FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING!

January 25, 2014Kim Sweeting 6 Comments

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING

IT’S HARD SOMETIMES BUT PRESS ON, AND DON’T GIVE UP

This morning I woke up with Philippians 3:14 on my mind and Marvia Providence’s song “Pressing On” in my spirit.

Philippians 4:13 states, the Apostle Paul speaking, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (KJV)

The NLT puts it this way, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

The word for today is –

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING!

The Apostle Paul was a man who suffered much persecution and endured much hardship in his walk with Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 11:24-29 he states, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” (NIV)

Did these experiences deter him from following Christ?

Absolutely not.

No matter what he had to deal with or endure, the Apostle Paul determined to press on to reach the end of his race and receive his heavenly prize for his calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Notice that in Philippians 3:14, he said “I press toward”.

He did not say I go toward or I move toward, he said “I Press toward”, in other words I make a focused effort toward, I push toward, I act on with steady force toward, or in other words I pursue, I contend.

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING!

In II Timothy 3:12, the Apostle Paul told Timothy:-

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (NKJV)

Key focus – will suffer persecution, not may, but will.

In John 16:33, Jesus states:-

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)

Key focus – will have tribulation, not may, but will.

In James 1:2-3, the Apostle James states:-

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Key focus – when you fall into various trials, not if, when.

Unlike what many teach today, the scripture is clear that coming to Christ does not guarantee that everything in our lives will be smooth sailing and trouble-free so do not think it strange when you encounter fiery trials.

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING!

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

(Romans 8:18 – KJV)

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

(1 Peter 5:10-11)

The word for today is –

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING!

“Pressing On” – by Marvia Providence

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING!

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “Road Keep Going” by lamnee courtesy of www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Video “PRESSING ON” by Marvia Providence courtesy of TheYouthInChrist – http://www.youtube.com

HOW PERSISTENT ARE YOU IN YOUR PRAYERS?

January 20, 2014Kim Sweeting

HOW PERSISTENT ARE YOU IN YOUR PRAYERS?

“KEEP PRAYING – DON’T GIVE UP”

During the month of January, one of the areas of our corporate prayer focus in the ministry that I attend, Family of Faith Ministries International, is that we make prayer a priority in our personal lives.

This afternoon my reflections on prioritizing prayer reminded me of a post that I wrote in May of 2011 about the importance of persisting in prayer called “Kingdom Principles Demonstrated by a Bahamian Potcake Dog (part 1)” and I felt prompted to re-blog it.

May these words urge you to never give up, but to instead persist in your prayers.

Be blessed!

Kim

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES DEMONSTRATED BY

A BAHAMIAN POTCAKE DOG (PART 1)

My mother has a 17-year-old Bahamian Potcake dog named Shera who is kept in a spacious backyard but is also allowed in the house.

Whenever Shera wants to come inside, he stands by the patio sliding glass door and knocks on it with his paw.

If desired, we let him in, but if not, we say “no Shera!” and ignore his knocking.

When Shera really doesn’t want to come inside that badly, he would usually knock a few more times then stop, but if he really wants to come in, even though we say no and ignore him, he keeps knocking, and knocking, and knocking, and knocking on the door until someone gets fed up with his noisy persistence and lets him inside.

Does this behavior prick your spirit in any way?

Believe it or not, Shera’s actions are a perfect demonstration of the kingdom principle of PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER.

In Matthew 7:7 Jesus states:

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – (NLT)

Jesus reiterates this same principle in Luke 11:5-10 which states:

5 “Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him,

6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’

7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’

8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.

9 And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – (NLT)

Again on the subject of persistence in prayer, Luke 18:1-8 states:

1 “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

2 “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people.

3 A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’

4 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people,

5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

6 Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge.

7 Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

8 I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” (NLT)

How persistent are you in your prayer requests?

Do you ask God a few times then give up, or do you keep asking until you receive what you are asking Him for?

SELAH!

It is clear from the above scriptures that like Shera persistently knocking on the sliding glass door until allowed inside the house, God wants us to persistently bring our prayer requests to Him until He answers them.

Again I ask, how persistent are you in your prayer requests?

“The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.”

(Psalms 145:18, 19 – NLT)

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”

(I John 5:14, 15 – NLT).

From this day on, whatever your situation, determine by the grace of God to pray your way through and if ever you get weary in prayer, remember the persistent friend who needed bread, the persistent widow who needed justice and the persistent Bahamian Potcake dog who wanted to come inside (smile!).

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “HAND HOLDING ENGRAVED PRAY STONE” by thepathtraveler, courtesy of www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A CHALLENGE FOR 2014 AND BEYOND

January 14, 2014Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

A CHALLENGE FOR 2014 AND BEYOND

HOW IS YOUR SPEECH?

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

James 3:9-12 (NIV, 1984)

During the month of January, one of the areas of prayer focus in the ministry that I attend, Family of Faith Ministries International, is for us to be a people of praise and a part of that mandate is that we bless and not curse with our tongue.

This afternoon my reflections and prayer in this regard reminded me of a post that I wrote in December of 2010 called “We Need More PEPP Talk” and I felt prompted to re-blog a part of it.

May we all find these words a challenge to embrace in 2014 and beyond.

Be blessed!

Kim

WE NEED MORE PEPP TALK

We need more ”PEPP” talk in the Body of Christ.

“PEPP” talk? Yes, “PEPP” talk.

Talk for the purpose of Praise, Edification, Problem Solving or Prayer.

As Kingdom Ambassadors, God is calling us to a higher place in regard to our speech

Too many times the speech of Believers is characterized by gossip, slander, talebearing, backbiting, cursing, lying, flattering, boasting, exaggeration, negativity, complaining, dirty jokes, and whatever else God considers evil speech.

We need more “PEPP” talk. We need more conversations filled with:-

P – praise – speaking well of God and of others.

E – edification – building up another, being an improving influence on another.

P – problem solving – working through details of a problem to reach a solution, seeking to resolve or diffuse a situation as opposed to complicating it or adding more fuel to the fire.

P – prayer – praying for and with others and about situations.

I challenge you to ask the Holy Spirit to swiftly convict you each time you start to say something that falls outside the parameters of “PEPP” talk or out of line with what the scriptures define as godly speech.

I challenge you to ask Him to make you extremely sensitive to His voice relative to the things that you say and the conversations that you get involved in and then obey Him when He speaks, even if He tells you to stop what you are saying or listening to mid-sentence.

I challenge you to remove yourself from or end any conversation that is not “PEPP” talk or that is out of line with what the scriptures define as godly speech.

Are you up to the challenge?

Do you need some incentive?

Well let the following scriptures about speech give you a jumpstart and incentive to go in the right direction.

Don’t just read them. Meditate on them, repeat them out loud, seek to memorize them, and as you do this, ask the Lord to use them to transform your speech into what He desires it to be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV, 1984)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Psalms 34:1 (NIV, 1984)
“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

Proverbs 11:12-13 (NIV, 1984)
“A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”

Proverbs 15:4 (NIV, 1984)
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

Proverbs 15:28 (NIV, 1984)
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”

Proverbs 16:24 (NIV, 1984)
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Proverbs 18:20-21 (NIV, 1984)
“From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Ephesians 4:25 (NIV, 1984)
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

Colossians 4:6 (NIV, 1984)
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Colossians 3:8 (NIV, 1984)
“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

Colossians 3:16 (NIV, 1984)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV, 1984)
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Peter 3:9-11 (NIV, 1984)
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”

James 1:26 (NIV, 1984)
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fellow Kingdom Ambassadors, we need more ”PEPP” talk in the Body of Christ.

We need more conversation that is in line with what the scriptures define as godly speech.

Let’s take up the challenge. With hearts surrendered to the will of God, the help of the Holy Spirit, and determined persistence until breakthrough, we can do it!!!

Shalom!

Kim

Image “SPEECH BUBBLE MADE WITH PEOPLE” by Vlado, courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE EBBS & FLOWS

January 9, 2014Kim Sweeting

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE EBBS & FLOWS

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 for us as we embark on a new year and as such am re-blogging it with her permission.

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE EBBS & FLOWS

Elaine Tavolacci

“The Lord showed me a huge ocean that was filled with waves. There were people swimming in this ocean but some were having a difficult time trying to align themselves properly to stay afloat. Several were struggling as the waves were tossing them back and forth, to and fro, and some were even being pulled under the water. But then there were others who knew how to maneuver themselves and swim over the waves as they glided with ease. They knew how to ride the tide, and allow the surge to pull them toward the shore, rather than out to sea. They understood the tactics to avoid the rip currents that were trying to pull them under. They were still when the wind came because they knew that the wind conditions affect the waves. They did not panic but they were those who were determined and focused.

The Lord says; Allow Me to train you how to rise above every situation that is hindering you from moving forward and anything that is trying to harm you. Do not allow yourself to become consumed with fear or confusion. Don’t allow yourself to be tossed to and fro with every wave that comes against you. There will always be ebbs and flows in your life and I want to teach you how to soar above these circumstances and walk on the water of adversity. I want to train you how to be more than a conqueror and overcome all obstacles in your way that would prevent you from reaching your spiritual potential. I will teach you how to stay afloat and to keep you from being pulled under by torrents of difficulties. Trust Me to keep you from drowning in despair when the current rises against you. I will show you how to rise above the rip tides that are trying to pull you down.

As you learn to trust Me, you will no longer allow the situations in your life to engulf your mind in confusion, and you will be able to make wise decisions. I will guide you through the hardship and crisis, and lead you out of every predicament that challenges you. You will no longer waver between two opinions. As you spend time with Me, I will bring your prayers to life. I will restore joy to your heart and peace to your mind. You will no longer live a life of despair. Allow Me to show you how to navigate through anything that comes against you. I will show you how to walk through troublesome times, and deal with difficult people. You will recognize and have victory over the sharks that are trying to devour you. Do not limit Me and do not look at the winds and the waves of adversity, but put your focus on Me to bring you out when trying times arise, says the Lord.”

Isaiah 54:11-12

“O you afflicted one, Tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones.”

Matthew 8:24 – 27

“Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

By Elaine Tavolacci

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

I hope the word was a blessing to you.

Be encouraged!

Kim

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

A PRAYER FOR THE YOUNG MEN OF OUR NATION

January 5, 2014Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

A PRAYER FOR THE YOUNG MEN OF OUR NATION

LET’S PRAY FOR OUR YOUNG MEN

Father we lift up the young men of our nation to You for no matter their race, creed, color, family origin, life experiences or socioeconomic background, they need You.

For those who have no hope, help them to understand that there is a glorious hope they can have in Christ Jesus.

For those who feel unloved, let them know that you love them enough to have sent Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die for them that they may have a relationship with You.

For those who have no father, or an absent father, help them to know that You are a Father to the fatherless and You will always be there for them.

For those who feel rejected and like no one cares, help them to know that if they come to you through Christ You will accept them in the Beloved.

For those who are bound by addictions and destructive habits, help them to know there is power in the Name of Jesus to break every chain in their lives and set them free.

For those who are angry and full of rage, help them to understand that under it all they are really hurting and brokenhearted and Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted.

For those who have suffered wrong and whose hearts are full of revenge, help them to know that You are the Righteous Judge and vengeance belongs to You, not to them.

Father stem the tide of bloodshed in our nation for even as Abel’s blood cried out from the ground, the blood of our young men is crying out from the ground.

Restore unto our young men the value and sanctity of life.

Cause them to know that You and You alone give life and they do not have a right to just take it away.

Open the eyes of our young men and help them to see that there are better ways to resolve issues than violence and murder.

Draw them unto You by the power of Your Holy Spirit and break up the hardness in their hearts.

Father help them to know and understand that in spite of the poor examples many of us who name Your Name have set, it does not change the fact that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and they need Him.

Father forgive us, Your people, for the many ways we have brought reproach to Your Name and become a stumbling block in their eyes.

Cause us to see ourselves as we truly are and to humble ourselves and pray and seek Your face.

Help us to sincerely repent of our sins and turn from our wicked ways, the ways that we know are displeasing to You and that violate the principles of Your Word for then You shall hear from heaven and heal our land.

Father the enemy has come in, but like a flood, we ask You to raise up a standard against him like only You can.

Have mercy upon us O God and touch the young men of our nation.

We ask and pray these things in Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

Image “Pray Computer Keys Stock Image” by Stuart Miles Images courtesy of www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A NEW YEAR THANK YOU!

January 2, 2014Kim Sweeting

A NEW YEAR THANK YOU!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

It’s 2014!…..Happy New Year!

I just want to give a big “THANK YOU” shout out around the globe to all followers, visitors and email-receivers of “Unwalled” to let you know that your support, comments, and words of encouragement during 2013 were very much appreciated; thanks too for forwarding, tweeting, posting and re-blogging my content enabling even more lives to be blessed.

I also want to give a big “THANK YOU” shout out around the globe to those of you who opened up your inner sanctum and shared your personal heartaches, challenges and problems with me; know that I do not take your trust and confidence for granted and count it a privilege to have been able to help you in some way.

Most of all, I thank God for His grace and faithfulness because without Him, none of this would be possible.

It is my prayer that the Lord continues to use “Unwalled” to encourage, edify and inspire you in 2014 and by His grace, I’m confident that He will.

Thank you again for your support and may each of you have a healthy, happy, purpose-filled New Year.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

(Jeremiah 29:11 – NLT)

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “HNY 2014” by gubgib courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

TURN IT INTO PRAISE

December 30, 2013Kim Sweeting 6 Comments

TURN IT INTO PRAISE

"PRAISE GOD IS SPITE OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES"

“TURN YOUR TOUGH STUFF INTO PRAISE”

2013 is almost gone and I’m sure each of us can look back over the year and recall some things that manifested in our lives that resulted in joy, happiness, peace, ease, healing, relief, fulfillment, advancement and breakthroughs, and that we readily praise and thank God for.

By the same token, I’m sure that each of us can also look back over the year and recall some things that manifested in our lives that resulted in unhappiness, disappointment, unfulfillment, feelings of failure, depression, grief, sleeplessness, apathy, hurt, hardship, confusion, anger, loss, tears, pressure, pain, in other words, some tough stuff.

Tough stuff relative to our work, marriage, children, parents, family, health, finances, business, friendships, relationships, school, community, church, or some other area of our lives……tough stuff that resulted in stress in our bodies, that messed with our minds, that flipped our emotions, and that challenged our faith.

As 2014 fast approaches, and is even nigh at the door, what are you going to do with the tough stuff that manifested in your life this year?

Are you going to pretend that it did not happen?
Are you going to act like it has had no effect on you?
Are you going to hang on to it and use it as an excuse for your behavior next year?

Your answer to this question is important because the year is winding down and it is not God’s will for you to drag weights, wounds, negative emotions, unforgiveness and a carnal perspective of your tests, trials and difficult situations from 2013 into 2014 because doing so will hinder your ability to embrace and effectively walk in the things He has planned for you.

What are you going to do with the tough stuff that manifested in your life this year?

Here is the word that God gave to the Believers at my place of worship yesterday and that He gives to you today.

He says in order to prepare and position yourself to effectively walk in the things He has planned for you in 2014, take all the tough stuff you encountered in 2013 and turn it into praise.

THE WORD OF THE LORD TO YOU TODAY IS TAKE ALL THE TOUGH STUFF YOU EXPERIENCED THIS YEAR AND TURN IT INTO PRAISE.

This is not about where you’ve been or where you are. It’s about where you are going; it’s about preparing and positioning yourself for 2014.

Come on.

Take up the challenge.

If Job could turn his tough stuff into praise, if he could take the loss of his children (7 sons and 3 daughters), servants and livestock (7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen and 500 female donkeys) all in one day and turn it into praise (Job 1:20-22), by God’s grace, you can turn your tough stuff into praise too.

Are you willing to accept the Lord’s challenge to turn the tough stuff that manifested in your life this year into praise?

If so, take some time and think about all the tough stuff, especially the stuff that still bothers you at some level.

Focus on it……mentally look that tough stuff square in the face.

Now begin to praise God in spite of it.

Lift up your voice in praise to God right in the face of the tough stuff you experienced….right in the face of that job stress, job loss, wayward child, unpaid bills, adulterous spouse, sickness, sexual abuse, failed business, unrealized dream, death.

Lift up your voice in praise to God right in the face of the tight, dark, painful, troubling, afflicting, lonely, desert places you found yourself in.

Lift up your voice in sincere praise to God right in the face of the mess, confusion, brokenness, disappointment, resentment, pain and loss.

Lift up your voice and say,

“God You are good”

“You are faithful”

“You are powerful loving and kind”

“God I praise You for being with me in the tough stuff”

“God I praise You for the lessons I learned as a result of the tough stuff”

“I praise You for the things you revealed to me about Yourself”

“I praise You for the spiritual maturity I gained because of the tough stuff”

“I praise You for that sweet communion with You because of my extra time in prayer”

“I praise You for opening up your Word to me like never before”

“God I praise You for caring about me enough to raise up intercessors on my behalf”

“I praise You for imparting Your wisdom to me”

“I praise You for each tear I cried that helped to cleanse my soul”

“I praise You for teaching me to wait on You and for producing patience in me”,

“I praise You for showing me that Your grace is sufficient for me”

“I praise You for working all things together for my good even when I could not see Your hand at work”

“God I praise you for setting limits on my tough stuff just as you set limits on Job’s”

“God I praise You because in my times of weakness, You gave me Your strength”

“I praise You for Your mercy, grace and loving-kindness”

“Thank You for being my Healer, Provider, Sustainer, Protector, and my Peace”

”Thank You for being my Deliverer, my Avenger, my Way-Maker, the Lifter of my head”

“God You are good”

“You are mighty and awesome”

“You are my God and I bless and praise Your wonderful Name”

“God I Offer up this sacrifice of praise unto the You, the fruit of my lips giving thanks to You in spite of the tough stuff I went through in 2013.”

“Hallelujah!”

For those who did not take up the challenge, I urge you to consider doing so before the year ends.

God wants you prepared and positioned to move into 2014 unhindered, ready to effectively walk in the things He has planned for you.

TAKE ALL THE TOUGH STUFF YOU EXPERIENCED IN THIS YEAR AND TURN IT INTO PRAISE.

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “Silhouette of a Man With Hands Raised” by chalwat courtesy of www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Effects of Praise on a Believer (fwgf.wordpress.com)
Daily Digest: Ups and Downs (theladiesfeed.wordpress.com)
February 24 – Praise Changes Circumstances (phidevotion.wordpress.com)

WHO DO YOU NEED TO FORGIVE BEFORE 2014?

December 26, 2013December 26, 2013Kim Sweeting 4 Comments

WHO DO YOU NEED TO FORGIVE BEFORE 2014?

“Resentment is like swallowing poison and hoping to kill your enemies”
~ Nelson Mandela ~

Who do you need to forgive before 2014?

Ephesians 4:31-32 states, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” – (Amplified Bible)

Colossians 3:13 states, “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].” – (Amplified Bible)

The following is a quote on forgiveness vs. acceptance from an article by Judy Picoult (as told by Leigh Newman) called “Judy Picoult’s Rules for Life” .

I thought the quote captured the difference between forgiveness and acceptance very well and I decided to post it because recognizing that forgiveness does not mean acceptance may help someone who needs to forgive a person(s) move into that place of forgiveness as the Lord requires.

Forgiveness and acceptance are not the same things.
For me, there really is a big difference between forgiveness and acceptance. If you forgive someone, you aren’t necessarily saying that what the person did was right. What you’re saying is, “I’m not giving you the power to make me a victim. I’m not going to let you invade my mind and make me hate you.” Forgiveness is not for the other person. It’s for yourself. That’s the way I see it. Whereas acceptance is really more of a caving in, as far as I’m concerned. It’s saying, “What you did, I’m okay with.”

~ Judy Picoult ~

Why do you need to forgive that person(s) before 2014?

Here are three reasons.

1) You can’t move forward looking back.

2) With God, forgiveness is not an option, it is a command.

3) Your receiving forgiveness from God is contingent on our willingness to forgive others.

Matthew 6:14-15 states, “For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.” – (Amplified Bible)

Mark 11: 25-26 states, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.

But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.” – (Amplified Bible)

SIMPLY PUT, IF WE FORGIVE OTHERS THEIR WRONGS, GOD WILL FORGIVE US OUR WRONGS, AND IF WE DON’T, HE WON’T……….SOBERING!

Who do you need to forgive before 2014?

“He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.”

~ Thomas Fuller ~

“But forgiveness is not an emotion… Forgiveness is an act of will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”

~ Corrie Ten Boom ~

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

~ C. S. Lewis ~

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

~ Philip Yancey ~

If you know that the Lord is speaking to you about getting rid of the unforgiveness in your life, before going into 2014, do not harden your heart. He is speaking to you because He desires to set you free from that weight and bondage instead of dragging it into the new year.

Why don’t you take some time and acknowledge that unforgiveness to yourself and to God as well as the accompanying hurt, pain, disappointment, anger, rage, and desire for vengeance that burn within?

Speak to the Lord candidly. Let Him know how you feel about what happened. Cry if you need to. Get it all out.

Having done this, I challenge you to confess the unforgiveness to the Lord as sin and tell Him that in spite your thoughts and feelings, in obedience to His Word, you are now willing to forgive.

IT’S TIME TO FORGIVE.

IT’S TIME TO LET THAT SITUATION GO.

IT’S TIME TO LET THAT PERSON GO.

IT’S TIME TO LET YOURSELF GO.

DON’T CARRY THAT UNFORGIVENESS INTO 2014.

Here’s a music video by Kevin Levar, the words and images/stories of which beautifully depict the power of forgiveness – watch and listen and be blessed.

Who do you need to forgive before 2014?

If you are willing to forgive them, I invite you to pray the following prayer of forgiveness:

Father, I come to you in the Name of Jesus. By faith, in obedience to your Word, and as an act of my will, I choose to forgive those who have wronged me. Father I forgive them and release them to You. By your grace, help me to no longer dwell on the situation, but to instead let it go and move on. Heal my mind, body, soul and spirit from all wounds, even those in my innermost parts that I am not aware of. Now that I have forgiven those who wronged me, I thank You for restoring me to a place of forgiveness with You. I thank You for freeing me from the bondage of the sin of unforgiveness and cleansing me of all its effects by your blood in Jesus’ name….Amen.

Believe you have received and walk into 2014 in your newfound place of freedom.

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image ‘Forgive” courtesy of Photobucket.com

“Judy Picoult’s Rules for Life” by Judy Picoult (as told by Leigh Newman) http://www.oprah.com/relationships/Jodi-Picoult-Interview–Jodi-Picoult-Quotes/2#ixzz2oclc2Uvg)

Video “A HEART THAT FORGIVES” by Kevin Levar courtesy of Feature Productions – http://www.youtube.com

WOTD: Forgiveness: The Key to Keeping the Devil Out of Your Life – Joyce Meyer (litroads.wordpress.com)
A Challenge To Grudge-Bearing Christians (biblicalsubjects.wordpress.com)
Forgiveness (walzfm.wordpress.com)
Krysia Baron Speaks To Driver of Car That Killed Her Husband: “You are forgiven” (fggam.org)
Forgiving (greaterislove.wordpress.com)

THIS CHRISTMAS – 2013

December 23, 2013March 16, 2017Kim Sweeting 6 Comments

THIS CHRISTMAS – 2013

“Merry Christmas”

When considering what to post as my Christmas message this year, I decided to re-post what I said last year because my sentiments are truly the same, and even more-so considering the enemy’s increased warfare against Christ during this season.

Be inspired, be encouraged, be determined, and be blessed!

Kim

THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas,

each time you see a light, remember that Jesus is the light of the world.

This Christmas,

each time you see a gift, remember that God gave the greatest gift in sending His only begotten Son to earth so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

This Christmas,

each time you see a Christmas tree, remember the price Jesus paid for your salvation by suffering and dying on the cross.

This Christmas

each time you see preparations made in commemoration and celebration of the first arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, remember the importance of preparing yourself for His next arrival because He is coming again, not as a baby in a manger, but as a mighty, conquering King.

This Christmas

may you and your loved ones have a blessed, peaceful, safe, and Christ-filled, holiday.

Merry Christmas!

Kim

Image “MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD” by digitalart, courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

As for Me and My House – We Wish You A Merry Christmas! (morselsofbread.net)
Celebrate Jesus, the reason for the season! (mismatchedcoloredsocks.wordpress.com)

FIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT COST NO MONEY

December 21, 2013Kim Sweeting 11 Comments

FIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT COST NO MONEY

“Give A Gift Today”

I originally published this post in December of 2011, re-posted it in 2012 and yes, here it is again for 2103…🙂

Be inspired, be encouraged, be blessed!

Kim

FIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT COST NO MONEY

No money to buy gifts this Christmas?

No problem!

Here’s five gifts you can give that will cost you nothing but a little time, energy and love.

1) A Listening Ear

When is the last time that someone listened to you, I mean really listened to you with their undivided attention? No interruptions, no distractions, no butting in, no giving unsolicited opinions, just fully engaged listening.

How did you feel?

Was it a blessing to know that someone cared enough to really listen to you?

Was your heart filled with gratitude and your spirit lighter?

I am pretty certain your responses were positive to all the above.

Having received the gift of a listening ear, is there a person you know of who needs and would appreciate a similar experience?

Give someone the gift of a listening ear this Christmas.

2) An Encouraging Word

Have you ever been in position where you were dealing with a troubling situation and someone gave you an encouraging word that immediately lifted your spirits and gave you hope?

Did you almost feel as if God Himself was speaking to you through that person?

What a gift!

Proverbs 15:23 – “A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment–oh how good it is!” (Amplified Bible)

Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Amplified Bible)

Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.” (Amplified Bible)

Give someone the gift of an encouraging word this Christmas.

3) A Hug

When is the last time you received a loving, old-fashioned, non-sexual genuine hug?

Think about it for a moment?

Did it warm your heart and make your day?

Also think about the times when you thought to yourself or said to someone, “I need a hug”.

An affectionate hug does wonders for a person. If you Google the health benefits of hugging, you will find that hugs lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall mood…….wow, what benefits for a gift that costs no money!

Because we live in an age of heightened sexuality, if you plan to give the gift of a hug, depending on the situation and the person that you plan to hug, perhaps a side hug done by putting one arm around their waist or shoulders, and not both arms around them face-to-face may be more appropriate; allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in this regard.

I once saw an anonymous quote that read, “A hug is a universal medicine, it is how we handshake from the heart.” – Anonymous

Give someone the gift of a hug this Christmas.

4) A Smile

If you research the benefits of smiling, you will find that smiling is a free “wonder drug”.

Among other things, smiling boosts the immune system, increases positive mood, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin, enhances people’s perception of you, lifts the face and makes you look younger and the list goes on.

Because smiling is contagious, when you give the gift of a smile and experience these benefits, the person that you smile at is likely to return a smile and experience them too…….how cool is that?

Give someone the gift of a smile this Christmas.

5) A Helping Hand

There is nothing like receiving unexpected help when needed.

This season, keep your eyes open for situations where you can pitch in and give a helping hand. Perhaps you can offer to help someone paint, bake, decorate their yard, babysit their kids, complete some errands, clean their car, lift a heavy item, understand a scripture, pray about an issue, the possibilities are endless.

Give someone the gift of a helping hand this Christmas.

Who says that you need money to give a gift?

No matter your financial situation, be encouraged to give a gift to someone this Christmas.

For God so loved the world that He gave.

Let’s follow our Father’s example and be givers too.

Blessings!

Kim

Image “Merry Christmas” Courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

Gifts that money can’t buy (utesmile.wordpress.com)
The Gift of Presence (alifefullysurrendered.wordpress.com)

Unwalled

Encouraging, Edifying, and Inspiring the Body of Christ in the Bahamas and Beyond

Page 25 of 54

FOLLOWING CHRIST IS NO CAKEWALK BUT KEEP PRESSING!

HOW PERSISTENT ARE YOU IN YOUR PRAYERS?

A CHALLENGE FOR 2014 AND BEYOND

NAVIGATING THROUGH THE EBBS & FLOWS

A PRAYER FOR THE YOUNG MEN OF OUR NATION

A NEW YEAR THANK YOU!

TURN IT INTO PRAISE

WHO DO YOU NEED TO FORGIVE BEFORE 2014?

THIS CHRISTMAS – 2013

FIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT COST NO MONEY

Pass it on and bless someone:

Pass it on and bless someone:

Pass it on and bless someone:

Pass it on and bless someone:

Pass it on and bless someone:

Pass it on and bless someone:

Related articles

Pass it on and bless someone:

Related articles

Pass it on and bless someone:

Related articles

Pass it on and bless someone:

Related articles

Pass it on and bless someone: