Kingdom Quest

As With Fire

2011-09-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

The fire takes you higher...makes you shine brighter...cleanses your world...and makes you glorious.
Jesus baptizes you with it and you come out more fully reflecting the spirit and work of the Creator, an image...a masterpiece bearing His mark.

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The fire of God is never punitive, its for purification. The fire we walk through is to make us a better person - Debye Swilley

I was going to put the following as a comment but it seemed to go pretty well here, tied in with the word above about God's fire and purification. This post is from friend and pastor Robert Rutherford:
-----A Baptist Sniper saw me reading my Bible at Waffle House and assumed I wanted to engage in conversation. His opening statement was, " Its SAD!" I continued reading and TRIED to ignore him.... Eventually, I felt BAD enough so I said, " what?... What's sad?"

He: " to think that most everybody in this place is headed straight for H-E-DOUBLE-L!!!"

All I had was a butter-knife, so I couldn't STAB him.... I suggested to him that GOD is the consuming fire.... That we ALL go through our OWN Hell and that the fire has a PURPOSE other than to give a monstrous deity pleasure... That it, FIRE (pur in the Greek)

PURIFIES us.... that it is, in fact a SPIRITUAL fire. This REALLY SET HIM OFF!!! He, it turns out, is a LITERALIST. he believes the Bible is Literal. Dear Lord. I told him to describe Hell. He: " IT'S A PLACE OF DARKNESS WHERE THE LAKE OF FIRE BURNS HOTTER THAN ANY OTHER FIRE! IT'S LIKE LAVA!!!"

I told him that, my limited experience with fire had proven it to be LIGHT-PRODUCING!!!

this BAFFLED him, temporarily but, ignorance won out, he recovered and continued!

He: " IT IS A PLACE WHERE LITERAL DEMONS CHEW ON YOU AND YOU FEEL LITERAL PAIN!!!! THE WORSTEST PAIN IN THE WORLD!!!!". ????????? Go figure....

So I decided to help him SEE the stupidity of his LITERAL HELL theory. I wanted to bless him. So, I asked him if he knew anyone who was IN hell. He: " YESSIREE!!!! My sorry brother-in-law! He was a goodfernuthin ALKYHOLLIC and he DEFINITELY went to HELL!!!"

so I asked him if they had a funeral. He said,

"Yes!". I asked if they buried him or cremated him. He: " OH NO!!! WE DON'T BELIEVE IN CREMATION!!! THATS'S TOO CLOSE TO YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!" ( as he points at the floor I glance at the cooks butcher knife... too far! ) "we BURIED him at the cemetery in BOWDEN. HE got a REAL nice plot... RIGHT UNDER a SHADE TREE!!!" ( this should help cool him down?!?!?) so I asked if I could pay someone to dig him up! He looked horrified! He: " Whyyyyy???" Me: " To PROVE to you that he is THERE and, NOT IN HELL!"

He: ( shakes his head at MY ignorance. Looks at all of the eavesdropping customers and waitresses for support )" Of COURSE his BODY is in the Cemetery!!!! His SPIRIT is in H-E-DOUBLE-L!!!"

Me: " so... It takes a LITERAL FIRE... to burn up SPIRITS?!?!?!?!?"

he looked for a butter knife... Slid off the seat... Said, " IM DONE WITH YOU AND SO IS THE LORD!!!!" and left. I hope he thought about it later... But, I'm pretty sure he didn't! Religion is as stubborn as it is stupid!!!! I bet Father let's his brother-in-law greet him when he walks through those " PEARLY GATES" on the other side!!! 8-)

A WAY

2010-11-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

"Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. LOOK, I am about to do something new: even now it is coming.
Do you not see it?

Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:7

GET GOING!

2010-10-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have a command to GO into all the world – into every part of the worlds of every man, woman, boy and girl – into every culture and counterculture – into every mindset and philosophy – into every system and network — and preach the good news, without the preferential treatment of anyone!

Today I will embrace the call of Christ. Even though I may be rebuked for my unbelief or hardness of heart as the first disciples were, I have still been mandated to go — to go anyway — in spite of my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable and, regardless of what I have or haven't done, Jesus is still depending on me to give the inhabitants of His world some good news!

Today I will go to where the people are – not just where they are geographically, but to where they are mentally, spiritually, emotionally and philosophically. I will speak with the tongue of the learned (Isaiah 50:4), becoming all things to all men (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Today I will make some movement, knowing that my steps are ordered of the Lord and that God blesses whatever I put my hand to.

Today I will not preach religious tradition, or anything that could possibly make people feel alienated from God. My declaration of the Kingdom ("The Kingdom is at hand!") will make Jesus accessible to those who have been disconnected in their minds. I will go to where the breaches are — and I will repair them!

Today I will be a witness, telling my story, finding my voice.

Today I will be followed by supernatural signs confirming my words. God will bless my efforts because I believe. My faith will be irresistible to Him today, and today I will live in the now!

Father, help me to get up and get going today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(The above passages taken from A YEAR IN THE NOW by Jim Swilley, Church in the Now)
http://www.churchinthenow.org/

Shining Brighter!

2010-09-14T23:54:00.000-07:00

Today I will remember that the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord searching the hidden rooms of the heart, so I will walk by the light of my recreated spirit, under the authority of the Lordship of Jesus, eternally crowned in the Kingdom of my heart, to reveal the internal dreams, visions, and prophetic revelations that have not yet been brought to light!
The light will reveal the next part of the path that lies ahead. Turn up the lights! Let the adventure begin!- Jim Swilley (A Year In The Now)

But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer)
until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day . . . ." (Proverbs 4:18 – AMP)

...let your light shine before all men!

"I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life." - John 8:12

Let The Children Come

2010-05-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:12-14 (New International Version)

Kingdom of the Spirit (a note on Acts 1:3-8)

2010-05-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting in verse 3 that for forty days Jesus spoke to them of the kingdom of God...it reminds me of the 40 years wandering in the desert, where Moses spoke of the things of God. Jesus gave the disciples many convincing proofs that He was alive...as well did God His proofs in the desert.

v.4...also enjoy the fact that very often Jesus gave spiritual food while people were eating regular food, a relaxing and generally inviting and receptive environment for spiritual things to conceive in the heart.

v.5...always enjoy the comparison of water and the Holy Spirit...the natural with the supernatural.

v.6, 7, 8...in these verses the disciples are still looking for a natural, visible kingdom to be restored when Christ's intent is restoration of a spiritual kingdom, continuing to reiterate about the coming of the Holy Spirit, like He did in His final discourse before the cross..."when He comes He will...", and, "if I don't go away, He can't come."

When they ask about kingdom restoration Jesus says, "you will receive power and be my witnesses."

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Here are the verses from Acts 1:3-7
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6 So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
(Today's New International Version)

Showers of blessings!

2010-04-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the abundant and bountiful blessings of the Kingdom life that Jesus Himself is lavishing upon you in an amazing display of extravagant grace. He daily loads you with His benefits, so don't forget to thank Him for them today.*

Today may you flourish like an olive tree in the courts of God, Word-watered by the King Himself.*

*(paragraphs above taken from or adapted from 'A Year In The Now', by Jim Swilley)

The greater work of LOVE

2010-04-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

If LOVE is the more excellent way, is this part of the "greater works" comment of Jesus possibly? When all else fails...LOVE.

You know I just thought...the "greater works" may actually be this LOVE, this oneness, the ultimate flow...for Paul mentioned after the list of great works/gifts (miracles, prophecy, etc.), ..."yet I show you a better/GREATER way! Love/Charity."
Jesus prayed that we all be made one...possibly a greater work than miracles themselves...

"No greater LOVE has any man than this, that he lay down His life for His friends." - Jesus Christ

"Acquire the courage to believe in yourself. Many of the things that you have been taught were at one time the radical ideas of individuals who had the courage to believe what their own hearts and minds told them was true, rather than accept the common beliefs of their day." - Ching Ning Chu

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

Righteousness Consciousness!

2010-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

I believe God is confirming to me something today about "righteousness consciousness".
...that we have already received eternal redemption, and that the conscience (yours and mine) has already been cleaned by the blood of Jesus.

From Hebrews chapter 9:

6When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. 9This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.

The Blood of Christ

11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, CLEANSE OUR CONSCIENCES from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

So, what I see is this:
He died ONCE FOR ALL v.12
OBTAINED eternal redemption for us v.12
SANCTIFIED us v.13
CLEANSED our consciences v.14
(look at all the past tense verbs used)
...SO THAT (in order to)...serve the living God! v.14

What do YOU see?..thoughts anyone?

Expectation!

2010-02-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Faith gives substance to our hopes, and makes us certain of realities we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NEB)
...anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who search for Him. (Hebrews 11:6 NEB)

My righteousness consciousness will prevent my heart from condemning me, so that I can make myself comfortable in God's presence and can feel at home there!

Today I will diligently seek God and His kingdom. In every circumstance that occurs today, I will look for the Kingdom truth or principle that is being communicated to me.

Today I will not miss one miracle that is headed my way. My expectation and faith-filled words will cause me to attract God's best and to repel what is negative and counter-productive to the Kingdom.

(the paragraphs above are from bishop Jim Swilley)

Kingdom of God within you

2010-02-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Seeking something, to me, says that it is not easily seen, somewhat hidden.
You have to search for it.

"Seek, and you will find", Christ spoke.

He also said, in response to the Pharisees who were asking him "When will the kingdom of God come?", He said, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is WITHIN you." (Luke 17:20,21 niv)

...and in the Amplified Bible..."Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].

A man must be born again to "see/enter" the kingdom of God. It is something you find by the Spirit, and it is there for everyone...it is there for you.

You must become like little children...

Kingdom Come!

2010-01-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

Praying that everyone has a great Monday filled with hope and expectation, and that as you seek first the Kingdom in every situation, you will find righteousness, joy, and peace, for He reigns in you, and through you.

I've still been thinking a lot about freedom and breaking free...interesting that when I was picking up a carton of eggs last night at Kroger there was a product next to it called "Break-free" egg product. Saw it as a nice confirmation. I tell ya'...God can use anything, so keep your eyes and ears open today. Peace...love you guys...let me hear from ya'.
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I believe this is a good word about the Kingdom that I took from my favorite devotional.*

"Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

"Therefore, since we ARE RECEIVING a Kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace . . . ." (Hebrews 12:28)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am a part of His Kingdom, and His Kingdom is coming now! The King is reigning in my life now. His government is increasing now. The kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdoms of our God, and of His Christ, now.

Today I am not encumbered with the pointless rules and regulations of religion, because the Kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. I will interpret my day by these three things, and will make seeking them my first priority.

Today is a day to demonstrate righteousness. He who knew no sin became sin for me that I might become the righteousness of God in Christ, and it is from this righteousness consciousness that my self-esteem and confidence flow today. By this I am able to show that He has made me the head and not the tail.

Today is a day to walk in peace – not as the world gives – but as Jesus Himself shares His supernatural peace with me. I let not my heart be troubled because I have the peace that passes understanding. I will not be agitated, frustrated or anxious today, because of my Kingdom right to walk in Kingdom peace.

Today is a day to celebrate joy in the Holy Ghost. I will not be sad or depressed today because His joy is in me and, therefore, my joy is full! The Kingdom joy working in me will be my strength and will give me the winner's edge.

Today I will seek the Kingdom first in every situation. Before I have a chance to think about it in the natural . . . before I analyze it, or react emotionally . . . I will look for the Kingdom before I do anything else about anything at all. He is reigning in and through me today, and every name that is named must bow to His Name!

Today I live a life that shows the world that I am a royal subject of the ultimate Kingdom and, therefore, I cannot fail, or lose, or be defeated. Jesus the King shall reign forever and ever, and He is my Lord . . . my personal friend . . . my elder brother. Today I say, "Long live the King!" and today I will live in the now!

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – today. Amen.
*-A Year In The Now, Jim Swilley

LIBERATED!

2010-01-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

A good morning to all of you, and whatever may be burdening you from yesterday, please let it go...it's a new day, don't carry it.

Right now I believe God's word to me is about being "LIBERATED", and being determined to live a liberated life, fully accepting, living in and appropriating the freedom that His grace brings to me...being unshackled from unnecessary tradition, religious rhetoric and chains, and bounding in the flow of His joy!

Come to me all of you who "labor" and I will give you "rest", says the Lord, "for my yoke is easy and my burden is light".

I wrote this on another blog and wanted to put it here, too:
Every morning can be like the breaking off of a burden. His mercies over and over makes me think of "over-easy", like an egg.

...whatever burden you may have been carrying can be cracked open off of you to allow for the flow of a lighter burden and an easy yoke upon your day.

His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. I will be determined to live the LIBERATED life today, like a chicken who knows how to fly the coop. (remembering the movie "Chicken Run")

(and even the word ver spoke...)
word ver: lybally
...that actually means LIBERALLY
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Now, the following is a great word from the devotional A Year In The Now by Jim Swilley...I really believe you'll find something that speaks to you...

". . . the Lord's mercies . . . are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22, 23)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because God's mercy endures forever - one morning at a time. The freshness of the dawn and early hours of the day are a reminder to me of how current and new God is in His merciful dealings with me.

Today I will praise the Name of the Lord from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same. I will start off my day with a love song for the One who woke me up this morning, and I will sing it to Him in my heart until I lay down to sleep this evening. I am blessed and thankful for all of God's benefits. Today I know that He is smiling on me as I sing of His greatness!

Today I will not be overcome by sorrow, because weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. No matter how dark things have been, this morning I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I will be optimistic in my thinking, and the faith in my heart will produce great expectations in my inner man.

Today I will go where the day takes me, without fear or dread. I declare the end from the beginning by saying that this is the day the Lord has made, so I will regard it as an open door to my future. No matter what it may bring, or what I may be up against, my faith will win the day.

Today, as the Daystar arises in my heart, my vision will increase like the sunlight at dawn. This day will usher in a whole new season of increase for me. I say "good morning" to my new attitude, as I welcome all the possibilities that are on the way.

Today I let yesterday go, and use what I have in my hand right now to maximize the day's potential. A new opportunity for me lies around every corner, and I will not let one go unnoticed by being distracted by water under the bridge.

Today the Bright and Morning Star shines on me – and through me. It's a new day, and everything is different in my world than it was before. I demonstrate that His mercies are new this morning by my determination to live the liberated life today, and today I will live in the now!

Good morning, Lord! Help me to see Your new mercies today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MOVE FORWARD!

2009-12-30T02:15:00.000-08:00

I believe one of God's main words to me recently and perhaps for you has been 'MOVE FORWARD'. A couple of reasons why I believe this personally for myself would be; 1) in worship service this weekend we sang a song entitled "Moving Forward" and the pastor discussed moving forward into 2010, 2) I reached for a CD to listen to yesterday going to the pet store and it was a sermon from last month entitled Moving Forward, 3) this morning I read from the book of Joshua in ch. 6 and it mentioned the words move forward and straight ahead a couple of times, 4) I picked out an animated story for Zachary and on the back it mentions about a little boy 'moving forward' into his future.

I wanted to share something with you that I wrote as a note on Facebook and on my pastor's blog:

I see 2010 coming down from heaven as a gift, breaking through the ground that was the year before. Fresh new growth that can break through any fortified wall built against us in 2009.

"MOVE FORWARD!"

Don't be afraid of what's before you, for "SEE!", I HAVE GIVEN THE YEAR OVER TO YOU. (...as the city of Jericho was handed over in Joshua 6:1)

As God commanded Joshua..."Be strong and very courageous...do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (in 2010).

So, ... "go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get provisions ready for yourselves, for WITHIN THREE DAYS you will be crossing...to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.'" (Joshua 1:9-11)

Yes, in THREE DAYS you will be crossing into 2010.

It is a gift from heaven, a land that is yours to inherit and possess. Be STRONG and VERY COURAGEOUS if you already see something in the natural that looks like a walled city to you in the year (land) to come.

May you hear God's voice saying to you, "SEE!, I have handed it over to you."

Go in, take possession, encompass and surround those things...for God will cause them to crumble before you!

..."MOVE FORWARD, march around what seems to be a fortress to you, that walled city,...and blow that horn and give a mighty shout! Then the wall will collapse, and you will ADVANCE...straight ahead."

-(Thoughts from Joshua 6:5,6)

"MOVE FORWARD!"
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-God is wanting me to see something that I don't see in the natural.
-If your perception is right, everything is right.
-Thank God that goodness and mercy follow us.
-When we look at 2010, see the Lord. Through every situation we are conformed into His image.
-Ending the year of 2009, see where you've been...you do need your rear view mirror. It is also important to see who you've become, and what are you 'seeing' about yourself in 2009, 2010, and about your life?
(these last few lines I took from bishop Jim Swilley of Church in the Now this past weekend)

He reigns.

2009-12-23T02:53:00.000-08:00

I wanted to say thank you for those who have been faithful to stop by this blog, even when there wasn't anything new...so much has been going on, and I really am searching for a good balance of priorities.

I would like to write more at length but my eyes are about to cross now. In short, we just put up our Christmas tree with the lights and tinsel...ornaments will be tomorrow. I bought Zachary a little starter fish tank, and all my library books are overdue! I just had a late, late night pizza slice, milk and m&ms.

What does the kingdom mean to you?..the throne?..living water?..tree of life?..city of God?..wife of the Lamb?..New Jerusalem?

Just know that He reigns...glory in the highest...He reigns!

Wishing everyone a great Christmas week filled with the King.

Sanctuary

2009-12-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

My son Zachary asked me today, "what is santuary?" As I talked about a quiet place, restful, protected, undisturbed...thinking what I could at the moment, he chimed in and said, "like heaven on earth!" Pleased greatly at his response, I said "yes, Zachary, a heaven on earth."

From Psalm 102:
18 Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:

19 "The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,

20 to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death."

21 So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem

22 when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD.

1 Corinthians 3:16
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Ephesians 2:21
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

Revelation 1:6
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

The Bride

2009-12-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

I really felt like posting this from one of my favorite devotionals because it talks so much about us and the Kingdom. I believe you will be blessed! Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King!

"Then one of the seven angels . . . came to me and talked with me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.' And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." (Revelation 21:9-11)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I will walk in a greater revelation and clearer vision of the bride, the Lamb's wife – the holy, hallowed and heaven-sent city of Jerusalem that is consecrated for Kingdom fulfillment, consummated by Christ's incorruptible seed and clothed in God's glory! I am a part of the body/bride of Christ. "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." (Ephesians 5:28-30)

Today I will comprehend the city of God (the bride) and how I relate to it. ("But you HAVE COME to Mount Zion and to the CITY OF THE LIVING GOD, the heavenly Jerusalem . . ." – Hebrews 12:22). I know that I have already come to the city, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Therefore, today, I will not refuse Him Who speaks – Who speaks to me! I will embrace what He IS SAYING (rhema word) more than what He HAS SAID (logos word)! I cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that PROCEEDS out of the mouth of God.

Today I will recognize and release the glory of God in me – Christ IN me, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)! I will illuminate my world with His glory!

Today I will recognize and respect the glory of God ON me – I will arise and shine for my light has come (Isaiah 60:1)! The glory is risen UPON my life!

Today I will be faithful to my marriage to Christ ("For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of Hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the WHOLE EARTH" – Isaiah 54:5).

Today I will walk in the confidence that comes from knowing that I have become "one flesh" with Him, and that the marriage covenant produces creativity in me.

Today I will be blessed "in the city," and today I will live in the now!

Jesus, sanctify and cleanse Your bride today with the washing of water by the Word!
(from A Year In The Now, bishop Jim Swilley)
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May you have a wonderful month of revelation!

Thankfulness

2009-11-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 10:16
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

Today, I am thankful, too, for you. I hope that you enjoy a few of these quotes and that you had a great Thanksgiving.
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"Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving."
--Kahlil Gibran

"Giving thanks for abundance is sweeter than the abundance itself..."
-–Rumi

"Gratitude is the memory of the heart."
–-French proverb

2 Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

1 Timothy 2:1
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.

The REST of your life!

2009-11-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

TODAY is the first day of the REST of your life!
Get it!

Jesus gives us the REST of our lives...in Him. We enter His REST through believing and serving Him. I will give you REST, the REST of your life...for the rest of your lives.

And TODAY can be the first day of REST for peoples lives...while it is still called TODAY. Hebrews 4:7

...through a new and living way of the Spirit, alive to God, living with Him now, and not in old ways and dead works, but faith in the work of righteousness He has already done for us.

You Are Royalty!

2009-11-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 -NIV)

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10 -NIV)

You are a joint heir with Christ, an adopted child of the King that cannot be forsaken.
You are a king, and priest.
You have dominion on this earth...You are royalty!

Restoring Order to the Earth

2009-11-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord. Psalm 24:1

I believe that God has given us dominion on the earth and that we can reclaim it for His glory and present it back to Him in wholeness. I want to do my part, under His Lordship, in restoring order to the chaotic environment in which we live.

I am seeing more now how unity is the instrumentation for the implementation of the Kingdom; we might not have it all together, but together we have it all!

I was deeply touched by this part of the memorial service for Michael Jackson when everyone sang We Are The World, and Heal The World...seeing the children, including his, singing these songs with the visual backdrop, I think really shows what the Kingdom is about.
The words truly speak of restoration, love, and unity, and I believe are very Kingdom-oriented. Whatever you think of or have a bias about in regards to Michael, try to watch some of this at least with an open heart and mind.

In Acts 3:25 we are reminded that "...ALL the families of the earth will be blessed."

Jesus is held in the heavens until the restoration of all things. Acts 3:21
...so let's do our part to restore and heal the world!

Holy, holy, holy!...

2009-11-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Revelation 4:8 (New International Version)
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
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Give Him glory, give Him honor, give Him your thanks, cast your crown before Him and say (as in verse 11):

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being."

...the Lord is worthy of your worship today...love on Him, bless Him.

...you are part of this kingdom, as a king and priest...
Revelation 5:9-14 (New International Version)

9 And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" 14 The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Just worship Him...sing and worship Him...He is worthy of all your praise!

The Kingdom in you.

2009-10-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot of God being our sanctuary, and us/me being His dwelling place... His temple.

Some words from a song I just heard..."You're in my heart, You're in my soul, You are my heaven, You are my home" - by The Afters

This is from a new paraphrase pulled off of bishop Jim Swilley's blog www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com.

Luke 17:
20. On another occasion, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. He replied, "The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation...with setting dates...or counting the days on the calendar...in fact, you can't even see it with the physical eye.

21. And no one can ever say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the Kingdom of God is within human hearts and minds...why, it's even within you Pharisees!
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okay ya'll, talk to me...

Look Deeper!

2009-10-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Accidents, flukes or coincidences today may just be the hand of God ordering the events of your life to bring about His purposes. Look deeper.

I pray today that we may recognize the people who have been supernaturally connected to us for Kingdom reasons.

Expect to hear from God in some way today.

May signs and wonders be performed through you today! Be miracle-minded.

All Come!

2009-10-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

From Luke 14
13. ...when you give a banquet, invite the poor and the disenfranchised...invite the crippled and the helpless...invite the lame...invite the blind;

14. If you do that you will be fully blessed. And although these people can't repay you, you will be repaid in the bigger picture with resurrection life and the benefits of righteousness."

15. When one of the guests at the table heard Him say this, he blurted out, "How blessed are those who will eat at the celebration feast in the Kingdom of God!"

16. This prompted Jesus to expound some more on the subject. He said, "There was a certain man who prepared an extravagant banquet, and invited many guests to it.

17. When it was time for the banquet to commence, he sent his personal servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come now...the table is set...everything is ready.'

18. But each of the invited guests that he approached began to make ridiculous excuses. The first one to whom he spoke said, 'You know what? I've just bought a field, and I have to go right now and see it. Please send my regrets.'

19. The next one said, 'Listen, I've just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way, even as we speak, to try them out. Thanks, anyway.'

20. Still another said, 'Hey, I just got married, so I obviously can't come.'

21. So the servant came back and reported all of this to his employer. Then the owner of the house felt insulted, and became incensed. So he ordered his servant, 'Go out immediately into the streets and back-alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.'

22. In a short while the servant responded, 'Sir, what you've ordered has been done, but there is still room at your table.'

23. Undaunted, the host told his servant, 'All right then...go out to the dirt roads and country lanes, and compel the rest of them to come in...drag them in if you have to...I want my house to be full!'"

24. Then Jesus said, "I tell you the truth...not one of those who were privileged to be originally invited to My feast will get so much as a taste of the food at My Kingdom-banquet."
(This is a paraphrase in progress by bishop Jim Swilley)
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Ya' know, I still have the word 'embrace' floating around in my mind, not sure all the reasons, but I'm seeking to embrace more of God and His Kingdom in me and His Spirit. My prayer is that you seek, find, enter and live joyfully in His Kingdom and wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him today!

Waiting to be Revealed!

2009-10-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God's sons to be revealed. Romans 8:19

I feel like my flesh is groaning, waiting for a son of God to be revealed...I'm pushin', I'm breathin', I'm screamin', my veins are poppin' out, and I feel like slappin' somebody!..you see anything yet!?...ok, ok, I'll wait for the next contraction, but I think I need another epidurel.

In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. Rom. 8:26

It's a comfort knowing that when you don't know what in the world to pray or feel or do, the Holy Spirit intercedes for you, and so does Christ, and HIS prayers are always according to the will of God.(v.27)

All things will work together for your good today, He promises! Peace! - Karl

Kingdom First, then the rest.

2009-10-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

I think repetition is good so I put more here about seeking the kingdom first, however, this passage comes from a very recent paraphrase of bishop Jim Swilley, as he is currently writing Luke In The Now. You can read more at http://www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com/

This is from Luke 12:
31. But seek out and search for a revelation of His Kingdom in and through every circumstance, and in every situation. When you prioritize the Kingdom in this way, then you can be sure that everything in your personal world will come into order, and that all you need for your daily provision will just automatically flow into your life, and will be added to you as a result of your quest.

32. Don't be afraid of anything, little flock, because it pleases your Father to no end to give you the abundance of the Kingdom.

33. When you can, sell some of your possessions and give the money to the poor. Create a spiritual bank for yourselves that will not ever be emptied...treasures in the heavenly dimension that will never be devalued...a secure place that no bank robber can penetrate, and no pest can destroy.

34. The bottom line is this...where your treasure is, there your affections and thoughts will be, also."
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Now from me...
May you see and comprehend the kingdom today that is already shining into the darkness.
Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.- from John 1:4,5

I pray that God reveals secret, and intimate things to you today...that you are given wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. May you walk in godly insight, perception and discernment.

I say with the authority that the Holy Spirit gives me as a believer, that you walk in a release from every anxiety and agitation that may depress you...and that you understand those things that are really happening to you from "seeing the big picture."

I love you...God bless you!

EMBRACE!

2009-10-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing and seeing the word "embrace", a lot, with what I believe as confirmations to me this week. Following is a snippet of that;

Luke 8 Verse 17:
When the light is EMBRACED, there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed...nothing concealed that will not be revealed.

EMBRACING the light(God) is like when a husband and wife "EMBRACE", they are also embracing the reality that nothing is hidden or concealed, and they enjoy it, it is exciting, right?
...so when we embrace God(who is Light), let us enjoy the openness, the radiant light that reveals all.
I believe this Light reveals more of the hidden and concealed things OF GOD, as well as the GOOD hidden/concealed things of us or in us that He has already put there, we just haven't seen it yet.
Embrace light!..embrace God, you'll see more revelation of Him as well as the wonderful things He has already put in you...be excited about it.

EMBRACE His word (seed)v:11, and not your worries v.14

As life is conceived and held onto on the wall of the womb, enduring, it will bear "fruit" into the earth...so too, receive the seed (word of God to you) in the good ground of your heart, hold on to it in your mind and it will mature and also bear "fruit" into the earth. (see Luke 8:15)

It is your Father's desire that you bear "much" fruit today and He works with you to do just that.
May fruit be born today in your life that has already been growing and maturing, fed, and led by the Holy Spirit.
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You are my desire, no one else will do
No one else can take Your place, To feel the warmth of your embrace.
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I love this lyric snippet from Toby Mac's song "Made To Love"...
I'm reachin out, reachin up, reachin over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah
And daddy I'm on my way
Cause I was made to love...

I was made to love you
I was made to find you
I was made just for you
Made to adore you
I was made to love
And be loved by you
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said you'd keep me
Never would you leave me
I was made to love and be loved by you
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Today I will accept and embrace, without religious prejudice, the humanity of Jesus as being equal with His divinity . . . the mystery of the knowledge that the Son of Man was, and is, the (firstborn) Son of God, and that the (firstborn) Son of God was, and is, the Son of Man – 100% God – 100% man – the amazing Christ!
(from A Year In The Now, Bishop Jim Swilley)
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You are blessed this day...give me a quick hello if you're here, just click the comments.

2009-09-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Wanted to put just a couple things for now that I was just reading about diligence, and moving forward, with a video.
...keep going, even when tempted to stop. Christ gives you a second wind that energizes you and inspires you to get up when you fall down, to move forward when everyone else, it seems , is retreating.

I just really feel like putting this video here today, it's really speaking to me about the diligence to move forward, so here it is by Ricardo Sanchez. Also, a really good video called "Get Up" by Mary Mary is over on my other blog Happy Blogger Heart, I believe a song of diligence, determination towards goals, and not giving up, at http://www.happybloggerheart.blogspot.com/

Ya' know, I think I'll go find the lyrics and put them here for you to read;

What a moment. You have brought me to. Such a freedom I have found in You. You're the healer. Who makes all things new. Yeah yeah.

I'M NOT GOING BACK. I'M MOVING AHEAD. HERE TO DECLARE TO YOU. MY PAST IS OVER. IN YOU. ALL THINGS ARE MADE NEW. SURRENDERED MY LIFE TO CHRIST. I'M MOVING MOVING FORWARD.

You have risen. With all power in Your hands. You have given me. A second chance. Hallelujah hallelujah. Yeah yeah yeah.

You make all things new. Yes. You make all things new. And I will follow You. Forward.
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hope you all enjoyed it and I pray that you have a great day of moving forward!

As the waters cover the sea...

2009-09-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

Write down the vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it. For the vision is yet for the appointed time. (Habakkuk 2:2,3)

I will watch to see what the Lord will say to me...and run with the vision. Vision is a living, evolving thing.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord's glory, as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)

...open the heavens oh Lord, pour out your Spirit, and cover the earth with your glory, cover the earth with the sound of heaven...for all of the earth is yours, and all of the nations adore You...as the waters cover the sea...COVER THE EARTH!

There is a sea of humanity that needs a revelation of the good news for all people.
The good news is like water covering the people (the earth).

"The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom"-(Proverb 18:4)

There's always more to know about God.
Your theology, doctrine, or -ism may be a big water tank, a glass, or a pool...but it's a container.

There is so much more to God that is indescribable, UNCONTAINABLE, and amazing!..as the waters cover the sea!

The Kingdom is NOW!

2009-09-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

The Kingdom is NOW.

I had an awesome time at worship this weekend. There was music and praise, and there were dancers on stage. The Lord was lifted, and so were we.

Let us live as "spirit", and not as labels. God is Spirit and cannot be confined. He is not confined to our religion or church denomination, or any container we think He can only dwell in.
His Spirit, like the rain, is poured out over ALL mankind!

Wanted to add this thought:
The Lord is still my Shepherd, and always will be. Even if I were to remove myself from the flock (God forbid), He still knows where to find me, and I can't even pluck myself out of His hand, for I am IN His hand, and have been there even from the foundation of the world.

Kingdom of Heaven near.

2009-09-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Matthew 4:17 (Today's New International Version)
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

Matthew 4:17 (Amplified Bible)
17From that time Jesus began to preach, [a]crying out, Repent ([b]change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 4:17 (The Message)
Teaching and Healing 12-17

When Jesus got word that John had been arrested, he returned to Galilee. He moved from his hometown, Nazareth, to the lakeside village Capernaum, nestled at the base of the Zebulun and Naphtali hills.
This move completed Isaiah's sermon: Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, road to the sea, over Jordan, Galilee, crossroads for the nations. People sitting out their lives in the dark saw a huge light; Sitting in that dark, dark country of death, they watched the sun come up.

This Isaiah-prophesied sermon came to life in Galilee the moment Jesus started preaching. He picked up where John left off: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
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(I found these on biblegateway.org)
I just found it fascinating that Jesus' preaching this began to the Gentiles, and living among them...what an awesome Savior.

Inner Court, Inner Light!

2009-09-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days I believe that the Lord has been showing (speaking) to me a lot about His presence. Sounds simple, but so needed, and needed to understand or recognize. I think yesterday's blog about us being His temple really ties in with this if you haven't read it.

At worship service we sang "Oh the Glory of Your Presence", and some words in that echo this;
...We Your Temple give You reverence
So arise from Your rest
And be blessed by our praise
As we glory in Your embrace
As Your presence now fills this place
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In His presence is fullnes of joy, and His presence is in you, His temple dwelling place.

I just read something in the mail a few moments ago about the inner court of the tabernacle, where the LAMPSTAND was (old testament times)...and a couple minutes later opened the Bible and it opened to Matt. 5:14-16, where I had placed a devotional page from Sept.12, the title-"Inner Light." I am writing some of those below, and afterwards want you to see this young man doing a great job singing acapella the song "Oh the Glory"...great voice and control, I think, and passion as he dedicates it to God.

You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16.

We are to give light for all who are in the house.
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now from the devotional;
The eternal light of God in me is growing brighter daily, bringing me into a larger realm of revelation and dispelling any darkness designed to defeat or discourage me! God is in me, and there is no darkness in Him!

I will speak the Word of God over my life and it will go before me, illuminating my path. I say to every area in my mind that is still under construction, "Let there be light!"

Today I will see things around me clearly because Jesus said that if my eye is healthy, my whole body will be filled with light!
(I'd like to interject here "may the eye of Christ's body(us) be healthy, so the whole body of Christ will be filled with light!)

Today I will think of myself as a city set on a hill-a brightly lit city that cannot be hidden. Favor, promotion, success, prosperity and every good and perfect gift will be evident in the streets of my life's metropolis, and Jesus will reign from the center of it all!

Today I will arise and shine, because my light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon me. (whew!..this is really hitting me as I'm writing this part.) I will spread the glory around today.

Father, help me shine my inner light on the outside world today. In Jesus' name, amen.
(taken or adapted from A Year In The Now, by Bishop Jim Swilley)

ok, sing it bro!..the glory of His presence...amen.

Salvation Revelation

2009-09-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

It takes more than 1 strike of a wrecking ball to bring the walls of a building down!!!
I believe something beautiful is being built up from out of my dust/ashes, and ruins.

Interesting that yesterday my son(7) asked me, "daddy, I know that we all eventually go back to dust, but then what happens to the dust?"

Today I was reading from Luke 2:21-51 where Jesus is presented at the temple to Simeon the priest.
Imagine yourself holding the Messiah in your arms, seeing the salvation prepared for you, and for ALL.

Whether you agree with some of these thoughts or not, I pray that you find something here that connects with your spirit and causes you to give praise and thanks to God, as did Simeon the priest and Anna the prophetess.

The 8th day circumcision...hmmm, isn't that a number of "new beginnings?"
circumcision...the Holy Spirit curcumcising my heart, making it new.

verse 21: the name given...before His conception.
That verse leapt out to me about God's plans already named for us BEFORE they are even conceived in our spirits!

verse 22:..and after a certain purification/preparing in us, the baby/plan/dream/vision is officially named and known.
We offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, like Simeon....and while many people may embrace your vision/prepared plan, you have to be prepared also for the stabbing pain that comes from those who are opposed and speak against it.(v.34,35)
Good news here, is that the opposition propels us into our destiny and the fulfillment of those plans, like Christ's opposition took him to His.

v.40...along the way we/the vision grow(s)up and become(s) strong, filled with wisdom, and God's grace is poured out.

ok, Anna, the prophetess, who never left the TEMPLE COMPLEX, but served God night and day. She reminds me that the TEMPLE is me, and Jesus is in me, the temple.
...I thank God, praise Him, and embrace the HOLY SPIRIT, like Simeon, in the temple!
His salvation has come to me, in my presence, a light for revelation to me.

thinking from v.34...the Holy Spirit in us is destined to cause the fall and rise of many "IN ISRAEL(those who now profess Christ)" and a sign that will be opposed.
...but this fire of the Spirit in us is an unquenchable fire that the waters(seas) of religion cannot put out, whose fire is eternal!

verses 43-49 (Jesus parents assuming He was in their party, yet was back "IN JERUSALEM", and "IN HIS FATHER'S HOUSE")
...ohhh, this makes me compare the traveling party to things like "church denomination", or "religion."..assuming Jesus is with their party all along.
They may "realize" that He is not, and search for Him among the association of those things... the "relatives and family" of those things, but where is He?..where is Jesus!?"

...then "they returned to Jerusalem", to where Jesus is found!..and amazed that He would not be with them they question "...why have you treated us like this? ...we have been anxiously searching for you?"
...His response..."why were you searching for Me?" "DIDN'T YOU KNOW that I had to be IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE?"

Christ IN me, you, us..."whose temple you are."We are the FATHER'S HOUSE, His dwelling place, and Jesus is found here...in "NEW JERUSALEM."
v.32 thoughts...The light of the Holy Spirit reveals Christ IN us, and glory to His people Israel (those who already call Jesus "Lord")
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I just now came across this, too, seems to connect here...

But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn,that shines more and more (brighter and clearer)until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day . . . ." (Proverbs 4:18 – AMP)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I know that I have a personal path to pursue – a lifelong, spiritual journey of Christ-revelation and self-discovery – that is growing brighter and clearer every day!
(from A Year In The Now-Bishop Jim Swilley)

I hope that this generated intriguing thoughts within you...I'd like to hear some.

You are my Strong Tower!

2009-09-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

In remembering Sept. 11 and the events of that day 8 years ago when the Trade Center towers were attacked and came down, my thoughts also turn to a tower and a structure that will NEVER fall or collapse...the name of the Lord, and His Kingdom.

The name of the Lord is a STRONG TOWER; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Prov. 18:10)

LORD

...any religious force and weapon that comes against Him and His Kingdom will not prevail!
He is everlasting and the walls of salvation enduring, that cannot be destroyed.

Let the walls of religious intolerance and prejudice come crumbling down and the glory of God's Kingdom shine forth through us.

A song called Strong Tower, by a band named Kutless came to my mind.
If you would like to see Kutless singing this song, the link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawddLbdqLA

Also found this one that I was able to embed, a good live video of the song

Strong Tower

Trust God. He delights in you.

2009-09-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Trust God!

He's your Father and delights in You.

Trust the Lord with your finances-with the whole concept of your prosperity.

Trust God with your health. He has the power and the knowledge to fix whatever is wrong with it.

Trust God with your relationships. He is the source of all favor.

Trust God with your emotional needs. He knows what you need better than you do.

Trust God with this day and don't fear anything in it or any person that you encounter during it.

Trust God with the fulfillment of your destiny. Do not walk in fear, worry or anxiety of any kind (the Lord perfects that which concerns you!)
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(some of the above taken from A Year In The Now, Bishop Jim Swilley)

now a praise dance video of I Trust You.

Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, lean not to your own understanding,
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your steps.

Washed by the Water

2009-09-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

"I want to see!"

I heard a word this week that came from out of John 9 that got me thinking several things about being "washed by the water"...also included here a song video I like by the same title, a lot of passion sung behind it.

I want to write more later tonight but for now enjoy what's here, and you can comment.
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John 9:
v.1,2 -As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples questioned Him: "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

v.3-5 -"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that God's works might be displayed in him.
We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

v.6,7 -After He said these things He spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes.
"Go," He told him, "wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So he left, washed, and came back seeing.

Your thoughts?
...now the song "Washed by the Water"

Unity in Diversity

2009-08-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

1 How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
Psalms 133, (Today's New International Version)

This past weekend another independent church congregation came and worshipped with ours. The unity in the worship and the diversity represented was absolutely beautiful! Two pastors spoke, choirs combined, and the congregations embraced and welcomed one another. Songs and praises were loud as many shouted unto God and we could see the wonderful working of a God thing. Great unity in the faith and the joy of the Spirit in the house.
It will continue for at least another 3 weeks.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

A few quotes to consider; which are your favorite?
"United we stand, divided we fall."-- Aesop (620 -560 B.C.)

We have the ability to achieve, if we master the necessary goodwill, a common global society blessed with a shared culture of peace that is nourished by the ethnic, national and local diversities that enrich our lives.-- Mahnaz Afkhami

cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.-- Robert Alan

"Peace requires everyone to be in the circle – wholeness, inclusion." -- Isabel Allende

"We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race." -- Kofi Annan

"There are no nations! There is only humanity. And if we don't come to understand that right soon, there will be no nations, because there will be no humanity." -- Isaac Asimov

It is thus tolerance that is the source of peace, and intolerance that is the source of disorder and squabbling. -- Pierre Bayle

We are of course a nation of differences. Those differences don’t make us weak. They’re the source of our strength.-- Jimmy Carter

"We live now in a global village and we are in one single family. It’s our responsibility to bring friendship and love from all different places around the world and to live together in peace." -- Jackie Chan

Let us have but one end in view, the welfare of humanity; and let us put aside all selfishness in consideration of language, nationality, or religion. -- John Comenius, 17th century philosopher

Internal peace is an essential first step to achieving peace in the world. How do you cultivate it? It's very simple. In the first place by realizing clearly that all mankind is one, that human beings in every country are members of one and the same family.- The Dalai Lama

The wise man belongs to all countries, for the home of a great soul is the whole world -- Democritus

"I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort where we overlap.”-- Ani DiFranco

"Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival." ~ René Dubos

"My country is the world; my countrymen are mankind."-- William Lloyd Garrison

Peace is not unity in similarity but unity in diversity, in the comparison and conciliation of differences -- Mikhail Gorbachev

...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. -Ephesians 4:12,13

From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Ephesian 4:16

TRUE RICHES

2009-08-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I was walking through the garage I began thinking of some things very pressing and stressing about my financial situation and I sent up a prayer for God to enable me and enrich me on every level in every dimension, including the financial one.

I was in one of our bedrooms just 5 minutes later and on the bed a page of a devotional that I had torn out for the previous day's reading to carry with me, now read on it's opposite side the title for the day..."TRUE RICHES!"

What a word and confirmation for me, but I wanted to share it with you. Here it is;

TRUE RICHES!
"Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [ including greed, avarice, lust and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you a have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax my hold on you). [ Assuredly not!]" (Hebrews 13:5 – AMP)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I am absolutely confident that God will never leave me, nor forsake me. If my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up because He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Even if I make my bed in Sheol (the unseen realm), He will come and find me!

Today I will be satisfied with solely seeking spiritual success, seeing myself safely and securely standing on the solid soil of soul salvation! In other words, as I seek the Kingdom first, everything that I need will be added to me, and I will prosper as my soul prospers! The most important thing is knowing that I am in Christ — for what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and then lose his own soul?

Today I will serve God, and not mammon (money), for no one can serve two masters – he will love the one, and hate the other. But part of refusing to serve mammon is acknowledging that I do not have to ask mammon's permission to do anything! I never have to say, "I can't do this — or go there — or buy that, because 'I can't afford it.'" Money doesn't dictate or define the parameters of my life. Instead, I will say, "If the Lord wills, I will do whatever — or go wherever — or buy whatever." And my God shall supply all of my need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!

Today I will remember that I am bought with a price! I'm in! I'm connected! I have a covenant! I have a relationship! I am a son of the God Who owns the cattle of a thousand hills, an heir of the God Who gives me all things that pertain unto life and godliness, richly to enjoy ("He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32), and a joint-heir with the Christ who willingly and voluntarily shed His own blood for me! No one can pluck me from God's hand!

Today I will feel like a million bucks!

Today I will have a prosperous mentality!

Today I will enjoy being in Christ, and today I will live in the now!

Father, help me to realize how rich I am today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(taken from A Year In The Now, by Bishop Jim Swilley, - highlights in italics I stressed)

My son Zachary starts his new school next Monday and my wife Natasha is going to pre-planning sessions this week. There is a bit of confusion over some things there so if I could solicit your agreement that God would bring order and clarity over things there with Natasha's Latin and Spanish classes that would be great!..as well as favor...thanks.

May you see God's enabling and richness in your life today.-Love, Karl

Be Made One!

2009-08-22T02:46:00.000-07:00

I wanted to touch a little bit on ONENESS, especially when Jesus spoke of us in His prayer to the Father, about us all being made one.
(update: Mon. Aug. 24...You have got to read the full comment that Dan Storie wrote on this here...it really says a lot of what has been on my heart about the subject and is excellent reading...you WILL be blessed!)

I feel like prefacing this, though, with this verse from John 10:16 which says:
But I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD.

You and I as believers come in on verse 20 of John chapter 17:

v20-I pray not only for these, but also for THOSE who believe in Me through their message.

v21-May they all be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be ONE in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.

v22-I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be ONE as WE are one.

v23-I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made COMPLETELY ONE, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.

This is just part of the prayer but I wanted to focus on this awesome oneness.

I truly believe that if we as believers in Christ would embrace those things that unite us, a lot more of the world will believe, just as He mentioned above, that the Father sent Him. Jesus equates this being made one with "so the world may believe You sent Me."...and mentions it twice within four verses, AND in just three verses he says "be made one" FOUR times!

Verse 22 says "I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY YOU HAVE GIVEN ME"...wow!...the GLORY? That's what I read.
The more we work and operate and love TOGETHER, THEN the world will see more of His glory that is in us as a body, as ONE, and believe that the Father sent Jesus.

His desire, will, and intention is that ALL THE WORLD might have a change of heart and mind(repentance), and believe that Jesus is the One sent by the Father.

I'm trying to get my head around some of this because it is so deep, profound and wonderful.
I mean, "being one AS GOD IS ONE"(v22)
or
"You have loved them AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME"(v23)

Wow, Father, You love us as You love Your Son?...hear the thanks and praise from our hearts when we can't find the words.

Jesus Messiah. It's dark for a few seconds but it will begin. Enjoy worshiping!

Declared Righteous!

2009-08-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

He BECAME(was made) sin who knew no sin that we might BECOME(be made) His righteousness.

...but believes on Him who declares RIGHTEOUS the UNGODLY, his faith is credited for RIGHTEOUSNESS. Romans 4:5

...so then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, SO ALSO through ONE RIGHTEOUS ACT there is life-giving justification for EVERYONE!.-Romans 5:18

A lot of talk this week that I've heard has focused on "it is well".
I found this nice video with a little history on the author/song of this well known hymn.

Last week's message at worship was "it is well, I am strong, It is finished!"

...and so I say, because the Spirit of God Who dwells in you is strong...you are strong...you are well.

No condemnation!

2009-08-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

It's always good to read things in context, which I suggest you do, but I pulled a few things here out of Isaiah that really spoke to me today, for it seems to me, to speak to all of us as spiritual Israel, the church. You can agree or disagree, just puttin' it out there.

...My righteous servant will justify many and He will carry their iniquities. Therefore I will give Him the many...He bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels. (taken from Isaiah 53:11,12)-this reminds me of when Jesus said, "pray for your enemies."...He didn't condemn them, not even on the cross, He cried to the Father, "forgive them."

The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;...the Lord has called you...and will take you back with great compassion, with everlasting love. (from Isaiah 53:5-8)

...so I have sworn that I WILL NOT BE ANGRY WITH YOU OR REBUKE YOU.
Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love will not be removed from you and MY COVENANT OF PEACE will not be shaken," says your compassionate Lord. -from Isaiah 54:9,10

...you will be established on a foundation of righteousness...their righteousness is from Me. Isaiah 54:14,17
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Your Father's love is a firmer foundation than mountains and hills....nothing can separate you from His love that is in Christ Jesus. Jesus doesn't condemn you. You may condemn yourself or others may judge and condemn you like the woman caught in adultery, but He said, "where are your accusers?"...and back in Isaiah, you will refute any accusation raised against you in court, this is the heritage of the Lord's servants-Isaiah 54:17

I heard a song today also that sang something like this..."so I'm working 9-5 trying to earn my own salvation, but there's no condemnation for me now"..."child, you're forgiven and loved."

Right after this song I flipped open a devotional to read, uh, while eating my burrito, and the first thing my eyes hit was this statement..."Today I will overcome condemnation by the words of my mouth!"

So...proclaim peace, bring news of good things, proclaim salvation, say to all, "Your God reigns!"

...lift up your voice, shout for joy together, burst into song! For the Lord has redeemed us and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

The Body

2009-08-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

What does the body of Christ mean to you?

"If We Are The Body"

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road

CHORUS But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

Chorus (2x) If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus is the way
(lyrics/song by Casting Crowns)
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Christ in us means LOVE dwells in us, and LOVE is a MANY-splendored thing.
Every member in the body shares blood and water to nourish each other, and we are connected through the blood and living water of Jesus to strengthen and do the same.

ALL TOGETHER NOW

I wrote the following just before getting confirmation and the words above that say ALL TOGETHER NOW;

We are one
I need you, you need me
The body together for Christ to be seen
Deep calls to deep,
A connection inside you and me
Where we are weak, we can each be made strong
Here in this body is where we belong.
(Karl Cobos, August 10, 2009)

Right after I wrote this I went to the mailbox and as I flipped open my son's Highlight magazine the words "ALL TOGETHER NOW" were written, big and bold!
The article mentioned "synchrony... united, rhythmic timing.

"It reminded me of the synchrony of the heartbeat I've heard of when a lot of people join hands for a time.
In regards to THE BODY, in order for me to just move to the counter and pick up an apple, all these messages are being sent out at the same time to MOVE me there...my legs, full arm movements , leaning, and grasping the apple....now think of the movement of the body of Christ(us) to accomplish something...the messages of the Spirit that flow to get us all there.

How can the hand say to the foot, "I don't need you!"

Your thoughts?
PS. don't forget to write Dan an encouraging message here or on the last post.
His family have just arrived for new missionary work in TAIWAN guys. Thanks.

Be Lifted Up!

2009-08-08T01:01:00.000-07:00

Let the Lord lift you up and carry you.
He is your strength.

A great worship song with powerful lyrics called "You Are My Strength" is on the new playlist that I've added to the left.

In the fullness of Your grace, by the power of Your name,
You lift me up...You lift me up.

...He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless (Isaiah 40:29)
...those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31)

Kingdom of Heaven at Hand!

2009-08-04T04:44:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, I pulled this from another blog because it had to do with the kingdom of/from the heavens, and I heard this message at church. There's a lot more to it with good comments too...I do recommend going to http://www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com/ to read more. I'm not saying I agree with all the comments but there is a lot of good thought there and I think you will be blessed. Here is some of that from Bishop Jim Swilley.
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...Yesterday was a good day at CITN...I gave kind of an unusual word, connecting the Matthew 10 account of Jesus giving His disiples the power to heal diseases and expel rebel spirits with the John 20 account of His giving them the power to forgive sins......

Such an important truth: The Kingdom is "at hand"...it's handy...it's accessible...it is found in the thing to which you put your hand...ex: Moses, what do you have in your hand?"...I used the New King James version yesterday...here's the same passage from Matthew In The Now...

1. And in direct answer to the prayer for harvest hands, Jesus summoned to Himself His twelve disciples, and gave them power and authority over rebel spirits, to evict and expel them, and to cure all manner of disease, weakness and infirmity.

2. Now these are the names of the original twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter or “Rock”, and Andrew, his brother; James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother;

3. Philip and Bartholomew (A.K.A. Nathaniel); Thomas and Matthew, known as “The Tax Man”; James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus (A.K.A. Judas…not Judas Iscariot);

4. Simon, the Canaanite, who was a Zealot, and perhaps Jesus’ most controversial pick because of his radical political connections and agenda, and Judas (Iscariot), who eventually betrayed Him, even though he had been given the same anointing and authority that the other eleven had received.

5. Jesus sent out this very diverse and eclectic group, charging them with these words: “This Gospel is ultimately for the entire world…that’s the big picture…but it has to begin somewhere. So, for the time being, go nowhere among the Gentiles, and do not go into any town of the Samaritans;

6. Go, instead, to the lost, confused people right here in the house of Israel...the people who speak your language and have your world-view.

7. And tell them, plainly, that the kingdom of/from the heavens is here! Say to them, “The kingdom is ‘at hand’, or as close to you as is the hand at the end of your arm!”
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Hope you enjoyed a bit of that...

So...what is in your hand?...what is readily available to you that you know how to do really well?
The kingdom is there...you have Kingdom hands, and people can be made well through you.

The Kingdom of the Son, and more peace.

2009-07-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

A lot I've been thinking about lately but for some reason I feel like continuing more with the subject of PEACE.
I look forward to what you all have to say about it, too, so feel free to keep quoting what you like, stories, articles, bible verses and the like.

Phillipians 4:6,7
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said, "Ask, that your joy may be full".
Don't strive/agonize over your requests, just LET them be known, your Father is always listening...enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise...love on Him...LET your troubles go, and be at peace.

Ephesians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:14-17
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah.
For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In His flesh, He did away with the law of the commandments in regulations, so that He might create in Himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace.

He did this so that He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross and put the hostility to death by it. When Christ came, He proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

Colossians 1:20...and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross-whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Peace of Mind

2009-07-24T03:09:00.000-07:00

Last time we discussed the JOY in the Spirit that we have in the kingdom of God. Now let's see a little how the kingdom of God is about PEACE...and as before, there will be other thoughts, verses and spiritual insights that will come to your mind so feel free to share those things with us.
We can all be blessed by something the Holy Spirit may reveal to you.

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, PEACE and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 26:3,4
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on (dependent on) You, because he trusts in You.
Trust in the Lord forever, because in Yah, the Lord, is an everlasting rock!

Here it says He will, not might, but will keep you...so lean on Him and hope confidently.

Remember Jesus' words to you..."MY PEACE I leave with you"
So let not your heart be troubled, and put his yoke of peace and serenity upon yourself.

Some of you may remember the part of an old song that goes..."I've got peace like a river , I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul"
...maybe some here might connect better with the part of the Talking Heads tune that sings, "take me to the river...dip me in the water" (raise your hand if you remember that).

What I'm saying is don't be afraid to be carried away in the current of this water...don't be afraid to let go of the worry and concern, and let God take you where He wants to take you in His river, for it is a river of peace, a river of love.

His peace, tranquility, and serenity are flowing through you, and regardless of the turmoil around you today, let the secret place of the Most High be the eye of the storm for you as you walk in the peace that passes understanding.*

Let the peace of God's word wash away your worries! Amen.
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Also...be a peacemaker yourself, in the heart of the body, in the heart of the earth.

What can you do today to bring peace and harmony to a personal relationship?
What about your living environment?... (that's definitely one I can raise my hand on)

Be sure to take some quiet time for yourself. Cast all your care upon the Lord and His Spirit, and labor to enter into His rest. Settle down and trust God with your life. Today you might need to just chill.*

*-(denotes where some was adapted from A Year In The Now by Bishop Jim Swilley)

I pray that some of these words connected with you and blessed you today.
I did write a comment about joy on yesterdays blog (probably the 8th comment) that I'd like you to read when you get the chance...something taken out of Isaiah.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Drinking Water With Joy

2009-07-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I believe the Lord really wanted me to focus on JOY, and the main things that have leapt out to me are the following, including a paragraph from the last post;

Today I will draw water out of the wells of salvation with joy. A broken spirit dries the bones, so I will pursue every outlet of JOY that I can, giving no place to depression or sadness by my words, thoughts or actions. The joy of the Lord is my strength, and I make a decision to walk in Kingdom joy all day today, regardless of circumstances!

...He has become my salvation."...you will joyfully draw water from the springs of salvation...
Isaiah 12:2,3

I am reminded of the woman at the well, who left her water jar, and embraced the possibility of the Messiah, and living water. Her jar(bucket) was not the right jar for drawing up living water. It wouldn't satisfy.

We now have that jar(bucket) within us called JOY that the Holy Spirit gives to us to draw and drink the living water from Him, the springs of salvation.

...they will not hunger or thirst...for their COMPASSIONATE ONE will guide them, and lead them to springs of water. Isaiah 49:10

...Anyone who hears should say, "Come!" And the one who is thirsty should come. Whoever desires should take the living water as a gift. Revelation 22:17

May righteousness, JOY, and peace in the Holy Ghost be your drink today! Amen!

LIVING WATER

2009-07-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to include on here today a devotional I read yesterday. I guess because the place I was at, or whatever I was going through, tears were welling up in my eyes at almost every paragraph. I pray that these words about the Holy Spirit and you will also touch and strengthen you...and that you will also see the kingdom within them.

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"Jesus answered, ‘If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.'" (John 4:10 – The Message)

"Jesus said, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst – not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." (John 4:14 – The Message)

Today I will live in the now! I will live in the now because I know that I have received living water – a river of life springing up from the root of Christ in me, and flowing out of my inner man, watering the desert of doubt, and causing it to bloom like a rose. Eternal life is my reality, and it causes me to be able to face all of the works of the spirit of death, and rebuke them with no fear or intimidation.

Today I will draw water out of the wells of salvation with joy. A broken spirit dries the bones, so I will pursue every outlet of joy that I can, giving no place to depression or sadness by my words, thoughts or actions. The joy of the Lord is my strength, and I make a decision to walk in Kingdom joy all day today, regardless of circumstances!

Today I will receive resuscitation, and be revived, refreshed and renewed by the rejuvenating properties and restorative realities of the rain and latter rain together! Every dry bone in the valley of my broken dreams will live again as the rain comes down from heaven and waters them, and does not return void or empty.

Today I will embrace the work of the Holy Spirit, so that out of my belly will flow living rivers of prayer and praise. I am in the river of God today – the supernatural place of life and healing provided by the Creator of every living thing – and miracles are flowing freely for me as the river runs rampant!

Today I will rejoice that God satisfies my mouth with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle's. I am like a well-watered garden – a thriving, green olive tree in the house of God!

Today I will minister the good news – the washing of water by the word – to those who are discouraged and spiritually dried out from their bleak, arid and fruitless existence – those dwelling in a weary land where there is no water.

Today I will go with the flow! The Captain of my salvation is leading me today by signs and wonders – many infallible proofs – by confirmation to His word, and the reliability of His still, small voice. I will follow Him anywhere today, and today I will live in the now!

Father, let Your living water flow out of me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
(from A Year In The Now by Bishop Jim Swilley)
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I hope you enjoyed that, feel free to comment on it, and let me know your thoughts.
I was also thinking the following this morning;

Let the river run...let Your Living Water fill us through and through!
Thoughts are; being baptized in fire (river of the Holy Spirit-dare I say "lake of fire?"), oh come on, just a thought-let's not get religious.
What about the Holy Spirit dove now in the FORM OF WATER. When Jesus was baptized it was a bodily form, lighting on his head...now the Spirit is in the FORM of Water...and as we are baptized He lights upon the head of our spirit as the dove of Living Water, in us...and people see the heavens opened!...and God declaring, "this is my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased."

Your thoughts?

Another thought; fire and water, both the Holy Spirit. What an awesome place in us for that existence.
Thoughts of a blacksmith come to mind; the tool being worked is put in the fire, molded into the image the creator wants, then set (cooled off with water).
This is happening in all of us. How often do we feel "in the fire"...hammered, smacked and bent...but then the water comforts and cools us off. What a wonderful image we are being formed into!

I love you all, thanks for stopping by. God bless you with a great and productive day. You are forgiven, and you are loved! Don't forget to comment when you can., your words can bless others here, too.

Trust Your Father

2009-07-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was reading Matthew 6 and the main things that spoke to me were "don't worry", and "don't be afraid." Jesus mentioned the word worry or not to do it at least 6 times within just 10 verses!..must be pretty important then to focus on what the opposite of that is.
I believe that our Kingdom living will rest in the assurance that "...your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him."-Matt:6:8

Right after this Jesus tells us how to pray (Lord's prayer) and after establishing the fact that he is our Father who is holy, the first thing he says is "Your Kingdom come", and interesting enough the final thing he says is also about The Kingdom, -..."Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory..."

I want Christ's words to speak for themselves now so here's Matthew 6:25-34(NIV);
Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
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So let us stop imposing on ourselves unnecessary hardship, stress, and frustration, if everything we need is first of all found in cultivating and maintaining a healthy relationship with His Kingdom and with Himself.

For a little chuckle and insight, I copied here some definitions of "worry" from a thesaurus;
Noun
1.
worry - something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness; "New York traffic is a constant concern"; "it's a major worry"
headache, vexation, concern
negative stimulus - a stimulus with undesirable consequences
bugaboo - a source of concern; "the old bugaboo of inflation still bothers them"
burden, encumbrance, onus, incumbrance, load - an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind"
business - a rightful concern or responsibility; "it's none of your business"; "mind your own business"
2.
worry - a strong feeling of anxiety; "his worry over the prospect of being fired"; "it is not work but worry that kills"; "he wanted to die and end his troubles"
trouble
anxiety - a vague unpleasant emotion that is experienced in anticipation of some (usually ill-defined) misfortune
Verb
1.
worry - be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy; "I worry about my job"
vex, worry - disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress; "I cannot sleep--my daughter's health is worrying me"
fret - be agitated or irritated; "don't fret over these small details"
fear - be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event; "I fear she might get aggressive"
fret, fuss, niggle - worry unnecessarily or excessively; "don't fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now"
obsess - be preoccupied with something; "She is obsessing over her weight"
2.
worry - be concerned with; "I worry about my grades"
care
brood, dwell - think moodily or anxiously about something
mind - be concerned with or about something or somebody
3.
worry - disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress; "I cannot sleep--my daughter's health is worrying me"
vex
misgive - suggest fear or doubt; "Her heart misgave her that she had acted inexcusably"
cark, disorder, disquiet, perturb, unhinge, distract, trouble - disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed; "She was rather perturbed by the news that her father was seriously ill"
eat on, eat - worry or cause anxiety in a persistent way; "What's eating you?"
nag - worry persistently; "nagging concerns and doubts"
worry - be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy; "I worry about my job"
reassure, assure - cause to feel sure; give reassurance to; "The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe"
4.
worry - be on the mind of; "I worry about the second Germanic consonant shift"
concern, interest, occupy
5.
worry - lacerate by biting; "the dog worried his bone"
incise - make an incision into by carving or cutting
6.
worry - touch or rub constantly; "The old man worried his beads"
rub - move over something with pressure; "rub my hands"; "rub oil into her skin"

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God bless you all and let's focus on and have confidence in Him as our Father who dearly loves us His children, and who WILL provide all we need.
Don't worry on "not worrying", just seek His Kingdom and His righteousness,...resting and trusting in Him.

Priority #1 - Seek First The Kingdom

2009-07-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Let's compare Maslow's "heirarchy of needs" with God's priority.

1. Water
2. Food
3. Clothes
4. Housing
5. Protection
6. Security
7. Preservation
8. Self-actualization
9. Significance

Most of us would probably agree that we do strive for all of these things. People work every day, many times more than one job just to secure them. Has our basic priority become that of mere survival?

Okay, now the PRIORITY OF GOD;
God's priority seems to be completely opposite to that of man's.
Jesus identifies the Kingdom as being more important than food, water, clothing, shelter, and every other basic human need when he said;

"seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything you need for life will be added to you."-Matthew 6:33

Living Bread!

2009-07-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

The kingdom of heaven is like...a little yeast that works through the dough until the whole thing is leavened!

Jesus warned the disciples to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees.
Their yeast was old and would only make "dead bread!"
The teaching (yeast) of Jesus is living. His words are living words that grow and rise in you until your whole being is permeated.
Just like bread dough has rising times, so the seeds of Jesus' words have to grow within.
His yeast in us spreads to the other grain through the influence of our words and actions, and so the Kingdom of God expands.

He is our Living Bread!

Kingdom Come

2009-07-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

What seems to be constantly coming into my thoughts are the words KINDOM COME.
Father, let your Kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

*Come and go with me to my Father's house...there are plenty enough robes, rings, shoes and fatted calves to go around-one for every returning prodigal son or daughter. If you have not come, come, and the Father will see you coming from a long distance and will run to meet you, greeting you with a paternal kiss. There is room for everyone in the house.

May the fullness of the godhead enjoy residence in you and I today as we house the very presence of God.

Let your spiritual house maintain an open door policy that allows the King of Glory to come in to the world around you and accept those who come to you for help-just as they are.

As "living stones" building the true church of the living God let us all be creative architects for the Kingdom of God today!

*some of the above paragraphs adapted from "A Year In the Now", bishop Jim Swilley.
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And the only time, the only time I ever saw Him run
Was when He ran to me,
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
And said "My son's come home again".
Looked in my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said "Son, do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise
when God ran

The day I left Home, I knew I'd broken His heart
I wondered if Things could ever be the same,
Then one night, I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road, ahead I could see
It's the only time, the only time I ever saw Him run

Was when He ran to me,
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
And said "My son's come home again".
Looked in my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said "Son, do you know I still love you?"
It caught me by surprise, He brought me to my knees
When God ran

I saw Him run to me
And then I ran to Him

*lyrics taken from the song "When God Ran" by Benny Hester

Kingdom Priority

2009-07-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

A quick post here today, however, I pray that it will bless.

Some of Jesus' first public statements reveal the kingdom priority;

From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)

If you are spiritually poor, only the Kingdom will satisfy and fulfill your hunger. The kingdom is God's priority and must become ours, too.

The Kingdom is the only source of true joy for the heart of man.

Religion is what man does until he finds the Kingdom.
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I don't want to forget to tell many of you "thanks" for all your cheering and encouragements this past weekend when I got baptized...it was awesome...and an awesome day.
Zachary my son(7) was there and we took communion together. Later he said, "when I grow up I want you to baptize me!" I said, "let me talk to Jesus about it, I'm not sure if I need to be a pastor or not", and he said, "you are a pastor...you pray all the time."

Set Sail

2009-07-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the launch of Kingdom Quest!...an exciting place to embark on the journey of seeking, finding and living in the Kingdom of God.

Hoist the sails...let the wind blow!

May God give us eyes to see.. ears to hear...and a heart that beats in rhythm with His desire for His kingdom to come and His will to be done ON EARTH, as it is in heaven.

The Kingdom of God should unite humanity. It is a place that goes beyond religion. A place where we are all one royal family under God and His flag. Let His banner yet wave over His land, His dominion of the free.