ELECTION 2017 IS COMING! – WHOSE VOICE WILL YOU FOLLOW?

March 22, 2017March 22, 2017Kim Sweeting 10 Comments

ELECTION 2017 IS COMING! – WHOSE VOICE WILL YOU FOLLOW?

WILL YOU OBEY GOD OR MAN?

Once again the Bahamas is on the verge of another general election and so-called “election fever” is beginning to permeate the air.

Almost everywhere you turn, people are talking politics or predicting who the next government and Prime Minister will be. The atmosphere is filled with opinions and political prophets abound.

With all the noise, fanfare and emotional hullabaloo in the marketplace, on the airwaves and on social media, and with upcoming rallies on the horizon, there are plenty opportunities for God’s people to become caught up in the political whirlwind and lose focus of our electorate responsibility as Believers/Kingdom Citizens.

The direction that a nation takes and the manner in which it is built is greatly influenced by its governmental leaders.

Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” – (NKJV)

Proverbs 28:12 states, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” – (NLT)

Considering the above, it is incumbent upon us as Believers/Kingdom Citizens to use our voting privileges to, as much as possible elect godly men and women to office, and therefore as key authorities and primary decision makers in our country’s affairs.

This is extremely important for many reasons, a few being:

The more godly persons in positions of governmental authority, the more likely a country to retain or even expand its degree of religious freedom.

The more godly persons in office, the less likely the implementation of laws that oppose godly principles.

The more godly persons in positions of governmental authority, the easier it will be for the God’s/the King’s agenda to go forward and be established in a nation.

As Kingdom Citizens, we are called to obey and be subject to civil authorities (Romans 13:1, 2; I Peter 2:13-14; Titus 3:1) and it will more than likely be easier to obey godly authorities than ungodly ones.

When faced with the opportunity to exercise our voting privilege, it is our responsibility as Believers/Kingdom Citizens to carefully and prayerfully consider the presented candidates and where possible to seek to elect competent, godly men and women who not only have the potential to improve our national development, but who will also seek to be guided by God’s principles and establish His purposes.

The following are some facts about us as Believers that will help us maintain a Kingdom perspective during a political season.

1) As Believers, we are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven and therefore foreigners in this earthly realm.

2) Our spiritual citizenship in God’s Kingdom is higher than, and therefore takes precedence over our earthly citizenship, i.e., our Bahamian citizenship.

3) As citizens of the Kingdom of God, our ultimate allegiance, or loyalty is to be to God as our Sovereign King.

4) The Constitution of our Kingdom is the Word of God, therefore we are to govern every aspect of our lives according to the principles contained therein. The Word of God is our supreme law and we are to obey it above all others.

5) As Kingdom Citizens, we have been appointed as ambassadors of the King. We live in the country that we do because He has called us to be His representatives/agents in that particular earthly territory.

6) As Kingdom Ambassadors, we relinquish all rights to present and act on our own personal opinions. The only position we are to take on an issue is that of our Government or King. We are to yield to and uphold the position of the King and to readily advance His Kingdom’s agenda in whichever arena or capacity we may function.

7) As Kingdom Ambassadors, our main mission is to make disciples of all nations and to expand God’s Kingdom on the earth. The cause of Christ is what we ought to live for and what we should be prepared to die for.

People of God, during this election season, more than ever before, we need to be intentionally mindful not to become so caught up in the political frenzy that we become unfocused and lose sight of our Kingdom responsibility and allow someone or something other than God to decide our involvement in the electoral process.

Because it’s election time, there is an abundance of voices in the atmosphere vying for our attention and support, and it’s okay to hear them, but at the end of the day, as Ambassadors in a foreign territory we must settle ourselves, be sober, and listen for the voice of our King…for His opinion, His desire, His instruction.

In John 10:27, Jesus, our King, and Sovereign Ruler states, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.” – (NIV-1984)

Jesus is our master mentor and one thing that stands out in His life is His obedience to the Father.

In John 5:30 He states, “I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord-but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.” – (Amplified Bible)

SELAH!

God desires us to seek His will regarding our voting decision and to vote for the person He confirms in our spirit as the candidate to vote for.

Remember, as Kingdom Ambassadors, the only position we are to take on an issue or matter is that of our Government or King…it’s tight, but it’s right!

If the Lord leads you to vote for the candidate that you in and of yourself want to vote for, great!

But what if this is not the case?

What if He leads you to vote for someone who you do not want to support?

What if as a diehard PLP you distinctly and unmistakably sense Him telling you to vote for the FNM candidate?

What if as a diehard FNM you distinctly and unmistakably sense Him telling you to vote for the DNA candidate?

Or, what if you are a diehard DNA and you distinctly and unmistakably sense Him telling you to vote for the PLP?

WHOSE VOICE WILL YOU FOLLOW?

Remember, as Kingdom Citizens and Ambassadors, our allegiance is to be to the King and not to any party, organization or man.

Saints, many claim to be “the man with the plan” but in reality, only God knows what is best for our nation because He alone knows the past, present and future so the bottom line is it is best to go with His leading; it’s best to go with Him.

Isaiah 30:1-3 states, “Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection, to Egypt’s shade for refuge. But Pharaoh’s protection will be to your shame, Egypt’s shade will bring you disgrace.” – (NIV-1984)

IT’S ELECTION TIME! – WHOSE VOICE WILL YOU FOLLOW THIS POLITICAL SEASON?

THE VOICE OF MAN?

YOUR VOICE?

THE VOICE OF THE LORD?

I pray that in this 2017 election, Believers/Kingdom Citizens in the Bahamas will be sober and spiritually discerning and have the wisdom to seek the Lord re who to vote for, and once revealed, by God’s grace have the spiritual fortitude to obey and mark his/her “X” wherever the Lord says, trusting in His wisdom, sovereignty and power and not in man’s words.

“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.”

(Psalms 46:3 – NIV-1984)

“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.”

(Psalms 118:8 – NIV-1984)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

(Proverbs 3:5, 6 – NIV-1984)

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image courtesy of “Ballot Box” by Taoty/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE 12

February 10, 2017Kim Sweeting 10 Comments

NOTEWORTHY QUOTE 12

“SELAH – PAUSE AND CALMLY THINK OF THAT”

From time-to-time, I like to post quotes that I view as noteworthy.

The following was sent to me via Whatsapp this morning by Gino Maycock, my brother in Christ and the CEO/Owner of Colonial Realty Bahamas, and I’m sharing it with his permission.

“The Lord our God has shown me in a dream that worship has just moved to an all new level. If you want to worship the Lord it will now mean you have to stand for the Kingdom of heaven against the darkness of satan and risk life now. Risk job, fame, name, wealth, the possibility of losing all the non-heavenly that we have become so accustomed to along with life. Saints prepare yourselves for a new stand and a different type of worship. Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus our Christ and King.” ~ Gino Maycock

SELAH!

When I received that message, it really resonated with me because the same thing has been in my spirit re the cost of living for Christ and of true worship in these last days.

The line between the Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness is becoming increasingly distinct.

As this happens, God is concurrently requiring His people to take more and more of a clear stand for Him and His Kingdom.

This stand, this bowing down of our lives to Him and His Kingdom purposes at the cost or potential cost of all else will be counted by Him as true worship for it will show His true worth-ship to us.

Selah!

What price are you prepared to pay?

What are you prepared to lose or risk losing?

Where, and in what is the true treasure of your heart?

May our hearts be willing and His grace empower us to take a stand and worship Him as He desires and indeed requires.

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

(John 4:23-24 – NIV)

Be encouraged,

Kim

Image “Figure Thinking with Thought Bubble” by Master Isolated Images courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

WORLD CRISIS ABOUNDS – WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

November 18, 2016August 7, 2020Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

WORLD CRISIS ABOUNDS – WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

“WORLD CRISIS ABOUNDS”

WORLD CRISIS ABOUNDS

world crisis abounds

fear, panic and worry everywhere

resting, hoping, and trusting in God the King

When I look at the instability of the kingdoms and nations of this world and its leaders, I am more grateful than ever to be a part of God’s Kingdom.

A Kingdom that is unshakable, a Kingdom that has no end, a Kingdom whose citizens span every race, nation, societal level and color, a Kingdom whose King is our Great and Mighty and Matchless God.

Who is like our God? – Who can withstand Him, who can defy Him, who can counsel Him, who can thwart His purposes, who can undo what He has decreed, who can open what He shuts, who can shut what He opens – who is like our God?

Our God is Great, Mighty and Matchless!

“Remember [carefully] the former things [which I did] from ages past;For I am God, and there is no one else;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
Declaring the end and the result from the beginning,
And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose”

(Isaiah 46:9, 10 – AMP)

“HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD” – (WORLD EDITION)

FEAT. CHRIS TOMLIN

“Great is our [majestic and mighty] Lord and abundant in strength;
His understanding is inexhaustible [infinite, boundless].”

(Psalms 147:5 – AMP)

“There is none like You, O Lord;
You are great, and great is Your mighty and powerful name.
Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?
For it is appropriate and it is Your due!
For among all the wise men of the nations
And in all their kingdoms,
There is none like You.”

(Jeremiah 10:6,7 – AMP)

In the face of all the crisis that abounds in our world today, know that we serve a Great God and are citizens of a Great Kingdom.

This is the truth that we must hold fast to.

This is the truth that will anchor our souls.

Our focus on this truth or lack thereof will determine our level of peace or fear.

Our focus on this truth or lack thereof will determine whether we walk on the tumultuous waters of our times or sink in them.

If we keep our eyes on the reality of the Greatness of our God, and on the fact that He is King over all, and on the fact that we belong to His Kingdom which rules over all, we will have more peace and be water walkers, but if we allow our focus to shift onto the crisis that abounds in this world and onto the instability of its leaders, we will have more fear and sink.

Selah!

Where will your focus be?

Will it be on God and His Kingdom or on world leaders and the abounding worldwide crisis?

Today God says:

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

(Psalms 46:10 – NIV, 1984)

Be encouraged,

Kim

“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all [the universe].”

(Psalms 103:19 – AMP)

“Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does.”

(Psalms 145:13 – MSG)

“God reigns over the nations;
God sits on His holy throne.”

(Psalms 47:8 – NKJV)

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

(I Timothy 1:17 – KJV)

“You will keep him in perfect peace,  Whose mind is stayed on You,  Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever,  For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.”

(Isaiah 26:3, 4 – NIV, 1984)

“God is our refuge and strength,  an ever-present help in trouble.”

(Psalms 46:1 – NIV, 1984)

Image “PANIC DEFINITION BUTTON” by Stuart Miles courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Video “HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD (WORLD EDITION) – FEAT. CHRIS TOMLIN” courtesy of PassionVEVO – http://www.youtube.com

THE TOUCH OF JESUS

September 16, 2016Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

THE TOUCH OF JESUS

Are you battling health challenges?

Are you wondering if God still heals today?

I received the following testimony and prophetic word from Elaine Tavolacci yesterday evening via my subscription to her website, http://www.awordinseason.info. which I believe is a timely word of hope and encouragement for anyone battling health challenges and as such, am re-blogging it with her permission.

“GOD’S HEALING TOUCH IS STILL AVAILABLE TODAY”

September 17, 2016

THE TOUCH OF JESUS

Elaine Tavolacci

“Today I have an amazing testimony that I want to share with you. For the past year I have been going through the most difficult trials of my life concerning my health. For those of you who know what I have already endured in my past, you are probably wondering how this could be. I want to give a testimony of the faithfulness of God and how Jesus still heals today. All my blood tests are within normal range, my liver function is almost perfect, and the lymphoma and hepatitis C are gone. I was also diagnosed with several auto immune diseases which are now undetectable, and the excruciating pain in my bones is gone. Jesus still performs miracles today. He is a supernatural God and wants to bring healing, transformation and renewal to our bodies as well as our lives and ministries. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

This is what the Lord is showing me. For the past few years we have experienced an extraordinary acceleration in technology. We have gone from TV’s with rabbit ears to HD TV’s. We have gone from rotary dial phones to mobile phones where we could see the person that we are talking to. We have computers that could communicate across the world. The other day I was reading about “Near field communication” which is abbreviated NFC. NFC is a form of communication between devices such as smartphones, tablets or computers. With this technology, we are now able to take a device such as a smart phone and hold it within two inches of a computer or other hardware to transfer pictures or documents. It allows us to perform countless transactions, access digital content, and connect electronic devices with a single touch.

As I was reading about this the Holy Spirit gave me a profound analogy. Every time Jesus touches us there is a divine connection. He releases His supernatural power into our physical bodies. In the same way that He healed others in the bible, He is still healing today. The same way that He performed miracles two thousand years ago and raised the dead, He is doing the same today.

He said in His word in the book of Mark 16:15-16: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. But then He went on to say in verse 18: And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

We are living in a time of heaven being released on the earth. He is calling us to go out and Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. In the book of Acts chapter 17 it is written…In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

We are living in this time. Expect miracles.”

Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,[c] cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

John 16: 15-18
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

John 17: 21 – 23
That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Acts 2:17
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

By Elaine Tavolacci

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

I hope this word was a source of hope, encouragement, edification and challenge to you.

Whether it manifests immediately or through a process, know that God’s healing touch is still available today.

For those of you who are believing for your healing but wearied by the journey and feel like you need some strength this morning, be blessed by the Potter’s House Worship Team as they minister “You Are My Strength”

Although at times it may not be easy and you may become weary in the fight, be encouraged to keep your spiritual eyes fixed on Jehovah Rapha, the God who Heals, and your heart and mind fixed on the Truth of the Word of God concerning healing.

Shalom,

Kim

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

Image “TOUCH” – http://www.awordinseason.info.

“YOU ARE MY STRENGTH” – The Potter’s House Worship Team – Courtesy of Andy Benjamin – http://www.youtube.com

ENCOURAGEMENT TO CITIZENS OF HEAVEN RESIDING ON EARTH

May 26, 2016Kim Sweeting

ENCOURAGEMENT TO CITIZENS OF HEAVEN RESIDING ON EARTH

OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN

As Believers, we are not only members of the Body of Christ, Saints, and Children of God, but according to Philippians 3:20, we are also citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the natural realm, when we are a citizen of a country, our citizenship is not transient, coming into and out of existence as we move from place to place. We remain a citizen of that country no matter where we are.

I am a citizen of the Bahamas known as a Bahamian, and I am a Bahamian no matter where I go. When in the Bahamas I am a Bahamian. If I travel to America, China or any other nation I am a Bahamian. When at home, school, work, on the beach, in the food store or driving my car, I am a Bahamian.

In the spirit realm, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, are spiritually re-born and become citizens of the Kingdom, just as our natural citizenship is not transient, coming into and out of existence as we move from place to place, neither is our spiritual citizenship in heaven transient. We remain Kingdom citizens no matter where we are physically on the earth.

Whatever country we are in, whether India, Pakistan, Brazil, Zimbabwe, the Canary Islands, or Barbados, we are Kingdom citizens and wherever we are in that country, whether in our home, place of worship, on our job, at school, in parliament, the food store or at the mall, we are Kingdom citizens.

As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is important to note and remember that:

Our ultimate allegiance is to God as our Ruler and Sovereign King.

We are foreigners in this earthly realm.

Our spiritual citizenship in heaven is higher than, and therefore takes precedence over our earthly citizenship, e.g., Bahamian citizenship, US citizenship, Korean citizenship, etc.

We live in the country that we do because He has called and appointed us as His ambassadors, representatives, or agents in that particular earthly territory.

The Constitution of our Kingdom is the Word of God; it is our supreme law and we are to obey it above all earthly laws. No matter where we are, what we face, or who we are with, our thoughts, words, morals, values and deeds are to be aligned with and governed by, God’s purposes, plans, principles, and precepts as outlined in the Word.

The only position we are to take on an issue is that of our Government or King. We are to yield to and uphold the position of the King and to readily advance His Kingdom’s agenda in whichever earthly arena or capacity we may function.

Our main mission is to make disciples of all nations and to thereby expand the dominion of the King on the earth. The cause of Christ is what we live for and what we are to be prepared to die for.

We are in an age of increasing opposition from the world system, the flesh, and the devil, and the cost of living as God desires is rising.

Globally these forces seem to be raging as never before to change, undermine, and if possible eradicate the fundamental tenets, standards, principles, and doctrines of the Word of God and persons who uphold them and are committed to Jesus Christ.

In spite of this, as Kingdom Citizens, and keeping in mind that this earth is not our home, may we, by the grace of God and power of the Holy Spirit, make it our practice to submit to what God as our Sovereign King desires, approves of, and/or wants to accomplish in every situation and circumstance we encounter.

It is to Him, our Sovereign Ruler that we must give an account……may His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I wrote the following post in December of 2012, re-posted it last February and in light of the rising global trend of humans legislating what is right in their own eyes as opposed to what is right in God’s eyes, I thought it would be good to post it again…..be challenged and be blessed!

GOD’S LAW VS. HUMAN LAW

“GOD’S LAW SHALL PREVAIL”

If God’s Law declares something to be wrong,

no human legislation can make it right.

A popular or majority vote means nothing in the eyes of God.

If every human being on this planet votes in favor of an activity or behavior deemed wrong by God,

and every nation of the earth passes laws to support the same,

in God’s eyes, that activity or behavior is still wrong and He will judge it accordingly.

Be not deceived.

No matter what man declares as right,

if God says it is wrong, it is wrong.

SELAH!

As we seek to live out our faith in these last days, let’s keep in mind that as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, God is our Sovereign King, His Word is our Supreme authority, and we are only temporarily residing on this earth so we need to be sober, alert, walk circumspectly and be careful not to allow ourselves to get entangled in earthly affairs, to our spiritual detriment.

“Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you. For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], whose fate is destruction, whose god is their belly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame—who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things. But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body.”

(Philippians 3:17-21 – Amplified Bible)

“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the [unsaved] Gentiles [conduct yourself honorably, with graciousness and integrity], so that for whatever reason they may slander you as evildoers, yet by observing your good deeds they may [instead come to] glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].”

(1 Peter 2:11-12 – Amplified Bible)

“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.”

(Psalms 119:89 – KJV)

“Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.”

(Psalms 119:152 – KJV)

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

(Psalms 119:160 – KJV)

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

(Matthew 24:35 – KJV)

Be encouraged,

Kim

Photo “BLUE SKY BACKGROUND” by bulldogza courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Photo “JUDGE’S GAVEL” by SALVATORE VUONO courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

“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

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT

May 12, 2015May 14, 2015Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Years ago, Tina Turner sang a popular song, and its main lyrics asked the question,

“WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?”

When we look at all the “bright shiny objects” available and used in ministry today and the often not so “bright shiny results”, I ask, “Could Love Be The Missing Link?“

When it comes to operating in the Kingdom of God and doing the work of the ministry, I believe love has far more to do with it than we realize or care to admit.

Here’s a post I wrote in May of 2010 which I believe still speaks to this issue today.

Be challenged…….be blessed!

COULD LOVE BE THE MISSING LINK?

What are you believing God for that has not happened yet?………..salvation for a lost loved one, healing in your body, a needed financial breakthrough for a friend, an increased understanding of the Word, an expansion in your ministry, revelation of God’s plan and purpose for your life?

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

(Hebrews 11:1 – NIV)

What do you have faith in God to do, see, or receive for yourself or someone else but there is no manifestation up to this point?

Perhaps what you desire is not within God’s will.

Maybe it is simply not yet time for manifestation.

Or, could it be that there is a lack of love somewhere in the equation……….. could love be the missing link?

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”

(Galatians 5:6 – KJV)

Galatians 5:6 (KJV) tells us that faith works by love.

According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for worketh is “energeō”, which is pronounced “en-erg-eh’-o” and it means, “to be active, efficient: – do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).”

So then, faith is active, efficient, energized, and effectual, shows itself forth and works effectually in or by love.

Hhhhmmmm!…………..Considering this scripture, could love be the missing link?

Could a lack of love on your part toward God, yourself and/or others be why there has not yet been a manifestation of your faith?

How’s your love walk towards God?

Before you answer that, let’s look at what the Word has to say about how God expects us to prove our love toward Him.

In John 14:15, Jesus states:-

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.”

(John 14:15 – Amplified Bible)

In I John 5:3 it is written:-

“For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous).”

(1 John 5:3 – Amplified Bible)

God measures our love towards Him by our obedience to Him and not by any warm, fuzzy, emotions, or good feelings that we may experience when we think of who He is and what He has done for us.

So I ask again, how is your love walk toward God?

Do you sincerely and earnestly seek to know and do His will each day of your life in each situation that you encounter?

To demonstrate our love for God we must obey Him and to obey Him, we must know what He requires of us through the Word and His Holy Spirit.

Faith works by love.

So what about your love walk toward others, how’s that?

Could a lack of love on your part toward others be why there has not yet been a manifestation of your faith?

I Corinthians chapter 13, verses 4-6 describes the love we are to have toward others.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

(1 Corinthians 13:4-6 – NIV)

As you can see from this scripture, this love is action-based and not emotion-based. It is a love that we make a conscious decision to show in spite of how we feel. It is agape, the God-kind of love.

How’s your love walk toward those for whom you are praying?

Are you demonstrating this agape love, this God-kind of love toward the people whose salvation or deliverance you are believing God for?

Is your attitude and behavior toward them marked by love, kindness and patience, or by impatience, anger, rudeness and an arrogant spirit of condescending boastful pride in your own salvation?

“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.”

(2 John 1:6 – NLT)

Faith works by love.

If you find that you lack love toward others, maybe it’s because you do not truly love yourself.

In Matthew 22:36-40 when asked which is the greatest or the most important commandment in the law, Jesus replied:-

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

(Matthew 22:37-40 – NLT)

Jesus said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.

How’s your love walk toward yourself?

Do you have the God-kind of love toward yourself?

Are you patient with and kind to yourself or impatient and mean?

Are you easily angered with and hold grudges and secret hatred toward yourself or are you merciful and forgiving toward yourself?

If we do not have Godly love for ourselves, it is not then understandable why we may lack such love toward others?

Faith works by love.

Could love be the missing link in our assemblies?

Could a general lack of obedience to God and a general lack of genuine love toward each other in the Body of Christ be a key reason why we have so much expressed faith yet so little manifested results?

Isn’t it ironic how so often we as Saints can willfully disobey God, thereby not walking in love toward Him, not repent, yet expect our faith to work and produce great results in our lives and the lives of others?

Isn’t it ironic how so often we pray in faith for persons, believing God for a breakthrough, yet harbor envy, jealousy, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, offense and grudges toward these same people, i.e., not walk in love toward them, yet expect our faith to work and produce great manifestation?

In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns that one of the signs of the last days is that because iniquity, i.e., lawlessness and wickedness will abound, the love of many will wax cold.

Since faith works by love, as Kingdom Ambassadors, you and I need to make it a priority to guard our hearts to ensure that we are not counted among those whose love waxes cold because it will hinder the working of our faith and subsequently the outward manifestation of the Kingdom to the honor and glory of God.

Faith works by love.

So my fellow Ambassadors, today if you are believing God for something, in addition to checking to see if your desires are in line with God’s will, and checking with the Lord about His timing, I urge you to check your love walk too.

Take some time to ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are at in regard to your love for God, love for yourself and love for others, and ask Him to help you make any needed adjustments.

According to Romans 5:5, the Holy Spirit has already poured the love of God into our hearts, so the issue is not whether or not the love is there, it is a matter of by the grace of God, making a decision to die to self and practice walking in it.

Man of God, Woman of God, let’s not let love be the missing link.

Shalom!

Kim

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

February 23, 2015Kim Sweeting 3 Comments

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

A young man at my church named Khadn ministered “I Can Only Imagine” in church yesterday and it was a blessing.

The song has been in my spirit all day so I just decided to post it.

Hope it blesses you.

Kim

“I CAN ONLY IMAGINE” – BY MERCYME

“Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.
In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you.
And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.”

(John 14:1-3 – Amplified Bible)

Video “I Can Only Imagine” – by MercyMe courtesy of alwaysforgiven821 – http://www.youtube.com

GOD’S LAW TRANSCENDS HUMAN LAW

February 5, 2015Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

GOD’S LAW TRANSCENDS HUMAN LAW

“GOD’S LAW SHALL PREVAIL”

I wrote the following post in December of 2012 and in view of the rising trend of humans legislating what is right in their own eyes as opposed to what is right in God’s eyes, I thought it would be good to post it again.

Be challenged.

Be blessed.

GOD’S LAW VS. HUMAN LAW

If God’s Law declares something to be wrong,

no human legislation can make it right.

A popular or majority vote means nothing in the eyes of God.

If every human being on this planet votes in favor of an activity or behavior deemed wrong by God,

and every nation of the earth passes laws to support the same,

in God’s eyes, that activity or behavior is still wrong and He will judge it accordingly.

Be not deceived.

No matter what man declares as right,

if God says it is wrong, it is wrong.

“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”

(Psalms 119:160)

“Long ago I learned from your statutes  that you established them to last forever.”

(Psalms 119:152)

Let each person who has an ear hear what the Spirit of God is saying to the Church.

SELAH!

Be encouraged,

Kim

Photo “JUDGE’S GAVEL” by SALVATORE VUONO courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

SO YOU WANT A PROMOTION……..

November 3, 2014Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

SO YOU WANT A PROMOTION……

GETTING AHEAD AT WORK

I originally posted the following in November of 2011 under the title “Promotion and Getting Ahead in the Workplace” and I am re-posting it because someone needs to read it today.

PROMOTION AND GETTING AHEAD IN THE WORKPLACE

The workplace is very competitive when it comes to getting ahead or positioning oneself for promotion.

In many environments there is often a “dog eat dog” mentality, a “claw your way to the top no matter who you hurt, mash-up or stand on to get there” mentality, a “the only way to get promoted is to play the game” mentality, even if playing the game requires lying, deception, compromising personal ethics, or sex with the boss.

The unspoken rule is as long as I get the position or increase that I want, the means justifies the end.

THIS MAY BE THE WORLD’S WAY OF SEEKING A PROMOTION OR GETTING AHEAD, BUT NOT SO IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Colossians 3:23, 24 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Psalms 75:6, 7 states, “For not from the east nor from the west nor from the south come promotion and lifting up. But God is the Judge! He puts down one and lifts up another.”

In the Kingdom of God, our mandate is to work as unto the Lord and rest on the promise that our reward and promotion comes from Him.

This means that as Kingdom Citizens, our greatest concern should not be with pleasing man and how man perceives our work, but with pleasing God and how God perceives our work because God is our ultimate Employer and rewarder and when He says it is time for a financial or positional promotion, no one can stop it!

MAN OF GOD, WOMAN OF GOD, WHEN IT COMES TO PROMOTION AND GETTING AHEAD IN THE WORKPLACE, REST IN THE KING’S WAY INSTEAD OF BEING STRESSED IN THE WORLD’S WAY.

“And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint”

(Galatians 6:9 – Amplified Bible)

“As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.”

(Proverbs 27:18 – NLT)

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “Social Ladder” Courtesy of xedos4/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net