Hey bloggers,

We're leaving for the airport in a few hours, so I have a little time to write something...and I was finally able to get on the page where you post articles.

Thanks for all of your comments about Judah's sermon...I loved every one of them, including the ones on the CITN blog (Pastor Lou, I think I liked yours the best)...and speaking of comments...thanks, Donald, for bringing it to my attention that I asked for you all to agree for a safe "fight". Of course I meant "flight"...or did I?

Also, please read my comment about the estimated number of the crowd at the GPF...

It has been very interesting being with people from all over the world for the last few days. They all want to ask questions about our newly elected President, and, for the most part, they are extremely excited about what his candidacy represents to the world.

We had a meeting at the Korean Parliament earlier in the week, and there is some concern among Korean leaders about how he will treat the trade agreement that the U.S. has with this country. All in all, it has been fascinating to see the whole thing from the perspective of the global village.

There's no way to tell you how much favor we've had here, and I have to say that I liked Korea a lot when we came here in April, but this time I totally fell in love with it. When I spoke at the GPF, I had the entire crowd (all 25,000 to 75,000 of them) stand and stretch their hands toward North Korea and pray for the unification of the two countries, and I believe it was one of the most anointed moments of my entire life. And they totally got it! It was beautiful, and I hope to show you a video of it soon.

As I told you, dad and I had an extra day here after the ILC and the GPF ended, so we were able to go to Prayer Mountain yesterday. We took a cab to Dr. Cho's church, and from there took the shuttle (about an hour and a half ride) out to the place that really was the catalyst for the growth of the world's largest church.

Dad visited there 30 years ago when he was here preaching at the church, and was given admittance to Dr. Cho's personal prayer grotto, where he encountered a life-changing experience with the Holy Spirit. He has talked about it for years, and has always wanted me to go there, too, but we found that the place that he visited back in the 70's has dramatically changed in these last decades. He didn't recognize anything, and the whole place has grown into sort of a huge Christian retreat mega-complex.

We wandered around for about an hour...no signs in English, and no one who spoke English...until we became, shall we say, somewhat frustrated. We not only couldn't find Cho's prayer grotto...we couldn't find any of the grottoes! There is a chapel that seats thousands, a hospital, a restaurant, a sports complex, a youth center, a huge cemetery...even a zoo...but no place to pray that we could find!

Anyway, after asking about a hundred different people, we finally found one guy who spoke a little English, and who led us to where some newly built prayer grottoes are (apparently all of the wooden ones that dad remembered from back in the day are long gone)... so, even though we were disappointed, he got one, and I got one, and we each went into our respective prayer closets for some alone time with God.

While I was in my private grotto, I asked the Spirit to show me what the day was all about, since it definitely did not turn out the way that we had visualized...and He showed me two things...

First, the experience that dad had when he was there before was unique to him...it couldn't be duplicated. Years ago, when I was going through a time of personal crisis in my life, he had wanted to send me to Korea so that I could go to Prayer Mountain and have an experience like he had had...but I didn't want to go then, and now I understand why. Experiences that we have with God are totally unique to us as individuals.

And secondly, He reminded me of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when Sean Connery played Harrison Ford's father. In the story, he accompanies his son on a mission to find the Holy Grail, and they go through all kinds of trials and adventures in an effort to discover it. At the end of the movie, when Jones lunges for the grail before it falls into the abyss (I'm fast-forwarding, assuming you're familiar with the plot), his father says to him "Indiana, let it go"...and the point of the story is that the father and son thought they were looking for a religious icon, but came to realize that the real spiritual treasure was in the discovery of truth within their own relationship through the process of searching. That's what Korea has meant for my dad and me this week.

Furthermore, we don't have to find Prayer Mountain...we are Prayer Mountain...

I need to go to my room and pack, but I wanted to share this with you. A few weeks ago I was here telling you how much I love Uganda, and now I'm telling you how much I love this country...and I'm not exaggerating. I keep hearing Peacemaker's words to me..."the world is yours"...

Debye and I have been invited to go to Brazil in a few days, and I'm sure I'll love it, too...and for different reasons...but I'll never forget this week...spending time with my father...watching my son preach over the internet from the other side of the world (even though he had had a challenging week...he had to go to court to face the guy who broke into his truck and stole all his stuff on Friday of last week)...

But I love all of you more than ever, and look forward to a big turn-out for Wednesday night. Oh, Auntie Em, there's no place like home!

God is good.

If My People...

Hey bloggers,

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

Faith and Civic Leaders Call
for Prayer for the Nation


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May God bless America.

Global Peace Festival USA Partners supporting this statement include:

Co-Chairs:

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


Partners:

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

We Speak To Nations

It is an awesome thing to be involved with a ministry that has a global pulpit, and is a prophetic voice to the nations. We're still receiving so many amazing praise reports from the GPF Interfaith Service earlier this month, and we continue to gain new members at CITN who are a part of the international community. Our cyber-congregation is thriving, and the streaming of the services over the internet blesses people around the world every week. We are also ever evolving in our understanding of diversity, and the role that we, as the Body of Christ, are playing in that dimension, as we tear down walls and build bridges.

Here are some updates on what is happening in the world of CITN...

KOREA

Thanks for praying about the trip to Korea with my dad. As I told you a few days ago, I've been invited to speak at the International Leadership Conference in Seoul, that will convene on November 6-10. The ILC is different from the Global Peace Festival, in that it involves ambassadors, heads of state, and people in government more than ministers and faith leaders, so it's a real honor for a minister to be invited as a speaker. The theme of the conference is "Toward a New Paradigm of Leadership and Good Governance”, and I'm very excited to be a part of it.

Anyway, they've invited my dad to come with me as their guest, and it's going to work out fine with his and my schedule to do it. He was able, after all, to get a new passport (it should be here day after tomorrow), and he's having cataract surgery on this coming Tuesday, so he will be recuperated enough by then to go.

There will be a GPF at the end of the conference, and then he and I are going to spend an extra day in Seoul to visit Dr. Cho's church - the largest church in the world - and to go to his Prayer Mountain (I've never been). This will be the first trip that dad and I have taken together in over 25 years, so we're really looking forward to it. Thanks again for praying, because the Lord has definitely worked out the details.

PHILIPPINES

Thanks, also, for receiving Bishop Tommy yesterday, and for ministering to him at the alter, and for giving in his offering. As he admitted at the end of his sermon, he was having a bit of a struggle in his preaching, but I want you to know that everything is OK with him. He's just been working very hard the last few weeks here in the states, raising funds for the ministry there in Ozamiz City, and is very ready to get home to his beautiful wife and children. His return has been delayed a week, so that he can preach in one more church before he leaves, and those extra days, though necessary, make things more difficult for everyone concerned. I really wish that he had shown some pictures of what they are doing there, because you would be very impressed to the see the pictoral evidence of the fruit of their labor.

I'll be going there at the end of January to do the UNITE! Conference for the pastors and leaders who network with him. For those of you who might be interested in going with me, I'll be leaving on Monday, the 26th (1/26/09), and the meetings will take place on Wednesday through Friday (1/28 - 1/30). Then I'll stay and preach at The Sanctuary (his church) on Sunday, February 1, and return to the states the next day.

UGANDA

The conference will be similar to the one we did in Uganda last month, and I'll be ordaining several pastors on that Sunday like we did at Pastor Ben's church in Kampala. Speaking of Uganda, I'm looking forward to meeting with all of the Uganda team this coming Wednesday night after church.

I really love connecting with pastors in this way. In fact, I prefer these types of meetings to the typical crusades that most American pastors hold in foregin countries. To me, building relationships is what it's all about, which is why I want to do an annual leadership conference in both the Philippines and Uganda, indefinitely. I haven't firmed up the exact dates for Uganda next year, but Pastor Ben and I have discussed the first week in September.

USA

We discussed this last night at the Care Pastors' meeting, but I want to reiterate how important it is right now to keep the United States lifted up in prayer. Aside from the current financial situation (which I personally believe is going to reveal great things in and for the Kingdom of God), this election year has brought about acute division and extreme polarization in this country.

Now, I want you all to be informed, and of course I want you to vote...but more than anything else I want you to pray...and to set an example of love and harmony...and to build bridges...and to be peacemakers. I love the Republicans and I love the Democrats (and the Independents and the Libertarians)...but more than that, I love America, and I don't want to see it divided on November 5 (I'll actually be flying to Korea on that day, but I'll be here in spirit).

Anyway, vote your conscience and your convictions in the election, but do what you can to promote unity. And whoever moves into the White House on January 20, make the decision to respect him as your President, and to pray for him as the Scriptures tell us to do.

"We speak to nations, the Kingdom is coming near to you, we speak to you... BE FREE!"

Have a blessed day!

Tea or Coffee?

Hey bloggers,

I like these two cartoons, and wanted to post them because I think that they are relevant right now for several reasons...they may or may not speak to you...

Hope you're having a great day...today's AYITN is from the chapter I used for Sunday's sermon (even though the entry is in a different flow from the word that came forth)...but I think it's a good one...check it out...

Pastor Varner's wife, Joann, was at Apostle McCurry's funeral Saturday, passing out copies of the book (which is still my/our best seller) to some of the people who were there ...she and Kirk Talley both keep introducing it to new audiences, which is awesome...

I've been invited to Korea to speak for an ILC/GPF in a few days, and my dad has been invited to go with me...he can't find his passport (which is expired, anyway), so be in agreement that we can get one for him in time...

On second thought, just be in agreement for the right thing to happen, because if we can't get one for him, Debye will go with me, instead, and he'll stay and preach on the Sunday I'm gone...either way is cool with him (and us), but I think that he'd really like to go, and I think it would be good for him...he and I haven't gone on a trip anywhere together for over 25 years...

And be in agreement for the direction of the United Rockdale Summit meeting today...I was going to go hear B. Tommy speak at Beulah Heights University this morning, but I think I'll go to the meeting today, instead...lot's of important things to discuss...

Thanks to those of you who tithed for the first time (or for the first time in a long time) last Sunday...I command a blessing on you...

Anyway...be strong today...keep a good attitude...see the big picture...count your blessings...seek first the Kingdom...walk in love...and blog something...

Bye

Greetings From the Big Easy

Hey bloggers,

I'm in New Orleans for an ACLC (American Clergy Leadership Conference) Convocation, and I'll be speaking to the attendees about the GPF @ CITN this afternoon. Many of the people here have been reading the blog, and are very impressed with, and excited about, your comments concerning this past Tuesday night (and with the blog, in general). One gentleman from Miami has even taken your comments about the GPF, and has printed them out and put them into book form...so some of you are now technically authors!

One thing...on this computer in the hotel's business center, most of the posted pictures are x'd out...I hope it's just that way on this computer, and not on the blog itself. Someone let me know one way or the other (if it's that way on the blog, I'll have to wait until I get back home to fix it).

It's going to be a busy day here, but I'll try to write something later.

Peace!

Church On The Nile (And Then Some)

Later that day...











Hey bloggers, Thanks for the great comments today (currently 17)...I prematurely removed the "Happy Yom Kippur" that I had posted on the blog yesterday. I used Debye's computer to do it, and now I can't find the picture of the man blowing the shofar that I used (she's out of town - with her computer - speaking at the Unveiled Conference in Orlando). Anyway, Happy Day of Atonement...Happy Day of Reconciliation...OUR GOD REIGNS!


__________________

Original Post:



This picture is not very clear (if you click on it, the enlarged image is much clearer) but I wanted to post it because it was taken the same day as the BLOGINTHENOW picture, but this shot is at the source of the Nile where Ghandi's ashes were scattered in 1948. I'm standing in front of a monument to him that marks the spot where the ceremony took place.

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments about the GPF. Reading them again enables me to re-live Tuesday night...which is really important, because it nearly seems dream-like to me...as if I imagined it. I'd like to hear from even more of you who were there.

If you weren't ITB or streaming last night, I encourage you to get the CD or DVD of the service. I think that the word that was delivered is important for everyone who hears my voice to hear, especially in light of all that is happening in the financial world right now.

Speaking of the world's current financial situation, here's a couple of passages from John In The Now that might help balance out all that you're hearing on the news:

“Peace I leave with you; I’m talking about My own, personal sense of peace, wholeness and well-being; I’m actually transferring it to you. You see, My peace is unlike the peace that comes from this realm...the peace that is reactionary and temporal, dependent on outward circumstances to determine its strength and presence. My peace is other-worldly – settled, absolute – causing you to be in harmony with your whole life – past, present, and future – and ultimately with the whole of creation. It will empower you to refuse to let your heart (your inner world) become troubled, agitated, or upset, no matter what is happening around you, and you can be fearless because you will be at peace with the Father, with yourself, and with the universe. (John 14:27 - JITN)

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have real peace and confident serenity. Now don’t be naïve to the fact that, in the world, you will have trouble. It is a given. But, take heart! You can celebrate and live a joyful life, regardless of any circumstances in your life, because I have completely overcome the trouble of the world and have set the example to show how you can overcome it, as well!” (John 16:33 - JITN)

As I said last night, all day Tuesday seemed to be unusually miraculous for us...I'm curious to know if anything out of the ordinary happened to you on Tuesday, whether you experienced the GPF or not.

So...What Did You Think?

(click to enlarge)

Let There Be Peace

Hey bloggers,

I know that I've posted this before, but in light of what will be happening tonight at CITN, I want to acknowledge Jesus' prayer of unity from John In The Now once again, if you'll allow me. I hope to see you all tonight (the regular playlist will be back tomorrow)...

Chapter 17

1. After Jesus had finished speaking to his disciples, He looked up toward the infinite sky and said, “Father, the time has come for You to bring glory to Your Son, so that Your Son may glorify You.

2. “You have granted Him full authority over all the people of the earth, and You have given them to Him so that He might give them all eternal life.

3. “And this fulfills the purpose of eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the manifestation of Your physical presence on the earth.

4. “I brought glory to You in this dimension by doing everything that You told Me to do.

5. “And now, Father, bring Me back into the eternal now, so that I may exist in the glory that We shared before the world began.

6. “I have told these men who have followed Me all about You. Their perception was limited, having been shaped by the current world’s system, but You gave them to Me and now they have been freed from the smallness of their previous mindset by obeying Your word.

7. “They know that everything that I have came from You.

8. “I just told them exactly what You told Me, and it convinced them that I came from You and that You sent Me here.

9. “Right now I am not praying for the whole world, but for those whom You have given to be My followers, because they know that they belong to You.

10. “All that I have is Yours, and all that You have is mine, and the glory of that connection has now included them in its manifestation.

11. “I will no longer remain in this dimension or in this physical incarnation, but they are still in the physical realm of space and time. I am returning to the eternal now to be reintegrated with and in You, but I pray, Holy Father, that You keep through Your name those whom You have given Me. I pray that, even though they continue to live and move in the physical world, they will be able to transcend its finite limitations and be one with each other, even as We are.

12. “While I was with them in the physical world, I kept them safe and intact in Your name. I carefully guarded them, and not one of them was lost to My circle of influence, except for that one who just seemed bent on destruction. But his rebellion only served to fulfill the Scriptures.

13. “I am on My way back into the eternal now, but I want to say these things while I am still in this physical incarnation. If I say these things as the Son of Man, it will make it possible for them to also say these kinds of things, so that they can know the joy of being manifested as Sons of God.

14. “I have told them Your message, but they are hated by those mental prisoners of the world-system, because they don’t belong to that system in any way, just as I don’t.

15. “Father, I don’t ask that you take My followers out of the world, because it would defeat the entire purpose of My coming here if You should allow them to become escapists. I only pray that they be kept safe from the phantom menace.

16. “They are misfits in this world – strangers to its present mindset – just like Me.

17. “So let them find shelter in the truth of Your word; it is the only place where they can live now that they have been with Me.

18. “As You sent Me into this dimension, I am sending them into it – into the fullness of it.

19. “I have given Myself completely for their sake – becoming absolutely absorbed into them – so that they may become absolutely absorbed into the truth.

20. “But I do not pray for these alone…these who know Me as I am, here and now. But I pray for those everywhere and in every dimension of time, including those in the future, who will ultimately believe in Me through their witness and their word.

21. “And I pray that they all may be one in the now...all around this world of yours, not just the ones here in this time and place. Make them all one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. Integrate them as You and I are integrated – unified, in harmony, inseparable.

22. “I have actually given them the glory that You gave Me, so that it would be possible for them to be one, even as We are.

23. “I have become one with them in the same way that You are one with Me, so that they may become completely one. This unification – this melding and merging of separate entities into a perfect oneness – is the thing that will ultimately show the whole world that You sent Me. They will all see that You love My followers as much as You love Me.

24. “Father, I truly want everyone You have given Me to be with Me…wherever I am…so that they will see, first-hand, the glory that You have given Me because You loved Me in the now…before the world of space and time was created.

25. “Righteous Father, the people of the world at large don’t know the real You, but I know You, and now the ones who have followed Me know that You sent Me.

26. “And I have revealed You to them and will continue to reveal You through the coming manifestation of the Holy Spirit. I am committed to continuing this revelation so that your love for Me may be in them and that I, Myself, may be in them, as well.”

Today's Possibilities (And Then Some)

Hey bloggers,

Thanks for the wonderful, poetic/prophetic comments (currently 9 posted). I love this picture, and I appreciate your insights on it.

Couple of things...Don't forget that TODAY IS THE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE!

Also, I put a short playlist of David Phelps songs on the blog to advertise for the GPF tomorrow night.

Will you be there?

GPF Highlights

Click on images to enlarge...


Promo Flyer

















Judah and Pastor Scott rapping...




















Event Video
Scroll down (or up) to pause the playlist first...

No Place Like Home

Hey bloggers,

Everything was great...too bad about the air time running out, but it's all good...it's a little after midnight at this writing, and we have to leave for the airport at 5:30 (up @ 4:30), so I'm going to end it here for now...but I'll see you ITB in a few and tell you all about it...Washington was off the chain, but I'm really looking forward to being home at wonderful CITN...

Peace...

Happy Birthday to my mother-in-law, Shirley Flanders...

____________


Later...

Hey bloggers,

The atmosphere at church this morning was wonderful, especially the worship experience...the liberty in the house was obvious...I felt very connected to everyone ITB (and even to the cyber-congregation)...the unity seemed exceptionally authentic...

The "Let It Rain" video had the same effect on the congregation today that it had the first time they played it...

It was good to see even more faces that I haven't seen in a while...

Stood at the West Entrance in the Narthex and greeted people afterwards...got to speak to, and pray with, several of our college students who are returning to school this week (and meet many first-timers)...

That's all for now...I'll let you know about video from the GPF when I get the 411, and will also let you know if Judah and P. Scott will for sure be performing at the U.N. this week...

Feedback from the service today is welcome...

Anyway, let me reiterate how happy I am to be home...


(The music's back on...)

Peace Blessing III

This is the day the Lord has made...

(Scroll down and pause the playlist first)



P - lace

E - very

A - nxiety on

C -hrist

E - ntirely



Hey bloggers,

Love everything you wrote yesterday...thanks for your words to my son, Jared...very busy day today, to say the least...keep us in your prayers...

I love you all very, very much...

You are all so important to me...

Peace to you (again) today...

Peace Blessing II

Hey bloggers,

Today is 8/8/08 (new beginnings X 3)...Happy Birthday, Jared (yeah, we finally heard from him). As most of you know, we're in Washington for the GPF...all is well...very exciting things happening here (Debye did great in her interview on the local ABC news last night)...thanks for the support and words of encouragement...I (we) feel your presence here with us...our unity is real!

Today's AYITN is this:

CHILL OUT!

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."
(1 Peter 5:7 – AMP)

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6, 7 – AMP)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I believe the word of God that tells me that I possess supernatural peace, given to me by Jesus Himself – in fact, it is actually His own, personal peace that He desires to share with me!

(I speak a blessing of peace over you again today...you have the peace of Christ...the peace that enabled Him to sleep in a boat during a terrible storm...you have that ability today, regardless of how violent your personal storm is right now...)


Today I will not worry about tomorrow. The Kingdom is in the NOW (Matthew 6:33, 34).

(By faith I call your mind into the now...the peace of God causes you to enjoy the awesome beauty of this day, without any distraction concerning the worries of tomorrow...you have nothing to dread...you have nothing to fear...)


Today I will relax, casting all of my care on Him.

(Let not your heart be troubled...no regrets...no worries...you are loved...you are forgiven...you have favor with God and man...it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...)


Today I will believe I receive when I pray. I can't worry and believe at the same time.

(Be at peace in your prayer life...the peace of God under girds your faith to make you realize that you are stronger than you think you are!)


Today I will let go of the stress and pressure. The government is on Jesus' shoulder.

(I speak the peace that drives out stress to you...)


Today I will respond to whatever comes my way with these three words: "It's all good!" God is perfecting that which concerns me so I know that everything will always, ultimately, turn out all right with His help.

(Peace to you...IT'S ALL GOOD...peace to your heart...IT'S ALL GOD!!!)

Today I will choose the good part and sit down with "laid-back Mary" at the feet of Jesus, instead of working up a sweat in the kitchen trying to help "stressed-out Martha" get her dinner ready! I don't have to worry about preparing a meal because Jesus is the Bread of Life – the Manna from Heaven! Today I will walk in the peace that passes understanding, and today I will live in the now!

(Don't feel overwhelmed by today's responsibilities...you'll get it all done...the peace of God helps you manage your time...decide right now to walk in peace, and you'll have a great day...)

Father, help me to keep it all in perspective today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Check back later today...I may or may not have more...

Peace Blessing

“Peace I leave with you; I’m talking about My own, personal sense of peace, wholeness and well-being; I’m actually transferring it to you. You see, My peace is unlike the peace that comes from this realm...the peace that is reactionary and temporal, dependent on outward circumstances to determine its strength and presence. My peace is other-worldly – settled, absolute – causing you to be in harmony with your whole life – past, present, and future – and ultimately with the whole of creation. It will empower you to refuse to let your heart (your inner world) become troubled, agitated, or upset, no matter what is happening around you, and you can be fearless because you will be at peace with the Father, with yourself, and with the universe."
(John 14:27 - John In The Now)

Hey bloggers,

We’re in Washington through the weekend for the ACLC Conference and the Global Peace Festival on Saturday (we’re flying out Sunday morning, and will be at church with a great word!)…

I probably won’t be on the blog for the next several days, but I want to speak a blessing of peace over you, and hope that you’ll keep the conversation going while I’m a passenger on the peace train in D.C…


In the name of the Prince of Peace, I release a blessing of peace to your spirit, your soul, your physical body, your family, your household…peace to your past, your present, and your future…peace to everything that you are, and to everything that you are becoming…

…I speak peace of mind to you through the power of the Holy Spirit, and by faith I say, in the same way that Jesus stood up in the boat and commanded “Peace! Be still!” to the storm, that you experience an absolute calmness coming to the stormy waves of your mind, and that everything that is causing unrest in your thoughts will quell down.

…May you embrace and enjoy real peace of mind today…the kind of inner peace which is the companion of the silence of the mind…He will keep you in PERFECT PEACE as you keep your mind stayed on Him…

I pray/say that you manifest peace of mind, not by thinking about it or imagining it, but by finding the entrance to the secret place of the Most High…and that you are fully able to relax the restless mind under the shadow of the Almighty…

You are made in God’s image, so your true nature is actually absolute peace. You are not the mind, but you possess the Mind of Christ. As rivers of living water flow from your innermost being, you will find a way to silence your mind…through concentration and meditation, you will discover the peace of the Spirit that you are, and have always been.

As peace flows like a river through your spirit/heart, you can let your thoughts go, and can close the windows and doors of your mind…“casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God”…

Inner peace creates outer peace…out of the heart are the issues of life...so right now, all the stress has to go, the pressure is released, and you can exhale and deeply relax…

By my words I create the possibility that you can find some quiet time today. The mind is like a room that is always full of stuff...cluttered with unimportant things…there is no free space there. When you get quiet, however, and the room of your mind becomes vacant, peace of mind prevails. It’s a natural flow…

Give your brain some rest…stop over-thinking everything…in fact, you should stop your thoughts, altogether, for a little while, but stay awake…in that state you will become aware that you are filled with the Spirit, and you will experience the great ocean of peace beyond the mind.

True peace of mind is not dependent on circumstances. It comes from the inside.

The wind causes waves to arise on the sea. Restless thoughts are the winds that bring waves and storms into the mind. Learn to calm down the winds of your mind, and you will enjoy great inner peace.

In faith I charge you to calm your storm…worries, fears, desires, restlessness, and nervousness drive peace of mind away.

Negative feelings and negative thoughts keep peace of mind away…truth, beauty, love, grace, forgiveness, surrender, unity…think on these things…

God is good. You are loved. You are blessed. Everything is going to be all right…relax…cast all of your care on Him because He cares for you…let it all go…let go and let God…your kingdom rights are righteousness, PEACE, and joy in the Holy Spirit…

I speak this blessing on you…have a peace-filled day, and enjoy every minute of it…

And wherever you go today, and whatever you do…CREATE PEACE!

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God…

Here's What's Happening

(BODYBUILDERS TODAY @ 10 IN THE CITN CAFE'!)

Hey bloggers,

Thanks for your response to the pictures of Jesus and the children of the world. Without going into any detail, at the end of the day Monday, with all of its drama, the picture of that concept just gave me a real sense of peace, and it was all that I wanted to say, and all I wanted to share with you. I love the fact that, when necessary, I can communicate to those of you who know my voice without words. And between those pics and here I have re-posted three articles that have been repeatedly requested. So there you have it, and that’s why there are so many comments under the pictures, and none (at the time of this writing) under the other articles.

Yesterday I took Jonah to get his learner’s license, and he passed his test and did well, and then we went driving out on the open road. Again, he did very well driving, but I gotta tell ya…there’s something about riding with them when they first get behind the wheel that is just really terrifying, regardless of how much faith you have! When I got back to the office I just had to sit at my desk for a little while in the dark and be real quiet and real still. I'm proud to say that I taught all four of my kids to drive, but man, it doesn't get any easier as you get older and more experienced!

Then, last night we were supposed to celebrate Jared’s birthday (he’ll turn 25 on 8/8/08, but we’ll be in Washington for the GPF that day), and he was flying in from somewhere (we never know what country he’s in), but we never heard from him (still haven’t at the time of this writing). He was supposed to have landed around 7PM, and I texted and called several times, but no Jared. So we celebrated his birthday without him because Debye had already cooked. I guess we’ll try again Sunday night when we get back in town.

And since I’m going on and on about my children, let me say that I was happy to find out today that Christina and Daisson and Sofia are coming up to Washington for the GPF (his brother and sister-in-law live in the D.C. area), so that’s cool. And, also, we got confirmation today that Judah and Pastor Scott will definitely be performing their rap “One Family Under God” in front of the U.S. Capitol on Saturday! Again…cool!

It’s unlikely that I’ll be doing anything with the blog until we get back in town on Sunday. We have the ACLC (American Clergy Leadership Conference) all day Thursday and Friday, along with press conferences and planning meetings for Saturday’s big event…Deb and I are flying up Thursday morning, and Judah and Jonah are flying up Thursday night with Pastors Scott and Lindsey…so be sure to communicate today if you can (you will still be able to send comments while I’m out of town, I just can’t guarantee that they’ll be posted quickly). And those of you who are flying or driving up to Washington…be safe, and be sure to find us on the mall.

Anyway, I’ve got a good word for tonight, so be sure to be a part of it. And check out the re-posted articles, especially if you are relatively new to the blog.


P.S. I love you, Anonymous @ 10:06 from yesterday...according to Ricky Bobby, it's in the Geneva Convention that you can say absolutely anything as long as you preface it with "With all due respect"!

Tell Me Something Good!

I hope everyone is keeping cool these days. If one more person asks me if it's hot enough for me, I'm going to...well, I don't know what I'm going to do, but let's just say I've heard it enough. And then that question is usually followed by, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity!"

Hey, it's summertime, people! It's supposed to be hot! Go pour yourself a glass of iced tea (the table wine of the south), and just be happy. As fast as time is flying these days, it will be winter before you know it...


Observations from watching the news last night…

…of course it’s unspeakably tragic…but aside from that, how absurd is it that a man who thinks it is immoral for a church to promote women’s rights and gay rights, to decide to make his statement for morality by walking in to a service at that church (while the children are performing the musical Annie, no less), and just begin randomly murdering people?!! It’s one thing to have a difference of opinion about the standard of morality…but to murder innocent people for the sake of that morality? It just doesn’t make any sense. It’s like those people who gunned down doctors who performed abortions in their clinics because they were, in their opinion, killers! Unbelievable! If you’re really pro-life, you shouldn’t be out destroying life! If morality is really important to you, you should obtain moral authority by being moral!

I understand that morality is a complex issue, and I do believe in having standards…but when I hear about the insanity that comes from rabid intolerance, especially among religious people, I want to embrace the “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” concept more than ever…

…on a lighter note, did I hear correctly that gas prices are the lowest they have been since May? They’re still high, but at least there’s a little good news in that department.

And did I also hear that we have had more rainfall in July than was predicted…and more than we have had for the same month in the two previous years? The drought isn’t over, but things are at least better than they were a few weeks ago in that area!

And then there was all of the nasty political stuff. All I can say about that is... just pray for the presidential candidates. They need it!

More than anything, I was just glad to hear a little good news. Does anyone else have any to share?

Also, it looks like Phillips, Craig and Dean aren't going to be able to participate in the GPF, but they may be replaced with David Phelps. You may know him from the Gaither Vocal Band. He has an amazing voice. And please keep posting your acts of kindness so that we can reach our goal.

If you haven't checked out the Barney Fife video from yesterday, go look at it and tell me what you think (Donald, your observation of his smugness at the end was my main point). Aside from making the point, however, I think it's just hysterical...and a merry heart does good like a medicine!

One thing I love about YouTube is that it has so many things like that which always make me laugh (like the newsroom scene from Bruce Almighty, when Jim Carrey takes over Steve Carell's voice, or Bugs Bunny in Hillbilly Hare). Just being able to see them easily and at any time is very cool to me.

Anyway, I command a blessing on all BLOGINTHENOW bloggers today, and I believe that all things are working together for your good. It's hot outside, but you're alive...you're going to make it...choose to be happy. Count your blessings, and don't waste this Tuesday on bitterness or pettiness or worry or fear.

That's what was on my mind today...what's on yours?

The Whole World

The earth is the Lord's...

We are in agreement for P. Joshua Foster's safe return to the Philippines today...and for Pastor Ben Nadiope's safe return to Uganda this week...and for God to supply the needs of those of you who are going with me to both of those countries in a few weeks...and for the success of the Global Peace Festival in Washington D.C. on August 9...and for the mind of the Lord concerning the MEPI trip to Iran...and for CITN to continue to have a global pulpit...and for a blessing on our cyber-congregation all over the world...and for us to find the corn in Egypt...and for His will to be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN...


Please scroll down and pause the playlist player first...

You see, God’s love for the whole world – His paternal affection for the entire cosmos – was so all-encompassing and complete that He freely gave His unique Son to it, so that anyone from that world who believes in Him would not perish, but would awaken to the fact that eternal life is theirs.

It certainly was never God’s intention to send His Son into the world to pronounce a sentence of condemnation upon it. Rather, He was perfectly focused on saving it...on redeeming the whole of humanity, everyone and everything on the planet...through the gift of that unique, manifested Son.

John 3:16, 17 - John In The Now

All over the world, the Spirit is moving...


What do we need to agree for in your world today?

Hey bloggers,

I'm at Kennesaw State University in the student center, and this is the first chance I've had to be at a computer since we left town yesterday morning. The meetings in Washington were great...I have a lot to tell you about them (later). We got to bed around midnight after the second planning meeting for the GPF, and then got up at 4:00 this morning in order to catch a cab at 5 for the airport, because we had to be at a parents' orientation for KSU at 8:30 (where Judah will be attending this fall). He's here somewhere on campus for his own orientation. We haven't seen him because he was coming from Covington as we were coming from Washington this morning, and we've been in separate meetings all day.

What I didn't know until we got here this morning is that the orientation goes until 4:00 PM!!! I thought it was just going to be for about an hour, but I was apparently misinformed.

It's the end of the lunch break, and I've got to go back in for the afternoon sessions, but I wanted you to know why nothing had been posted for today.

If you want to post something, feel free to do so. It helps to keep me awake.

Check back later.

Peace

______


Later (currently 12 comments) –

Hey bloggers,

Thanks for the interest…and yeah, we made it through the rest of the long but productive day…and, thanks…your comments helped make the second part go faster…

Judah got registered and got his classes…I am very impressed with KSU…

Check back later...

_______

Even later (18 comments) –

So anyway, Debye and I have been asked to be co-chairs of the GPF (along with Dr. Michael Beckwith, who is one of the ministers that you see on The Secret), which just means that we are even more involved with the actual planning of it. The gospel group Phillips, Craig and Dean has also just signed on to appear that day. Many of you have asked about the program schedule, and we are still working on it (we’ll be back in D.C. next week for that), but it has definitely been moved back an hour (from 5 – 8 PM) because of the heat.

One thing that was really cool about last night is that we got to spend some time with Rev. Walter Fauntroy, who will be one of the keynote speakers for the GPF. Any of you who know about the Civil Rights movement know who he is, and it’s awesome to talk to him, and to hear how he sees this event as a part of the fulfillment of Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech (he was there for it on the other side of the mall that day, 45 years ago).

All of the people in the bigger meeting last night were so impressed with how so many of you are getting involved with the acts of service and kindness.

I’ll tell you more about it Sunday.

That’s all for now.

Communique'

Happy Wednesday, bloggers!

I have several things on my mind that I want to talk about...


First, here's a couple of pictures that we took Sunday after church which Debye just sent me. We had a great time with the kids last weekend, and I must say that the grandparent gig just gets better and better...

















If you haven't read today's AYITN, check it out (it's on the CITN site if you don't have a copy...and why wouldn't you have a copy?!). I think that it's a good follow-up to yesterday's lively discussion about whining (Title: Extra Mile!)...

Again, thanks for your participation in the Million Acts of Service and Kindness. I'm really glad that you "get it". It's important...

And it looks like the GPF is coming together, nicely. Debye and I are on the new promo video for it, which should be up in the next day or two. Rev. Run and some other celebrities just signed on...

Also, be in agreement with me for the global schedule to work out. It looks like the MEPI trip to Iran is for real, and I have been officially invited to go...I've just got to squeeze it in somehow between Uganda and the Philppines...need some supernatural intervention to make all that work out, but I'd really like to go to Iran...

I've been noticing how many of you have written here lately, "I LOVE THIS PLACE!", and I love it, too. The only problem with that, on my part, is that the blog so satisfies my need to create on a daily basis, that it seems to be preventing me from creating other things! My practice since the turn of the millennium has been to author at least one book a year, but since I've had this constant outlet to write and communicate what's on my mind, I haven't been writing anything else. I've started about four different books this year (and I know that I still haven't done Matthew, Mark and Luke In The Now) but so far, nothing has really flowed or kept my attention. And it's nearly August!

I also haven't painted one thing this year!










So I'm also asking that you be in agreement with me for some balance and better time management, because I'm totally committed to the blog, and plan on continuing it. And I wouldn't mind some suggestions for book topics to help me with direction. I need for someone to make a demand on that part of my writing gift.

If I'm not mistaken, I think Obama is in Israel/Palestine today...pray for the peace of Jerusalem (and Ramallah)...

Hope to see you ITB tonight...I'm beginning a new series...

"Laugh at yourself and at life. Not in the spirit of derision or whining self-pity, but as a remedy, a miracle drug, that will ease your pain, cure your depression, and help you to put in perspective that seemingly terrible defeat and worry with laughter at your predicaments, thus freeing your mind to think clearly toward the solution that is certain to come. Never take yourself too seriously.”

_____________


"Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future. You can never win when you wear the ugly cloak of self-pity, and the sour sound of whining will certainly frighten away any opportunity for success. Never again. There is a better way.”

- Og Mandino, American Essayist and Psychologist



"A little less complaint and whining, and a little more dogged work and manly striving, would do us more credit than a thousand civil rights bills.”


- W.E.B. DuBois, co-founder of the N.A.A.C.P.



"The tendency to whining and complaining may be taken as the surest sign symptom of little souls and inferior intellects.”

- Lord Jeffrey, Founder and editor of the Edinburgh Review




“Firmness in enduring and exertion is a character I always wish to possess. I have always despised the whining yelp of complaint and cowardly resolve.”


- Robert Burns,
National Poet of Scotland

____________

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

(Proverbs 24:10 – NKJV)


And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

(2 Timothy 2:2-3 - NKJV)


For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

(Philippians 4:8 - Amplified Bible)

Selah!


BTW, it's very cool to log on to the Million Acts of Service and Kindness site and see so many of your names there! Thanks for participating...I'm very proud of you!