Month: October 2008

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Sixty-One

A. Knight

Luke 13:31-33

As I read Beth’s observations from this passage, I thought of my “child” that has the determination—which some called stubbornness. Hard headedness. Strong willed. As difficult as it may have been in raising her, the streak of set-determined-will, paid off in her young adult life. When she accepted Christ as her personal Savior as a young child, she never thought of another path. It was her determined purpose to live for Him. She was never a “follower” as my older child, and while she might not necessarily “lead” others, she certainly was not put off by those whose path did not align with hers. She had her mind made up. Don’t think her perfect—she will be the first one to tell you “loudly” she is not. But her heart follows closely to Christ Jesus.

The determination which Christ spoke in verse 32 had to shake the leaves on the trees. That’s what I imagine anyway. I see His eyes flash and His cheeks flush with the determination of a made up mind. Then He lays out His path, clear and straight. Absolutely no room for changing.

What if we lived every day with such a determined purpose? How would the day flow? I think right now, it seems almost impossible for me. The weather has a lot to do with it. Weather? Yes, crazy as it sounds—it’s a fact of my life. The colder the weather, the further down I bury myself in the covers. Snuggling deeper into the thick warmth, prolonging the fact down to several minutes after the fact I should have already been up!

When it rains…same thing. Knowing full well I need to be up and going…getting myself prepared for the day ahead. The sooner I am ready and leave the house, the sooner I get an hour of solitude with Christ. But I linger. Because of the weather.

What about you? What stumbles your feet in your day? When your plans run amuck, does it throw your whole day into somersaults of confusion? Or, is your plan of heart so set that you find some way to fulfill what God is calling you to no matter what.

I want the set determination that Christ had that day. For Him, the plans were made. I often say, something is or is not “in concrete.” To me, either it’s changeable or it’s not. On the Sisters of Faith Retreat, I had prayed for weeks for the Lord to direct our steps, plans and anoint the time together. He did. Although I planned certain things for certain days, the weather hindered the schedule. Did I panic? Nope. I learned a lesson about 5 years ago—give your day to God, allow Him to do the scheduling and leading —and it can’t go wrong. Try and do it all by yourself…the ship will sink every single time. The day it rained on our retreat, we simply switched the plans from one day to the other. And God anointed our time.

He has a plan and purpose for each heart and life that seeks to follow Him. I long to fulfill His purpose. I want to be usable in His divine plan of leading souls to Him.

Father God, You see our hearts. You see the day while the stars are yet twinkling. I ask You this morning, take our days and work Your perfect plan into each of our lives. Show us ways where we can bring You ultimate delight! I give you my today, my tomorrows—thanking You for the forgiveness of my yesterdays. Go with each one this weekend and give us a word over the next few days, directing us into what You desire. We continually seek Your face—for Your will. Not ours. In Christ holy name~Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

I hope you all have a blessed weekend. Not many days left. I have been missing Regina and Gail. Girls, you are loved and prayed for. I hope to hear from you to know that you are all right 🙂

Denise and Denise, Bernadine, Regina, Janice and Gail (and all those who have read along–but kept silent 🙂 )–you all have no idea how much it has meant to Aimee and myself to have you join us each morning/day in this time of study. The days of study that are coming are so good. I would like you all to join with us in prayer for one another—for our study to “sink in” to our hearts. For us to be able to meditate on His word–and what He accomplished for us. I love you all!
90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Sixty

A. Knight

Luke 12:41-48

When I read these scriptures I always think about those that have known and had a relationship with Christ and have turned away. Possibly, this is even someone you know who has been brought up in church and the ways of God and walked the opposite direction. Paul speaks of a “falling away” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” Sadly, we have already been seeing some “falling away.” I want to have my full armour on and be found ready!

This past weekend on our “Sister’s Retreat” we focused on “being a servant,” and this is what our lives should be about, serving others as unto the Lord. It’s not about us–it’s all about Him!

In vs. 41 of our study today, Peter asked who He was speaking to with the parable. Vs. 42, Jesus explains the servants, as all of us, being ready and working diligently for, and seeking Him.

Looking at vs. 47, He speaks of one that knew God’s will, but didn’t carry it forth- they will be punished. Beth asks a question today about- are those in leadership held to higher standards. I believe God expects more from those that have heard and know His word. In the Old Testament, God expected a bigger and better sacrifice from the Priests than the layman. Leadership is a big responsibility.

Let’s remember to pray for our leaders. We need to join together as Christians and pray for one another. His coming is drawing nearer.

Obviously, we can’t stand around outside everyday looking at the Eastern Sky, but we can work for Christ and His kingdom as we know our days here are limited…He’s coming soon! I love to sing the words- “This World is not my home, I’m only passing through, my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue…..” Hold on my sisters, He is coming soon!
I love you Lord, and I’m honored to get to work for you, as a servant. I love you more everyday! Your retirement benefits are “out of this world!” Many of us have lost loved ones and we want them to make it in. Please, deal with their hearts- soften their hearts and change their minds. Help us not be swayed by the enticements of this world. Thank you for all the dear sisters that you’ve blessed us with. You are so good to us. I praise your holy name. May we continue to wear your armour everyday to “fight the good fight of faith.” In Jesus name–Amen.
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
Thankful Thursdays

Swallowing a MOOSE??

A. Knight

Hey everybody~ my friend Heather…from Swallowing a Moose has created a special Thanksgiving Blog…just for TESTIMONIES! I think it is awesome! It’s called Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving!

It is a culmination of all our Thankful Thursdays (sort of)!

Iris of Grace Alone began Thankful Thursdays and it is growing and glorifying Christ in the heart of every single visitor! WE are encouraged to look up! To be thankful! To lift the chin of another! Which is exactly what the LORD wants us to be doing! While it is yet day!

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 NIV

I am so thankful for shared sunsets! The beauty of the evening sky was captured by us amateur photographers on our Sisters of Faith Retreat! The palette of colors used by God is so magnificent, it is not found in any box of Crayola’s!

I am thankful for the beauty that He shines into our lives when we take the time to look! (This was one thing touched on Wednesday night during Bible Study.)

I am thankful for healing of my Aunt Evielean and my dear friend Susan! I am believing God to complete His perfect work in their lives and bodies!

I am thankful for the opportunity to meet Julie on our trip and help her celebrate her birthday…no we didn’t discuss numbers! That’s not important! Since my coming birthday will mean forty-sssssseeeeeevvvvvveeeeeennnnn years of blessings….we don’t go there.

I am thankful for friends, family and faith. I am thankful for salvation. For while I was yet a sinner, Christ had already made provision that I might have eternal life. In GLORY!

I am thankful for ALL He is teaching me as we are on this journey of dedication of time and heart with the 90 Days With the One and Only by Beth Moore. I have wept over many of the pages of words as they have penetrated my heart and soul. Christ is giving us a clear picture of ourselves—-and an even greater picture of what He desires us to be IN HIM. Through the pages of His life and journey while on this earth. So, if you have been thinking…”Angie just ain’t writing anymore”… honey, let me tell you, ask Jeff. I have had my face in the book(s) and in front of the computer every single night, along with my sister Aimee. You just have to trot over to the “Sister’s House” to find us! Sisters of Faith!

I am thankful for the dedicated hearts that have joined….as well as the lurkers, who simply read and pray along with us. (They think we don’t know they’re out there….) Thank you all!

I am thankful for YOU. For each blog I read, the Lord confirms over and over His amazing love for each heart and life. He shows me continually that each heart, touching another heart is part of His divine plan and purpose! YOU have touched my heart…just by stopping by!

Have a blessed weekend! Be sure and drop by Iris’ place for more thankful hearted testimonies of God’s goodness!

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Fifty-Nine

A. Knight

Scripture Reference Luke 12:35-40

Have you heard the commercial for a certain motel chain? “We’ll leave the light on for ya!” I thought of this when I was reading Beth’s comments.

How do they know what time I will arrive? They don’t. But they are prepared. The bed is made. The towels are clean and everything needed is at hand. I’ve only visited that particular chain of motels once or maybe twice in my life. They had the essentials. Nothing extra. I like the breakfast bar. The fresh coffee and cereal or biscuits in the morning. Sorry. This post is not about that. It’s about being found ready. Let’s move on.

When we were growing up, our mother worked as a bookkeeper in a nearby city. About a 25 minute drive from our house. We knew that every single day she expected the house to be neat and if she had something laid out for supper, and had given me instructions on preparing it, she expected to smell it when she walked in.

Well…you know we were kids. I was (still am), the oldest. Then Wanda, Aimee and finally, bringing up the rear was the baby brother. The ONLY boy. Got the picture? He was a mite bit spoiled. Didn’t have to do anything much…except be a bit annoying at times. THANKFULLY he grew up! Thankfully….we all did! (We really had a great family of kids—and mother was the icing on the cake!)

We had it timed down to the last minute. Mother got off work at 5. That meant that we had to hustle if we started at 5 to have everything “sloppily done” by 5:30. Most of the time it was done right. But I am SURE there were those few times that it was just slopped through. We would goof off watching TV—Gilligan’s Island, Beverly Hillbillies (this was when they were only re-runs in the afternoon…before any such thing as Nick at Nite or TVLand) or we’d be playing…and sometimes…doing homework! (Imagine that!)

But I think back to those days and wonder at our silliness. Why didn’t we just do as we were told? So many distractions. The TV. Games. Fun stuff to keep us otherwise occupied. A time or two, the 5:00 alarm just sneaked up on us!

There will be no warning alarm. We are told in the Word to “be found ready”. Be prepared.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:14 NIV(emphasis mine)

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. 2Peter 3:10-12(a) (emphasis mine)

That pretty much tells it all. Right? I am praying daily for the Lord to show me where I need to change my attitude—repent—renew my mind! I want to be found doing what He has called to the best of my ability. I want to be found ready. Not on the way to getting ready. The 5:00 alarm will not give us a 30 minute warning.

Let’s get busy for Him. Doing what He has called us to do.

Father in heaven, I am here. Again. Asking You to use me—to fulfill Your desire for my life. Show me where I need to be molded into a fashion that You set out for me from the beginning. Pull my path back in line with Yours. Keep me straight. Help me have the vision that You have. Help me have the love and compassion that You desire in each of us. Teach me. I thank You for each heart that stops by here to read and study. I want more of Your word than ever before! Fill me up! In the holy name of Jesus I pray—believing with all my heart!~Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Fifty-Eight

A. Knight

Luke 12:1-34

Good morning sisters. I hope after you read the scriptures for today you felt the same hug I did from the Lord. He loves us so much He said in vs. 7, “…ye are of more value than many sparrows.” This reminds me of a cute little story I read some time ago in a book entitled: “Messies 2” by Sandra Felton. In the introduction, Sandra shared the story of a South Sea islander named Johnny Lingo that fell in love and went to the parent’s home to bargain for his bride. It was written that she was “a very shy girl and just a shade short of homely. The going price a groom had to pay for a bride was between two and five cows. The women often compared the prices

they had brought.” Well, it ended up in the story he offered and paid eight cows for her. They went off on their honeymoon and when they came back a man came to deliver a package to their hut. Johnny had purchased an ornate mirror for his new bride and it was delivered to her. When the delivery guy saw Johnny’s bride, she didn’t look like the same “homely” girl he had always known. She was a “radiant beauty, basking in the confidence of her husband’s love and esteem.”

When she went in the hut, the man asked Johnny how she had changed so much, and Johnny answered, “I have loved her since she was young,” he said. “I have always wanted to marry her, but I knew she felt unworthy to be my bride. I bought her for eight cows so that she would know and all the village would know how valuable she is to me. That knowledge brought the change you see.”

That story reminds me of what God paid for us… His only Son. We are valuable to Him. Some people just don’t see how much we are worth to Him–more than eight cows my sisters! I love vs. 27. He tells us he clothes the lilies. He wants us to seek Him first. Vs. 31 says: But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (When we seek Him first, all those other things will be taking care of.)

So many times we worry, and it does not change a thing. I once told my mother, when she was reminding me to turn a situation over to God I was worrying about, “Let me worry about it a little and then I’ll turn it over to Him.” We both laughed. But I admit, that’s what I do, if only I would go ahead and give it to Him from the beginning, I would save myself a lot of stress. I guess, I try to think I could fix it or figure out a way the Lord should fix it and save Him some time. (Ha!) My Father knows best. He is right 100% of the time! Friend, let us continue to seek Him, and remember vs. 34: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Thank you Lord for reminding me today of your love. Help me not be a greedy person that wants to hoard up treasures down here. Help me lay treasures in Heaven…lasting ones. If there is a sister that is feeling worthless or has listened to the lies of satan, remind her of the price you paid for her. We are your bride, help us reflect the attitude of your name. Since we carry the name Christian, may everything we do, honor you and serve you. Father, sometimes I get busy with the cares of this life and I forget to seek you first. Forgive my slackness and help me look for you in everything I do- first of all, I humbly pray. In Jesus name– Amen.

All you “eight cow” women come back tomorrow for more of “90 Days with Jesus.” Angie will be sharing Day 59.

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee
90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Fifty-Seven

A. Knight

Luke 11:24-28

“We were created by God to be inhabited by His Spirit. We were not created to be empty. The vacuum in every human life does not yearn to be fixed. It yearns to be filled.” Beth Moore.

This past weekend, we spent a glorious time in what some might call “extreme fellowship” with one another! It was fantastic! Aimee and I gathered with several ladies that are precious to us—some related by blood–all are related in Christ! One thing we shared on Friday during one of our sharing sessions was the fact that in these days…more of God is needed in our lives than ever before.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 NIV I am afraid that there are many that feel that the way they have chosen is the right way, simply because they don’t participate in things that are harmful or evil. But unless you bring your whole heart and soul before Jesus, in a posture of repentance….the way you have chosen does not lead to life…but rather to death. Eternally.

I want my Father to do the “path choosing” in my life. It’s not enough to just not participate in the activities that can be harmful that the world participates in…we must fill our lives with people and activities that are beneficial to our Christian walk. Fellowship with like-minded believers. That’s what this is. We gather here with one mind and one goal. To learn more about Jesus Christ. More about the life He lived. More about the live He gave. Willingly.

I shared with the ladies that not only do I have to not watch excessive amounts of TV, but I have to read and study excessive amounts of His Word. If I want it to saturate my soul. And I do. I want more of Jesus in my heart and life than ever before. I have only scratched the surface. There is so much more. He wants to be so much more.

I expressed my desire for Him to so fill my heart and soul, that there is no room for anything else. I want my desires to be what He desires for me.

I read these passages of Scripture and I immediately thought of my sweet husband. When he gave his life to Christ Jesus, he was bound by a life of sin and drugs. When God touched his heart and life and Jeff knelt at an altar of true repentance, the desire for that lifestyle left him. He began to desire the things of God. I didn’t know him at the time, but had the opportunity to meet the minister that lead him to the Lord. He discipled Jeff in his new walk with Christ, as well as his younger brother, Cliff. God has done amazing things in our lives since then.

I won’t tell you that it has been a picnic. It hasn’t. But it has not been alone.
The enemy tried various things to try and lure him back to a life of sin. But God gave him strength. As we fill the places of our lives with Christ, where we were once bound in sin, He can give us the full coverage protection that is needed! It is so far better than AllState. They just think they are the good hands people. I know the GOOD HANDS FATHER! He never leaves His children unprotected! We are fully covered!

Thank You Lord for keeping Your mighty hand on each of our lives. YOU and YOU alone are the Source of our strength. I give my all to You. Take our lives and use us to fulfill the desire You have for each life. You path and plan is the best way, show us that way. Lead us on that path. Thank You for putting each life in this study together. I praise You awesome holy name!~Amen.

Keeping the faith,


Angie

For Sisters of Faith

Awesome Retreat!

A. Knight

Whew! We are back home! I loved the fellowship…I loved my time with the wonderful “sisters”…but I love love love my man and am so very glad to get back home to him!

God moved in amazing ways all weekend. He orchestrated the most incredible time of Bible Study, fellowship, singing, reading, sharing, laughter, tears and much prayer!

I hope that next year will be even bigger! You wanna join in the fun and fellowship? We would make room!

I was able to meet Julie of Jewelz Sightings! INCREDIBLE! I felt like I had known her for years! What a sweetheart! We had breakfast together and the Lord was just so sweet to give us that time together! She even helped “direct” us to some fun shopping when I got us turned around….imagine that! Susan from Count it All Joy was also able to be a part—along with several “other—sisters”. Officially adopted into our family of love!

We expect the Lord to grow this annual event! No telling what He will do next year! Let me know if you’d like to participate!

Don’t forget…I am still over at the “sister” site….for the Bible Study—“Sisters of Faith”…pop over with your cup of coffee! We’d love to have you!

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Fifty-Four

A. Knight

Read Luke 10:25-37
Jesus always knows the answer. He won the debate! The lawyer thought he could prove how knowledgeable he was himself, but Jesus blew him out of the water! He wrote the Book! (I love that!) However, Jesus kept the right attitude- he was not showing off- just showing love.

This is one of my favorite parables in vs. 30-35. The Good Samaritan was an example of God’s love for humanity. So many times, it may seem easy just to turn the other way just like the priest and Levite did, because we feel we don’t have time or we don’t want to get involved. But Jesus wants us to be the neighbor that reaches out and helps.

When my husband and I were youth pastors, we once did a play called “The Good Samaritan.” It was so powerful in depicting these characters in Jesus’ parable. The young-people put their heart into it and the part was so moving when the “good Samaritan” helped the beaten man. The play had a little twist in it, because the “Good Samaritan” died and there was a funeral for him and later it showed him standing before Christ at the throne and he entered into the “joys of the Lord,” and then a trumpet sounded and Priest and Levite stood before the Lord and they didn’t make it in and they were crying and naming every good deed they had done, but Christ said “depart from me I never knew you.” The young people did a marvelous job and I’ll always think of this when I read this story.
Recently, I heard a song on the radio called “Broken Ones” by the Talley’s and I tried to load it on this blog, but I couldn’t. But it talks about a little girl finding a rag doll and loving it. Then the little girl grows up and helps people that is struggling in life, and then it talks about how Jesus loves the broken ones, too. It has a very good message. May we all find some way to love the “broken ones”.
May God bless all you sisters with a great weekend!
Dear Lord, Help us be the kind of neighbor you would have us to be. Use us to reach out, and when we reach out in your love, we are your hand extended. Don’t let fear stop us or being too busy, hinder us from obeying your voice. Thank you for using someone to touch my life so many times. Remind us today of the “good Samaritan’s” choice. Thanks you for loving us and “never leaving us or forsaking us” when we felt unlovable. In Jesus’ Holy Name- -Amen.
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Fifty-Three

A. Knight

Do you see what day it is? The clock is ticking on our Bible Study….as time is for each of us to get His message out!

Scripture reference: Luke 10:17-24

I can’t fully explain what I feel while typing this….my fingers are dancing though. All over this keyboard! So much excitement! The joy of what Jesus was feeling purely leaps off the pages here! Imagine if you will with me…our Lord, excited! The joyous light that must be twinkling in His eyes as His own mind goes back to what He knows and remembers!

Think about it like this. What do you feel when you sing a upbeat spiritually moving song? Well—I don’t know about you…but if a choir consisting of Shirley Caesar, Dottie Peoples, Larnelle Harris, Janet Paschal, The Gaither Vocal Band, Natalie Grant, MercyMe, Barlow Girl, Big Daddy Weave, Sandi Patti, David Phelps, and throw in some Casting Crowns were all singing the same song…”Oh, I WANT TO SEE HIM”…. I can tell you right now, there would be some jumpin’ and shoutin’ and I would lead the “jericho march”. Ya’ll may not know what I am talking about…but—that’s okay. It may be just a Pentecostal Southern thing. I was going to add Vestal Goodman (she was my all time favorite growing up) to the list in my choir…but I realize…her song is now….”Oh I have seen HIM! SHE IS SINGING around the THRONE!!!

Read these lyrics…tell me if you’d shout… (try something different…read it out loud!)

Oh, I Want to See Him
R. H. Cornelius, 1916
Copyright: Public Domain

As I journey through the land,
singing as I go,
Pointing souls to Calvary—
to the crimson flow,
Many arrows pierce my soul
from without, within;
But my Lord leads me on,
through Him I must win.

Refrain:
Oh, I want to see Him,
look upon His face,
There to sing forever
of His saving grace;
On the streets of glory
let me lift my voice,
Cares all past,
home at last,
ever to rejoice.

When in service for my Lord
dark may be the night,
But I’ll cling more close to Him,
He will give me light;
Satan’s snares may vex my soul,
turn my thoughts aside;
But my Lord goes ahead,
leads whate’er betide.

When in valleys low I look
toward the mountain height,
And behold my Savior there,
leading in the fight,
With a tender hand outstretched
toward the valley low,
Guiding me,
I can see,
as I onward go.

When before me billows rise
from the mighty deep,
Then my Lord directs my bark;
He doth safely keep,
And He leads me gently on
through this world below;
He’s a real Friend to me,
oh, I love Him so.

Refrain:
Oh, I want to see Him,
look upon His face,
There to sing forever
of His saving grace;
On the streets of glory
let me lift my voice,
Cares all past,
home at last,
ever to rejoice.

Now sisters…I don’t know if you are still sitting …but Jesus looked ahead for that band of followers…all the way through the portals of time and saw the finish. He saw the end of the game as it were. As Beth said, the scoreboard read: Believers 72, Satan 0.

I wish we could all be in one room—I can’t play a piano…my sister Aimee’s husband can play the white off the keys…and this is not him playing….but it sounds like him….hit play and enjoy this awesome organ…this is Oh, I want to SEE HIM!

This is a good time to say—have a blessed day! Go with a song in your heart! Rejoice…He is about to call for His Bride!

Keeping the faith,

Angie