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)
Monday, April 26, 2010
Showers of blessings!
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)
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)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The greater work of LOVE
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
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
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Righteousness Consciousness!
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:
The Blood of Christ
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?
...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?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Expectation!
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)
...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)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Kingdom of God within you
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...
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...
Monday, January 25, 2010
Kingdom Come!
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'.
-------
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
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'.
-------
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
Friday, January 22, 2010
LIBERATED!
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
-------
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.
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
-------
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)