WARRING FROM WITHIN – FLESH VS. SPIRIT

September 24, 2015September 24, 2015Kim Sweeting 1 Comment

WARRING FROM WITHIN – FLESH VS. SPIRIT

THERE IS A STRATEGIC WAR RAGING IN EACH OF US

THERE IS A STRATEGIC WAR GOING ON IN EACH OF US

There is a battle raging in the spirit.

The battle is not only around us, it is also within us.

Our flesh and our spirit battle daily for control of our will..…there is a war raging within.

I received the following prophetic word by Elaine Tavolacci this morning via my subscription to her website, http://www.awordinseason.info.

I believe it is a timely word of encouragement about this war and as such am re-blogging it with her permission.

Be encouraged,

Kim

Warring From Within ~ Flesh Vs Spirit

by Elaine Tavolacci

There is a story in the book of Genesis about Rebecca, the wife of Isaac who was pregnant with twins who were named Jacob and Esau. The story goes on to say while Rebecca was pregnant, she inquired of the Lord and asked Him what she was experiencing as the twins jostled each other within her womb. The Lord responded in an allegory that there were two nations within her womb which shall be separated, one will be stronger, and the older shall serve the younger. The Holy Spirit showed me that allegorically Esau represented the flesh and Jacob represented the spirit. In the same way that they were struggling with one another on the inside of Rebecca, many of you are experiencing a struggle within yourself which is your flesh warring against your spirit.

The Lord says; as you experience this inward battle, don’t allow your flesh to take dominion and control. Don’t allow the nature of your flesh to win as your old nature is battling with the divine nature. Never allow carnality to rule, but as you allow My Spirit to lead and direct you from within, you will be set free from this constant struggle. When times of discouragement arise, know that you have the strength to follow the way of the Spirit. Use that which I have imparted to you. Do not allow yourself to be controlled by your senses, neither be controlled by thoughts that are conflicting with My word. As you go through difficult seasons, prayerfully seek Me to lead you and guide you in the way of truth.

Just as the rivalry was between Jacob and Esau, stand steadfast and don’t give up your birthright. Don’t dismiss the blessing that I have bestowed upon your life by submitting to anything that is contrary to My will. Hold on to the dream that I have placed within your heart, and understand the Covenant that I have made with you. Don’t allow fearful thoughts to overwhelm you, and never let go of that which I have already provided for you. As you learn how to master your flesh and submit to My Spirit, you will begin to have a new strength to choose each day who you will serve. The thoughts and mindsets that try to war against your soul, will quickly dissipate as you allow Me to lead and guide you from within says the Lord.

Genesis 25:22 -23
But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger.”

2 Corinthians 10:4-6
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Galatians 5:16 – 17
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

By Elaine Tavolacci

A Word In Season – http://www.awordinseason.info.

Image “CHESS” by Supertrooper courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image “A Word In Season” – http://www.awordinseason.info.

IN THE MIDST OF THE NOISE

September 23, 2015Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

IN THE MIDST OF THE NOISE

IS THE NOISE IN THIS WORLD DAMAGING YOUR ABILITY TO HEAR?

IS THE NOISE IN THIS WORLD NUMBING YOUR SPIRITUAL SENSES?

Noise – “loud, confused, or senseless shouting or outcry; any sound that is undesired or interferes with one’s hearing of something; irrelevant or meaningless data or output occurring along with desired information; common talk : rumor; especially : slander; something that attracts attention; something spoken or uttered”

(Source:Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary – http://www.m-w.com)

We live in a noisy world.

Political noise, economic noise, social noise, environmental noise, cultural noise, religious noise, medical noise, pharmaceutical noise, educational noise, fashion noise, entertainment noise, lifestyle noise, marketing noise, social media noise, news media noise, electronic noise, digital noise, food noise, fitness noise, traffic noise, work noise, family noise, emotional noise, mental noise…..noise, noise, noise.

It seems as if every facet of life has turned up its volume, getting louder and louder, vying for our attention, more and more every day.

In the midst of the noise there’s been a sound.

Did you hear it?

In the midst of the noise there’s been a rustling.

Did you sense it?

In the midst of the noise there’s been a shift.

Did you detect it?

In the midst of the noise there’s been a change.

Are you ready for it?

SELAH!

Father as the end draws near, help us not to let the noise of this world numb our spiritual senses. In the midst of the noise help us be sensitive to the times and seasons in which we live. In the midst of the noise help us to always be attuned to the voice of Your Spirit. In the midst of the noise help us to be ready for and obedient to whatever You require of us as your people…..in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Be encouraged,

Kim

Image “SPEAKER WITH THREE SOUND WAVES” by atibodyphoto courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Whole Counsel Of God

September 15, 2015Kim Sweeting

This post, “The Whole Counsel of God” was written by Pastor Joseph Elon Lillie (Pastor “J”) and published on his site, josephelonlillie.com yesterday. It is indeed a tmely word of truth so I decided to reblog it with his permission. Be blessed, Kim

Lillie-Put

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Prove. 9:10

“Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for, through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.” Prov. 16:6

“For God so loved the world he gave His only son that whoever believes in him should ot perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith- and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God- not of works so that no man can boast.

” Eph. 2:8

A young preacher recently preached a real old-fashioned barn-burner of a sermon at our church. You know one of those messages that called the people not just to confess their sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness but a message about how it was necessary to let God change you… to repent.

I had…

View original post 340 more words

“OLD-TIME” KARAOKE TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL

September 11, 2015Kim Sweeting

“OLD TIME” KAROKE TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL

ANCIENT HYMNS STILL MINISTER TO MY SPIRIT AND SOUL

SINGING “OLD-TIME” HYMNS UNTO THE LORD WILL SOOTHE YOUR SOUL

There is power in singing.

The Scriptures are filled with the admonition for us to sing unto the Lord, a few being:

Psalms 95:1 – O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Psalms 105:2 – Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Psalms 33:3 – Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

Isaiah 12:5 – Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this [is] known in all the earth.

Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19 – Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Some people are gifted to sing and have amazing voices that birth beautiful sound.

Other people, like me, are gifted to make a joyful noise unto the Lord (smile).

Whatever category you are in, or think you are in, (smile), here’s some old-time songs for you to sing unto the Lord karaoke style.

If you do it from your heart it will bless Him……and bless you too.

Enjoy!

I COME TO THE GARDEN ALONE

FILL MY CUP LORD

I AM THINE O LORD

MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “PLAYING THE PIANO” courtesy of Sira Anamwong – http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

“I COME TO THE GARDEN ALONE, FILL MY CUP, I AM THINE O LORD, & MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS” courtesy of thisisredz – http://www.youtube.com

IT’S TIME TO STOP RUNNING AND DO THAT “HARD” THING

September 8, 2015Kim Sweeting 4 Comments

IT’S TIME TO STOP RUNNING AND DO THAT “HARD” THING

“IT’S TIME TO STOP RUNNING!”

(Jonah, chapters 1-3)

God gave the Prophet Jonah an assignment. He told Jonah to go to Ninevah and prophesy against it, but Jonah did not like the assignment .

Has God-given you an assignment that you want no part of?

Has He told you to do something that seems hard, taxing, and that will cost you what you are not prepared to sacrifice…..perhaps time, energy, resources, or maybe even your ego and pride?

Has He told you to do something and you, “just don’t feel like going through all of that”?

Instead of obeying God, Jonah decided to flee from the presence of the Lord and go by ship down to Tarsish.

Are you running from an assignment God gave you?

Are you running from the thing you know He is asking you to do?

Is your internal posture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, EXCEPT this”?

SELAH!

Because of Jonah’s disobedience to God’s instruction, a ferocious storm arose that threatened to sink the ship that he was on.

Jonah’s life became toxic to those he joined himself to because he knowingly ran away from the assignment God gave him.

His presence negatively affected those who he joined himself to almost to the point of his and their destruction.

Those men Jonah joined himself to were ignorant of Jonah’s disobedience until an unexplainable storm arose in their midst and they questioned why.

Is your presence negatively affecting those you have connected yourself to because you connected yourself to them in direct opposition to what God has spoken to you; because you connected yourself to them in an effort to consciously avoid obeying some “distasteful” assignment from God?

Are you “creating a storm” somewhere because you know you should not be there yet you remain?

Whose lives are you negatively affecting because of your disobedience to God?

Remember, as a child of God, you are not your own.

God paid for you in full with the precious blood of Jesus so you belong to Him and as such, He has the right to give you any assignment He pleases whether you like it or not – it’s tight, but it’s right!

It’s okay to struggle over an assignment, even Jesus did that.

Prior to His crucifixion when in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed and asked the Father three times if there be any other way to carry out the assignment at hand.

The key though is that each time He asked, He said, nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done.

Jesus yielded to His assignment and as Christ followers, by the grace of God, so must we.

Today, make a decision to stop running from that assignment and obey God.

Cut that which you need to cut.

Leave where you need to leave.

Disconnect from who/what you need to disconnect from.

Whether literally or figuratively, you will save your life and the lives of those around you.

Are you willing?

Don’t wait another day.

No matter how distasteful, difficult or frightening, take that leap of faith and accept that God-given assignment you have tried to run from, after all, God will never ask you to do anything that He will not equip you to do.

Obey today.

Do not let the Lord have to prepare a “big fish” to “swallow” you; don’t put yourself through all that because guess what, either way your God-given assignment will not change.

After Jonah genuinely repented, determined to fulfill his vow to God, and recognized and acknowledged who God was in his life, God spoke to the fish and it vomited Jonah up on dry land.

As soon as that occurred, God spoke to Jonah a second time and gave him the exact, same assignment, i.e., to go to Ninevah and prophesy against it.

After all that drama and trauma, Jonah’s God-given assignment never changed, nor will yours so it is best to learn from Jonah…….stop running, yield to God and obey.

It’s time to stop running and do that “hard’ thing.

SELAH.

Kim

Photo “Fleeing a Tsunami” by Frankie_8 courtesy

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS FOR THE 2015 SCHOOL YEAR

September 2, 2015Kim Sweeting

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS

FOR THE 2015 SCHOOL YEAR

TO THE STUDENTS

STUDENTS – MAXIMIZE YOUR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

BE ENCOURAGED TO:

Study your work every day

Treat your teachers, administrators, custodial staff and fellow students with respect

Understand and keep foremost in your minds that main reason you are at school is to learn

Do not hang out with anyone who will pull you away from what you know is right and hinder your success

Encourage your peers to do well and behave well

Never be afraid to ask questions

Take advantage of available extra classes and get involved in at least one extra-curricular activity

Set personal goals, aim high and stay focused

TO THE TEACHERS

TEACHERS – KNOW FROM THE START THAT WE APPRECIATE YOU!

BE ENCOURAGED TO:

Teach with precision, purpose and passion

Encourage your students to maximize their abilities and soar

Acknowledge and praise all progress no matter how big or small

Choose to be the change you want to see – your actions will speak louder than any words you may say

Handle “problem students” with firmness, compassion, and care; remember there’s a story behind every story

Ensure you know your limits and take mini breaks to de-stress if you feel tempted to explode

Remember you have a strong, potentially life-altering influence on your students so use it well

Support each other when the going gets tough

TO THE STUDENTS & THE TEACHERS

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!”

(Proverbs 3:5-7 – The Message Bible)

HAVE A PRODUCTIVE, ENJOYABLE, ENRICHING, SUCCESSFUL 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR!

Blessings to all!

Kim

Image “STUDY” by Stuart Miles courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image “TEACHERS” by Stuart Miles courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER FOR OUR STUDENTS & TEACHERS FOR 2015-2016

August 29, 2015Kim Sweeting 11 Comments

A BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER FOR OUR STUDENTS & TEACHERS FOR 2015-2016

FATHER WE PLACE OUR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS BEFORE YOU

FATHER WE NEED YOU!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity of another school year, a new beginning, a clean page, a fresh start.

Give our students and teachers a mind to work hard and the will, courage and grace to do well as they aim for excellence. Help them to make the most of each opportunity presented, and to put their best foot forward no matter the circumstance.

When things get difficult, grant them a spirit of perseverance to push through and not give up. May their faith not fail in times of trial, but indeed grow stronger. May they know that You are their God, their very present help in times of trouble even in the academic arena.

Cover our students and teachers in the precious blood of Jesus. Bless, keep and protect them. Shield them from all harm and danger and let your warring angels encamp around them and guard them in all of their ways.

Grant them discernment to see, and strategies to foil the plans of the enemy and to avoid every trap set by him. Help them not to be deceived by any doctrine, philosophy, or trend that tries to exalt itself above the Truth of Your Word; even if exposed to their minds, may it not enter their hearts. Let the Truth of Your Word always reign in their innermost being.

Help our students and teachers to work in an atmosphere of unity and cooperation. Should disagreement or conflict arise, empower peacemakers and ministers of reconciliation to move speedily and wisely to restore peace, harmony and order. May there be no room for violence or abuse on any level.

Strengthen and comfort those students and teachers who are coming from homes or personal situations filled with strife and trauma. Strengthen and comfort those who are secretly hurting and broken within, but still have to show up, focus, and do their duties.

Touch these students and teachers like only You can. By your grace, enable them to work well in spite of their situations. Intervene on their behalf. Minister to their needs seen and unseen. Let them know Your love and presence in a special way.

Father, remind each student and teacher of their responsibility to represent You well as Ambassadors of Your Kingdom. Let Your power and anointing rest upon them making them distinct and different, demonstrating godly character and principles.

Remind them that they are salt and light on their school campuses with an assignment to advance your Kingdom and influence those in their environment for Your honor and glory. May lives be changed, hearts transformed and your plans and purposes established as they obey Your will.

Father, thank You for all that You did during the past school years, known and unknown, and thank You in advance for what You will do in this 2015-2016 school year. We ask and pray these things in no other name but the mighty Name of Jesus, amen.

“WE NEED YOU LORD” – JONATHAN BUTLER

Image “SPIRITUAL WORDS DISPLAY PRAYER LOVE & SPIRIT” by Stuart Miles courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“WE NEED YOU LORD” by Jonathan Butler courtesy of Mark Prigoff – http://www.youtube.com

ALIGN ME LORD

August 12, 2015March 16, 2017Kim Sweeting 4 Comments

ALIGN ME LORD

Align – “to bring into cooperation or agreement with a particular group, party, cause, etc.”

(Source – http://www.dictionary.com)

Align me Lord

Align my will with Your will

Align my thoughts with Your thoughts

Align my words with Your words

Align my motives with Your motives

Align my plans with Your plans

Align my desires with Your desires

Align my steps with Your steps

Align my goals with Your goals

Align my dreams with Your dreams

Align me Lord

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

(Amos 3:3 – KJV)

Image “Garden Fountain 2” by Franky242 courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED” – A WORD IN SEASON

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015Kim Sweeting 1 Comment

“WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED” A WORD IN SEASON

Are you feeling pressure to keep quiet, pressure to not speak the Word into situations even though you know within your heart that God wants you to?

I received the following prophetic word by Elaine Tavolacci this morning via my subscription to her website, http://www.awordinseason.info. which I believe is a timely word for those who the enemy desires to silence.

Be encouraged…..be blessed!

Kim

WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED

BY ELAINE TAVOLACCI

The Holy Spirit showed me an unusual metaphor today. I heard someone talking about an old movie titled “The silence of the lambs” and I thought to myself, that is exactly what the enemy is trying to do to the Christians. He is trying to silence our voices. Then I saw a large assembly of sheep in a pen. Some were trying to escape as they were looking for greener pastures, some were about to be groomed and sheared, some were about to be cloned, some were about to be sacrificed but there were those who were content. I saw that the enemies’ plans were to lead the sheep to the slaughter to stop them from fulfilling the plan of God on their lives. He is trying to silence the voice of God from speaking through us. This is what the Holy Spirit said. Although it may appear in the natural that the enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy, you shall not be defeated. Those who know their God will be strong and do exploits. “You will not be silenced”.

The Lord says; I am raising up those who will not be silenced from speaking what they believe. I am raising up many to be My voice in this season. Every generation of believers will come together and raise their voices in one accord. True believers will speak My word courageously. I am calling those in the marketplace to be My messengers without wavering in faith. I am calling those of you in the fivefold ministry to speak forth My word with boldness and without compromise. As you deliver My word, it will bring transformation to those who hear it. As you release the words that I give you to speak, they will become rhema and release life. There will be a clear distinction between the sheep and the goats. As you speak My word, demonstration will follow with miracles, signs and wonders.

Then I understood that the large barbed wire fence around the sheep was a hedge of protection to keep the predators out. The Shepherd then poured oil over the sheep to anoint their heads and keep the flies away. His rod and staff is not used to brutalize them, but to gently lead, guide and direct them. Jesus is our good Shepherd, and has already laid down His life for the sheep.

I am calling every believer to share the good news that I have in this season. I will use your voice to change atmospheres and transform lives. My words when spoken through you will bring edification, exaltation and encouragement. Never retreat when confronting the voices of darkness, because they cannot overtake the light that is on the inside of you. My words in your mouth will bring conviction as well as deliverance. Don’t allow those with religious doctrines to intimidate you, but speak the truth in love. Release My words of justice to an unjust world. Release words of righteousness to an unrighteous world. Release words of comfort and tell them that there is a comforter, who is The Holy Spirit and is willing to set them free. Release My prophetic words into the churches and release the voice of truth to the unbelievers says the Lord.

Psalm 23

Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

John 10:7-10
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.,They will come in and go out, and find pasture.The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:11-13
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

By Elaine Tavolacci

A Word In Season – http://www.awordinseason.info.

Image “A Word In Season” – http://www.awordinseason.info.

Image of Lamb – http://www.awordinseason.info.