Metron Live

Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this message, Bishop Jim Swilley continues his series on The Spirit of Spontaneity, exploring what it means to live with openness, flexibility, and awareness of the ways Spirit communicates in everyday life. Moving beyond the idea of simply being spontaneous, he teaches that divine wisdom often comes through unexpected channels—nature, memories, relationships, synchronicities, and moments that cannot be fully explained. Drawing from the story of Saul and the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28), Bishop challenges listeners to move beyond rigid religious frameworks and become attentive to the living voice of Spirit in the present moment. Personal stories about his parents, family history, and recent discoveries in his home become powerful illustrations of healing, reconciliation, and the ongoing connection between generations. Key Takeaways 1. Spirit Speaks Beyond Traditional Religious Boundaries Bishop emphasizes that God is not confined to a single book, denomination, or religious system. He points to creation itself as a source of revelation. Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God.” Matthew 6:28-29 — Jesus’ teaching about learning from the lilies of the field. 2. Wisdom Requires Trust Using James 1, he teaches that once wisdom is sought and received, people must resist the temptation to overanalyze or talk themselves out of what they know internally. Scripture Referenced: James 1:5-8 — Ask for wisdom in faith without being double-minded. 3. The Present Moment Is Sacred The spontaneity Jesus taught was not recklessness but responsiveness. Bishop points to Jesus’ instruction that his followers trust the Spirit to give them words when needed. Scriptures Referenced: Luke 12:11-12 Matthew 10:19-20 4. Unfinished Relationships Can Be Healed A major theme of the message is that people are more than their earthly conflicts. Bishop suggests that healing and understanding continue beyond what we perceive as death and that many of our unresolved struggles are connected to memories rather than present realities. 5. Pay Attention to Synchronicities The discovery of old photographs, meaningful family artifacts, and unexpected connections becomes a practical lesson: Spirit often communicates through seemingly ordinary events that carry extraordinary meaning. 6. Listen for Confirmation Everywhere Whether through nature, conversations, memories, songs, or unexpected encounters, Bishop encourages listeners to cultivate awareness and recognize when life is speaking. Notable Quote “Nature is talking. Mother Nature is a prophetess. Get in the now. Listen. When people say things to you, a line in a song, something that’s confirmation—pay attention to that. God’s speaking.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Scriptures Discussed 1 Samuel 28 — Saul and the Witch of Endor James 1:5-8 — Asking for wisdom in faith Psalm 19:1 — The heavens declare God’s glory Matthew 6:28-29 — Consider the lilies Luke 12:11-12 — The Spirit will give you what to say Matthew 10:19-20 — Do not worry about your defense; the Spirit speaks through you 2 Corinthians 3:6 — “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” Final Thought The central message of this teaching is that spiritual growth requires more than knowledge—it requires awareness. Bishop encourages listeners to become sensitive to the movement of Spirit in the present moment, trusting that wisdom can arrive through unexpected people, memories, experiences, and even long-forgotten pieces of their own story. The invitation is to live with enough openness that when Spirit speaks, you recognize the voice and have the courage to follow it.

Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow   In this episode of Metron Live, Bishop Jim Swilley explores the power of spontaneity, intuition, and trusting the flow of the Spirit. Using both personal stories and scripture, he contrasts overthinking with inspired action, arguing that many of life’s greatest opportunities emerge when we learn to trust our inner guidance. Through examples ranging from an unexpected backyard transformation to a life-changing ministry experience in Nigeria, he challenges listeners to develop the ability to make wise decisions without becoming trapped by analysis paralysis. The central message is that creativity, flexibility, and spiritual awareness often work together to open doors that careful planning alone could never reveal. 1. The Spirit of Spontaneity Creates New Possibilities Bishop Jim introduces the theme of “The Spirit of Spontaneity: Manifesting the Power of Flexibility, Creativity, and Going with the Flow.” He explains that walking in the Spirit is often less about religious ritual and more about trusting divine intuition and inner wisdom. Scripture Mark 13:11 “Take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak… for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.” Jesus taught His followers that there would be moments when preparation would not be possible, and they would need to trust divine inspiration in the moment. 2. Preparation Has Value, But So Does Presence While planning and preparation are important, Jim warns against becoming so dependent on preparation that we lose our ability to respond creatively in the moment. He advocates finding the balance between structure and spontaneity. Quote “There’s a sweet spot in between being prepared… but also being in the moment.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 3. Creativity Often Appears Through Unexpected Opportunities Jim shares the story of an unplanned backyard renovation that became one of his favorite projects. What started with a couple of chairs evolved into a complete outdoor retreat because he remained open to possibilities he had never previously considered. The lesson: some of life’s greatest blessings don’t begin with a detailed plan—they begin with openness. Scripture Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” 4. Meditation Helps You Hear Your Inner Voice A major emphasis of the message is the importance of stillness and meditation. Jim argues that people cannot truly know themselves if they are constantly talking, reacting, and filling every moment with noise. Quote “You can’t know yourself without meditation.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Through meditation, we become more aware of intuition, creativity, and spiritual direction. 5. Trust Your Instincts Drawing from Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink, Jim discusses the concept of “thin slicing”—the ability to make accurate decisions based on limited information because of accumulated wisdom and experience. He connects this idea to spiritual discernment, suggesting that intuition is often the Holy Spirit working through us. Scripture Romans 8:14 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” 6. Don’t Judge Success Too Quickly One of the most powerful stories in the teaching comes from Jim’s ministry trip to Nigeria. What appeared to be a complete failure—an audience unable to understand him and seemingly no response to his message—turned out to be a transformational moment for an entire village when a local spiritual leader experienced healing. Quote “If I had gone by my feelings about it, I would have thought… this was a nightmare.” — Bishop Jim Swilley The experience taught him that appearances can be deceiving and that what feels unsuccessful may actually be accomplishing exactly what it was meant to do. Scripture 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 7. The Creator Created Creators Jim reminds listeners that creativity is part of their divine nature. Quote “The ultimate act of creativity is that the Creator created creators.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Each person has been placed in their own “garden” with the responsibility and opportunity to create, cultivate, and bring something meaningful into the world. Scripture Acts 17:28 “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” Main Takeaway The Spirit often moves through flexibility rather than rigidity. While wisdom and planning have their place, some of life’s greatest breakthroughs come when we learn to trust our intuition, remain present, and respond to opportunities as they arise. Bishop Jim encourages listeners to cultivate meditation, trust their inner guidance, and embrace spontaneity as a pathway to creativity, abundance, and spiritual growth.

Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow   In Part 4 of Seated in Heavenly Places, Bishop Jim Swilley weaves together personal stories, spiritual insight, and practical wisdom to illustrate what it means to live in the “fullness of joy.” Through the renovation of his parents' former home, the symbolic return of gardenia bushes, the repair of a beloved piano, and reflections on relationships and kindness, he teaches that joy is not merely an occasional emotion—it is our natural spiritual frequency. The message centers on healing old wounds, recognizing divine synchronicities, embracing life fully, and allowing the broken places within us to “vibrate once more.” Key Quote “Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that are broken will vibrate once more.” — Bishop Jim Swilley (quoting Fanny Crosby) Main Takeaways 1. We Are Already Seated in Heavenly Places Bishop Jim reminds listeners that heaven is not merely a future destination but a present reality. Drawing from Paul’s teaching, he emphasizes that believers have already been seated in heavenly places and are called to manifest that reality now. Scripture: Ephesians 2:6 2. Joy Is the Goal Using Hebrews 12:2 and John 16:21, he explains that difficult seasons are not meant to destroy us but to lead us toward greater joy. Like childbirth, the pain is not the destination; the new life that emerges is. Scriptures: Hebrews 12:2 John 16:21 Romans 8:18 2 Corinthians 4:17 3. Full-Circle Moments Confirm the Journey The story of removing his late mother’s old gardenia bushes only to have a landscaper independently recommend planting four new gardenias became a powerful symbol of healing, affirmation, and being in the right place spiritually. Bishop Jim encourages listeners to notice similar moments of synchronicity in their own lives. 4. Broken Chords Can Vibrate Again A piano repair revealed that expanding metal brackets were preventing the hammers from striking the strings properly. Bishop Jim uses this as a metaphor for life: hurts, disappointments, and negative words can dampen our ability to resonate with joy, but kindness and healing can restore what was lost. Scripture: John 15:11 5. Words Carry Creative Power The message highlights how deeply words affect us. Hurtful words can wound for years, while encouraging words can become lifelong anchors. Bishop Jim shares several examples of affirming statements that continued to shape and strengthen him long after they were spoken. Scriptures: Proverbs 18:21 Mark 5:34 6. Kindness Restores Human Dignity Whether encouraging a struggling young person, affirming marginalized individuals, or simply showing appreciation to workers helping with his backyard project, Bishop Jim emphasizes that kindness can restore a person’s sense of worth and help them reconnect with joy. Scriptures: Matthew 25:35-40 Luke 4:18 7. Happiness Is Holy One of the strongest themes of the message is that taking care of yourself, enjoying your life, and embracing joy are not selfish acts. They are spiritual acts. Joy is not something reserved for rare occasions; it is meant to become the atmosphere of daily living. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 Memorable Quote “Being happy is holy. Taking care of yourself is holy.” Closing Prayer Focus Bishop Jim closes by declaring that everyone listening would be awakened by kindness, restored in their broken places, and called into their highest vibrational frequency. His prayer echoes Jesus’ words: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:11

Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In Part 3 of the Seated in Heavenly Places series, delivered on Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice, Bishop Jim Swilley teaches that heaven is not a future destination but a present reality that believers are called to manifest on earth. Using the story of the rich young ruler, reflections on fatherhood, chosen family, and principles from Marcus Aurelius, he challenges listeners to release victimhood, abandon unmet expectations, protect their joy, and embrace their divine identity. The message centers on the idea that fullness of joy is found when we stop allowing past injuries and other people’s limitations to define us and instead recognize that we are already seated in heavenly places. Key Quote “There’s nothing holier than protecting your joy and keeping your joy at the highest level.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scriptures Referenced Main Text Ephesians 2:6 “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Heaven on Earth Matthew 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Binding and Loosing Matthew 18:18 “Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Rich Young Ruler Mark 10:17-31 Hundredfold Family Mark 10:29-30 “There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother… but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time…” Firstborn Among Many Brethren Romans 8:29 The Great I AM John 18:4-6 The Fall Through Misperception Genesis 3:5 Genesis 3:11 Abiding in What Was Heard From the Beginning 1 John 2:24 Kingdom of God Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Soft Answer Proverbs 15:1 Whole Armor of God Ephesians 6:11 Symbolic Allusions Revelation 21:18-21 (streets of gold, gates of pearl, precious stones) Main Takeaways 1. You Are Already Seated in Heavenly Places The foundation of the message is that heaven is not something believers are trying to reach after death. According to Paul, we are already seated in heavenly places. Bishop teaches that heaven is our point of origin, not our destination. Rather than waiting to experience heaven someday, we are called to express heaven through our lives right now. Scripture: Ephesians 2:6 2. Your Purpose Is to Bring Heaven to Earth Bishop emphasized that each person carries a unique expression of heaven that only they can release into the world. When Jesus taught: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” He was teaching believers to become agents of heaven’s influence. You were born to bring something into the earth that did not exist before you arrived. Scripture: Matthew 6:10 3. Stop Comparing Your Journey to Someone Else’s Every person has a unique calling and destiny. Bishop reminded listeners that Jesus was completely original, and believers are called to walk in that same confidence. “Never let the Pharisees in your life shake you.” The goal is not imitation but authenticity. Scripture: Romans 8:29 4. The Rich Young Ruler’s Problem Was Attachment In Mark 10, the rich young ruler asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life. Bishop points out that Jesus was not creating a doctrine about money. Instead, He was exposing the man’s attachment to something he was unwilling to release. Anything we refuse to release can become a barrier to spiritual freedom. Scripture: Mark 10:17-31 5. Chosen Family Is Part of the Kingdom One of the most powerful Father’s Day themes involved Jesus’ promise that those who lose family relationships will receive fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers in return. Bishop explained that many people spend their lives waiting for parents or relatives to become something they were never capable of being. Healing begins when we stop demanding from people what they cannot provide. The Kingdom supplies family in unexpected ways. Scripture: Mark 10:29-30 6. Let Go of Unmet Expectations A major thread throughout the message was learning to release expectations. Whether it’s children, parents, friends, or spouses, constantly expecting others to fulfill emotional needs creates disappointment. Bishop shared personal stories about Father’s Day and choosing gratitude instead of waiting for validation. Joy increases when expectations decrease. 7. Reject the Sense of Injury Quoting Marcus Aurelius, Bishop taught: “Reject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears.” This does not mean denying injustice. It means refusing to build an identity around being wounded. Many people continue suffering from events long after the event itself has passed because they continually replay the injury. Freedom begins when we stop identifying as victims. 8. Forgiveness Is About Freedom Forgiveness is not saying someone was right. Forgiveness is refusing to continue paying emotional interest on an old debt. Bishop explained that bitterness often hurts the wounded person more than the original offender. When we forgive, we reclaim our power. 9. Protect Your Holy of Holies Bishop compared the human spirit to the Temple. Not everyone deserves unrestricted access to your inner world. Healthy boundaries are not selfish. Healthy boundaries are stewardship. Some people must be loved from a distance if they continually threaten your peace. Scripture: Ephesians 6:11 10. Joy Is Your Responsibility One of the strongest messages of the morning was that no one else is responsible for your joy. Not your parents. Not your spouse. Not your children. Not your employer. Not society. You are the steward of your own emotional and spiritual environment. Protecting your joy is sacred work. Scripture: Romans 14:17 Father’s Day Application Bishop encouraged listeners to bless their fathers regardless of the complexity of the relationship. Rather than focusing on what was missing, he challenged people to honor the role those relationships played in bringing them to where they are today. “They were part of your journey to get you here. Bless them with a yes.” The message was not about pretending pain never happened. It was about refusing to allow old wounds to determine present joy. Final Thought The heart of this message is that fullness of joy becomes possible when we stop viewing ourselves through the lens of injury and start seeing ourselves through the lens of heaven. You are not trying to get to heaven. You are already seated there. Now the assignment is to bring that reality into every relationship, every challenge, every conversation, and every part of your life. “The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)

In this installment of Metron Live, Bishop Jim Swilley continues his series on being seated in heavenly places, drawing from Ephesians 2 and Psalm 16:11. He challenges listeners to rethink joy—not as an emotional high, but as a state of presence. Using stories from his own life, the Israelites' wilderness journey, a beloved family cat nearing the end of its life, and even a tense basketball game, Bishop Jim argues that fullness of joy is found when we stop living in regret over the past or anxiety about the future and become fully present in the moment. His central revelation is that “in His presence is fullness of joy” also means learning to live in our own presence—to fully inhabit the life we are experiencing right now. Key Takeaways 1. Your Life Has a Path, Even When It Feels Circular Drawing from Psalm 16:11, Bishop Jim teaches that God shows us “the path of life,” but that path is often cyclical rather than linear. Like Israel wandering for 40 years before facing the same Jericho, many people revisit similar lessons until they learn to see their circumstances differently. Key Thought: Stop obsessing over the “should have, could have, would have” moments. Fullness of joy requires making peace with the path that brought you here. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 2. Presence Is the Gateway to Joy The core revelation of the message comes from a simple observation about a family cat that peacefully accepted the end of its life. “He was present all the way to the end.” — Bishop Jim Swilley recounting a conversation about Avery’s cat. That statement unlocked a deeper understanding of Psalm 16:11. Most people are physically present but mentally somewhere else—replaying the past, worrying about the future, or trying to solve problems that don’t yet exist. Bishop Jim shares a personal story of standing in the Gulf of Mexico on vacation while mentally sorting through future responsibilities, realizing: “My body’s in the Gulf of Mexico, but I’m not here.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Lesson: You cannot experience fullness of joy if you are not fully present. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 — “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” 3. Anxiety Pulls You Out of the Present Moment Whether it’s worrying about finances, relationships, aging, health, or the future, anxiety fragments attention and lowers our ability to experience joy. Bishop Jim contrasts this with Jesus’ teaching: Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 6 — Consider the lilies. Matthew 6:34 — “Take no thought for tomorrow.” The message is not irresponsibility; it is refusing to sacrifice today’s peace for tomorrow’s uncertainty. 4. Stop Rehearsing the Stories That Keep You Sick Referencing Proverbs, Bishop Jim teaches that many people unknowingly reinforce negative realities by constantly speaking about them. Scripture: Proverbs 13:12 — “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” He argues that there is a healthy place for processing pain, counseling, and healing, but eventually there comes a point where continuing to repeat the story keeps it alive. Key Thought: There comes a time when you stop retelling the wound and start telling a new story. 5. Don’t Make Your Joy Dependent on Other People’s Approval One of the strongest practical applications of the message is the reminder that everyone wants acceptance, but joy cannot be dependent upon it. “You got to feel good about yourself whether anybody gets it or not.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Jesus serves as the model. He never sought permission from others to live in the truth of who He was. Scriptures Referenced: John 8:58 — “Before Abraham was, I am.” John 10:18 — “No man takes my life, I lay it down.” 6. God Is Not Against Pleasure Bishop Jim closes by examining the final phrase of Psalm 16:11: “At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” He contrasts this with religious systems that often treat pleasure, enjoyment, and happiness as suspicious or sinful. Using Jesus turning water into wine at Cana as an example, he argues that God is not opposed to joy, celebration, or abundance. Scripture: John 2 — The wedding at Cana. His conclusion is that many religious traditions have taught people to expect struggle, guilt, and stress, while Scripture repeatedly points toward joy, peace, and life. Memorable Quote “You can’t have fullness of joy if you’re not present.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Scripture Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Final Thought The heart of this message is simple but profound: joy is not found in fixing the past or controlling the future. It is found in fully inhabiting the present moment. According to Bishop Jim, the highest vibration, the heavenly place, and the fullness of joy are all experienced when we stop living somewhere else and become fully present to the life unfolding right in front of us.

Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this message, Bishop Jim Swilley launches a new series, Seated in Heavenly Places, exploring the idea that heaven is not merely a future destination but a present spiritual reality. Drawing from Ephesians 2, he challenges traditional concepts of striving for heaven and instead teaches that believers are already seated with Christ in higher dimensions of consciousness and awareness. He connects biblical concepts of joy, abundance, and spiritual maturity with ideas of vibration, authenticity, gratitude, and emotional well-being. The central theme is that fullness of joy is not dependent on circumstances but is a state of being that can be cultivated through gratitude, self-awareness, generosity, and living authentically. Key Takeaways 1. We Are Already Seated in Heavenly Places Bishop centers the teaching on Ephesians 2:4-6, emphasizing that believers are not trying to get to heaven someday but are already participating in heavenly realities now. Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-6 “And raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” He explains that sitting represents completion and rest rather than striving. Quote: “We’re not trying to get to heaven. We’re from heaven.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 2. Joy Is More Than Happiness The message distinguishes between temporary happiness and what Jesus described as “fullness of joy.” Scriptures: John 15:11 John 16:24 Nehemiah 8:10 Jesus repeatedly spoke of joy becoming “full,” which Bishop presents as a higher state of spiritual living rather than an occasional emotional experience. Quote: “There’s joy, and then there’s fullness of joy.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 3. Protect Your Joy One of the strongest practical applications is the idea that people must become guardians of their own joy. Rather than allowing circumstances, old wounds, or difficult people to dictate emotional states, Bishop encourages listeners to consciously maintain a higher perspective. Quote: “If there’s things in your life that are draining your joy, either have the courage to get rid of it, get it out of your life, or change the way you think about it.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 4. Heaven and Hell Are Present Experiences Rather than viewing heaven and hell exclusively as future destinations, Bishop presents them as realities experienced in daily life. Quote: “Some of y’all ain’t scared of going to hell because you already been to hell.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He describes “streets of gold” as a metaphor for abundance, peace, and living from a consciousness of provision rather than lack. 5. Gratitude Raises Your Awareness A recurring theme is that gratitude shifts perception and opens people to greater joy. Scripture: Psalms 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving.” Bishop suggests that gratitude should not wait for favorable circumstances but become a daily practice. Quote: “Why can’t you just be happy that you woke up this morning?” — Bishop Jim Swilley 6. Generosity Creates Joy One of the most powerful personal stories in the message involved Bishop blessing a healthcare worker who had helped him. The lesson was that giving often produces more joy in the giver than receiving does. Scripture: Acts 20:35 “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Quote: “I was so much happier about that than if somebody had given me a hundred dollars.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 7. Authenticity Is Essential Bishop teaches that authentic living is directly connected to joy and emotional health. When people hide behind roles, expectations, or false identities, they disconnect from the fullness of who they are. Quote: “You’re never going to have fullness of joy when you’re frontin’.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 8. Your Narrative Shapes Your Reality A major practical takeaway is the importance of refusing to continually revisit old wounds and painful stories. While healing requires processing the past, growth requires eventually creating a new narrative. Scripture: Philippians 3:13 “Forgetting those things which are behind.” Quote: “You already dealt with this. That’s done. I’m not doing time travel backwards and bringing up old stuff.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Scripture Focus: Ephesians 2:4-6 “And raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This passage serves as the foundation for the entire series, framing heavenly living as a present reality characterized by joy, abundance, peace, gratitude, and spiritual awareness rather than merely a future hope. Memorable Quote “When you learn to get your joy up there and walk in the fullness of joy, you have to get real protective of it.” — Bishop Jim Swilley

Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this deeply reflective conclusion to the “Align With the Divine” series, Bishop Jim Swilley explores what true spiritual alignment actually looks like when life becomes painful, confusing, and deeply human. Using Jesus' interactions with Peter after betrayal and with Mary and Martha after Lazarus' death, he teaches that alignment is not perfection or emotional denial — it is learning to embrace the full reality of your humanity while remaining grounded in what is authentically true within you. The message centers on foundations: storms reveal what your life is built on, and genuine faith survives not because it avoids questions, but because it has been tested. Through stories about renovating his parents' home, reflections on aging, grief, friendship, Carol Burnett, and even wrestling with modern deconstruction theology, Bishop Jim emphasizes that alignment means integrating every part of your journey — mistakes, doubts, pain, joy, relationships, and spiritual experiences — into a whole and healed self. Main Takeaways 1. Storms Reveal Foundations Bishop Jim centers much of the message around Jesus' teaching about building a house on the rock versus sand. “The idea is adversity reveals your foundation.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Referencing Matthew 7, he explains that rain, wind, and floods expose whether something is authentically built to last. Alignment is not avoiding storms; it is discovering what remains standing afterward. Scripture References: Matthew Luke 2. Alignment Means Embracing Humanity and Divinity Together One of the strongest themes throughout the teaching is that spirituality should never require suppressing human emotion. “I am sick and tired of people taking some Bible verses and telling people not to have human emotions.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He argues that grief, fear, anger, disappointment, and uncertainty are not evidence of weak faith. They are part of being human. Jesus Himself experienced emotional intensity when Lazarus died. This becomes central to his interpretation of Jesus “groaning in the spirit” in John 11. Scripture Reference: John 3. “Groaning in the Spirit” Was Emotional Agitation, Not Calm Spirituality Bishop Jim digs into the Greek language behind John 11:33 and explains that Jesus' groaning was more than sadness. “The Greek root literally translated means to snort with anger or to express indignation, outrage, and deep agitation.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Rather than presenting Jesus as emotionally detached, he presents Him as fully immersed in the pain and tension of the moment. This becomes a metaphor for alignment: feeling fear while still believing, grieving while still hoping, questioning while still remaining spiritually rooted. 4. Relationships Are Part of Spiritual Alignment Much of the sermon reflects on the importance of authentic relationships — particularly Jesus' relationship with Peter and Lazarus. “What really matters is the relationship that you have and that you maintain.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He highlights: Jesus asking Peter “Do you love me?” Martha confronting Jesus after Lazarus' death The value of longtime friendships that survive storms Scripture References: John John 5. Alignment Includes Your Entire Story — Even the Broken Parts One of the defining statements of the message: “Make peace with every bit of your life, including your mistakes and your foibles and the things that you messed up that you can't fix.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He teaches that spiritual maturity is not pretending the painful parts never happened. Instead: regrets, failures, rejection, unanswered questions, trauma, and transformation all become threads in the tapestry of your identity. 6. Faith That Survives Questions Is Stronger Than Blind Certainty A major portion of the teaching wrestles openly with theological deconstruction and modern skepticism. Bishop Jim acknowledges: problems with organized religion, hypocrisy within evangelical culture, intellectual critiques of scripture, and the rise of ex-pastors becoming atheists. Yet he arrives at a deeply personal conclusion: “The winds and the rains and the storm already tried it… and baby it's still standing.” — Bishop Jim Swilley His argument is not rooted in dogma, but experience. Faith survives because something deeply authentic remains after every question has been asked. Key Scriptures Referenced Matthew — The wise man builds on the rock John — Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and Jesus groaning in the spirit John — Jesus asking Peter “Do you love me?” Isaiah — “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…” Final Thought The ultimate message of this teaching is that alignment is not becoming less human — it is becoming fully integrated. The storms of life do not destroy what is real; they expose it. Faith, identity, relationships, grief, questions, and hope all coexist in the same sacred space. “You are aligned with your foundation, with what's been shaken and tried in the fire… You are exactly where you're supposed to be.” — Bishop Jim Swilley

Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this Pentecost Sunday message on Metron Live, Bishop Jim Swilley reframes Pentecost as a celebration of inclusion, liberation, diversity, and spiritual alignment rather than religious legalism. He argues that the Holy Spirit dismantles barriers of gender, nationality, race, and exclusion, pointing to Acts 2 as proof that God's spirit is poured out “on all flesh.” Swilley contrasts the expansive, freeing nature of the Holy Spirit with fear-based religion, nationalism, and judgmental Christianity, emphasizing that true spirituality should make people more compassionate, more authentic, and more open-hearted. The core of the teaching centers on “alignment with the divine” through understanding the seasons of life: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Swilley teaches that many people mistake seasonal transitions for spiritual failure, when in reality they are simply moving through different phases of growth, rest, manifestation, or release. He encourages listeners to stop comparing themselves to others, discern their current season, and live authentically without shame or regret. The message closes with a call into spiritual alignment, freedom, and peace, reminding listeners that abundant life comes from being fully present and fully themselves. Main Takeaways Pentecost Is About Inclusion, Not Exclusion Swilley explains that Pentecost was never meant to become a system of legalism or external holiness rules. Instead, it represents the breaking down of barriers between people, cultures, genders, and nations. “The true message of Pentecost is inclusion, diversity, Universalism… deliverance from xenophobia.” — Bishop Jim Swilley The Holy Spirit Cannot Be Controlled The message repeatedly emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is beyond human categories, institutions, and prejudice. “The Holy Spirit is beyond your genitalia. It's beyond your sexual orientation. The Holy Spirit is beyond your racial prejudices.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Alignment Matters More Than Striving Swilley teaches that many people are exhausted because they are forcing manifestation instead of aligning with their current season. “If you're trying too hard, you might need to just focus more on the alignment.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Life Happens in Seasons The sermon outlines four spiritual life cycles: Winter — reflection, healing, rest Spring — new ideas and preparation Summer — growth, action, manifestation Fall — harvest and letting go He stresses that no season is permanent and none are failures. Stop Comparing Your Journey One of the strongest themes is learning to discern your own timing instead of measuring your progress against someone else's life. “Your prayer wasn't answered? It's not the season yet.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Spiritual Maturity Brings Peace Swilley describes spiritual maturity as reaching a place where you stop obsessing over control, appearances, judgment, and external validation. “Abundant life really is just living the life that you want and being happy with it.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scriptures Referenced Acts 2 — The Day of Pentecost Joel 2:28 — “I will pour out my spirit on all flesh” Matthew 13:38 — “The field is the world” John 16:7 — “It is necessary that I go away” Isaiah 33:6 — “Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times” Psalm 1 — Fruit brought forth “in his season” Ecclesiastes 3 — Seasons and times Galatians 3:28 — “Neither male nor female” 2 Corinthians 3:17 — “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” Philippians 2:12 — “Work out your own salvation” Psalm 30:5 — “Weeping may endure for a night” Psalm 112:7 — “Not afraid of evil tidings” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 — “Two are better than one”

Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Metron, Bishop Jim Swilley explores what it truly means to “align with the divine” by reframing adversity, suffering, and spiritual growth. Broadcasting from the new Metron Live studio, Bishop Swilley blends spirituality, personal storytelling, scripture, meditation, and even quantum physics to challenge traditional ideas about God, demons, spiritual warfare, and victimhood. His central thesis is that hardship is not punishment from an external enemy, but often a signal that we are out of alignment with our higher consciousness and deeper truth. Rather than seeing life's struggles as attacks from the devil or tests from God, Swilley teaches that adversity itself becomes the teacher. Drawing from The Bible, particularly Isaiah 30:19–21, he argues that every inconvenience, setback, and painful experience can become a doorway into wisdom, growth, and transformation if we ask, “What is this teaching me?” instead of “Why is this happening to me?” The message ultimately becomes a call to reclaim personal agency, rethink inherited beliefs, and consciously align thoughts, words, and energy with love, healing, and abundance. Main Takeaways 1. Adversity Can Be a Teacher Instead of a Punishment Bishop Swilley reframes suffering through Isaiah 30, explaining that “the bread of adversity” and “the water of affliction” are not evidence of spiritual warfare, but opportunities for awareness and growth. “Your teachers are the stuff that happens to you.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Instead of asking: “Why is this happening to me?” He suggests asking: “What is this teaching me?” Scripture Reference: Book of Isaiah 30:19–21 Book of Hebrews 5:8 2. Alignment Matters More Than Spiritual Warfare Swilley openly rejects the idea that believers are constantly fighting demons or external evil forces. He argues that most spiritual conflict originates internally through misaligned thinking, fear, shame, and self-sabotage. “The adversary is you. It's your thoughts that haven't come into alignment yet.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He contrasts traditional teachings about “fighting the devil” with the idea that life reflects our beliefs, expectations, and emotional alignment. Scripture Reference: Book of Genesis 3 Book of Romans 12:2 3. Jesus Taught Consciousness, Alignment, and Inner Transformation Throughout the teaching, Swilley connects the words of Jesus Christ with modern concepts found in quantum physics, emphasizing ideas like: observer effect energy vibration agreement consciousness manifestation He repeatedly points back to Jesus' teaching that: “The kingdom of God is within you.” Scripture References: Gospel of Luke 17:21 Gospel of Matthew 18:19 Gospel of Mark 11:23–24 4. Your Words and Perspective Shape Your Reality A major thread in the message is the power of perception and speech. Swilley teaches that reality is responsive rather than rigid, and that what we repeatedly think and say influences the life we experience. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He warns against victim mentality and self-fulfilling negativity while encouraging listeners to intentionally focus on possibility, gratitude, and abundance. Scripture References: Book of Proverbs 18:21 First Epistle to the Corinthians 2:9 5. Healing Often Comes Through Reinterpreting the Past One of the most emotionally resonant sections of the episode centers on trauma, memory, and healing. Swilley suggests that while we cannot literally change the past, we can transform how we understand it. “You can't change what happened, but you can change how you observe what happened.” — Bishop Jim Swilley This becomes the foundation for emotional healing, freedom from shame, and breaking cycles of inherited pain. Notable Quote “If life keeps making you madder and madder, you're spiraling downward. If instead you're getting smarter and smarter, your adversity has become your teacher.” — Bishop Jim Swilley

Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this deeply personal and emotionally transparent episode of Metron Live, Bishop Jim Swilley continues his series “Align With the Divine: Discovering the New Heaven and Earth from Within” by weaving together themes of authenticity, grief, self-acceptance, spirituality, and alignment. Speaking candidly about his first Mother's Day since his mother's passing, Swilley reflects on caregiving, healing complicated family dynamics, and the peace that comes from living without regret. He expands the conversation into a broader spiritual teaching about what it means to truly live “in alignment” — not by conforming to external religious expectations, but by embracing one's authentic self. Through scripture, personal testimony, and cultural observations, he argues that divine manifestation comes from inner congruence, transparency, joy, and self-love. Main Takeaways 1. Alignment Begins With Authenticity Swilley repeatedly emphasizes that spiritual alignment cannot happen while someone is pretending to be someone else. He connects emotional, spiritual, and even physical health to authenticity. “There is nothing in this world more important than authenticity. Being who you are and loving who you are.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He argues that much suffering comes from living disconnected from one's true identity, whether through people-pleasing, religious fear, suppressing gifts, or denying one's orientation or calling. 2. The “Glory of the Lord” Comes From Within One of the central theological themes is that divine revelation is internal, not external. Using Psalm 24 and Isaiah 40, Swilley reframes traditional scripture imagery: Scriptures Referenced Psalm 24:7 Isaiah 40:3–5 Psalm 103 John 10:10 John 16 Ezekiel 18 2 Corinthians 5:19 He teaches that: You are the gate. Your heart is the door. Alignment reveals the divine already present within you. “You're not trying to get it. You're trying to reveal it. It's all in you already.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 3. Grief Changes When You've Fully Loved Someone A major emotional thread throughout the message is Swilley's reflection on caring for his mother through her final years. He speaks honestly about the exhausting reality of caretaking and how thoroughly walking someone “to the gate” changes grief. “When you've been a very thorough caretaker, it changes the way you grieve someone's departure.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Rather than feeling unresolved regret, he describes feeling gratitude, peace, and completion. 4. “Train Up a Child” Means Discover Who They Already Are Swilley revisits Proverbs 22:6 and challenges traditional interpretations. Instead of forcing children into conformity, he argues parents should nurture a child's innate gifts and identity. “Find out what's wonderful about your child and play to that strength.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He critiques religious environments that attempt to suppress individuality instead of cultivating it. 5. Happiness Is Not Selfish — It's Essential Swilley strongly connects joy to health, spirituality, and manifestation. He warns that prolonged unhappiness can become physically destructive and says people must either change harmful situations or change their relationship to them. “You cannot be healthy if you're unhappy.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He repeatedly encourages listeners to: Follow their bliss Stop living by external expectations Embrace freedom Let go of shame 6. Religion Often Rewards Performance Over Truth One of the more striking sections involves Swilley recounting a conversation with late prophetic minister Kim Clement during the 2008 U.S. election. Swilley uses the story to illustrate how many religious leaders feel pressured to tell followers what they want to hear rather than speaking honestly. “So much of church world is just BS. It's a big masquerade party.” — Bishop Jim Swilley This becomes part of his broader argument that alignment requires radical honesty. 7. Jesus Leads People Toward Their Truest Selves Swilley closes by presenting a radically inclusive interpretation of Jesus. He portrays Jesus not as someone obsessed with moral policing, but as someone who liberated people into fuller humanity. “You can't follow the real Jesus and not become the real you.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Key Quote “If you can get all of your allness to align, the glory of the Lord will just automatically be revealed.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Overall Theme This episode is ultimately about liberation: liberation from shame, liberation from religious performance, liberation from inherited expectations, and liberation into authenticity. Swilley frames alignment not as becoming more religious, but as becoming more fully yourself.

website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this deeply personal and spiritually expansive teaching, Bishop Jim Swilley introduces a new series titled “Align with the Divine: Discovering the New Heaven and Earth From Within.” Using stories from his recent family experiences, encounters in New York, and reflections on Pentecostal spirituality, Bishop Swilley explores the power of alignment — the harmony between thoughts, words, actions, spirit, soul, and body. He argues that inner peace and manifestation come not from striving or controlling outcomes, but from authentic self-acceptance and releasing the need for external validation. The message blends scripture, mysticism, emotional healing, and practical wisdom into a powerful meditation on living without internal conflict. Main Takeaways Alignment Is Harmony Between Your Inner and Outer Life Bishop Swilley defines alignment as living in integrity where your thoughts, words, and actions work together instead of against each other. He references a quote often attributed to Gandhi: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” — attributed to Mahatma Gandhi He explains that misalignment creates internal conflict, which eventually manifests as external conflict. Authenticity becomes the key to peace. “You cannot be inauthentic and in alignment.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Revelation's “No More Sea” Represents the End of Separation Using Book of Revelation 21:1, Bishop Swilley offers a symbolic interpretation of the “new heaven and new earth.” “I saw a new heaven and a new earth… and there was no longer any sea.” — Revelation 21:1 He teaches that in the ancient world, the sea represented fear, division, boundaries, and the unknown. The “new earth” is a consciousness without separation. “The sea represented division. It represented the unknown. It was a border. It was a boundary.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Manifestation Flows Best Without Anxiety Drawing from Epistle to the Philippians 4:6-7, he teaches that peace and manifestation come through non-anxious living. “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” — Philippians 4:6 He reframes manifestation as clarity and flow rather than force. “Manifestation has to come out in clarity.” — Bishop Jim Swilley The More He Accepted Himself, the More the World Changed Around Him One of the strongest sections of the teaching centers on Bishop Swilley's journey after publicly coming out. He contrasts the hostility he experienced years ago with the peace and acceptance he now encounters. “Because I'm so okay with it on the inside, I believe people are picking up and they're okay with it on the outside.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He shares touching stories from his son's wedding and a surprising conversation with a Church of God pastor in New York to illustrate how alignment changes energy and interactions. “Hold On” and “Let Go” Are Both Necessary One of the most memorable metaphors comes from his Pentecostal upbringing. He recalls altar workers shouting contradictory instructions during prayer meetings: “One person saying, ‘Hold on, hold on, hold on,' and another saying, ‘Let go, let go, let go.'” — Bishop Jim Swilley He says both were right. “I'm holding on and I'm letting go simultaneously.” — Bishop Jim Swilley This becomes the central spiritual principle of the message: trust deeply, but release attachment to outcomes. Peace With Yourself Creates Peace With Others Swilley emphasizes that much suffering comes from trying to control or change other people. Alignment means accepting both yourself and others as they are. “The more you are at peace with yourself, the more you're going to be at peace with everybody else.” — Bishop Jim Swilley He teaches that stress, agendas, and unresolved internal conflict block creativity, abundance, and joy. Key Scriptures Referenced Book of Revelation 21:1 — “A new heaven and a new earth” Epistle to the Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be careful for nothing” First Epistle to the Thessalonians 5:23 — Spirit, soul, and body Epistle to the Hebrews 4:12 — Dividing soul and spirit Book of Proverbs 25:11 — “A word fitly spoken” Gospel of Mark 11:24 — “Believe you receive when you pray” Memorable Quotes “When you stop bleeding, you stop attracting the sharks.” — Bishop Jim Swilley “The conflict is where the energy is.” — Bishop Jim Swilley “You want it, and you'll be okay without it.” — Bishop Jim Swilley “You can't be at peace with the world until you're at peace with yourself.” — Bishop Jim Swilley “The agendas are the dams.” — Bishop Jim Swilley

website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this heartfelt episode of Metron, Bishop Jim Swilley shares a deeply personal testimony about healing, reconciliation, and trusting life to unfold even when circumstances look uncertain. Reflecting on his son Jared's wedding, family restoration, and years of personal growth, Bishop teaches that many of life's painful chapters eventually become beautiful endings when we stop trying to control every detail. Rooted in Isaiah 46:10, he reminds listeners to “declare the end from the beginning” — to believe that what feels broken today can still become whole tomorrow. This message is full of hope, vulnerability, and practical wisdom for anyone waiting on their own breakthrough. Key Takeaway Points 1. Declare the End from the Beginning Bishop centers the teaching on Isaiah 46:10: “Declaring the end from the beginning…” He explains that faith is not knowing every step in advance — it is trusting the final outcome even when the middle is messy. Main takeaway:You do not need all the details to believe something good is coming. 2. You Can Trust the Outcome Without Controlling the Process Bishop reconciles two ideas: trusting God's sovereignty while also releasing obsessive control. He teaches that you can hold a vision for your future while remaining open to how it arrives. Main takeaway:Faith says, “I know it will work out,” even if I do not know the route. 3. Healing Can Happen in Unexpected Moments Using his son Jared's wedding as the backdrop, Bishop describes tensions in family relationships that were unexpectedly healed in one night. “It was one of the best nights of my life.” — Bishop Jim Swilley What looked strained became joyful. What looked lost became restored. Main takeaway:Sometimes healing happens quietly when everyone simply shows up with love. 4. Stop Blaming Yourself for the Past Bishop speaks directly to people carrying regret, shame, or self-condemnation. He reminds listeners of Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good…” That includes mistakes, delays, failures, heartbreak, and confusion. Main takeaway:Your past is not wasted material. It can still serve your future. 5. Heaven Is Not Far Away Bishop shares a mystical insight: “You don't go to heaven. You remember it.” He teaches that peace, presence, joy, and divine awareness are available now — not merely after death. Referenced by: Luke 17:21 – “The kingdom of God is within you.” Main takeaway:Paradise is often a shift in perception before it is a change in location. 6. Keep Showing Up One of the strongest practical lessons in the message: Show up Stay kind Stay grateful Refuse bitterness Let life surprise you “Just keep showing up. Keep being yourself. Keep being grateful.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main takeaway:Many breakthroughs happen simply because you stayed in the room long enough. Powerful Quote of the Episode “The most powerful thing you can do is believe that it will work out.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scriptures Referenced Isaiah 46:10 – Declaring the end from the beginning Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good Psalm 138:8 – The Lord will perfect that which concerns me Ephesians 3:20 – More than you can ask or think Luke 17:21 – The kingdom of God is within you Final Thought This episode is a reminder that today's confusion may become tomorrow's testimony. What feels delayed is not denied. What feels fractured can still be healed. Trust the ending before you see the path.

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this powerful Metron message, Bishop Jim Swilley teaches that many of life's struggles come from living reactively instead of proactively. Centered around the phrase “the head and not the tail” from Deuteronomy 28, he explains that we are not meant to simply survive circumstances, wait for rescue, or be victims of life. Instead, we are called to change the energy of our situations through gratitude, vision, action, and spiritual alignment. By seeking the kingdom first, reframing challenges, and making intentional moves, we can shift outcomes and step into blessing, peace, and personal authority. Main Takeaway Points 1. You Are Not Meant to Live Reactively Bishop teaches that too many people spend their lives responding to crisis after crisis instead of leading their own lives with intention. “You're the one you've been waiting for.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Instead of asking who will save you, realize that strength, wisdom, and answers are already within you. Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:13“The Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail…” 2. Seek Spiritual Alignment First He connects Deuteronomy 28 with Matthew 6:33, explaining that when you prioritize inner peace, kingdom awareness, and righteousness first, other areas begin to come into order. “Seek the spiritual life first, and everything else follows suit.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scripture: Matthew 6:33“Seek ye first the kingdom of God… and all these things shall be added unto you.” 3. Change the Narrative of Your Situation Bishop shares personal stories about aging, caring for parents, and life transitions. Instead of sinking into discouragement, he reframed those moments into opportunities for creativity, gratitude, and growth. He teaches that one shift in perspective can unlock blessing. Scripture: Romans 12:2“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 4. Gratitude Attracts What Complaining Cannot He emphasizes that waiting until things improve before being thankful keeps people stuck. Gratitude changes momentum. “You have to go ahead and express gratitude, and then the things that you should be grateful for will be attracted to you.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18“In everything give thanks…” 5. Start Small, But Start Now You may not solve everything today, but you can begin. Make one call. Pay one debt. Change one habit. Take one step. “You can't do it all today, but you can get started.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scripture: Zechariah 4:10“Do not despise these small beginnings.” Strongest Quote “You are not a victim. You are a victor.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Final Encouragement This message is a reminder that life changes when you stop waiting for circumstances to improve and start leading from within. You are blessed, equipped, creative, and capable. Take one intentional step today, and let momentum meet you there.

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow Main Message in One Sentence When the light of truth rises in your own heart, no false voice, fearful system, or borrowed belief can extinguish it. In this Mobile Metron episode, Bishop Jim Swilley blends community updates with a powerful teaching on discernment, personal revelation, and spiritual authenticity. He reflects on upcoming Metron gatherings, the importance of real human connection, and then moves into a deeper message from 2 Peter 1 about the “Daystar arising in your heart.” His central point is that genuine faith is not built on fear, manipulation, political prophecy, or borrowed beliefs—it is built on the personal experiences that awaken truth inside you. Bishop challenges listeners to question voices that claim to speak for God while encouraging them to honor the moments in life when light truly came on within their own soul. 1. Real Community Still Matters Bishop emphasizes that while online connection is valuable, nothing replaces gathering together in person. He notes how meaningful hugs, presence, and shared moments were during the recent meditation weekend. Takeaway: Digital connection can inspire, but embodied connection heals. “People really were ready to see each other and hug each other and stuff.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 2. Your Body Is Temporary, But You Are More Than the Body Using 2 Peter 1, he highlights Peter's description of the body as a tent—temporary housing for the deeper self. Scripture:2 Peter 1:13-14 – “As long as I live in the tent of this body…” Takeaway: You are not merely physical circumstance. There is something eternal working through you. 3. Witnessing Is Not Selling Religion Bishop reframes the idea of “witnessing.” A witness is not someone arguing doctrine—it is someone who can testify to what truly happened in their life. Scripture:Acts 1:8 – “You shall be witnesses unto me…” Takeaway: Your testimony carries more power than debate. “A witness is somebody who can verify that something happened that they saw.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 4. Beware of People Who Weaponize God He strongly warns against those who attach God's name to politics, ideology, fear, or manipulation. Takeaway: Just because someone says “God said” does not mean God said it. Scripture:1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” 5. The Daystar Rising in Your Heart Is Personal Revelation This is the heart of the message. Bishop teaches that the “Daystar” is not merely a future event—it is an inner sunrise, a moment of awakening that no one can take from you. Scripture:2 Peter 1:19 – “Until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” Takeaway: True faith is experiential. It is what became real inside you. “Hold on to the things that have happened to you that you know are real.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 6. Don't Let Others Define Your Spiritual Journey He reminds listeners that revelation cannot be inherited secondhand. Each person must encounter truth for themselves. Scripture:1 John 2:27 – “You need not that any man teach you…” Takeaway: Guidance matters, but awakening must be personal.

Bishop Jim Swilley uses this Palm Sunday message to draw a sharp contrast between the way Jesus entered Jerusalem and the way modern religion often chases power. He frames the triumphal entry as a protest, not a coronation, arguing that Jesus rejected political domination, nationalism, and exclusion in favor of a kingdom built on spirit, faith, and radical inclusion. The heart of the message is that the blessing of Abraham is not about protecting a nation-state, but about walking by faith, manifesting hope, and recognizing that Christ is in all. Main takeaway points 1. Palm Sunday is presented as a protest against power, not a celebration of empire.Bishop Swilley says Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey was a direct rejection of earthly kingship and domination. He ties that to Jesus' repeated refusal to become a political ruler and to the statement, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Scriptures referenced: John 6, John 18:36, Matthew 21 2. The message argues that Christian nationalism stands in opposition to the spirit of Jesus.A central claim in the teaching is that nationalism, especially when presented as “Christian,” distorts the message of Christ by replacing love, humility, and inclusion with control, exclusion, and political power. Bishop Swilley insists that Jesus did not come to build a national government, but to reveal a spiritual kingdom poured out on all flesh. Scriptures referenced: John 18:36, Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17 3. Genesis 12 is framed as a blessing on faith, not a blank-check endorsement of nationalism.One of the strongest teaching points is his reading of Genesis 12. He argues that “I will bless those who bless you” was spoken to Abraham personally and that the deeper promise was about faith, not modern geopolitics. In his view, the blessing of Abraham is realized whenever people walk in faith and manifest the impossible. Scriptures referenced: Genesis 12:1–3, Romans 4, Hebrews 11:1 4. Jesus' gospel is reduced to its clearest center: love God and love your neighbor.Bishop Jim repeatedly pulls the focus back to what Jesus actually emphasized. He says if the gospel becomes more complicated than loving God and loving your neighbor, it has drifted from Christ. This becomes his measuring stick for evaluating religion, politics, and public theology. Scriptures referenced: Matthew 22:37–40, Mark 12:29–31 5. Inclusion is treated as evidence of the kingdom of God.The sermon leans heavily into the idea that Christ is not confined to one ethnicity, nation, gender category, or religious in-group. Bishop Swilley uses Paul's language to argue that “Christ is all, and in all,” making inclusion a direct expression of the gospel rather than a compromise of it. Scriptures referenced: Colossians 3:11, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 3:14–15 Quote from the message“If you make the gospel any more complicated than that. If you make the gospel exclude anybody, that's Antichrist.” — Bishop Jim Swilley In this powerful Palm Sunday message, Bishop Jim Swilley challenges the idea that Jesus came to build political power or religious nationalism. Instead, he points back to the triumphal entry as a prophetic act of resistance and a call to remember the true message of Christ: love God, love your neighbor, and stop confusing faith with domination. Drawing from Genesis 12, the teachings of Jesus, and Paul's vision of inclusion, Bishop Jim reframes the blessing of Abraham as the blessing of faith and reminds listeners that the kingdom of God is bigger than nationalism, exclusion, or fear. Bottom lineThe big idea of this episode is that Palm Sunday is not about crowning Jesus as a political ruler. It is about recognizing that he rejected empire, rejected exclusion, and revealed a kingdom where faith, love, and Christ in all people are the true signs of God's reign.

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow This Metron message from Bishop Jim Swilley is a powerful, reflective teaching on the relationship between thoughts, words, actions, and ultimately destiny—while also reframing that classic idea with deeper spiritual nuance. Instead of promoting rigid thought control, Bishop emphasizes freedom in the mind, wisdom in speech, and intentionality in action. Drawing from personal experience, scripture, and spiritual philosophy, he teaches that transformation doesn't come from suppressing thoughts, but from curating what we give life to. The message crescendos with vulnerability about caring for his mother, showing that character is ultimately revealed not by what we say—but by what we consistently do. “Judge me on my actions, not on my words… because I was there. I showed up.” — Bishop Jim Swilley The core takeaway is a redefinition of the famous progression: thoughts → words → actions → habits → character → destiny. Bishop affirms its truth, but adds an important layer—your thoughts should be free and limitless, not condemned or suppressed. Instead, the real discipline begins in what you choose to say and do. This aligns with Proverbs 29:11, “A fool speaks his whole mind,” reminding us that wisdom is found in restraint and discernment. He also reinforces that words carry power, echoing teachings often associated with Smith Wigglesworth—that unspoken negative thoughts can “die unborn,” but once spoken, they take on life. This connects with Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” A major spiritual pivot in the message is this: thoughts are not the enemy—condemnation is. Trying to “not think” something only strengthens it. Instead, transformation happens by introducing new thoughts, aligning with the principle that “what you resist persists.” This mirrors the renewing of the mind described in Romans 12:2. Bishop also explores the humanity of Jesus, emphasizing that spirituality is not about rigid doctrine but living, evolving truth. He references how Jesus' words are “spirit and life” (John 6:63), reminding listeners that anything truly from God brings freedom—not restriction. The most powerful moment comes through his personal story of caring for his mother. Despite moments of frustration in words, his consistent actions of love, sacrifice, and presence defined his character. This beautifully illustrates James 2:17, “Faith without works is dead.” What we do repeatedly—not what we say occasionally—reveals who we truly are. Main takeaways: Your thoughts are not your enemy—give yourself permission to think freely without condemnation. Be intentional with your words, because once spoken, they create reality and are hard to take back. Your actions—not your words—ultimately define your character and shape your destiny.

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this deeply personal Mobile Metron, Bishop Jim Swilley weaves together grief, faith, healing, and surrender through the lens of Mark 9. Reflecting on his mother's passing, her final days, and the emotional weight of caregiving, he reframes the story of the father who brought his suffering son to Jesus. Rather than presenting faith as rigid certainty, Bishop shows it as something far more human: a daily negotiation between belief and doubt, synchronicity and surrender, hope and honesty. The message is tender, transparent, and liberating, reminding listeners that faith is not the absence of questions, but the courage to keep walking with God through them. The biggest takeaway is that faith is not always a bold declaration with no cracks in it. Bishop centers the exchange in Mark 9:23-24, where Jesus says, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes,” and the father answers, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” He shows that this is not weak faith, but honest faith. Real life often holds both conviction and uncertainty at the same time. Another major takeaway is that life with God involves negotiation, not just certainty. Bishop connects prayer, healing, grief, and even manifestation to an ongoing partnership between human willingness and divine presence. His insight is that we live in the tension of “if” and “but,” learning when to trust what feels aligned and when to surrender what we cannot control. That idea echoes Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together,” and Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” He also makes a powerful case for spiritual maturity over rigid legalism. Rather than reducing scripture to literalism or certainty formulas, Bishop invites listeners to move with the Spirit, where compassion, interpretation, and growth matter. He points toward 2 Corinthians 3:6, “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life,” as a foundation for understanding faith as alive, fluid, and evolving. A fourth takeaway is that grief can still teach. Bishop's reflections on his mother's final days reveal that even at the end of life, there can be peace, meaning, and sacred timing. He describes her passing not as chaos, but as a final act of release, framed by music, memory, and love. In that, he echoes Psalm 139, especially the idea that God knows our “downsitting and uprising,” and that there is nowhere we can go from the divine presence. One especially strong quote from the message is: “Faith includes conjunctions, and that's okay. You're not being double minded. You're just negotiating.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Another memorable line is: “The if and the but are working all the time. Synchronicity and surrender.” — Bishop Jim Swilley This episode's core message is clear: you do not have to fake certainty to have real faith. Sometimes the holiest thing you can say is still, “I do believe, but help my unbelief.” These notes were empowered by AI.

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow In this deeply moving final gathering at the Atlanta Theater, Bishop Jim stands in the raw intersection of grief, gratitude, and transition—mourning the loss of his mother while honoring the end of an era for Metron. With honesty, humor, and remarkable vulnerability, he shares the sacred details of his mother's final days, the complicated beauty of caring for her, and the peaceful, unforgettable moment she let go as familiar voices and songs guided her home. What unfolds is more than a farewell; it is a powerful meditation on love, forgiveness, legacy, and the strange holiness of endings that make room for new beginnings. As the community reflects on loss, safe spaces, and what comes next, this service becomes an invitation for anyone standing in their own valley of change: grief may close one chapter, but grace still has more to say.

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow Metron Live Podcast – “Origin Stories (Part 2): Finding the Good Part”: This week's message is a real one—about how life (and the Bible) can be both beautiful and baffling at the same time, and how maturity looks like refusing the cheap choices of denial or cynicism. We talk grief, caregiving exhaustion, community, and the holy work of learning to “choose the good part” without pretending the hard parts aren't real. Because abundant life isn't just light—it's a lot of life—and the goal isn't perfection, it's showing up. And maybe the most important origin-story question of all: “Who told you who you are?” Walk in the light this week, stay human, stay connected, and don't let someone else's opinion write your story.

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow What if the “worst thing that happened” is actually the crack in the concrete where your Tree of Life starts growing? In this Mobile Metron message, Bishop Jim Swilley announces Meditation Weekend #28 on Jekyll Island (Easter weekend)—then turns a real-life avalanche of caregiving decisions, renovation pressure, and even a surprise vet bill into a sharp spiritual lesson: Hope deferred makes the heart sick… but fulfilled desire becomes a Tree of Life. He contrasts the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil (either/or, endless alternatives, analysis paralysis) with the Tree of Life (no Plan B, no more bargaining, just a clean “this is what must happen”). Along the way, he challenges biblicism (“bibliolatry”), reframes scripture as a living mirror, and delivers a direct word to anyone whose back is against the wall: take the exit the universe provides—before you pray against it. 5 takeaways The Tree of Life shows up when you don't have options.Swilley frames “fulfilled desire” not as getting everything you want, but as the moment you're forced into the only sane next step—and it sets you free. (Proverbs 13:12) Either/or thinking is the trap; “yes, and” is the upgrade.He links the Tree of Knowledge to binary thinking and anxiety—while the Tree of Life becomes the reality where you stop grading life as “good/bad” and start moving with clarity. Sometimes deliverance arrives wearing a tragedy costume.A fall, a forced placement, a hard decision—things you'd normally pray against—can be the exact mechanism that saves your life. Stop worshiping the book and start listening for the Voice.He calls “bibliolatry” idolatry, argues the Bible is “as human as it is divine,” and insists it's meant to connect you to the living Word—not be used as a weapon. If your back is against the wall, take the miracle-shaped door.He offers a pointed “prophetic” nudge to people stuck in situations that are draining them: when the exit appears, don't overthink it—move. Pull-quote (from the episode) “Whatever looks like a tragedy right now—before you pray against it, pray that you understand it.” Scriptures referenced (with citations) “Let there be light.” — Genesis 1:3 “Rightly dividing” / “correctly handling” the word — 2 Timothy 2:15 “The heavens declare the glory of God.” — Psalm 19:1 “Man shall not live by bread alone… every word that proceeds…” — Deuteronomy 8:3 (quoted by Jesus in Matthew 4:4) “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” — 2 Corinthians 3:6 “Honor your father and mother.” — Exodus 20:12 (also Deuteronomy 5:16) “Fathers, do not provoke your children…” — Ephesians 6:4 (also Colossians 3:21) “The servant of the Lord must not strive.” — 2 Timothy 2:24 “Believe that you have received…” — Mark 11:24 “Faith is the substance/evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1 “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” — Hosea 6:6 (quoted in Matthew 9:13 and Matthew 12:7) “If it be possible, let this cup pass…” — Matthew 26:39 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…” — Proverbs 13:12 “Tree of life” in the promise of Revelation — Revelation 22:14 (some translations render this as “right to the tree of life”) “My God shall supply all your need…” — Philippians 4:19

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow What happens when the “timeline” of your life (deadlines, calendars, logistics) collides with a “God moment” you didn't plan for? In this Mobile Metron episode, Bishop Jim Swilley tells the raw, unfiltered story behind his mother's fall, the impossible decisions of elder care, and the unexpected “angels” who showed up right on time. Then he pivots into a provocative teaching on Chronos vs. Kairos, why guilt keeps us trapped, and why Jesus' words to Peter in John 21 sound a lot like modern caregiving. Along the way, he challenges fundamentalism, reframes “the fall,” and asks the question most of us avoid until life forces it: Are you trying to live longer… or live freer? 5 takeaways Chronos measures life. Kairos interprets it.Chronos is the clock/calendar; Kairos is the “time-out-of-time” moment where meaning snaps into focus (anchored by “my times are in your hands” — Psalm 31:15). Elder care isn't a “curse” — it's a season.Swilley reads Jesus' words about aging and dependence (John 21:18) as less “doom” and more “this is what long life often looks like.” Guilt isn't proof you're loving. It can be a leash.A care team's permission—“you don't have to come every day”—becomes a spiritual release: love can be real without self-punishment. Be specific about the life you're asking for.Not just “more years,” but “more years with clarity, mobility, and peace,” reflecting on the idea of long lifespan (Swilley references 120 years; see Genesis 6:3) and the cost of unmanaged longevity. Your life becomes lighter when it becomes useful.The old hymn idea—“If I can help somebody, my living shall not be in vain”—turns into an inventory of legacy: what you built, who you lifted, what your presence changed (echoing the wisdom of “teach us to number our days” — Psalm 90:12). Pull-quote (from the episode) “Focus on the kairos time of your life. Don't be so obsessed with the chronos time.” Scriptures referenced (with citations) “The kingdom… brings out… treasures new and old” — Matthew 13:52 “The Spirit of the Lord… liberty to the captives” — Isaiah 61:1 (also echoed in Luke 4:18) “The tongue of the learned” — Isaiah 50:4 “Let there be light” — Genesis 1:3 “My times are in Your hands” — Psalm 31:15 “Rightly dividing the word” — 2 Timothy 2:15 “The heavens declare the glory of God” — Psalm 19:1 “Man shall not live by bread alone…” — Deuteronomy 8:3 (quoted in Matthew 4:4) “I AM” — Exodus 3:14 “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” — Hosea 6:6 (quoted in Matthew 9:13 and Matthew 12:7) Curses / sweat of brow / labor pains — Genesis 3:16–19 Jesus & Peter on love, feeding sheep, aging, and “what is that to you?” — John 21:15–22 “Teach us to number our days” — Psalm 90:12 “120 years” — Genesis 6:3 “Blessed when you come in and go out” — Deuteronomy 28:6 “No plague… near your dwelling” — Psalm 91:10

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – “My times are in Your hand…” (Psalms 31:15 – NKJV)

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, REDEEMING THE TIME” (Colossians 4:5 – NKJV) _______________________________ II – “Be habitually walking about within wisdom…toward those outside…being ones constantly buying for yourselves – as from out of the market place – the fitting situation (redeeming the season within yourselves; purchasing the fertile moment for yourselves; or making the best use of the opportunity in the public concourse)” Colossians 4:5 – JMNT) _______________________________ III – “And I will restore or replace for you THE YEARS that the locust has eaten…” (Joel 2:25 – AMPC)

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 – AMPC) II – “That which is now already has been, and that which is to be already has been; and God seeks that which has passed by [so that history repeats itself].” (Ecclesiastes 3:15 – AMPC)

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – “We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. (I Corinthians 2:6 – 10 – The Message)

Join us for Motivation – Enlightenment – Transcendence – Renewal – Outreach – Networking. Happy Holidays. +website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – AI Overview of “Holding Space” Holding space means being fully present, creating a non-judgmental, safe environment where someone can express their feelings, experiences, or struggles without you trying to fix, change, or guide them, allowing them to feel heard, seen, and supported in their own process. It’s about compassionate witnessing, offering a safe “container” for their emotions, and simply being there, which builds trust and deeper connection. Key aspects of holding space: Presence: Being authentically and undistractedly present in the moment, focusing on the other person’s experience. Non-judgment: Accepting their feelings and story as valid without criticism or imposing your own views. No fixing: Resisting the urge to offer unsolicited advice or try to solve their problem, which can feel dismissive. Safe environment: Creating a sense of security where they feel safe to be vulnerable and express difficult emotions. Bearing witness: Acting as a supportive witness to their pain, joy, or uncertainty, letting them lead. How it’s different from other interactions: Not “hijacking” space: The opposite is taking over, controlling the narrative, or making it about your own anxiety or ego. Not just being nice: It’s a deeper, intentional act of support, distinct from just sharing laughs or being polite. When to use it: When someone is grieving, stressed, or in crisis. To foster deeper, more authentic relationships. In therapy, coaching, or supportive friendships. How to do it: Listen actively and ask clarifying questions like, “What are you feeling about that?”. Validate their experience with phrases like, “That sounds incredibly difficult,” or “I can see why you’d feel that way”. Sit with them in silence if needed, offering your quiet presence. Communicate your presence, e.g., “I’m here for you, no fixing needed”. _______________________________________ II – #jimswilleybooks “But the angel spoke immediately and authoritatively, saying to them, “Do not be afraid! I am here to announce good news to you…good news of a great and joyful event, and of a new reality! And this good news…this new reality…is for all people everywhere…it is for the entirety of humanity! This very night a Savior has been born in the City of David…a Savior who will perfectly embody the Christ, and will be known as the Lord! If you seek Him you will find Him…and this is what you’re to look for: a baby swaddled in a blanket, and lying in a feeding trough for animals!” As soon as the angel made this declaration, the sky above the shepherds’ heads lit up, and was filled with a seemingly infinite number of angels who formed a thunderous, mass choir, singing God’s praises, and shouting, “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST PARTS OF THE HEAVENLY REALM…AND IN THE EARTHLY DIMENSION, PEACE…PEACE TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THE EARTH…AND A REVELATION TO THEM THAT GOD’S WILL TOWARD ALL OF HUMANITY IS ONLY GOOD!”” (Luke 2:10-14 – Luke In The Now/Gospels In The Now) _____________________________ III – José y Maria by Everett Patterson

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim’s insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – AI Overview of “Holding Space” Holding space means being fully present, creating a non-judgmental, safe environment where someone can express their feelings, experiences, or struggles without you trying to fix, change, or guide them, allowing them to feel heard, seen, and supported in their own process. It’s about compassionate witnessing, offering a safe “container” for their emotions, and simply being there, which builds trust and deeper connection. Key aspects of holding space: Presence: Being authentically and undistractedly present in the moment, focusing on the other person’s experience. Non-judgment: Accepting their feelings and story as valid without criticism or imposing your own views. No fixing: Resisting the urge to offer unsolicited advice or try to solve their problem, which can feel dismissive. Safe environment: Creating a sense of security where they feel safe to be vulnerable and express difficult emotions. Bearing witness: Acting as a supportive witness to their pain, joy, or uncertainty, letting them lead. How it’s different from other interactions: Not “hijacking” space: The opposite is taking over, controlling the narrative, or making it about your own anxiety or ego. Not just being nice: It’s a deeper, intentional act of support, distinct from just sharing laughs or being polite. When to use it: When someone is grieving, stressed, or in crisis. To foster deeper, more authentic relationships. In therapy, coaching, or supportive friendships. How to do it: Listen actively and ask clarifying questions like, “What are you feeling about that?”. Validate their experience with phrases like, “That sounds incredibly difficult,” or “I can see why you’d feel that way”. Sit with them in silence if needed, offering your quiet presence. Communicate your presence, e.g., “I’m here for you, no fixing needed”. _______________________________________ II – #jimswilleybooks “But the angel spoke immediately and authoritatively, saying to them, “Do not be afraid! I am here to announce good news to you…good news of a great and joyful event, and of a new reality! And this good news…this new reality…is for all people everywhere…it is for the entirety of humanity! This very night a Savior has been born in the City of David…a Savior who will perfectly embody the Christ, and will be known as the Lord! If you seek Him you will find Him…and this is what you’re to look for: a baby swaddled in a blanket, and lying in a feeding trough for animals!” As soon as the angel made this declaration, the sky above the shepherds’ heads lit up, and was filled with a seemingly infinite number of angels who formed a thunderous, mass choir, singing God’s praises, and shouting, “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST PARTS OF THE HEAVENLY REALM…AND IN THE EARTHLY DIMENSION, PEACE…PEACE TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THE EARTH…AND A REVELATION TO THEM THAT GOD’S WILL TOWARD ALL OF HUMANITY IS ONLY GOOD!”” (Luke 2:10-14 – Luke In The Now/Gospels In The Now) _____________________________ III – José y Maria by Everett Patterson

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

I – ‘In A beginning, created by the Alueim were the heavens and the earth. Yet the earth became a chaos and vacant, and darkness was on the surface of the submerged chaos. Yet the spirit of the Alueim IS VIBRATING over the surface of the water. And saying is the Alueim, “Become light!” And … Read More Read More

The mic lost power and the audio was lost mid message. Go to Bish in the now on Youtube for an 11:11 that fills in the gaps.  +website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More

+website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Watch the video on Facebook:   Here Watch the video on Youtube :   Here Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see … Read More Read More