A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO MY MUM

June 6, 2016Kim Sweeting 6 Comments

A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO MY MUM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM

Today is June 6th.

Why is that significant?

It’s significant because it is my mum’s 77th birthday and she is alive, healthy, active and in her sound mind….God is good!

So, because it’s her birthday, it’s my pleasure to use this post to say a few words of thanks to my mother, Judith Pamela Pratt Thompson, aka Ms. Pratt, Mrs. Thompson, Judith, Judy, Jude, Mum, Mummy, Mom-mom, Grammy-Pammy, Aunt Judy, Goddie, Sister Judy and Neighbor.

Today I thank my mother for the wonderful example she has set for me as a wife.

Mum, by your example you have demonstrated to me how a woman can seek to honor God in her marriage, love and care for her husband, be desirable and pleasing to his eyes, be supportive yet not lose her unique personhood and purpose, be submissive, but never at the price of what is right in God’s eyes, seek to express herself honestly and respectfully, not be a nag, not to pressure him for money or material goods, cook to the best of her ability, keep her house clean and tidy, create a welcoming home environment, provide companionship, take good care of his children, embrace his family, honor her marriage vows, and not let herself go, but to keep herself looking good as time passes.

Mum, thank you for the good example you set as a wife.

Today, I also want to thank my mother for the wonderful example she set for me as a mother.

Mum, by your example, you have demonstrated to me how a woman can seek to honor God in her role as a mother, love and care for her children, help them to develop in all areas of their being, physical, mental, emotional, social, and most importantly spiritual through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, spend quality time with them, not be afraid to discipline them when necessary, teach them to be kind, to share with and care for each other, teach them the importance of maximizing their educational opportunities, support their gifts, talents, abilities, hopes and dreams, impart godly wisdom, demonstrate godly character and principles, share what you’ve learned about people and life, show them how to stand on their own feet, be there for them as best you can in times of trouble, and become a friend to them in their adult years.

Mum, thank you for the good example you set as a mother.

Today, I also want to thank my mother for the wonderful example she set for me as a grandmother.

Mum, by your example, you have demonstrated to me how a woman can seek to honor God in her role as a grandmother, and love and care for her grand children…..and the way that all of your grandchildren love you attests to the fact that you are doing a marvellous job!!

Time won’t permit me to elaborate, however I also want to also thank my mother for showing me through her life what it is to be a good example of a daughter, grand-daughter, niece, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, godmother, friend, neighbor, church member, employee, and member of our society.

I wrote the following poem for my mum for Mother’s Day 2002.

Although written 14 years ago, to me this poem is just as good as if written today because there is nothing that I wrote about her that needs to be changed in any way, which in and of itself is a testimony to the consistency of her character and personality…..well, her dog Shera died a few years ago, but now her new dog Footsy gets some of that attention.

JUDITH

Jesus is in her heart

Uprightness is her goal

Dedicated to her family and church

Interested in gardening, magazines and Shera her dog

Tidy, she and dirt are no friends

Healthy, slim and strong

PAMELA

Proud of her heritage

Admirable career accomplishments

Makes a joyful noise unto the Lord

Exemplary lifestyle

Laughs a lot, especially at silliness

Always believes in prayer

THOMPSON

Teacher, never mind her retirement

Helpful, always lending a hand

Outstanding cook, hhhm, hhhm, good

Mindful of the needs of others

PLP, all the way!

Survivor, still standing after many trials

Orderly, she likes everything in place

Noteworthy mother, and grandmother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM! – may your remaining years be filled with good health, happiness, and the completion of God’s purpose and plan for your life.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” – OBUBANJO

“Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.”

(Proverbs 30:30 – Amplified Bible)

God bless you and I love you.

Kim

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU” by Olubanjo courtesy of Blessing Olubanjo – http://www.youtube.com

WHO YOU ARE: A MESSAGE TO ALL WOMEN

March 15, 2015Kim Sweeting

WHO YOU ARE: A MESSAGE TO ALL WOMEN

Yesterday I came across the following video on YouTube by Jon Jorgenson entitled “Who You Are: A Message To All Women”.

I found it very encouraging and empowering as a woman and decided to share it because I believe other women will find it encouraging and empowering too.

I also decided to share it as a reminder to men of the wonderful, awesome creation that we are…:)

Enjoy!

“WHO YOU ARE: A MESSAGE TO ALL WOMEN”

BY JON JORGENSON

THE ANIMASERIES

Hope this was a blessing to every woman who watched it, and to every man too.

Be encouraged!

Kim

Video “WHO YOU ARE: A MESSAGE TO ALL WOMEN” – by Jon Jorgenson courtesy of TheAnimaSeries – http://www.youtube.com

HOW DO I SEND MY CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL WHEN…….

August 12, 2014August 12, 2014Kim Sweeting 10 Comments

HOW DO I SEND MY CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL WHEN……

SCHOOL WILL SOON OPEN - BE PREPARED AND PRAYERFUL!

SCHOOL WILL SOON OPEN – BE PREPARED AND BE PRAYERFUL!

With the end of August fast approaching, many parents worry about the prospect of sending their children back to school.

Some of the questions that run deep inside are:

How do I send my children back to school in a world where random shootings occur in educational institutions at any level, anywhere, anytime for any reason?

How do I send my children back to school in a world where kids glorify insulting and putting each other down, bullying is an ever-present threat, and academic failure a badge of the “in crowd”?

How do I send my children back to school in a world where seemingly more and more teachers indiscriminately take frustrations out on students, show obvious favoritism and conduct their job as if it were a necessary evil?

How do I send my children back to school in a world where systems exalt school reputation over student well-being, promote and enforce policies that dishonor God, and administrators shamelessly fight for professional brownie points?

How do you send your children back to school in the midst of these are very real, troubling and complex issues?

As a Believer, some key things you can do are as follows:

Ask God for His wisdom and guidance daily
Make it a personal priority to continuously put the Word in your children
Teach them what is right and wrong in the eyes of the Lord
Tell them that God is with them to protect them and help them in every situation they meet
Let them know that their educational opportunity is a gift from God so it is their responsibility to do their best to make the most of it
Actively support and encourage them however you can
Soak them in prayer, praying both for and with them
Stand and believe that God will protect, lead, guide, favor, and enable them to navigate safely through the school year and help them find good success.
Pray regularly for the teachers, staff and administrators of their school

I originally posted the following prayer/declaration on August 14th, 2010 and have re-posted it every year since.

As the new school year approaches, I feel the need to re-post it again this year as a prayer for our children as they return to school.

Be encouraged to not just read the prayer, but to join your faith with other Believers and pray it, not only for your own children if you have children, but for every child the Lord lays upon your heart no matter where they are in the world.

Shalom!

Kim

A PRAYER/DECLARATION AS OUR CHILDREN, OUR PRECIOUS HERITAGE OF THE LORD RETURN TO SCHOOL

In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we declare that every assignment of the enemy over our children’s lives is cancelled and that no weapon formed against them shall prosper.

We cover them in the blood of Jesus from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet and request warring angels of the Lord to encamp around them and to protect them from all harm and danger.

In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we cast down every high thing that would try to exalt itself against the knowledge of God that our children possess.

We declare that the Word of God is hidden in their hearts and that it is a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path, continuously guiding their decisions and ordering their steps wherever they go and whatever they face.

In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we declare that our children have a mind to work and that the spirit of excellence rests upon them, influencing their academic performance and behavior.

We declare that they submit to the rules and regulations of their schools and obey the instruction of those in authority over them as long as our children do not violate the Word.

In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we declare that our children are highly favored of God and that this divine favor positively affects their relations with their school administrators, teachers and fellow students.

We declare that our children establish friendships with children who positively influence their minds, bodies, souls, and spirits, and encourage and support their academic, social and spiritual development.

In the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we declare that the Spirit of the living God rests upon our children, making them distinct and different in a positive way.

We declare that by the anointing of God, our children demonstrate godly character and principles—that they are salt and light on their school campuses and that God’s plans and purposes are advanced in and through them.

In our authority as the Body of Christ, we declare these things in accordance with the principles of the Word of God and by faith believe and agree that these things are so to the honor and glory of God in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Image “Back to School” by Digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

https://unwalled.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/a-prayer-for-the-protection-of-our-school-children/

https://unwalled.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/schools-opening-get-motivated/

A MOTHER’S DAY INSPIRATIONAL MINI VIDEO

May 11, 2014Kim Sweeting 4 Comments

A MOTHER’S DAY INSPIRATIONAL MINI VIDEO

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS IN THE WORLD!

Here’s a very short inspirational video on motherhood that I found on YouTube.

Take a few minutes to watch it….. I believe it will bless you tremendously, especially on this Mother’s Day.

“MOTHER’S DAY – MIGHTY”

Be encouraged!

Kim

“MOTHER’S DAY VIDEO: MIGHTY'” courtesy of JourneyBoxMedia – http://www.youtube.com

MOTHER’S DAY – MERRY OR MERE “RE”

May 10, 2014Kim Sweeting

MOTHER’S DAY – MERRY OR MERE “RE”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

This morning I was thinking of how daunting a task it would be for me to raise my children without God, His Word, His Holy Spirit, His angels, the Blood of Jesus, the Name of Jesus, Divine Grace, Faith, Wisdom and Prayer.

Considering the complexity and multitude of entanglements of today’s world, that would definitely stress me beyond capacity; I’d be a worry wart and a nervous wreck all wrapped up in one.

I am so grateful to God for all that He has made available to me spiritually to help me in this journey of motherhood and I am not ashamed to say I need it.

I am also grateful to Him for each person he has made available to help me in various ways with this journey of motherhood, especially my husband and mother…..thanks Jesse and Judy……:)

As Mother’s Day approaches tomorrow, mothers all over the world are looking forward to a great day, eagerly waiting with joyful anticipation to see what innovative demonstration of love and appreciation will come forth from their children, grandchildren, husbands, father(s) of their children and/or other significant people in their lives.

While this is the case for many mothers, it is not the case for all mothers.

I wrote the following post for Mother’s Day 2011 and thought I’d re-blog it for mothers, particularly mothers in the Body of Christ, who due to various circumstances see Mother’s Day and motherhood as a dilemma more so than a delight.

As you read, be sensitized, be encouraged, be blessed.

Kim

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY?

It’s Mother’s Day! Hooray!

What excitement! What fanfare! What fun!

Not always!

Don’t be deceived.

All that glitters on Mother’s Day is not gold.

If you peek behind the smiles, hugs, kisses, and in some cases, the beautiful hats, clothes, shoes and handbags, you will not always get the same picture as what is outwardly portrayed.

Although showered by accolades, gifts and kind words today, deep down inside, many mothers in the Body of Christ are tired, frustrated, angry, hurting and depressed.

Here’s what a few of these mothers had to say about their situations.

Sheena says,“I feel so stretched. Although there are demands, I can’t juggle another plate or I’ll drop them all. I wear so many hats that one more will send me over the edge. I play so many roles I don’t even know who I am anymore. Honestly, I feel like I just want out of this mother-thing.”

Donna says,“I am overwhelmed by the responsibility that I have to assume in my household as a mother, almost to a breaking point. Being the weaker vessel, I am not made to bear the weight that I do, but I have to because my husband refuses to step up and do the things he knows he ought to as the father of our children.”

Jackie says,“I feel helpless and bound. I saw my mother walk down a crazy path when raising me and my siblings and I vowed not to walk that same kind of path with my kids yet I find myself there. It’s like I’m living a nightmare and can’t wake up. I need help.”

Catherine says,“I am so weary and weighed down that I am running on empty. At this point I am just going through the motions of carrying out my motherly duties. My heart is not in it at all and I am cranky, snappy, and impatient with my kids. I don’t like being like this, but I just can’t help myself.”

Barbara says, “As a single mother I feel trapped in my situation. If I step back and release some things, everything will fall apart, but if I don’t step back and release some things, I will fall apart. I don’t know what to do. I’m in a raging battle and weariness is taking its toll.”

Paula says, “Truthfully, excuse my expression but right now I am pissed! I am so angry at the ungrateful attitude of my children and the lack of support from their fathers that I feel like I am about to explode………only the restraining power of the Holy Spirit is keeping me in check, and I don’t know how long that will last!”

Dawn says,“I’m angry too! I am angry with myself for having so many children. Oh how I despise myself for this! Not only do I despise myself for having the number of children I have, I despise them and their father. I know this is not right but it is where I am at; at least I’m being real”

Brenda says,“I am so, so tired. I believe I am on the verge of collapse, physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I am simply tired, worn-out, and weary.”

What about you?

What are you saying this Mother’s Day?

Are you in a maternal dilemma?

Whatever you are dealing with as a mother, today the Spirit of God says to you, “Be Strong”.

You say, “Lord, how can I be strong when I have little or nothing left in me?……How can I be strong when I am barely making it now?”

He says, “Be strong in Me not in your self. Be strong in Me and in the power of My might for it is not by your might, nor by your power, but by My Spirit that you shall overcome. Extend your faith and come to me afresh and anew and I will strengthen you. I will give you what you need to make it through.”

Listen, whether married with children or a single mother, the Spirit of God desires to impart new strength to your body, mind, soul and spirit right now……..you do not have to leave this web page in the same condition that you came.

Will you let Him do it?

If yes, as an act of faith, raise your hands or touch your computer screen and say, “Lord I receive this impartation of your strength into every aspect of my being. ”

Believe you have received it and take a moment to thank Him for it.

In 1995, I spent Mother’s Day in hospital having just given birth to a still-born baby girl the day before. Seeing that we already had a son, my husband and I had fervently prayed for a daughter and now she was gone………what a Mother’s Day gift! That was a painful and difficult life event, yet in the midst of it all God enabled me to make the best of my Mother’s day that year.

Why am I sharing this?

To let you know that no matter what you face today, no matter how difficult your circumstances, by God’s grace you can make the best of your Mother’s Day too.

So, having said this, by His grace and in your newfound strength, go ahead and have a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “LOTUS STOCK PHOTO” by antpkr courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

POWERFUL WORDS ON MODESTY – NOTEWORTHY QUOTE 6

December 19, 2013Kim Sweeting 8 Comments

POWERFUL WORDS ON MODESTY – NOTEWORTHY QUOTE 6

“SELAH – PAUSE AND CALMLY THINK OF THAT”

Yesterday I was reading an article on the website charisma news.com called “When Christian Celebrities Dress Like Porn Stars” by Jennifer LeClaire (http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/42131-when-christian-celebrities-dress-like-porn-stars) and upon scrolling down to check out a few of the comments posted on Discus, I came across one by Suzanne Sarnicki Albrecht (Suzanne Sarnicki-Albrecht) a part of which I feel is worth sharing.

Her comment entailed a quote that is reportedly from Hana Ali’s book, “More than a Hero: Muhammad Ali’s Life Lessons Through His Daughter’s Eyes” and it addresses what her father said to her when she and her younger sister, Laila, arrived at his home wearing clothing that was quite revealing.

“When we finally arrived, the chauffeur escorted my younger sister, Laila, and me up to my father’s suite. As usual, he was hiding behind the door waiting to scare us. We exchanged many hugs and kisses as we could possibly give in one day. My father took a good look at us. Then he sat me down on his lap and said something that I will never forget.

He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Hana, everything that God made valuable in the world is covered and hard to get to. Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You’ve got to work hard to get to them.”

He looked at me with serious eyes. “Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered too.”

SELAH!

I believe that these are powerful and beautiful words for all women to consider and to share with our daughters.

Be encouraged!

Kim

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

Source of quote – “More than a Hero: Muhammad Ali’s Life Lessons Through His Daughter’s Eyes” – by Hana Ali

Related Articles

https://unwalled.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/fashion-distraction-in-the-house-of-god/
Precious by Muhammad Ali (christianmotivations.weebly.com)

AN ENCOURAGING POEM FOR MOTHERS

May 11, 2013March 16, 2017Kim Sweeting 4 Comments

AN ENCOURAGING POEM FOR MOTHERS

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

MOTHER

M – Militant

When the enemy attacks, do not fear. Do not cower down. Rise up in faith, engage your spiritual weapons and fight for the souls of your children. Remember you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus and greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:12 – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

2 Timothy 2:3 – “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

1Timothy 6:12 – “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

O – Overflowing with Love

Love your children always and remember that love also entails engaging discipline, setting boundaries and withholding some things for their own good.

I Corinthians 13:1-7 – “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity,but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

Galatians 5:6 – “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”

Hebrews 12:5-6 – “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

T – Trust God

No matter how bad a situation seems, remember you serve an awesome mighty, powerful, loving, wise, just, and holy God who sees and knows all about everything you encounter and who is well able to do exceedingly abundantly above and beyond anything you can ask, think or even imagine. Trust Him.

Psalms 18:30 – “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that in him.”

Proverbs 3:5-7 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him ,and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

H – Hear and obey the Holy Spirit

Remember that the Holy Spirit is the greatest teacher and counselor when it comes to parenting your children. Hear and obey His wisdom and instruction as revealed in the Word and spoken to your heart.

John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.”

Romans 8:14 – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God.”

E – Endurance

When things get rough, don’t give up. Hang on in there knowing that His grace is sufficient and this too shall pass.

Hebrews 6:15 – “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”

Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

R – Rest

Make sure your mind, body, soul and spirit get adequate rest. Here’s a little secret…..the world won’t fall apart if you take some time to nurture yourself….(smile). Remember you are not superwoman and you do have limits. Honor that and don’t let the enemy deceive you into believing otherwise and thereby gain a foothold in your life to break you down.

Matthew 11:28, 29 – “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Mark 6:31– “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

SELAH!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Kim

Image “Lotus Stock Photo” by antpkr courtesy of www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE TO MY MUM – JUDITH PAMELA THOMPSON

May 10, 2013May 10, 2013Kim Sweeting 8 Comments

A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE TO MY MUM

JUDITH PAMELA THOMPSON

MY MUM

I originally wrote this acronym poem using the letters of my mum’s name as a tribute to her on Mother’s Day of 2002.

I decided to post it as a Mother’s Day tribute to her this year because although written eleven years ago, the words are more true than ever .

Enjoy!

Kim

Jesus is in her heart

Uprightness is her goal

Dedicated to her family and church

Interested in gardening, magazines and Shera her dog

Tidy, she and dirt are no friends

Healthy, slim and strong

Proud of her heritage

Admirable career accomplishments

Makes a joyful noise unto the Lord

Exemplary lifestyle

Laughs a lot, especially at silliness

Always believes in prayer

Teacher, never mind her retirement

Helpful, always lending a hand

Outstanding cook, hhhm, hhhm, good

Mindful of the needs of others

PLP, all the way!

Survivor, still standing after many trials

Orderly, she likes everything in place

Noteworthy mother, and grandmother.

“A MOTHER’S LOVE” – JIM BRICKMAN

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MUM!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU TODAY AND ALWAYS!

Love,

Kim

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”

(Philippians 1:3 – KJV)

Video “A Mother’s Love” by Jim Brickman courtesy of blademan921 – http://www.youtube.com

A PRAYER FOR MY CHILDREN

January 10, 2013January 10, 2013Kim Sweeting

A PRAYER FOR MY CHILDREN

“A PRAYER FOR MY CHILDREN”

Father in the Name of Jesus I lift up my children to you today and pray that:-

They grow in their personal relationship with You and treat it as the most precious thing they have on this earth.

They remember to read, study, meditate on and obey your Word, all the days of their lives.

They never neglect prayer, praise, time in your presence or assembling for worship with other Believers.

They honor their father and me so that it may go well with them and they may enjoy long life on the earth.

They take care of their bodies as the temple of Your Holy Spirit, do all they can to keep healthy, fit and strong and abstain from sexual immorality.

They have the mind of Christ and exercise good judgment in every situation.

They be the unique individuals that You created them to be and not be ensnared by the bondage of comparing themselves to others.

They find and fulfill Your divine purpose for their lives no matter what it requires of them.

They discover and use all their gifts, talents and abilities to Your honor and glory and the advancement of Your Kingdom.

They always seek to do their best in every situation and be contented with the results, knowing that they did their best.

Their desire to try will always be stronger than their fear of failure; for You have not given them a spirit of fear and they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.

They work with diligence and excellence and successfully excel in their chosen careers.

They do well financially and govern their money as according to Your Kingdom financial principles, faithfully giving to You, taking care of their families, contributing to Your work, helping others in need and making wise purchases and investments.

They walk in Your divine favor.

They walk in wisdom beyond their years.

They come to know the gift of true friendship.

They joyfully embrace each stage of their lives.

They seek to honor You wherever they are, whoever they are with and in whatever they do.

They abide under Your divine protection.

They choose God-fearing, compatible spouses who love them and seek their best interests should marriage be a part of their future.

They faithfully pass Your Truth and the principles and values of Your Kingdom on to the next generation.

They always know that no matter what they face in life, You are always there for them, You will always love them, and You will never fail them.

Father I thank you in advance for the manifestation in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

(I John 5:14, 15 – NIV, 1984)

“Never stop Praying”

(I Thessalonians 5:17 – NLT)

Photo “HAND HOLDING ENGRAVED PRAY STONE” by thepathtraveler courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

WHY WORRY?

August 11, 2012Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

WHY WORRY?

It is very rare that I re-blog former posts, but this afternoon I sense that there are persons who need this word of encouragement.

I originally posted this on August 7th, 2011 under the title, “The Best Remedy for Worry About Your Basic Needs”.

I hope it is a blessing to you today and strengthens your faith

Kim

THE BEST REMEDY FOR WORRY ABOOUT YOUR BASIC NEEDS

“I DON’T WORRY”

Worry – “To torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret; to torment

with cares, anxieties etc.”

(www.dictionary.com)

Yesterday morning I went into my Mum’s garden to check the guava trees for ripe guavas.

As I approached one of the trees, a beautiful black bird with orange eyes and orange legs caught my eye.

The bird was perched on a branch looking around and enjoying the beauty and tranquility of its surroundings.

As I moved closer, the bird briefly glanced at me then turned its head and continued to look around.

I went inside, got a camera, came back out and took its picture and it still remained on the branch looking around, seemingly without a worry or care in the world.

As I observed the bird in its calmness and serenity, I thought to myself, you know what, I have never seen a stressed out bird.

I have never seen a bird burdened down with worry and care over where it will sleep or get its food………Have you?

This brought to mind the scripture in Matthew chapter 6 where the Lord spoke about worrying.

In verses 25 and 26 Jesus states:

“Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Amplified Bible)

Pause and think about that for a moment.

If God, your heavenly Father makes sure that the birds are fed, will He not take care of your needs as His child created in His image and purchased by the precious shed blood of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ?

Selah!

Why then do you worry?

Does it help you in any way?

In verse 27, Jesus states,

^“And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?” (Amplified Bible)

Selah!

Continuing to address worry, in verses 28-30 Jesus states:

“And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. [I Kings 10:4-7.]

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Amplified Bible)

Pause and think about that for a moment.

If God, your heavenly Father clothes the lilies and grass of the field that is here today and gone tomorrow, will He not clothe you,His child created in His image and purchased by the precious shed blood of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ?

Selah!

Jesus continues in verses 31-34

“Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?

For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.” (Amplified Bible)

So what then is the best remedy for worry about your basic needs?

Verse 33 holds a key.

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Amplified Bible)

The best remedy for worry about your basic needs is to prioritize God’s Kingdom and His righteousness then to have faith that when you do this in obedience to His Word, He will supply those needs.

To say it another way, the best remedy for worry about your basic needs is to prioritize God’s way of doing and being in all areas of your life and to believe that because you are doing this in obedience to His Word, that He will be faithful to keep His Word and supply all of those needs.

New Living Translation (NLT) puts verse 33 this way:-

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

So when the world, flesh and the devil try to bombard you with worry about your basic needs, remember the birds, the lillies and the grass and prioritize God’s way of doing and being and have faith that He will provide all that you need because of your obedience.

Be encouraged!

Kim