the feedback from those of you who came down front, and wish we had had more time to hear more. If you wanted to say something, but didn't have the chance, say it here!

As you know, Judah and I are in Washington for the Inauguration, and I may not post anything until we get back on Wednesday. I'll be back for LifeSkills In The Now on Wednesday night (teaching about self-esteem), but I wanted to post this, and leave it up, so that you can write your thoughts, prayers, and observations about this historical event. Even if I don't post, I can check your comments on my Blackberry.

The Inauguration is always on January 20, according to the Constitution, but how amazing is it that this year it falls the day after MLK Day?! There is so much I could say just about him, and about his Dream, and about all that has happened since he gave that iconic speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I said something about it this morning in church, but really...it just seems profound to me that the timing worked out this way.

Regardless of your political persuasion, on this coming Tuesday we will not be Democrats or Republicans, black or white, liberal or conservative...we will just be Americans. And, as Christians, we are required to be intercessors for all those in authority. As I said at the Walk By Faith, our prayers are with President George W. Bush and his family, and our prayers are with President Barack Obama and his family. And our prayers are with our great country. God bless America!

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and human beings, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle — I am telling the truth, I am not lying — and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. (I Timothy 2:1-8 - TNIV)


Please share your thoughts on all that is happening right now...

50 comments:

Ebony said...

"I saw the decade in, when it seemed
The world could change at the blink of an eye
And if anything
Then theres your sign... of the times


I was alive and I waited, waited
I was alive and I waited for this
Right here, right now
There is no other place I want to be
Right here, right now
Watching the world wake up from history"

"Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones

Amalia said...

I am stunned by the beauty of this hour and this incredible destiny... an impending open door that is so wide and deep and ever so vast...abounding...abounding...Bishop! Bishop! Bishop!...there is so much on the verge - about to happen at CITN, on your blogs, in your books, through your messages, with your children, in your paintings, for your parents..............I can hardly contain myself.......

And, knowing MLK,Jr., were he on this side, he would be in the midst of things in Washington, DC, beaming...smiling...smiling and smiling and smiling still...somehow, it seems his spirit IS smiling...riding the winds of change that is our today and now/tomorrow...that curious, powerful reality riding in the wind......that is, in fact, the wind....and the answer, my friends, is still blowing in the wind...

O' Glory!

Teezy313 said...

AMEN BISHOP!

Blessing to President Bush and his family for serving our great country, and blessings to President Obama as he takes the helm!

Teezy

Son of Zadok said...

Unto the Most High. The Great and Holy One, Lord of Spirits and Ancient of days:

Let Your kingdom come; Your will be done. Let Your kingdom advance and be established through preaching, teaching, and healing. Let the gates of my life and city be opened for the King of glory to come in. Lord, You reign. You are clothed with majesty and strength. Your throne is established of old. You are from everlasting. Lord, You are a great king above all gods. Let the heathen hear the Lord reigns. Lord, you reign. Let the people tremble, let earth be moved. Lord, You have prepared your throne in the heavens, and Your kingdom rules over all. Let men bless the Lord in all places of His dominion. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. Let men speak of the glory of your kingdom and talk of your power. Let men know Your mighty acts and the glorious majesty of you kingdom. Let your kingdom come through deliverance. Let the gospel of the kingdom be preached in my region with signs and wonders following. Father, I receive the kingdom because it is Your good pleasure to give it to me. Let the righteousness, peace, and joy of the kingdom be established in my life. Let the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let the saints posses it. Overthrow the thrones of wickedness. Preserve me unto Your heavenly kingdom. Let the scepter of Your kingdom be revealed. I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness is added unto me. Let all dominions serve and obey You, O Lord. Let Your glory kindle a burning like the burning of a fire; and in the midst of these stones, tongues of living fire, encompassed with a flaming habitation. Rivers full of living fire.

~Amen

Anonymous said...

From this mountaintop getaway, I'm shouting, "God morning, beloved Universe!"

Bish, we won't be there today (away, celebrating 35th anniversary) but am in agreement that it is already spectacular.

Congratulations to Chandra Currelly!

JB, I truly appreciate all your kind words; haven't had time to process everything, yet. Thank you for your encouragement. We have been sightseeing (and getting some great revelation, I think!) so time at the keyboard has been brief.

Yesterday, I spoke PEACE over the nation, from Shiloh. We ran through a county called Troup. When temps dropped to low teens, we rejoiced in Merriweather.

Maybe it's my imagination. But, discovering Royal Lodge Dr. in Warm Springs seems prophetically significant to me. (Presidential Pathways - hmmm...)

Seems there's something about FDR (amongst the great cloud of witnesses) and a new day. (a Gideon thing?)

So much more to say. But, for now, abundant JOY.

Safe passage on your trip, Bish.
See you all, soon.

Thank you Son of Zadok for the birthday wish.

Anonymous said...

I believe that this is pivotal hour in history, no matter where you are in the world. There are so many nations that are watching this hour, it's incredible. I pray that we are able to see our hopes and dreams become a reality. NOW IS the time....

Pamela said...

I streamed today (scold me later) and when you were talking about BELIEVE, CREATE, LAUGH, IMAGINE, PLAY, AND DREAM. When you got to laugh you referred to Psalm 30. But specifically versus 11, 12 have been spoken over me several times over the past year. "You turned my wailing into dancing, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord God I will praise you forever." So I knew in my heart the word I was suppose to receive, But I wanted to be sure so I wrote the words on evenly cut pieces of paper and folded them and put them in a box and I pulled out LAUGH, and just me and the Lord in my apartment SMILED AND LAUGHED. I have been so serious, about wanting to be sure I am on the right track going in the direction that God has laid out for me. And on the last day of pray you told me "God Bless you, God said enjoy the journey, you’re on the right track." God is telling me don't forget to laugh, it heals, make up for the lost innocence, laughing and making other laugh makes them feel that everything is going to be ok. LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH.

I love you all, I really missed being in service today. Bishop, and Judah, have a wonderful blessed, favor filled, trip to Washington, Love Pamela T.

Anonymous said...

God bless our new president.

Lise said...

Soooo many things to say about today's service...

Brilliant, Bish!

I think the two words that I need to embrace are DREAM & BELIEVE. It takes imagination to create. I do both of those. I love to laugh, and I play alot. But when it comes to dreams, I seem to lack one of two things... either the confidence to believe that my dreams can actually come true, or the simple know-how in bringing them to fruition. So perhaps I should paint those two words on a great big canvas and see what happens.

So many things came to mind as you spoke. One was the character of Phoebe on 'FRIENDS.' Perfect portrayal of the ditzy blonde who didn't aspire to much. But despite the fact that she came from a horrible background, she embraced life and laughter and fun. Phoebe was happy! Perhaps the rest of us are the SMELLY CATs! Do any of you remember the episode where she and Rachel are running in the park? Check out this youtube link. It's a word in itself!
youtube.com/watch?v=E_OTa_DIWuU-

For some reason, I also thought of the song 'LET'S GO FLY A KITE.' Must have something to do with dreams and soaring... which isn't too far off the mark, because I was then reminded of the Cirque du Soleil production Joe and I saw last week. Here is a synopsis from their website:

KOOZA tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world.

KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil: It combines two circus traditions Рacrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful m̩lange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor.

The Innocent's journey brings him into contact with a panoply of comic characters such as the King, the Trickster, the Pickpocket, and the Obnoxious Tourist and his Bad Dog.

Between strength and fragility, laughter and smiles, turmoil and harmony, KOOZA explores themes of fear, identity, recognition and power. The show is set in an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills, chills, audacity and total involvement.

Check out the KOOZA link, too!
youtube.com/watch?v=0O0-HJhjw8Q

The use of stilts are incorporated into one of the acts. I guess when everyone else was building forts, my older sis and I were learning to walk on stilts that our dad made for us. They were awesome! I think we had all of the Dr. Seuss books, and Dad (who was quite the hobbyist woodworker and cabinet maker in his day) was inspired by King Birtram of Binn, who enjoyed cavorting around on his stilts until they were stolen, which caused him to neglect his kingly duties! When the kingdom was about to be destroyed, a page returned his stilts, and the King saved his kingdom. Man, I loved those stilts. When I saw them being used in the Cirque show (magnified about 20x), I wanted to build myself some! Yes, I DO love to play!

I am in awe of Guy Laliberte, the founder and CEO, of Cirque du Soliel. He has lived his dream for his entire life, and is now enjoying INSANE networth because he had a vision. I love this quote from him:
"Business is difficult. But it could be approached two ways: seriously, or the same way you're doing your job... with entertainment aspect, with pleasure, with fun. And we decided to try to make it as fun as we do with creativity." And to the 'Hollywood Reporter,' he said:
"I am blessed for what I have, but I believed in it from the beginning. Today, the dream is the same: I still want to travel, I still want to entertain, and I most certainly still want to have fun."

Words to live by!
See what you started, Bish?!?

Lise said...

Heads up, guys!
Don't think the links I gave you are working. But if you go to Google, type in these:
Youtube - Phoebe running style
Youtube - KOOZA - The Trailer
They are worth watching!

JR said...

Great sermon as usual Bishop.
Even though I wasn't there I watched online and I conected
with Create, Imagine, and Laugh.
Create because I am constantly
thinking on my tv show idea which
I hope to create. I identify with
Imagine because I use it a lot to
come up with ideas for my tv show.
Finally Laugh because I love laugh
and make other people laugh.

Ebony said...

Weonderful serom today, and it resonated with me on a persona level. From the songs sung that took me back to my days @ Grace Christian School (I gotta admit, I was hoping we would've done father abraham) to the message itself. One of my favorite events as a teen was the kick off retreats I did as a part of a youth ministry I did in high school, because every year we had a session where one of the pastors talked to us about being childlike and not childish, and we channeled our inner children by rolling down hills, playing jumprope, red rover, all kinds of great stuff, all going back to the idea that as we grow, we should leave the childish things (teasing, putting down others, not accepting responsibility) away, but keep the beautiful things of childhood within. Never holding a grudge, trust like you've never been burned, loving like you've never had a broken heart. My word was create,so I'm keeping an open mind for the creative everywhere. Last night I mentioned the "vision board" commercial I saw, and I'm making myself a few, and one for a friend of mine, if I have a visual representation of what I want, it becomes more tangible. Stay Warm in DC, and if you can, get in on some of the kick-dfanny concerts that'll be going on.

tracy said...

Bailey lives out your sermon in front of us everyday, yet we have become oblivious to the lesson. Thank you for the reminder. I got believe which is something I have shied away from lately. I haven't had the umph to believe in the the things that I can't see. David got laugh and as of late I have soooo missed his laughter. That is the part I fell in love with. So thank you for the reminder. This one we will take to heart. Enjoy your trip, what a cool thing to be able to go!

Linda Luke said...

What an AMAZING time to be ALIVE!!!!!....

Godspeed as yall travel to DC & back! It's going to be very interesting and wonderful to see this year as it unfolds!

In prayer for the outgoing and the incoming President of our great country! God bless and keep them and His Kingdom come!!!

Smiles

Anonymous said...

I am so overjoyed about what is going on in this nation with warm feelings and goodwill from one race to the other. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to watch the Obama Express ~ President elect historic train ride from Philadelphia stopping at Delware, Baltimore and arriving at Washington DC. It was very invirgorating to experience the thousands of Americans just waiting to get a glimpse of the 44th president elect.

It was simply amazing to have the priviledge to watch the HBO special today with Beyonce, Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Tom Hanks, Usher, Sheryl Crow, Garth Brooks (they gave him 3 songs) and her tore it up by the way, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Fox and many many others as they volunteered their time and talents to celebrate this historic inauguration of the first African American man to become our 44th president of the United States America.

The writers remimded us of quotes, sayings and partial famous speeches of former presidents especailly Presdient(s) Abraham Lincoln, Roosevelt, John Kennedy as they inspired us all to do our parts as Ameridcans. There also were many references made to Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr in the celebration of his 46th anniversary of his famous speech made on the capitol known as I have a dream.

The common theme for this very cold January afternoon was self-responsibility and pride in our country and there has been so much joy and genuine happiness from our fellow Americans as many have traveled literally thousands of miles to partake in this moment in history.

"A change is going to come" was sung beautifully and the change is indeed in the air.

The military was honored with countless choirs and chorus, mostly dressed in red or blue and oh, what words can express the hope and enthusiasm that is felt in our very fiber of our being.

Bishop, we are glad you are going to re-present our local body and can't wait for your report. WE agree with you for traveling mercies, favor with your hotel, for everyone who has to do with you and Judah, great seats at the inaugaration, invites to best balls, and an opportunity for you to pray publicly on this occassion. Now, we believe you will Go and do great things, in Jesus name.

God Bless America
Speaking Spirit

Anonymous said...

Bishop,

One day last week, I woke up very abruptly one morning right in the middle of a dream. This in itself was unusual as I rarely remember my dreams. My dream was that you were about to give me a prophetic word - and then I woke up before I got it. My first thought was a little bit of disappointment, but then I immediately knew that I would still get that prophetic word and that it would not be in a dream and really expected it to happen that day. A few days have passed and I had really forgotten about it until I received my prophetic word this morning as I entered the sanctuary.

My word was Imagine and the scripture you used simply said "only believe". That is a scripture that I identified with early last year as I read the AYITN for January 4th. My connection with this has only deepened as I read it again this January 4th.
This speaks very deeply to my spirit as God gets me farther and farther out of my own created box of logical thinking that has defined a good portion of my life.

I have a calendar on my wall at work that shows a quote about embracing the unknown as God lives in the unknown. This is all working for good in my spirit as I have repented from trying to figure everything out. What a freedom and peace that brings to my soul. As my soul prospers, EVERYTHING else is lining up and coming into order.

Thank you for the prophetic word...thank you for your leadership...thank you for creating a place for creators to assemble and grow as a covenant body in Christ...

Greater things are still to come, greater things are still to be done. My heart is full of love and gratitude to all the positive spirits that fill my life...

Anonymous said...

My word is LAUGH...
"The year of laughter"- spoken by Darlene...I received that... and today when I walked into church that was the word handed to me. This morning, I had no idea that tonight I would be getting ready to go to the inauguration!! I am so excited and ready for a great time and a lot of laughter!!

Jesus loves me this I know
For the bible tells me so
Now is the time...only believe

River said...

Today's Service Was Great

I had the word believe.
As a child I believed of being a dancer, singer or an actress.
My parents who meant well tried to keep my head out of the clouds.
They thought you had to work hard no matter what and dancing, singing & acting was a pipe dream.
Basically you shouldn't like your job that's why it's called work.
As I got older the people I hanged out with kept that negative response going. As a teen I started to gain a lot of weight not just physically but also mentally. This year I have started to loose the physical weight and I am separating myself from the negative people in my life.
It seems when you hang with the negative people you become negative.
I had looked myself in the mirror and I didn't like the image I had become. I have tried out for solo's but because of the negative attitude that was put into my mind
(the you need to stop dreaming, your not good enough)I really started doubting myself and I failed auditions. Today as started to color the word believe. I was having a hard time even thinking that I could believe once again in any dream. I still was questioning
who I am. I colored very fast and put it away because for me believe was just a word on paper. The Father said it's time to believe once again. You have talent and what I have given you is special. I took the paper out once again and put a smiley face in each of the two circles in the B in believe. One being the Fathers smile and the others being mine.
I am in the choir I have deleted my real blogger name because I want to have a new name River.
A never ending stream.
I also agree with you Bishop the choir needs to go see Chandra Currelly in her new show.
So what about helping get the tickets Pastor Jimmie you know Bishop said to ask you about it.
I need inspiration to regain the inner child in me.
Chandra you are an inspiration to me and I hope I can get hold of a ticket. I know you are going to be awesome as you already are.

Bishop have fun in D.C.
Anything is possible!!!
Look at the new president.
Congratulations President Obama.

linda said...

What a wonderful day to be alive!! Today we celebrate Dr. King and his vision for an America that no longer cared about the color of your skin but rather the inner man, the man that is within.
From that to tomorrow when we swear in our first African American President. I am so proud of us as a people. I commit myself to pray for the outgoing President, and the incoming one.

Bish, tell President Obama that Linda said "Hey" when you see him.
Yesterday's service:
It never fails, I am always so full after service that I want to tell people what went on and I never can. I can never find the words to give it justice. I have changed. I began to notice it last week when my reactions to things presented to me were different than before. Then I began to have very detailed dreams, dreams of my future and then of my past. I couldn't put it into words but I knew that I was changing. Sunday morning as I walked into the sanctuary I received a paper with a word on it but not knowing what it was for, did not pay it much mind. During praise and worship, I noticed myself entering into worship very quickly and becoming quite vocal, which for me is quite a stretch, I was raised Methodist and even though that was a long time ago, quiet was always better, in church you see. Needless to say, I surprised myself. In the middle of my shock and awe at myself I came to realize that God was really pleased with me, that I okay like I was and that He was the one in charge of me.
At the end of the service when you began to talk about the words on the papers I realized that my word said LAUGH. Laugh? are you kidding me, Laugh has been my whole life. People would look at me and laugh, so I finally realized that this is my mission for my life, to bring joy and laughter to people. I don't know quite how it is all going to play out but I know that God knows. As I began coloring the letters peace just settled on me. I a, looking ahead with wonder and expectation for what lies ahead.
I really enjoyed it when everyone came up and begin to tell what their words meant, Larry, when you said "Laugh all the way to the bank" something shot through me. I really want that to come quick! and then the gentleman who said that AU is gold on the periodic table, it has been years since I thought about a periodic table but hey, I'll take it!
Wow I don't think that I have ever wrote this much, apologies for being long winded, just glad to seen and not viewed!

Let there be light

Linda

Unknown said...

Very cool, P.Nancy! For you and Bishop, Judah and others who I’ve heard are “suddenly” joining the Inauguration celebrations, your steps are ordered, your journey is blessed and full of out-of-the-box supernatural favor with God and man.

Elle, I had not seen the Phoebe episode…funny, deep and freeing…and I love Rachel’s Peyton Manning could-choose-embarrassed-but-choosing-joyful response to her fall with “hey, look out for the horse!” and then she’s off.

But Kooza…oh my, thank you!…my word is IMAGINE…and while “skill” and “training” normally come to mind for the old-school circus…IMAGINE is embodied here. Check out “7 Unseen Minutes”. For several reasons, what I see today is a vision of the Body of Christ…individually and corporately…people who are in complete control of their bodies and minds, the amazing things CITNers will do, having FUN, creating, TRUSTING and wow-ing the world with the wonderful works of our amazing, imaginative creator! Thank you, elle, thank you, Holy Spirit! I LOVE MY WORD!

Thanks also, Ebony—I’m making one too!

Lise said...

Hey, Avatar!
I'm so glad you watched it! Pretty incredible, huh?
KOOZA is the 5th Cirque show that Joe and I have seen... all in Atlanta. He and I are not big into 'things' to celebrate occasions. We usually choose an event. In my opinion, that's how you build the best memories. Cirque hadn't been to Atlanta for two years, so when I found out they were coming and Joe asked what we should do for Christmas, it was a no-brainer. Had to wait till a couple weeks after the holiday, but SO WHAT!!!
I think this show is scheduled to be there until the 1st of March. I won't lie... the tickets are not cheap, but the show is worth EVERY penny. We were able to find Level 2 seats with a pretty good view. If it fits into your budget... man, I can't even praise it enough... you should go if you can. It would take someone truly dead inside to walk away from that show uninspired! And this wasn't even my favorite production. Out of the 5 we've seen, this one probably ranks 4th with me. But, yeah, wish I could see it again... and somehow stowe away in one of their trailers :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr.!

and....

I have a dream
that we're gonna work it out, uh-huh
we're gonna work it out, uh-huh
we're gonna work it out, uh-huh...
one day-ay-ay...
one day-ay-ay...

one day to history-
an awesome beginning, though, far from the end...yet, we can still extend the grin into real laughter.

SCRIBE said...

Bishop,

I had a thought... if you want to assure that you get the opportunity to lead prayer or speak at some of the inaugural events, hope that you made sure to bring your Priestly Collar, that way if they are looking for someone to possibly fill in for Rick Warren or another minister, you will already be prepared!

Anonymous said...

Sundays service was pivotal for me. As I entered the Sanctuary, I was given the word DREAM. I have always been a dreamer but as Bishop began to speak of being childlike, I began to realize that the last couple of years I have been so focused on one goal that my childlike qualties and dreaming had somewhat faded. At the end of the service, when Bishop asked us to come foward and get a crayon and color our word and he explained why he wanted us to do it tears began to stream down my face. On Saturday, I was in the grocery store and when I passed by a shelf of coloring books and crayons, I was prompted to stop and turn around. I stood and stared, picked up one of the coloring books and was thinking to myself, Oh to be like a child, kind of laughed at myself and put the book up. Well, guess what, Oh, to be like a child. Bishop, thank you so much for being obedient. I was released on Sunday from a bondage that I didnt even realize was there.

Unknown said...

This is the day that the Lord made in the hearts of many of us. I rejoice and am very, very glad!

Anonymous said...

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives!!!! A day unlike another! I thank God that I am alive to see this day and I celebrate with everyone the fact that truly ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!

Bishop and I have text and talked briefly since he and Judah have been in D.C......they have had so much favor already! They were with Rev. Fauntroy last night around 10:30 so, he could not talk, but, said "EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!".....

I watched MLK's speech again yesterday and cried through it as I rejoiced at his DREAM being realized! I text Bishop as I was watching the speech and let him know how proud that I am that he and Judah are there! Father and son (this generatiom and the next) experiencing this amazing moment together!

I want to remember every moment of today! I decree that no weapon formed against this day can prosper! The Angel of the Lord encamps about Our new President and his family! That there will only good reports from today!

I continue to pray for favor, blessing and flow for Bishop and Judah! LET FREEDOM RING!!!!!!

Be blessed today bloggers as you walk into the greatest time of your life!!!!

Love to all,
P. Debye

NTL said...

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Linda Luke said...

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

In agreement and recieve everything you spoke P. Debye for this year and the future!!!

God BLESS you! Can't wait to hear all the exciting things from Bishop and Judah when they return!

~Cheers

tracy said...

God Bless America indeed! My word Sunday was Believe- I colored it and posted it over my desk at work. A patient came in today and said I go to church with you. My word is Believe also. We shared a high five and talked about what that meant to each of us personally. It definitely stirred up the office I work in! I can't help but think what Believe means today as a nation. We can truly believe that all things ARE possible. I am so very excited to see what our future holds. The river has been released....enjoy the flow!

Son of Zadok said...

Yesterday is extinct.

Today is alive.

Tomorrow stands on the words of our lips.

God of spirits we give You praise. Your mercy endures forever.

A whole new world.

Today is beautiful. The quantum leap and rise of the progress of a dream. The peaceful insurrectionist, Martin Luther King. Seeing the realization of, the evidence of, and the proof and testimony of the great new now we have arrived in. A revelation of a higher life and love upon all of humankind. The wilderness breaks forth into a billion gardens. The dream of God, forged in the fires of those who have come before us. Who have determined and shaped the Earth in the bonds of love like Ghandi and Mother Teresa. How much more even the light of Christ, who also lives is you, who does all things in accordance to His will and purpose, who are one with the Father.

Love conquers all. Love never fails. This is the day that the Lord has made, let everyone rejoice and be glad in it. A spirit of inclusion and reconciliation moves upon the face of all that is deep. Let the waters of goodwill and mercy run free though the desert and the fires of love and imagination burn a fresh light in the face of the darkness. In our land and in all of the world.

God we commit all these things to Your Spirit. The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord. We pray for our President Barack Obama. We bind his soul to your breast. Place him in your wing, You who are high above all things. All the world is truly in Your hands. And in You will everything be revealed.

Amen, and amen everybody!

Erik said...

My word from Sunday is ‘CREATE’ .

And what is truly divine order, is God speaking through the man that is our President to E.A.C.H of us. Today, this man who is clearly the man for this time. With extreme intelligence and common sense, a mix like America is. A mix of different cultures, ideologies, races, generations, etc. – The face of America and The World.

It has always been a blessing to be American, and now it is hip and grounded. Pride with humility of the blessing that God has delivered us to the promise of our founding base, The Declaration of Independence has always been a favorite document of mine, and to hear it highlighted, along with scripture and the values that have always been the source of America has had me in joyful tears all day.

My word ‘CREATE’ fit me so well Sunday, and today as God spoke through this man, as reminder to the World of what we know and have always known, unveils this Servant King and Queen that lives within us all. Humbly, E.A.C.H. American is granted the role of Servant King and Queen, with all of the benefits and honor this title bestows.

The CITN community is a root, and a Nexus of what is displayed today. The face, the mix of this country that is fulfilling it prophecy that was recorded in our foundation.

CREATE opportunity, openings, unveilings known and new. Childish things are put behind, while maintaining the innocence of who we E.A.C.H. are – The E.A.C.H program delivered throughout the World.

We E.A.C.H. are shareholders in this leadership in the World. The face of our country in our President reflects the mix we are. EACH of us expresses what is in our hand to lead. It is cool to be loving, intelligent, aware of our World, and self aware on our Spirit. We represent and recognize what God expresses within and through us, and through this man, President Obama showing our face to us and the World. Everyone knows it, and We choose to express it.

CREATE – God speaks, We CREATE from that speaking.

Erik said...

As we turn our ship into the wind, into the pleasantly refreshing Consuming Fire, knowing there is no fuel crisis because we have the fuel within and any waste that falls off is turned into fuel, we go headlong into beauty , unity, with mercy and grace.

We are humble leaders, enjoying the journey working hard and playing and loving with ease, enjoying the fruits of what we produce in Love, embracing the Love within and expressing it to God and others as with ourselves – beautifully and gracefully.

We have been reminded of our responsibility with the light yoke, leaders who serve gladly. The world is uplifted by God , and we ALL are God’s hands creating the abundance that serves each of us in this world. We act from the Spirit re-creating the world we occupy here. We bring in from other worlds to celebrate this world. We bring all that is within us into this world with complete expression.

It is a New Day. Old Bones have life within them and New life is birthed within and among us ALL. Scales have fallen from our eyes, we see clearly and know ALL is God, Moving Forward peacefully with full intent into The Reign, The Pur, Consuming Fire, open and proudly naked before God and The World.

Anonymous said...

I dont believe I have ever heard a speach that moved me so much. This onw should be engraved in stone....

Rick Warren's inauguration prayer Reminded me of King Solomon's prayer over the new Temple. I thought it was great!

Our GPF friend, The Rev. Joseph Lowery was awesome!

YES WE CAN!

Peace,
Dennis

VER. WORD "ORTION"

DebbieAn said...

This Sunday I was amazed yet again by the multifaceted nature of God, and how patient and careful He is to bring us along by the hand. Somewhere between last Thurs. and Fri. I heard a Word and it kept running through my mind until finally H.S.(Holy Spirit) reminded me that when that happens He usually wants me to write it down ;D So anyway what I Heard was "calling the things that be not as if they are", later I found it at Romans 4:16,17. It says "16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were."
And check this, the Amplified (my fav) says 17"...(God)Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed." You see, I had begun to lose hope, you know, the subtle settling for a life of less than. The film of this earthly existence, the illusion of "things are just the way they are" had begun to seep like a gentle acid around the edges of my hope. As in Abraham's case, my very practical and human deducing has no reason to continue to hope for what seems out of reach (which btw really demonstrates why we aren't to place our hope in Man). But I am to hope in faith, to only believe, to imagine, to call forth into this present existence that which is yet unseen. Even if I seem like a fool to the world. Why? Because GOD speaks of the things He has foretold as if they already exist. And they do, in the NOW; in His Kingdom, NOW being revealed in us, His Word is already completed. eh hem.....So Bishop when I got my word "Imagine" on Sunday it really re-energized me, and even more so with the call to get out of the box. I have always been a creative person in every area of my life with boundless potential except for the same old Accusation that had held me back all my life (you're too weak to ____, you'll just fail). I am finally realizing, the ploy that was employed from my most tender years is weak. God brought me back to life when I called on Him and caused Him to remember His promise. I CAN Imagine a better way, Call it as the Father sees it, and move forward step by step so that We may do that which hasn't been done before in the earth. A more perfect UNION is what He is creating.

Anonymous said...

And Yes, I believe we should always pray for our leaders. Regardless of our diversity and differences, within whatever group we may occupy, we should also pray for unanimity for the purpose of peace. We should be "The UNITED States of America" NOT divided by our mixture of differences. And my prayer is that this unity of our people through respect out of love would flow out from these boarders and coastlines to impact the entire world with the Spirit of Peace, which is Christ.

Peace,
Dennis

Anonymous said...

To see and hear the inauguration was an exciting event. Never in my lifetime have I seen and heard the citizens of the United States be more hopeful, more optimistic and more united behind our president. Also, the world has united behind our president and ouur country like I have never before experienced. This is truly a time when the Sonship, the Christ, is becoming a more recognizable reality day by day. I thank God for all the blessings that have and are coming from this "united hope". Amen.

Anonymous said...

From the CITN blog

Subject: DREAM

When you all gave me the word dream i thought of hope. To dream of hope and to dream of a new beginning. I have been trough a lot in the past year and now that it is over i am thankful to a new year and to you and pastor Debye. thank you so much for making a thirteen year old girl figure out her true purpose.

AG

Anonymous said...

Believe

What a service...it could of went forever...Monday woke up with a song...All things are possible if you only BELIEVE...didn't know what you had planned on doing for the service today, but as I enter the door I was handed my sign "BELIEVE" ..What a confirmation of what God has been talking to Jim & I about ever since the beginning of this year...ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, thru the eyes of a child...This is the time for ALL of us to recieve our MIRACLE...JUST BELIEVE!

EACH PARTNER...

P.D.

Anonymous said...

Prophetic service today.

It was a whole new level of prophecy. Thanks for letting God use you in this way, Bishop. I can hardly wait for the testimonies to pour in, as the people listen diligently to the voice of God to do what He has said to do.
God spoke to me with such precision, and I know He was that precise in speaking to everyone today.
May GOD continue to pour His blessings on CITN!!

Anonymous said...

More from the CITN blog:

"Believe"

The word that I got today was believe; the word was for me and my family. This has been a year of believing in the impossible and knowing that in that belief comes Faith. That word today reminded that I have to believe that all that I have been praying for and standing in the gap is going to come to past. I God will perfect those things that concern me and my family. I just need to BELIEVE!

Also, the scripture about peceiving the kingdom as a child, really is how I have always seen the kingdom. Man wants to make it so complicated and complex. It's so simple and beautiful. The word about the seven things about children, that really ministered to me as teacher. I see first hand how we take away childre's creativity, and imagination. I'm so blessed that my grandson has CITN on Sunday's and Wednesday's and he has Young American Christian Academy Monday thru Friday. Everyday this school keeps their innocence, imagination, creativity, curosity, and love for the lord before them. Every week they take these children on the most awesome ride of imagination and wonder. Everytime, I take him around someone, the first thing they mention is his innocence. He loves being a child and doing what children like to do. All those words that we had today: dream, play, laugh, and create is what all children should be able to hold on to as long as possible. As a teacher, that will be one of my missions.

Bishop, thanks for the creativity in the message today.

PF

Anonymous said...

Awesome Service

The words your staff and volunteers passed out, no doubt, touched many. My word was "Create"! To me, this embodied me to continue to create a safe environment for me and my daughter. This word "create", has transformed my thinking. I'm going to "create" a stronger spiritual bond. I'm going to "create" a positive atmosphere wherever I go.

Anonymous said...

From CITN:

word "Dream" had special significance to me. I grew up with a father that was addicted to crack and a mother that spent most of my life in prison. So, it taught me early on, never to want to much and to always just make the best out of your situation, because I didn't want the opportunity to be disappointed. When I got saved, this changed for me, but my hopes and faith were limited to what I could modestly construct in my natural mind. Every thing had to be a logical progression and I could hold on to that. But as I sat in service this Sunday, I heard these words in my spirit, "Dream an impossible Dream, because ALL things are possible with God." What this means for me is to allow myself to dream outside of the little box that is easy for me to conceive. I am going to Dream big and allow God to dictate the limits because in him I will never be disappointed.

Anonymous said...

"PLAY"

My word was play. Thank you Bishop for the message. My kids tell me all the time that I am too serious. They are right, I should laugh and play around with them more. Instead of crying and praying when I am unfocused I will play and pray; these two words were meant to go together. I can't think of any other letter than the "l" that would make sense when you replace the "r".

Your messages are always on time!

Love,
L

Anonymous said...

Hello Bishop

Not sure when you will get this but, I know you are out there traveling many miles to be our eyes and ears (our voice) at this milestone occasion. So I dedicated my first mile of 13 to you and your family. (for some reason that mile was really hard, but I pushed through it)

Also I (we) really like the giving and the blessing of the prophetic words to us so, I will be laminating my word and sharing it to my elementary and spin class students.

enjoy your trip

GE

Anonymous said...

Been mostly blurking last few days and agreeing with everyone, especially Pastor Debye in prayer.

Reelie looking forward to hearing about Bishop and Judah's blessed experience.

It was my blessing to sit in front of the television from about 7 AM to 11 PM and take it all in. The Prez and first Lady were beautiful at both the swearing in and the first dance at the neighborhood ball. I was able to get most of everything recorded on my DVR.

Everything is happening so fast now that President Obama's first term will seem like it is coming into view soon after he has began today. The things that are happening thrill my soul with the promise of hope fulfilled. Not long after his second term begins there will be tangible evidence that the human race is entering an era of peace unparalleled by anything else that has existed since history has been recorded.

I'm not just being an obnoxious optimist about that, there is already strong evidence to support the probability of weapons being refashioned into tools of peace and some of that is already in process.

These great things are coming into being not only because of the positive changes that have just happened here in America but also because the whole of humanity and our planet is coming into a new and more stable ballance.

People like Bishop Swilley and those of GPF along with other groups around the world that are like minded are playing much more of a role in this process than they even know. In a recent conversation with a friend of mine and CITN, Pastor Henrey Smith, we were talking about all the great changes taking place when he said it is real to him that our invovement with the GPF through Bishop and Pastor Debye is probably one of the most effective things that he has seen or heard of in any church. In agreement with that I said that even if we live to be a hundred and fifty that we will look back on this day and rejoice for being a part of what is happening right now that has made our future be as great as it is.

I like the label of obnoxious optimist. It is like being two more o's in the collective praise we offer at CITN. Of course I know that Bishop was not referring to any specific person when he said that he would take an obnoxious optimist over a nay sayer but since no one else has claimed it, let it be my lot. It will be great fun looking back on what was done that brought peace on earth and good will to men and have bragging rights on haven used the power of my words to help bring it about.

President Obama's speach was memorable and inspiring. I am among some of the first to borrow some of his words and slightly rearrange them to say that our world does not need this kind of religion or that kind of religion but it needs a religion that works.

excited about being ITB tonight.

JB

Anonymous said...

Gotta run in 3 minutes but wanted to say that I was praying for you guys up there in D.C. for a great day together!

My word from Sunday was/is LAUGH.
More on it later but it was exactly what God planned...for a day and a half I had been praying "God, help me put on the garment of praise", and I was praying that for the congregation before/as we were singing!

Anonymous said...

I wasnt in the building Sunday, But it surprized me when you gave out those words cards. I think I received one even here in the cyber community because I had a most unusual and wonderful "DREAM" the night before. I do not normally dream a lot or vivid enough that I pay any attention to it but I did this one, it was really on my mind, then here come the cards out....Hmmmm

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Thanks, everyone...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Good stuff

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

I love it! (Had to round it off to 50 comments...)