Some of you have already commented here before I wrote this part (which is great…I love the immediacy of that), but I wanted to add something. First of all, I'm very excited about what happened with this blog through the last article. The term “taking it to a whole new level” is certainly overused these days, but it seems to me that that’s exactly what occurred with that whole piece on the word CONNECT…it actually caused a greater connection with all of us!
Now look at these pictures and Scriptures (yes, it’s another BLOGINTHENOW acrostic, and, no, I don’t have a form of OCD!) and tell me what you think. I am so intrigued with the prophetic potential of pictures…those of you who are an active part of CITN/cyber-CITN would probably agree with me that something shifted in the service last Sunday when the creative department showed that little video of the rain during praise and worship. It somehow activated an outpouring that resulted in a flood!
Pictures help develop internal vision, which is why Habakkuk said, in his famous passage about vision, “I will WATCH TO SEE what He will say to me” (Hab 2:1)…very interesting usage of words, since you would usually say that you would LISTEN for words, not “watch” for them or “look” for them. In the Amplified Bible he says “I will watch to see what He will say WITHIN me”. What word/words do you “SEE” about this cyber-community when you look at these?
B - ehold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing— Life forevermore. (Psalms 133 - NKJV)
L - augh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. (Romans 12:15 – The Message)
O - GIVE thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek and require the Lord [as their indispensable necessity]. (Psalms 105:1-3 – AMP)
G - reater love than this has no one, that anyone may be laying down his soul for his friends. (John 15:13 – CLNT)
I - f we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth—we're not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin. (1 John 1:6, 7 – The Message)
N - evertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. (Philippians 4:14 – NKJV)
T- he whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, "That's mine; you can't have it." They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them. (Acts 4:32, 33 - The Message)
H - ow beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news,breaking the news that all's well, proclaiming good times, announcing salvation, telling Zion, "Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7 - The Message)
E - nter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!(Psalms 100:4 - AMP)
N - ow I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Cor 1:10 – NKJV)
O - nce again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts. (Psalms 77:11, 12 - The Message)
W - hoever believes in Me, as the Scriptures have stated, living rivers of life will continuously and freely flow from within their inner beings! (John 7:38 - John In The Now)
SELAH
To which picture/Scripture do you most relate?
56 comments:
Laugh no one likes an unhappy pappy.
All is good and Sunday will be over the top.
The spirit is speaking hold still and listen.
I thought it would be interesting to stay connected and sleep to the playlist. Just wondering how it might affect my dreams. Bolted awake to "Mary called Him Jesus, but I call Him Lord." No clue why.
Cool. New input on the screen! Am I hallucinating or did another letter just get added? BLTN now BLITN?
I'm losin' it. Back to the experiment. Night y'ALL.
Hey Laura...Avatar...love yas...hope your day was a great one.
Avatar...keep experimenting...it's good for expanding the mind...lol.
Truly no man (or woman) is an island and we are all effected by everyone else...or should be. I've also heard it said that when one of us cries, the others should taste salt...I agree. Without deep and meaningful connections...life is less valuable, less enjoyable. We need to rejoice and cry with others to be a part of (for lack of a better term at the moment) the Collective--the Christ...(ok so sometimes Star Trek terms really are very useful...live long and prosper y'all)...we need each other...more than words can say.
Ok...this is on my heart so here it is...as has been often stated...how can we love God if we don't love each other...and how can we love at all if we don't love ourselves? Is that, perhaps, the most difficult part of the process? What do I see when I look at myself in the mirror? Am I overly critical and dislike or hate everything I see so much that I defer to anyone and everyone because I believe they are more intelligent, spiritual, and attractive than I? (Not too often) Or am I so narcassistic that I find nothing on which to improve and barrel through life hurting others while I search to fulfill my own selfish needs and desires? (Not likely) Or am I a balanced, mature individual that esteems myself (but not above others) who can receive instruction toward improvement (without awaiting someone's imprint or input on my soul to tell me who I am) and can see others for who they really are and love them regardless of their current position in their journey? (I pray this is true more often than not--but is it?)
These questions are sometimes difficult for me to answer. However, I pray that I am maturing, growing up into Christ, and becoming more like Him as I walk out my journey and work out my own salvation with fear and trembling...and always with a great deal of AWE.
If I may be so bold as to ask: Are these questions as difficult for y'all or is it just me struggling with my self-image, my purpose, and my place in His plan?
Is it because God is recreating all of me to match His truth or is it because I'm just wishy-washy? Some days this is what I wonder about...but maybe it's just me. Maybe y'all are much more mature than I and you just need to pray that I will catch up with you eventually.
Some days you're the windshield; some days you're the bug. Some days I feel I must be more "damaged" than others...more adrift than others...and sometimes baring one's soul is necessary--though the vulnerability it creates is a bit daunting.
Even though I may KNOW better...these things still drift through my mind on occasion...but it's all good...life always looks better in the morning...when His mercy and grace and goodness are renewed in my mind. Perhaps I should sleep on it. Whoever said that "boldly going where no one has gone before" was easy...NOT!
Goodnight...and Blessings Blog Fam!
I see that some of ya'll are still up and a new blog being posted now. LQQKs like its Bloginthenow?? I guess I'll know in the morning.
Have a GoodNight ALL.
Love ya,
L.W.
By the way, Bishop. I am moved to tears {happy} by the pictures. Seeing all us connecting in one accord with God watching us. Seeing how pleased he is by this. Can't wait to read the rest later in the morning.
cya
Mystic,
Maybe something in my previous post for you...
"welcome to where you are"...
OMG. that was so timely. last night i had the best conversation with ppl on campus. we talked from 7 pm-3 am. about life love God and being spirit filled. It is so insane how connected I am to you Bish.. i just couldnt wait to get on today. Last night i was talking with my future business partner who i didnt know well if at all. I had asked the Spirit for guidance. I looked in Proverbs and found chapter 16 and verse 11 really touched me. In my translation it says the Lord demands fairness in every business deal;he sets the standard. i think thats such a good word for entrepreneurs out there who dont know who to trust and by putting your faith in God and walking in the light of the word searching for truth in all you do and respecting Gods commands and callings to the uttermost you wont need to worry about anything. I had such great fellowship with these guys who i never would of guessed. One guy was Hindu and totally understood christianity since he grew up around mostly christians. It was so great to have that spiritual connection. I was able to say you know my Bish was just hanging out at a Bon Jovi concert with his Hindu friends. to talk about how Now our church is and about all of our beliefs. it was awesome. I waited all day for the blog and its crazy how timely it is. it always is and i know that you are my Pastor. I cant wait to stream tomorrow with these new found ppl. How great is our God
Good morning Cyber Siblings,
Sorry this is long. but it is in me and I just had to let it out. (fire in my bones)
As I read the scriptures about unity and fellowship of the body of Christ this morning; and looking at the pictures of folks all at there computers interconnecting, communicating and being brought together via the net. I know we are on the same page in the direction of our thoughts through the Spirit of Christ. I have not been able to get this idea out of my mind all week. I have made several comments on the subject on this blog. So last night I pulled all my thoughts together and added some too and put this article on my blog. Sorry but there is so much of my spirit in what I wrote in this article; I cant think of any more or anything better to say this morning. I am really feeling a strong anointing on this revelation in my soul and spirit.
Bishop you caused it, putting those pictures of all those people on their computers. When I seen that then what I put together last night was fanned into a flame once again. So here is the article I put on my blog.
I guess, when I think of what we are doing here in the interconnection of people all over the world via the net. I think God is dong something new with us all in this Cyber family; as He takes us up to the next level. Yes I Believe that we are really being called to a higher spiritual plane than we have experienced heretofore. God is doing a new thing in the earth. And why not are we not always coming out with new things? New and improved models, updated, new versions, and its all good. Why should we not think that THE CREATOR would not still be creating; or has he retired? No I think God is always at work preparing and working out all things in accordance with His will, plan, and purpose.
The apostle Paul said He was taken up to the third heaven and saw things that it was not lawful for a man to speak about. Probably because man could not understand or handle it at that time. Jesus Christ said that He had many things to say to them but they could not bear them then. But when the Holy Spirit comes He will show you all things and things TO COME. When we can bear them. Well I believe the Holy Spirit is still speaking today, of new things, things to come, eye has not seen, ears have not heard the things that God has prepared for us that love Him (All will love Him when they see Him as He is) But the Spirit is revealing these things to us when the time is right and when we have matured enough to handle it.
I keep getting into the star trek mode for some reason. But here are some thoughts that literally just came to me as I typed. I had no idea what I was going to say when I started each sentence.
Kind of weird, never done anything like this before but I felt led to do it.
We are going to go where no man/church has gone before.We are about to embark on an adventure that is going to change the religious world and flow out from that into the secular world.
We are a part of a company of messengers sent out to the entire world to see that the world knows the True nature of out Creator, God and Savior.
We are being CONNECTED by the Living God through His Christ Spirit for this purpose.
We are taking the term “the body of Christ” to a new level that traditionally has not been realized.
We have begun this journey completely by faith in the leadership of the Holy Spirit of Christ. And God will perfect that which He has initiated.
God is Greatly blessing our revelation and implementation of Spirit-Cyber-Space here. God is Truly moving among us; I see Him with my spiritual eyes walking up and down and around and through us as we sit at our computers and other devices. I see Him laying His hand on each one He passes with blessings flowing out of Him. Unifying, connecting, comforting, empowering, and organizing a new kind of cyber-organism for a new kingdom in a new world. God is moving in new ways among us as we have available for His utilization new types of media. He can anoint anything for His Glory and purpose and this new avenue of communication is full of the anointing of the Lord! Just put your hand on the computer monitor and pray if you don’t think so. I know it seems silly but God has often used foolish things to confound the wise of this worldly system.
The gospel first went out on foot across the hills and valleys of Israel and Samaria. On hill sides and in gardens, by seashores and in houses. Later the Gospel traveled by ship, then by horseback. The gospel has echoed from pulpits and platforms for centuries. Then came amplification systems where we could speak to larger crowds. Healing lines formed from these great crowds as they worked one man to a frazzle laying hands on them. Then came radio and ears that had never heard the gospel in the most remote areas of earth began to hear the good news that Jesus Christ is Savior. Then TELEVISION! Now we could share the gospel in a more complete form and format and literally millions could hear one man speak, preach, and teach millions; this developed into “Gospel Superstars” men and women that had been especially anointed by God to share with great audiences all over the world. Much good has been done through all these avenues of ministry. And sad to say some harm; but I am not one to throw out the baby with the bathwater.
What has been missing in all of the later technological developments for the work of the ministry is authentic interaction with/by the rest of the body. This has inhibited the full function of the body of Christ as the nervous system of the body has been unable to send back signals and feedback from some parts of the body to the other parts of the body. What God has done here now is utilizing internet satalites for a Cyber-Spirit-Space to RECONNECT THE FULL BODY OF CHRIST through the means of the internet. It is not called INTERNET by accident. And for the first time in history believers can meet, fellowship and interconnect GLOBALLY! Through the internet the body of Christ has had quite a growth spurt! Everyone knows how much more a fully functioning healthy body can do as apposed to one that is not functioning at full capacity.
Buckle your seat belts and hang on! There is no telling what God is about to accomplish through this new vehicle of expression, fellowship, and ministry. we are about to expore new worlds of communication that no man has seen before. Yes, I believe we are about to enter warp speed! Cant wait to see what’s up ahead!
May the Force (Holy Spirit) be with you,
Dennis Caldwell
For times they are a changin!Blukers, bloggers, internet, URL, Laptops, google, website, email, chatrooms,webpage, .com,.net,org,..Only a few of the new words that have come to be in the last decade!
He does above all we can ask or think. We speak to nations, BE OPEN, We speak to nations fall on your knees, We speak to nations the kingdom is coming near to you! His righteousness, His JOY! His PEACE. How can we say that we love our brother? Communication in the NOW.
Good morning all you wonderful, crazy, hilarious, enlightening, caring, spiritual, ...bloggers.
Taking off for the mountains and hate the thought of missing service tomorrow at CITN but I have been told by my friend (who lives in the sticks) that she does get Joel Olstein...smile..
Setting my faith that the service tomorrow at CITN will be an enormous out-pouring of the Holy spirit like never before experienced with many signs and wonders and miracles and that mmmmmm refreshing rain that completes what is left undone to all.
Having problems with password like Linda or maybe it's problems reading the silly letters so just using the annonymuos since I like to try and keep things simple.
Peace, joy and love to all.
Overcomer
Things always look brighter in the morning when one is back on the path headed to the next glory. Rebirth is a beotch. (Can I say that here?) It's all good!
Thanks Fanman...you're a pal...or maybe I should say thanks for being an eye for me today.
dgm...that's great! Glad you had a great day with some great peeps.
Dennis...hope you are feeling better--I understand CP, Dude...prayers 4 you--and thank you for your post...whoda thunk it? Star Trek?! I have been all up in Trekkie terms lately--and that is not something I do frequently as I am not nor have I ever been a member of the Trekkie nation...but I did once inhale. Hmmm...damaged I guess...but in a good way....the best way. Things that make you go hmmm...
Overcomer...you'll be with us in spirit and are definitely in our prayers...it's all good no matter what it looks like...we just need reminders at times. "Refreshers"
I hear the sound of an ABUNDANCE OF RAIN!!! Come one come all to CITN at 10AM EST tomorrow! BE THERE and Be ready to worship our GREAT GOD with ALL you have. To Worship Him We LIVE & GIVE!
Blessings Blog Fam!
(And I think word verification might be cussin' back at me! :o )
Good morning Bishop and family,
I have had a good morning in the garden already. Even though I planted only a little while ago, already, I can see progress, small tiny shoots are going where there once was only dirt. The seeds though hidden by the dirt have died and now new life is poking through the muck and mire and soon enough we will have good food to eat, Isn't God good?
Bishop, loved your words this morning, especially H, is is just me or did you choose that picture because that man's feet appear so big and the verse references feet?
Mystic: I feel ya, somedays I am the bug and somedays I feel like the windsheild.
Dennis: wow
dgm2007: good luck on your new business venture
avatar, laura: I want to be as deep as you are
have a great morning,
Peace
Linda :0)
Mystic, thanks for your "understanding" and prayers they both mean a lot as you would know. And thanks for everyones prayers. I am having a better day today, the rain has moved out. and it is a beautiful day. God is Good all the time.
Peace,
Dennis
Good morning everyone,
Bish, you often encourage dreamers to dream. And I do. A lot. This morning, I had another unusual one.
Have attempted to figure it out & didn't really "get" anything, until I read today's first Scripture reading.
Here's the condensed version: There was a party at your home. You invited guests into different rooms, explaining stuff. (no idea what) The atmosphere was celebratory mixed with anticipation. (you were awaiting an important call)
You asked if we'd like to see what you'd been working on and led us into a sparsely decorated room (like a studio of sorts) and began describing where this and that would be placed.
I was distracted. Hanging from the ceiling was a swamp cooler! I was puzzled why you had one in GA.
You walked over & said, "That? Oh. Well, my boys & I put that together." (immediately, Jared, Judah & Jonah walked in) You said, "Show them how this works." I was curious because the swamp cooler didn't resemble any I'd seen growing up or later, while living in the Southwest.
It looked like an artistic project but also a practical, helpful device. There was no box-like frame around the inner working parts. It resembled an unusual shaped hanging planter suspended from an ornate cord. A thermometer stuck out of its side. (?!)
A switch was touched & a low whir began. The atmosphere began to change.
Someone called you from another room. You left but we could hear you singing & strumming a guitar from there. Somebody (significant to you) arrived. Plus, your grandma was there. (I've never even met your family members but somehow, I knew it was her)
Reading the first Scripture, I wondered what was so significant about the dew of Hermon. Blueletterbible, describes the scarcity of moisture in arid regions.
Dew is symbolic of great fertility, a multitude, a refreshing, an emblem of brotherly love, harmony and rich spiritual blessings.
dew, dew, dew, dew... I wanna fly like an eagle...
I see that you've added since I first began this post. I've gotta tell ya - I simply cannot relate to the last pic. My keyboard has tea/honey/ Cheerio/Cheezit/Cheeto smudgies all over it.
I really found something in just about everyone of the pictures that spoke to me, but the one accompanying the “N” in the word Now impressed me the most.
I NEVER look at a picture of Earth that shows all the land masses exposed without realizing how they look like they would abut each other if they were all pushed together. Notice it sometimes if you have never paid any attention to it. It you were to push North America, Central America, and South America eastward it almost looks like they would nestle right up against Europe and Africa. Move Greenland and Australia around a little bit and you can find a spot for them also. And there’s no doubt that those islands which are scattered everywhere could be shifted around to fit right into place.
Since many times different countries represent different peoples, and those countries or continents are separated by things (oceans, seas, mountains, etc.) I believe there is a comparison between that physical world and the spiritual world.
Just as people are physically separated by physical obstacles, I also believe that people are spiritually separated by spiritual obstacles (beliefs, ideologies, etc). Just as I believe that the land masses would fit snugly together if the physical obstacles were removed, I also believe that spiritual unity can be achieved if those spiritual obstacles were removed.
While we can never literally get the land masses together, we can travel to any of them with relative ease. At one time that was extremely difficult.
The barriers that have seemingly always been in the way of spiritual unity have also been extremely difficult to cross. I believe that those barriers can be negotiated to the point of being inconsequential. It’s a crying shame that differences of opinion on how we are to serve a God who is Love can cause such hatred. I didn’t make a mistake there by using the word hatred instead of disagreement.
I may have been rambling a little there and feel like I didn't bring my thoughts together completely, but I think everybody out there can get what I'm trying to say.
MYSTIC! DENNIS! I SEE I need you today!
Mystic, yes, the questions come up and are challenging for me too. I want to come back to your post, but first,
“He had many things to say to them but they could not bear them then.” No kidding. Okay man by the millstone, you and your wife over there, the one carrying the two buckets from the well, you’re going to connect with those Samaritan’s on another continent who wear ties and wristwatches and work in air conditioning and you’re going to do it right now. Here’s a laptop and a cell phone. The phone needs to be charged before you can use it, but… you cannot bear the other things I want to tell you yet. First, seek the Kingdom.
I’ve been struggling to answer the questions from Thursday. Trying to pull it out. Got some flow going talking to the still-mostly-blurker I live with but today I notice there’s a clear difference in the connecting in to y’all’s and Bishop’s post. That’s not a dis to my in house blurker; what I’m seeing today is a recognition of Jesus’ words “I can only do what I see my Father doing, say what I see my Father saying.” I see Father-connections here. Today. But on these questions, not yesterday. Kind of a new angle on “eyes to see” for me.
Random thought--sometimes a group of toes might need to pick up a fork, especially if both hands are preparing the meal. All are working together to get the meal to the table. [thank you, my blurker, for the glass of juice you just brought me!]
What role does this blog play in the connectivity of this community? This blog is the newest tool. It meets several different kinds of God-placed hunger in the ones who have found it--blurkers, bloggers and blog owner. I especially like and find comfort in the sense of connection that email alerts to my phone give.
God-connection of any kind feeds and creates hunger. Sugar might be a good word to translate the meaning of “salt” for our generation. We are sugar and light in the world. The more sugar you eat, the more you want it. [Side note: have y’all noticed that organic sugar, with the molasses, doesn’t do that. Very interesting.]
Why is connection so important? The short answer for me--because together we have it all, and I personally want to be able to get to the place where we can bear as much as God has to give!
I love my in house mostly-a-blurker more after being with y’ALL. Thanks. Hopefully I’ll get to the place where I can love my irritating religious neighbor too. More posts. I need more posts. [ooo, 9 more since I started--will end here and go see what I have eyes to see!]
Ps to my m-a-b, I spent an extra 30 minutes making this shorter for you, that’s why my clothes are still all over the floor!
Hmmmmm (smile to Mystic). I chalked my dream experiment up to cheesegrits until iz/joy mentioned "swamp" cooler.
The part I remember clearly was going into a restaurant. There was no visual reason to call it a restaurant, I just knew. Lots of people in line but I only was aware of knowing my m-a-b, who was with me. Line was caused by people needing to wait for one member of their party to enter somewhere else first [in a passageway to the left]. Others watched in a window and then they all walked in a passageway on the right. Close to my/our turn I could see in the "window" that the one in each party who had gone in the opening on the left was floating on their backs in a shallow "swamp", face covered with swampy stuff, but it was okay.
As soon as Joseph the dream interpreter gets here he/she can tell us if it was cheesegrits or not. I need to go pick up my clothes before my mab gets back!
Love y'ALL!
hang in there Mystic, I got "vpozycv" today. Yesterday they were cussing at me.
oh wow. I'll have to take "that look" when mab gets back and seek forgiveness on the clothes and all the other stuff that's not getting done. (smile) "Mary called Him Jesus..."
I had not seen your intro before I posted, Bishop. When did it get added? Anyway, I'm going to go study the pics and answer the new questions. Y'ALL pray for mab, please. Thanks.
oh,my--my word is "phomk". Hope that's not prophetic!
Pictures! Back to the man at the wheel and woman with the buckets. No way "you will be an epistle" could be translated "you will be a dvd" back then, or even 10 years ago.
First the dream--pic 1
Then the reality, in all its diversity all over the world--pics 2-8
Now, you do it too--pic 9
[classic video involvement shot] Move over Cecile B. Our Bishop is about to take over!
I SEE no one has clothes on the floor! I gotta GO!
Love y'ALL
Avatar I can relate to self-esteem issues because I've had them all my life. It takes a while to accept that you're "fearfully and wonderfully made" when you're told all the time "you have such a pretty face, you should lose more weight so people could see it (Note to BITN: NEVER TELL A "HEALTHY" GIRL THAT!!)" Even now as I'm starting to date, there's a part of me that says "he's so cute, why would he be interested in ME?" But It takes time, it's all a matter of perception.
The verses about being unified speak the most to me. We all need each other. Yes, theoretically you could study/pray/ and have devotions solo, but there is something about when you have someone else to relate to your faith about. When one of my best friends was incarcerated for a while. he began to nurture his spiritual side again, and wanted to keep it going when he got out and my hope was that when he was released, he'd be able to find people he could fellowship with to keep it going. It hasn't worked out that way, but I still pray and hope he can find that. We have wed. morning bible studies @ my school, and just in those few minutes of prayer and fellowship, I saw a lot of people I work with differently I can respond with prayer for their struggle. That's why we can't forsake the assembly (cyber or in person). The struggle I went through this week can strengthen someone else and vise versa.
Just a quick note to drop in and stay connected. Though I've been out of site, you all are not out of mind. Transitions, changes, etc. can have its downs and ups, but I'll be back when I am able. Love you all.
My favorite is the second "O". O - nce again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.
Just like David encouraged himself, I've already killed a lion and a bear, I can kill a giant too if I have to!
Or in linda-language, I've been through some #*&% before, God didn't forget me, if He did it then, He will do it now. Remember who you are, Simba, re-re-re-remember, whose YOU r-r-r-r-r-R
Peace
Linda :0)
Ok my passcode this time is fugpdou, who comes up with these things??
I am getting something out of all of these, but the "W"is really hitting on me the hardest.The talk of rivers flowing... to me the that is simply the outpouring that comes from each of us as we speak/type out our hearts and spirits to each other.
As in nature's water systems, these individuals rivers continuosly feed into each other, growing and building power that is truly unimaginable, until they eventually spill into the vastness of an ocean...
I beleive that is where you are taking us Bishop, with this awesome thing you have started. Sooner or later, the oceans are going to be fed with more "rivers" from more continents, and places that can only allow us to be joined through this medium. There is no terra firma on this planet that is not touching an ocean somewhere on it's outer edges, and tha oceans are too all connected to each other...
Much Love...
Thanks Avatar,
that word spoke to my spirit.
Peace,
Dennis
Ok...I'll have some of whatev is makin' y'all dream of swamp coolers and the like...I bet it's in technicolor, too...lol!
I wanted to do as Bishop (Spirit Dad) asked and talk about the pictures and the words they cause me to see...joy, reflection, relaxing, laughter, healing, fascination, amazement, praise, worship, connect, connection, connecting...Hal El to Jah!
Behold I do a NEW thing...it's here! Roads in the desert, rivers in the wilderness, and flows in cyberspace!
God said He never did anything that He did not first show His prophets...Dr. Varner, Dr. Chironna and our Bishop...they were all told and now we all get to see it come to pass!
In the past I was prompted to speak of the rapids seen in the River of God...if you're not buckled in for the ride by now...you might as well just wing it!
Iz/Joy...I'll join ya in the dew dew dew...dew dew dew dew...and fly! You're awesome.
Friend4...hope you had a GREAT day.
Linda...thank you :)
Avatar...prayin' for your mab...and I'm glad I'm not the only one seeing strange things in the wordvers...lol. Phomk!
Ebony...you go, girlfriend...you're too fine to settle...and don't ever forget it! None of us ladies should EVER settle!
Scribe...you're still in our prayers.
Thank you all for your prayers for me...it's great to know y'all have my back...that's what community is about.
Blessings Blog Fam...and I pray that today...y'all were THE BUG!
A quick note to stay connected, while I pause from cutting the lawn.
Yes, Bishop, that visual of the clouds and rain at the service was such a catalyst!!! Wow, it was like the earth being broken up within me and water gushing from the ground within!!! - like at the flood when Noah went into the ark and closed the door, then everything broke loose!
I could sense all of us being filled up, and Him being like rain on us. It was awesome!
This blog site is like a soaker hose during the week to keep us from getting too dry during the week of drought! I definitely feel some trickles today and it refreshes my roots.
Well, gotta go finish the yard, God keep blessin' you all today and tonight.
--Karl Cobos
Question for yall, Whats a swamp cooler???
The pictures scream connection to me. I know that is not so out there considering that is what we have been talking about for several days. The visuals opening a new door in service last week I believe is because while we may be listening to what is being said and trying very hard to absorb what is said. To actually SEE it brings a new dimension to the table, When God speaks to me I remember a great deal of it for awhile then my thoughts and opinions enter in and distort the word, but to actually SEE what is being said I have a an easier time not allowing the vision I heard to be changed. It is bringing all the senses to life in a way. Next it will be???? Hearing Sight, touch smell. How much more intense will things get!!! More please!!! Can I have some more please. ( with hands outstretched with a bowl).
The internet has become a safe harbor a place many of us go to because we don't fit into the boxes set out before us. With technology we can now seek out those who cannot go into a box for whatever reason. It is a whole new way of seeking comfort joy love acceptance.
Oh and We finally got a letter from INS saying we can come in 2 weeks to be fingerprinted!!!! Yeah we are getting closer to bringing home our son!!!! Thank you for your prayers! We have favor and we will get quick approval after in Jesus name!!!!
Bless you all!!!!
Scribe I am praying for you! Talk soon
I had to look that one up too Linda! It's a cooler for more arid climes...google or wiki it...you'll get some interesting reading...all though, wiki is like Forrest's "box of chocolates"...lol!
It's so cool how everyone is seeing the "water" in one way or another. How affirming! YES! The LATTER RAIN IS HERE!! Hallelujah! POUR ON, HS, POUR ON!
Dear Happy Bloggers,
First and Far Most: Happiness is meant to be shared.
B-rotherhood:
We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or perish together as fool. (M.L.K, JR)
Grant stood by me when I was crazy, and I stood by him when he was drunk, and now we stand by each other. (Gen. William T. Sherman)
He that hath no brother hath weak legs. (Persian Proverb)
B-lessings:
What are the qualities in my life that bring God’s blessings?
Jeremiah 17:7-Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
A life focused on GOD brings joy to GOD and many blessings to you.
How can I be a blessing to others?
Romans 1: 11-12- I long to visit you so I can share I can share a spiritual blessing with you that will help you grow strong in the lord. I’m eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other.
As we share the blessings GOD has poured on us, we bless others as well. Encouraging others with God’s Good News is one of the most rewarding of His blessings.
Love:
Love understands love; it needs no talk. (Frances R. Havergal)
Love makes one fit for any work. (George Herbert)
One hour of downright love is worth an hour of dully living on. (Aphra Behn)
Love demands all, and has a right to all. (Ludwig v. Beethoven)
Love is one damned fool after another.
Take away love, and our earth is a tomb.
Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.
How Should We Show Our Love?
Matthew 10:42- If you give even a cup of cold water of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.
By Showing Our Love To Needy People Whom God Loves.
G-iving:
Generosity is the flower of justice. (Nathaniel Hawthorne)
The hand that gives, gathers. (James Howell)
Nobody shoots at Santa Claus. (Alfred E. Smith)
G-ood and evil:
Nothing out of its place is good and nothing in its place is bad. (Walt Whitman)
G-entleness:
How is God gentle?
Psalm 18:35- You have given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand supports me; your gentleness has made me great.
Psalm 103:13-14- The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For He understands how weak we are; He knows we are only dust.
Isaiah 42:3- He will not crush those who are weak or quench the small hope.
Although God has the power of the universe at His fingertips, He often speaks most eloquently to us in whispers.
How did Jesus demonstrate gentleness?
Isaiah 40:11- He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
Matthew 9:36- He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn’t know where to go help.
Matthew 11:28-29- Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and you gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.”
We see the heart and mind of Jesus best through images like shepherding (holding us like lambs), pitying the crowds of hurting people, lifting heavy burdens, and represent sinful people before almighty God. These are the marks of gentleness.
How can I be gentle in my life?
Genesis 33:3-4- Jacob went on head. As he approached his brother, he bowed low seven times before him. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him affectionately and kissed him. Both of them were in tears. Jacob said, “What a relief it is to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the smile of God!”
Give a friendly smile in tense times.
1 Peter 3:4- You should be known for the beauty for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
A gentle and quiet spirit has unfading beauty.
I-deas:
Nothing in this world is as powerful as an idea whose time has come. (Victor Hugo)
Ideas are often poor ghosts, but sometimes they are made flesh. (George Elliot)
One thought fills immensity. (William Blake)
Individuality:
You and I know that there is a correlation between the creative and the screwball. So we must suffer the screwball gladly. (Kingman Brewster, Jr.)
An individual is as superb as a nation when he has the qualities which make a nation superb. (Walt Whitman)
Infinity:
If doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is infinite. (William Blake)
That which is infinite is as much above what great as it is above what is small. Thus God, being infinitely great, He is as much above kings as He is above the beggars; He is as much above the highest angel as He is above the meanest worm. (Jonathan Edwards)
What are some of the most significant things in life?
1 Corinthians 13:2-3- Without LOVE I would be no good to anybody… If I didn’t LOVE others, I would be of no value whatsoever. (Love God and Love for others.)
Acts 20: 24- My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love.
Philippians 3:8- Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ. (Knowing Christ Personally)
Significance in the eyes of the world may be insignificance in God’s eyes.
N-eeds:
What do I need?
Matthew 5:3- God blesses those who realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
I need God- His love, His Presence, His promise of eternal life.
T-alent:
Talent is often a defect of character. (Karl Kraus)
T-hankfulness:
Psalm 50:23- Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.
Psalm 92:1- If is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to the Most High.
Being thankful to god honors Him and give praises Him. Similarly, we honor others, when we give thanks to them, respecting them for who they are and what they are and what they have done.
We can show thankfulness to God through prayer, through a grateful heart, through singing and praise, by living as we should, and through service.
H- And of God:
What do we mean by “the hand goes God,” and how does He works?
Psalm 66: Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He does for His people!
E-xpectation:
2corinthians 3:8- Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory when the Holy Spirit is giving life? Since this new covenant gives us suck confidence, we can be very bold.
Eternity: is in love with the productions of time. (William Blake)
N-ame:
As his name is, so is he. (1 Samuel 25:25).
Names and natures do often agree. (John Clacke)
O-ptimism:
One truth is clear: whatever is, is right. (Alexander Pope)
God’s in his Heaven- All’s right with the world! (Robert Browning)
What will be will be well, for what is, is well. (Walt Whitman)
O-bedience:
Jeremiah 7:23- Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Only do as I say, and all will be well!
Obedience is putting into action God’s saving work in our lives.
Obedience is an act faith.
God’s presence in our lives comes when we obey Him.
God want us to do everything He commands us to do.
W-alking:
Take a two-mile walk every morning before breakfast. (Harry S. Truman)
W-ar:
God is always on the side of the heaviest battalions. (Voltaire)
W-isdom:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Prov.1:7)
W-orship:
Psalm 145:3- Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!
Worship is the recognition of who God is and of who we are in relation to him.
God meet with us in a powerful way when we worship Him together.
Micah 4:2- Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Israel. There He will teach us His ways, so that we may obey Him.
Public, corporate worship gives God’s people an important opportunity to hear His word proclaimed and learn about God and His ways.
Worship is a fitting response to God’s holiness, power, and grace.
What should Worship include?
Deuteronomy 11: 16- Do not let your heart turn away from the Lord to worship other gods.
When we enter God’s presence in worship, we should recognize that we are standing on holy ground.
Kneeling and bowing are appropriate postures for Worship.
Ezekiel 34:24-26- This is what the Lord says: I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken. 25- I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild beast so that they may live in the desert and sleep in the forest in safety. 26- I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
Here’s the secret I stumble upon when trying to solve the “It is Witten…Puzzle”. The situation in my life in which I felt nagging about, were all different. But love is the common denominator that transformed me, not the outer trappings: Love for my husband, love for my siblings, love for my friends, and love for my Church family. This is perhaps the most important lesson anyone of us can ever learn. Love has the power to transcend our physical limitations. “The more I wonder” “the more I love.” Let us continuously search for the wonder of it all. If we do, we can’t help but notice the love bubbling up from deep within. When wonder and love of this puzzle: “It is written…” become as indispensable to us as a foundation and blush, we will become the most Spiritual beings in the world.
Love you All,
Kettly.
The picture and scripture that moves me most....is the one of the young lady down and out...so many are dealing with things others never know about...so Phil 4:14 woul be mine!! keep up the good work...it definetely encourages my days to move along..smoother...Darlene Swilley
YAY Mystic I agree - Pour on, pour on. We were just outside taking pics of Tristen and Bailey caught up in the rain storm, having a blast! We practically had to drag Bailey in. All of the pics will be posted on her my space tonight, www.myspace.com/baileybug1995. Isn't it funny how we tend to pull out the umbrella to keep us from getting wet or seek shelter and the kids are out here just digging it? I say send us the rain! I am soooo ready to get drenched!
Hey Everybody!! Well, the picture that I can relate to is the first "N" (Philippians 4:14)
About a month ago I was down in out. When someone from here was letting me know they have been praying for me. I can't even tell you what that meant. Thanks {Avatar} Even if I get down again. (Which I know we all do.) I will sing: Thou O Lord, Art a shield about me, You're my glory, You're the LIFTER of my head, Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah!!
Mystic--I am having a wonderful day. What about U?
I love all the pictures by the way. Especially, the "L". I have laughed alot here.
LQQK-4ward 2-2morrow!!
Peace B-with U
Good evening all,
Hey Bishop, I like the new pic and color scheme!!!
Happy Birthday Miss Sofia
Peace and Joy
Linda :0)
Just a quick thought that came while I was out and about, in reference to Hab 2:1….
Aren’t "WE" all “watching to see” what each other is going to say each and every day??
How prophetic is that in reference to things that could not be revealed way back when?
Oh, by the way Bishop, how was Sofia's B-day party??
Like I really need to ask...
Hey Famman…Sofia’s party was perfect, thanks…I noticed that you edited your comment and reposted…I didn’t intentionally delete it, even though I was a little uneasy with the original word you used…but I was going to post it anyway because I used the term “peeping tom” when I was talking about blurkers the other day, which essentially means the same thing…but thanks for your sensitivity…it’s all good…
Avatar, I'm glad you mentioned "I Call Him Lord". That was one of Dottie Rambo's biggest hits, and I always loved the way the Rambos (Dottie, Buck and Reba)sang it with that beautiful, lilting harmony. Mark Lowry does the same arrangement, which is what you hear on the playlist. It still gives me chills after all these years.
Psalms 100:4 works for me right now....I have so much to be thankful for and so many reasons to bless God for the blessings he has given me this Psalm only makes sense!!!
Prayin for everyone,
TEEZY
uuJust a closing thought for the night.
This Verse says a whole lot about what we have been talking about here. Meditate on it and you will see it has deep roots in the heart of God concerning His purpose for our Communication.
(Phm 1:6 Webster) That the "communication" of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
The underlying Greek word here for communication is koinonia.(Stgs 2842) If you look that word up in a Greek dictionary it speaks volumes on this subject.
Peace,
Dennis
How can we not like all the pictures? It is us (all of us) in our everyday life just trying to grab a few minutes to check and see what Bishop has for us or to see what someone has said and what their view was on a certain subject.
It is all another part of the connection. Another reason that we have come together to relate to the subjects that Bishop has so carefully selected for the day. As for myself I cannot wait for the morning to come to see what we will be partaking of. BITN...it's all that and a bag of chips.
I cant help it this is just too good:
(Phm 1:6 KJV+) That3704 the3588 communication2842 of thy4675 faith4102 may become1096 effectual1756 by1722 the acknowledging1922 of every3956 good thing18 which3588 is in1722 you5213 in1519 Christ5547 Jesus.2424
“Communication2842”
koinōnia
Thayer Definition:
1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation, intercourse
1a) the share which one has in anything, participation
1b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy
1b1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the apostolic office)
1c) a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment and proof of fellowship
“Effectual1756”
energḗs; gen. energoús, masc.-fem., neut. energés, adj. from en (G1722), in, and érgon (G2041), work. Referring to energy, i.e., engaged in work, capable of doing, active, powerful, effective (1Co_16:9; Phm_1:6; Heb_4:12). In Class. Gr., energḗs, enérgeia (energy), and the verb energéō (G1754), to be at work, seem to have been used almost exclusively as medical terms referring to medical treatment and the influence of medicine.
“Acknowledging1922”
epígnōsis; gen. epignṓseōs, fem. noun from epiginṓskō (G1921), to recognize. It is more intens. than gnṓsis (G1108), knowledge, because it expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the NT, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement.
“every3956”
pas
Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
Every or all (good thing) which (IS) IN YOU in Christ Jesus.
Trying to quit yall or I will be up half the night.
In short I see that as we communicate our faith in this blog/cyber-koinonia it becomes a powerful, energizing force that activates and pulls out all the good (seed) that is ALREADY IN US in Christ Jesus ie the Christ Spirit within every man that needs to germinate and surface. I am really needing to go on but I need to go to bed. Somebody tell me to go to bed please!
Peace & Love,
Dennis
OK, go to bed.
(But that is cool...)
Thanks Bishop,
Good night.
ebony, what mystic said!
scribe38, your strength is showing. Way to go, sib!
dennis, thanks to you also, koinonia--woo hoo! Namaste.
lisa, sharing your joy!
speaking of pictures, what is your new pic famman87?
I love the fact that even in our hardest of times when we are connected to one another we are one spirit. We can love, laugh & cry. We pray for one another, Lift each other up & help each other.
For those who prayed & helped me out last week , I am honored to be connected to you. I still need prayer not only for my stepmother & her family but also for myself.
My stepmother is about the same this week. Her children are taking care of her with a nurse coming in to do check ups on her.
I also need prayer in a health issue. I need peace over them and myself. I know my dad has gone to heaven but having his ashes in my home brings back memories and and a part of me has started to mourn once again. I am planning on burying him ASAP. You know I just need my friends to help stand in the gap. Just pray.
Actually, you did post it. I was actually quite uncomfortable with it myself, so I deleted it as soon as it popped up. Kinda like speaking before you think...
Now that the whole family is wondering...
Avatar, It's a painting called "Use Your Illusion". (Guns 'n' Roses used it for an album cover once.)
Much love...
Bishop, you my pastor and my spiritual father and I want you to know that I have the utmost respect for you. But Bishop, what is up with the new colors, they are hard on the eyes and can I be really real, I don't like them, not one little bit. I hope it is an experiment, or I may become a blurker LOL
Know that "a friend loves at all times, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"...
In His love,
Yvonne
OMG! PLEASE FORGIVE ME BLOG FAM!
I just realized my error in a previous post...I really didn't mean to wish y'all a "bug" day...honest! LOL! I was studying something that called an item a 'bug' for short and I guess I got confused...I really meant that I hoped y'all were the WINDSHIELD...that you WEREN'T the BUG! I pray y'all had a FABULOUS LOUISVILLE SLUGGER kind of a day! Lord, I am blushin' here...my bad :o
And wasn't it a wonderful, bottom fallin' out kind of a drenching rain?! God is so GREAT! He doesn't have to give us all confirmation...but He has/is! What an AWESOME GOD!
Thank you, Friend4...I've had a very nice day...much better than last night. I have, like many of us, been on the rollercoaster just as we are when we have life altering event(s) occur--even when God is burning something away there is a death involved. It's all good...but sometimes it just feels rough. Those are the times when I feel more fortunate than even King David was...he had to encourage himself because everyone was against him...even though we have probably felt or been in the same kind of position, now we have each other here at CITN/BITN...that is what this place does for me...how very blessed I am!
Yes, Dennis...very cool thanx. And Yvonne, I think he's just going with the flow and experimenting as usual--don't tell him I said this but I don't think he got to do a lot of that in his college days...shhhh :o So how about this: let's give him some latitude, huh? It is his house...we just showed up with our toothbrushes and ended up staying...and I hope you stay no matter what the colors are...you're too valuable to us to lose! Whadya say? Pretty please? And definitely continue to speak your heart like always...it's what we like most about you.
I pray we all have a peaceful and prophetic dream-filled sleep and see y'all tomorrow ITB--LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE (or maybe to rumba?) IN THE RAIN! Will tomorrow call for more HOLY SHOWERS or will we move to HOLY FIRE?
Whatever you want, Lord...whatever is best, Lord...you know our end from our beginning, you know our downsitting and our uprising, you number the hairs on our heads, and you love us unconditionally...teach us to love as you love...to see as you see...we want what you have for us...all of it! Fire/Water--Water/Fire--REPEAT. Until we are pure gold!
Goodnight and blessings Blog Fam!
Bishop, I just listened again. I especially connect with songs about His names. "Jehovah, Messiah is Lord!" I still wonder why I woke to that last line. I used the right word before. It was a bolt to wide awake.
I didn't connect to much Christian music [even some hymns] for a long time. When I started wanting to, all I was exposed to was too preachy and repetitive for my Beatles pallet, until a shocked friend recommended Twila Paris' worship album 11 years ago now. Hung out with her music until CITN.
Said all that to say I haven't been exposed to Dottie's music but I'm most blessed by this one, and by your sharing it.
Avatar,
A bit more info on the picture. It is actually a small piece of a painting by Raphael that is done on one of four walls in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican called "The School of Athens". Kind of his masterpiece. The figures in this portion are two that have not actually been "identified", as the others in the "big picture" have been.
Wiki it if you like.rather interesting and very beautiful...
Ditto Mystic.
Dare I go here?
Generally, submission is a much avoided blessing. The color change may be JUST for you Yvonne. (smile) Enjoy your journey.
Thanks, Famman87, I had a feeling it was a master work. Hard to wiki a picture without some words.
Mystic, you figured out how to bold! I need to learn HTML codes. And we knew what you meant (smile) This is family, remember.
Mystic and Avatar,
Y'all are Fonzie cool...
You have put the smile on my face that's gonna give me a peaceful nights rest.
Sweet dreams and much love...
And that was only the condensed version of the dream, Avatar.
Mystic - part of it has something to do w/Prov. 8:12, I think. I'm definitely claiming that!
An evaporative cooler, Linda.
Kettly - wowowowow - inspirational. Thank you!
Bishop, good morning!...and welcome back.
Gettin' ready for the AWESOME service today, but wanted to say thanks for all the time and input that went into matching Bible verses with the pictures. Thank you for all of that.
I liked the colorful picture of the computer head people connected around the world.
--may living rivers of water continuously flow from within all of us today and greater revelation of the spirit of prophecy.
Love ya'.
And to all of you who thought of and prayed for Zachary, Natasha and I...it really spoke to me and I thank you. Thank you for covering us, I do believe it will greatly help us, and our conference with his teacher.
God bless!-Karl
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