Month: September 2008

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Five

A. Knight

I love the time of year from November 1, all the way through to January. I love times of gathering, fellowshipping, and most of all loving one another.

Planning what we’re going to prepare to take to mother’s house was always top discussion between Wanda, Aimee and myself. We’d call each other every day to see if who had come up with some new fangled recipe. —To delight the others.

God is all about delighting us. I love what Beth said, “In the Jewish calendar, the fourteenth day of the first month is called the day of conception. If our God of perfect planning and gloriously significant order happened to overshadow Mary on the fourteenth day of the first month of His calendar, our Savior would have been born toward the end of our December. We have absolutely no way of knowing whether or not He did, but I would not be the least bit surprised for God to have sparked His Son’s human life on one Passover and ended it on another.”

Me either Beth. Aren’t we planners as well? When planning a celebration, don’t we try to work it out so that “everyone” can attend? I don’t know about you…but I like to think that the “taking names” (for tax purposes!) was something that God used as well. I mean Joseph and Mary had to travel back to Joseph’s home town. I kind of imagine that he had a few friends there. Perhaps some relatives. Just for my own contemplative thinking, I like to imagine that he couldn’t go to them at the late hour for a bed for his bride because maybe he wasn’t sure of where they lived now…maybe he didn’t know if he had anyone left in town…one thing is for sure….there was no room for them in the Inn. But God provided. By the time the wise men arrived on the scene, they were in a house (Matthew 2:11). Perhaps of a relative? I don’t know…but I do know…..God provided.

This is something I read today while searching out more on Mary. What her life may have been like up to the point of leaving home and going with Joseph. This is what I found and wanted to share it with you. “Mary had up to this time been living at the wrong place for Messiah’s birth. A little longer stay at Nazareth, and the prophecy would have failed. But lo! with no intention certainly on her part, much less of Caesar Augustus, to fulfil the prophecy, she is brought from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and at that nick of time her time arrives, and her Babe is born.”¹

The plans God has for you and me are just as detailed. When we leave the plans and directions to HIM, the Master Creator…we will find that it all works out. The pieces of the puzzle all fit together with a click as they snap in place. The job. The marriage. The finances. Even down to the decision of where to go to church. None of these are beyond His expertise!

When I read the page for day 5, I immediately thought “party”. I smiled thinking that we (or at least in our area), will turn any event into a party. Hurricane coming? Gather everyone in a safe place and let’s eat! Let’s play some games! What is that, if not a party?

Bible Study time? Gather them all together in the living room, get out some cups, plates, forks, napkins, make some coffee, have some juice or iced tea ready, plead with Jeff to make a cake with extra thick icing….and you have a Bible Study Party! You learn from the very heart of GOD and you have you some rejoicing in the kitchen with cake!

Baby about to be born? The waiting room is OURS! When waiting on that new arrival—there is MUCH prayer—some eating if he/she takes a while getting here…and then once that lusty cry is heard—it is all out party-time!

Christ’s birth is a day to celebrate! I agree with Beth, we don’t know the exact day. BUT we do KNOW He CAME. He lived. He died. He was resurrected. He lives TODAY! I think that is worthy of a celebration EVERY DAY of the year!

This is the LORD’S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23 KJV

Father God…thank you for tending to each and every detail of my life. All the way from the difficult ones I can see…to the miniscule ones I might not notice. I praise You, for even in the difficult days as yesterday was, I felt Your presence. I KNEW You had me in Your sight. Nothing escapes Your notice. Thank You for following so closely my heart. Take tomorrow and make it YOURS. For Your glory. Not mine. I love and praise You forever. In the precious name above every name…Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ~ Amen.

Please don’t forget, Saturday and Sunday have been reserved for your private–personal devotion time. Let us not neglect it. But cherish the time alone with the Father. He’s been waiting for just that time to share some personal notes with you! Come on back on Monday and share the delights of your soul and weekend with us! This week has been incredible to me. I have learned—and loved every minute of the study time. I find myself thinking about it while driving to and from work!

Have a blessed weekend and most of all,

Keep Trusting Him,

Angie

¹Jamieson, Robert; A.R. Fausset; and David Brown. “The Gospel According to Luke.” Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Blue Letter Bible. 19 Feb 2000. 4 Sep 2008.

Most of our pictures come from the movie The Nativity Story, which if you have not seen this yet, I highly recommend buying this one!

For Sisters of Faith

Praise HIM in the STORM!

A. Knight

This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV

What feels like a hundred weekends ago–but in reality it has only been thirty something, as Jeff and I were driving home from Gainesville, Florida…leaving a very weak sister behind…my heart was the heaviest I had felt for some time.

This song came on the radio and my tears fell like the rain that was pelting the windshield of the car, as my heart wept for the “unknown”. Our family had been in this place with her before. Watching Wanda struggle. Watching the enemy try and drain her very life from her body. But friends, family and even complete strangers began to pray. People that didn’t know Wanda began to call on the Father on her behalf….and Wanda’s little body began to strengthen—for a time…until her time came.

She had some very tough times…but her strength was amazing. Her faith was incredible. She held on to her faith when it seemed I had to search sometimes for mine. Hers remained steadfast and strong.

I am reminded of her faith and strength especially on these days when I have troubles arise and I look to the heavens for my help. I KNOW where it comes from…it comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. There is not a day that passes that I don’t think of Wanda in some way. I probably always will. That is okay. For I will soon see her! That is a promise we have from the scriptures. I cling ever so tightly to that.

If you haven’t been on the Sisters of Faith site for any of the Bible Study yet, I encourage you to meet me over there. I have found the LORD so real and amazing! He has delivered His message into our hearts from the words penned by Beth Moore in her book, 90 Days with the One and Only. I have been blessed….and I FEEL what He is doing in my life. I also feel the enemy balking and trying to discourage me in my journey….but I carry on!

Denise, my melt down came yesterday. A bit lingered today…but I carry on. I grasp on to the hem of His garment and allow Him to pull me to my feet and we walk ahead. Ever reaching…ever stretching….ever running to the mark—to the place He has laid out for me—the place that takes me home. Home. Heaven.

Take His hand dear friend….He will never leave you nor forsake you…but will fill your cup as you lift it up…of HIS incredible annointing…CARRY ON!

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Four

A. Knight

Can you feel the excitement in Mary’s words? When I was reading the scripture text Luke 1:46-55, I could sense Mary realizing the blessings God had given her. Notice: Mary stopped to praise. In verse 46 she said”My soul doth magnify the Lord.” She may have been a humble handmaiden, but she had a way of expressing her praise and gratitude to the Lord that surpasses any teenager I have heard today, let alone any adult. She had a profound ability of edifying her Lord and Saviour.
The words in verse 48 speaks volumes to me as Mary said, “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” Within herself, she recognized she was a “lowly handmaiden,” but in Him she was “blessed.” I too am nothing without Him! Today is “Thankful Thursday,” and I’m thankful “He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Need.” – I guess this could be my song!
As I was thinking about everything Mary was saying to Martha, it dawned on me this thought: God provided someone to believe Mary’s story and someone to share in her excitement, that would understand. It is so special to have a friend that you can tell your secrets to, someone that accepts you. I’m sure Mary felt rejection from some in her family and others probably doubted her story, but God gave her Elizabeth. God understands a woman’s needs and provided for her. Ain’t God good?!
Beth stated, “Mary’s song reflects twelve different Old Testament passages.” His word was in her heart. What song is in your heart- one of hurt, one of despair, or one of praise? Let’s sing praise!
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Three

A. Knight

When I read Beth’s first question posed to us…I sort of laughed. I mean, we probably all have the same answer there. Or, maybe not. Since I am from a small community, I answered according to the way things were (are). 1) Everyone knows everyone; and 2) Everyone knows everything. There is good and not so good in both of those. I say that with a grin on my face.

2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” NLT

Beth uses the above scripture reference and I like it in the New Living Translation, but the word “troubles” in the KJV is “tribulation” and in several other translations it is “afflictions”. If I were to put that same verse in “Angie” vernacular it might read something like this (pardon the paraphrase please): He comforts us in all our stuff, the issues that we can’t seem to overcome, but by His miraculous grace in our lives, we do—we “get” it. So by His example of comforting us —He wants us to give that same comfort and love to another when we see them dealing with the same stuff. The same problems. Don’t judge, just help.

I love the picture that Beth paints for us with her words describing Mary, her possible age, her characteristics, etc. In verse 35 of Luke 1 the angels words bear a surprising jolt to Mary’s senses, and then verse 36 offers Mary the solution to any (and you know there were some) possible questions she might have.

I have typed what seems like a kazillion letters at the law office where I work. Almost always after giving the description of the “enclosed” documents, we end it with a sentence, much like Gabriels “hint” to Mary was in his statement regarding Elizabeth. Our sentence reads: “Please call us should you have any questions or concerns.” I just know little Mary had some questions. And without a doubt—some big time concerns!

I love the quote from Beth’s book that she used on page 16. Re-read it now if you have your book handy. I especially love the last sentence, “Women are like that, aren’t they? We long to find someone who has been where we’ve been, who shares our fragile places, who sees our sunsets with the same shades of blue.” I can tell you from my experience, I wanted to KNOW what it was like, what I could expect and just exactly how long will this last? This would encompass not only birthing babies, but in every aspect of child rearing and life events…I wanted to KNOW!

I am glad that although the answer to those questions may not be exactly spelled out in the Word, there are those that have blazed the trail of faith before us written therein of which we can read, learn and be encouraged that by the faith they had—their complete trust in the LORD, they made it…showing me that I can and will too!

Before we leave Mary today, I want to point out something that I have missed in my reading before. Probably because it’s not spelled out. It is in the unwritten of the story of Mary. Her bravery. Can you imagine (I will continue to say that a lot), leaving your mother (the one who you have learned EVERYTHING from) and traveling a distance on foot, in a completely unexpected pregnancy, to a village or town where, most likely, she had never gone to alone before. They probably always traveled as a family. But for this journey, Mary is alone.

I imagine she looked to the heavens for comfort at night, sought solitude, perhaps even hoped that by some chance the angel Gabriel might appear again to give further instructions. I liked what Bernadine and Aimee said about Mary being alone. In our solitude, where we seek God in our complete honesty and wide open heart—He can best meet our needs and minister to the brokeness and the questions that maybe we have in our own lives.

When the greeting between Mary and Elizabeth had passed, and warmth and family was felt, I am like Beth. I believe that they shared tender conversations. I love what she pointed out that while Elizabeth was expecting her son, Mary was expecting her LORD. This completely blows me away. Totally. That takes me back to the Christmas song by Mark Lowry, “Mary Did You Know?”

In all the excitement of the visit between the two, I know they must have conversed in hushed tones. The secret of Mary’s pregnancy was not out for public knowledge yet. But for Elizabeth to be able to keep that—oh, it must have been hard! Surely her face gave her away when she looked at Mary? Do you think?

I remember when I found out that Wanda and Mark were to adopt a newborn. They wanted to surprise everyone. (I sort of found out before hand.) But I was sternly instructed, “you cannot let them know that you know!” Know what? Right. I was good. But when the day came for the unveiling, or in this case, the unwrapping of the little pink blankets, my heart nearly burst and my eyes flooded. As did everyone else in the house that day. What an incredible joyous time! That was better than standing outside the delivery room and hearing a new cry for all of us. For this infant miracle came to a couple that could not have children. This miracle of life came to a young woman who prayed daily to have the blessing of motherhood. And like Elizabeth, her prayer was answered. Wanda wasn’t as old as Elizabeth when Victoria was born, but it was miraculous, nonetheless.

The love between Mary and Elizabeth is more than likely greater than many Aunts and Nieces. For good reason. I am glad that this story was not overlooked. I am thankful that we have it to read and learn from. When the Lord lays a job at your feet, or places a passion in your heart, He will also put someone in your path or life, who at sometime has felt or gone on the same journey.

Father God, Your unlimited love and mercy amazes me daily. As You pour blessings into our lives, help us to pour them right back out on others! Oveflow our hearts and lives with the Holy Spirit as never before. Give us wisdom and knowledge as we continue in Your Word. In the holy name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray~Amen.

I am loving this study! See ya’ll soon!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Two

A. Knight

Welcome to day two of Jesus–90 Days with the ONE and ONLY.

“How can this be?”

I have said this in a little different wording, more like: “Lord, I don’t know how you can do this.” Some of our sister, Wanda’s last words were, “I don’t understand.”

It’s all about the same thing – trust.

Trust goes beyond hoping so – it’s believing with all our heart. Mary did question, but she also believed. When we look at things through human eyes sometimes there seems no way – but with God – He is “the way, the truth and the life”.

When we add Him in the equation it balances out every time. Our circumstances may be like Algebra: when you figure out what the variable is, or what “x” equals, and put the answer in for “x” – it works every time! In our life equation “x” = God! He’s the answer.

Beth asked, “What would we do if God never called us to greater things that were more His size?”

Maybe we need our faith to speak up and go ahead and request the “biggie” like, instead of : “Lord, save my child,” say: “Lord save him, and saturate his life with the Holy Ghost, and use him to be a mighty man of God!”

When Mary actually trusted and surrendered everything to the Holy Spirit she said, “Lord I am your handmaid.” In other words, “Whatever Lord – I trust you!” This is the biggie!

I once read somewhere that “Faith is like holding a hand in the dark.” Maybe it is dark where you are in your life – just keep holding His hand.


Dear Lord,

Thank you for this time with You. You are my faithful friend. Thank You for sending Your “One and Only” Son to save me. Help my desires mimic your desires, making me more like You. I pray a special blessing for those today that are joining with us on this 90 day journey that You would draw us close and breathe on us with your presence. Help us answer “yes, I am your handmaid” to everything you’ve called us to do–In Jesus name–Amen.

Join us back here tomorrow for another day with Angie, as we journey on. Don’t forget to read in your own book and make your own notes!

Keeping the faith,

Aimee

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

The Bible Study *2008*

A. Knight


~~~~~~
The Bible Study will follow this post. We would like to thank each of you for joining and participating with us on this journey! Just a couple of things to know as we begin: We will be taking turns writing the devotions on each day and will be using the comment section to respond to each one of you! We regret that, with the time involved, we won’t be able to ‘visit’ each one individually everyday, but will stop by as time allows.

The weekends will be yours to study and reflect on your own. Feel free to share with us any nugget you take away from those two days! We will meet each of you back here each Monday morning (barring any computer problems that may arise—as I have had this weekend—which prevented the scheduled posting of this blog!)

We want you to know that YOU are appreciated! And to show our appreciation to you, at the end of the Bible Study, we will be having a “give-away” among the participants. I have a list of names, but some may have had something come up. So we will use the comment section and my e-mail inbox, as well as anyone that attends church with Aimee or myself that may be following along and can’t comment. Just be sure you let us know that you are reading along and studying with us!
We are expecting amazing growth in our own spiritual lives–and in yours as well! Keep us updated on how things are going for you. Invite someone to join us on this journey!
Above all—keep the faith,
The Sisters,
Aimee & Angie

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day One

A. Knight

Welcome to day one of Jesus– 90 Days with the ONE and ONLY.

Give Him the Name Jesus.

Jesus. What do you feel when you hear His name? Power? Peace? Comfort? For me, all of those and more.

Beth Moore asks the question: “What hope does He stir up in your spirit?” I listed out several things —-as just saying His name in my mind pushed the play button of my life’s tape. I saw myself at various times “relying solely” on His name. Remembering lying prostrate on the floor crying out His name is usually first in my heart and mind. I felt the peace that only His name brings.

It is hard to fathom what might have been Mary’s feelings being told this news. Trying to “place myself” in her shoes, I think I would feel completely unworthy. Totally aware of my own human nature—afraid of failing El Olam, the Eternal God, the Everlasting God.

El Roi–the God who sees. Nothing is hidden from His view. Aimee and I shared a recent devotion from Psalm 139. The psalmist David said “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise.” That is the perfect picture of God’s all seeing, all knowing eye. His eyes are omniscient. I wrote in the margin of my book, “nothing is hidden from His view.”…Nothing. He’d been watching Mary’s life. He had been watching the way she was brought up. He watched and knew her obedient and willing heart. It was not one put on for show. It was honest. Sincere. Considering that nothing is hidden from His view, I wonder if Mary tried to recall any part of her life for closer examination. I know that every single time I have been asked to participate in a project—or take on a new assignment for the LORD, my shortcomings and all the areas I feel unqualified in come rushing to the forefront of my mind like the ocean waves crashing on the shore. I wonder if this happened to Mary.

Beth reflects a bit on the “whereabouts” of Mary—suggests what she might be doing. I don’t know why I have always thought this—but for some reason, I have always pictured Mary in the barn–doing her daily chores. Going about her daily routine…perhaps she was contemplating God. Maybe–singing a song of praise to the top of her lungs! Or quietly humming to herself.

No matter where she was—it is evident—she was alone. As Aimee and I discussed recently—knowing that Mary was alone gives us reason for reflection in our own lives. Aren’t we usually “alone” when we feel the Lord speaking to our hearts? We feel that nudging in our spirits—that causes us to pause and lean in to Him for a listen? Has He ever told you something in the deep part of your heart/spirit that took your breath away? I imagine that for Mary—this visit from Gabriel—simply made her catch her breath! I can almost hear her intake of air as she realizes that she is no longer alone!

“Highly favored”, were the angel’s words. I have recently witnessed two different fathers expressing to their daughters their love and complete admiration for them. Not only for what they have accomplished in their lives…but just because they belong to them—they are part of them. They are proud of them—and it shows in the smiles—the love—and the words of affirmation. I think that is something that God was expressing through the angel Gabriel, “Mary, you are highly favored!”—Sort of even saying “He’s been watching your life!”

The exchange between Gabriel and Mary has always intrigued me. Many years ago I wrote a play for our church for a Christmas production. I found myself longing to have a “hidden camera” for the scene between this pair! Her racing pulse must have been evident to Gabriel because he quickly assured her with “fear not”. And, I like to imagine, when he spoke aloud the Name the infant was to be given —peace swept over her like a warm blanket. It does for me.

Jesus

A more powerful name does not exist. But not just because of the name itself—Beth relayed that it was a commonly known/used name in those days. However,it is the Owner of the name that brings the peace and power!

I was so blessed by this first day of study—as we joined Mary in the “barn” —(or wherever you have pictured her!) I was glad to be privy to this intimate conversation between the messenger of the holy God and the daughter He chose to bring His life into the world. I have really thought much about my own life—and how I conduct myself on a day-to-day basis. I know there are many times I fail. But as the microscope is targeted on my heart—I am allowing HIM to peel away the pain from the past years and create clean flesh—remove the stone—and the areas where I may have begun to harden due to some harsh realities of life. I WANT to be a fit vessel. I want to be considered “favorable” by Him.

I hope you have answered the questions she posted for us on page 5–these are personal reflective questions…I answered mine—laying my heart bare for HIM to know and see. I write in the margins of my book and use a highlighter as well. You do what suits you best! Above all—listen closely for what He may say to you in these 90 days! I am looking forward to this journey with you!

Father in heaven, thank You for this incredible Gift of life that YOU freely gave to each one who chooses to believe and follow Your path. I am unworthy of this on my own…but through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus—we are made worthy—His bride! Fill me with wisdom and knowledge as we study Your Word. Help us to be able to share this love with others! This incredible love! Thank you for this opportunity! We give You all the praise—in Christ’s name we pray~Amen.

Sisters of Faith—we journey on! Aimee will be sharing from her heart tomorrow—so read up! Be ready! I love you all!

Keeping the faith,

Angie