November 2014 – Jeff & Angie

Don’t Forget To Write!

November 19, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

I started it in 1988. The pages are yellowed with age, but the words are strong: Proverbs 10:29(a) KJV “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright:”. . .

Then I went on to Proverbs 3:5-8 KJV—one we all know by heart. “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. It shall be health to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.” Thus was the beginning of my prayer journaling. It should have been called my Skippy journal. Or “Sporadic Journal”. That’s what it seems to have been. But I know I kept on praying…I just didn’t take the time to journal. I had two small children and they kept me hopping from the time my feet hit the floor until I collapsed on the bed at night.

What caused me to unearth this book from it’s resting place in the bottom of a drawer was Wanda’s prayer journal. I have hers. One day someone will have mine. I now realize the value of the written word. Touched by her hands, words scratched out with pen or pencil from a sincere heart beating with the love of Jesus Christ. It has great value to me–for inside are her thoughts on the WORD of God. Her prayers and her struggles, along with pages of praise!

I just noticed. Mine is much the same. Favorite scripture quotes, insights and prayer needs. In essence, a journal does a lot for the writer, but for the reader down the road, it offers great encouragement!

When troubled about a situation I would write it out. Then, when God gave me the peace through His word or through prayer, I would write out the answer or the change of attitude. Wanda did the same. It has encouraged me to see and know that I am not alone in the struggles that I face daily. You aren’t either.

In a conversation with a dear friend recently, I commented that cards or notes of encouragement is something that I try and send often. The best time—is when I have needed encouragement myself! I usually put scriptures or a prayer for the individual and pray for them as I write. You have no idea how much this act of love can help the “sender”. And then the extra blessing when the “receiver” gets the card of encouragement in the mail and they are lifted up and know that someone is there along side them in their pain. Praying.

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

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV (emphasis mine)

Dear friends, I see and feel the day approaching. Let us get about the business of encouraging one another daily. If you have an address for the individual, use the mail man. If you have the e-mail address only, use it! Always share with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ~for in His Word is power—and I tell you today—with all the urgency in my heart—we will need all the power He can and WILL— pour on us as we go about the business of sharing our love and faith in Him to others!

I’ve been here before. As a matter of fact, I believe as the past 300+ have passed, many changes have taken place in my life. Some were unexpected. Some changes I began to see hints of in 2013. I re-read some journal pages from last year just this morning–and saw where some of it began.

I will leave you with words from Paul to the Thessalonians—they are good for sharing to our hearts and lives today! “But I don’t need to write to you about the Christian love that should be shown among God’s people. For God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, your love is already strong toward all the Christians in all of Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we beg you to love them more and more.” I Thessalonians 4:9-10 NLT

Trusting Him,

Angie

Bolivia

Holding Emmanuel

November 17, 2014October 28, 2020 A. Knight

100_3976Emmanuel Sounds more like a Christmas post…and maybe it will be- but it’s been on my mind. The feeling from holding him.

Emmanuel.

One of the guys from our ministry team is making Christmas ornaments to sell as a way to raise funds for upcoming projects and when I saw the ornaments, one ornament, emblazoned with His name, reminded me of the baby in Bolivia. And the Baby in Bethlehem.

Every single one of us is drawn to the babies, and this was my one chance to hold him without one of the others trying to get at him. I held my hands out, he leaned in and I took him. Soft baby. Freshly washed baby fragrance, I inhaled deep. Remembering my own babies. And their babies. I asked his name. “Emmanuel”, she said. No translation needed. I felt my heart speed up with my writer’s mind whirling–I was “holding Emmanuel”. The other team members had oooed and aahhed over him, a few had held him–without knowing his name. But I asked–because names are important to me–I like to connect somehow with those that I talk with–even when through a translator.

He leaned his little head on my shoulder and I began to whisper a prayer of thanksgiving for him, a prayer of protection, and for God to create in him a strong desire to serve and follow Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus Christ. Son of God. Tears (which seemed to come often this trip) burned, mixed with the dust that was flying that morning, I was so –so- so grateful to God for this moment. For me to recognize a “God moment”.

To hold Emmanuel–we must recognize our need for Him. Holding Emmanuel is a privilege. We must seek Him. Just as the wise men and shepherds, we will find Him when we do.

And, when we hold Him, it will change us.

The holding. It’s a purposeful act–a deliberate decision to wrap our arms, minds and heart around Him. Measure the feeling when you hold a baby. Is it possible? I don’t think it’s quite measurable. The feeling itself encapsulates our being. We are privileged to have experienced that opportunity. But–God didn’t decide to come to earth as a baby –just for us…..He came for the world. (John 3:16)

So that we all might have the opportunity…and there are millions who don’t know. Millions who have never been afforded the chance to hold Emmanuel. Never had an introduction. What are we doing about them?

Dare we look in their eyes and say, “I’m sorry…. we cannot give you the chance to know Jesus…you live too far away”….

“Your life is too different than mine”.

Those words won’t hold up in court. The Court. We will all stand for our own selves. And what we did when we were given the opportunity to hold Emmanuel–will come to light. Did we hold Him? Did we share Him? Give– so that others might know Him? Go so that others might See Him? Live? –so that others might want Him? Do we pray so that they might find Him?

Holding Emmanuel changed me. I wanted to stay there–and help his mother. I wanted to be her friend.

But I knew –for now, I couldn’t stay. I handed him back with a prayer and a promise that I would indeed do my part to see that others like him, and his mother–and those other little ones running around playing would have the opportunity to hold Emmanuel. And know Him. And serve Him.

Father, I thank You for that trip. For all the things You showed us–and all that we experienced. I pray that we brought glory and honor to You and not shame in all that we did. I ask that the fire we felt in our souls that week–burn even stronger as we make plans to return–and make plans to go beyond the comfort zone of our lives–as we embark on unknown places to reach the unreached. Let our feet and hearts follow Yours. May we bring You glory daily–until we’re Home. In Your most holy name–Amen.

Focus Forward Ministries

Holding Emmanuel

November 17, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Sounds more like a Christmas post…and maybe it will be- but it’s been on my mind. The feeling from holding him.Emmanuel. One of the guys from our ministry team is making Christmas ornaments to sell as a way to raise funds for upcoming projects and when I saw the ornaments, one ornament, emblazoned with His name, reminded me of the baby in Bolivia. And the Baby in Bethlehem……

Click the link to read the rest. Here’s where we are these days… “jeffandangieknight.com“

Be sure you sign up on our new website. We will use it for ministry, missions, and blog purposes. 🙂

The ministry site is: focusforwardministries.com

Life

Intentionally Sacred

November 15, 2014November 15, 2014 A. Knight

A scrap of paper was all I could find that morning, but I knew I had to record what I felt. There was a significant pause that I felt as I entered the room. This room was no ordinary room. It was the space that my brother-in-law used as his meeting place with Christ–every morning. There was a pause indicative of time with God here. Tangible. The hush stalled me in the doorway and I slipped off my shoes.

My senses came fully aware of everything in an instant. The feel of the nubby texture of the carpeting underneath my feet; the ticking of time; and my breathing.

The clock reminded me of the time that is passing. Hours, minutes and seconds swiftly escaping-never to return.

There was a holy hush in the room. The ssshhh sound of aerated water coming from the filtered faucet. Water from a backyard hose makes an altogether different sound.

I eased into one of the wing-back chairs and remembered what my sister, Aimee said about this style of chair–with its tall sides, “feels like I can lean over and rest my head on the shoulder of God.” Yes, that’s it exactly in this reverent room.

Windows directly across afforded an expanse of creation that was breathtaking. Growing things and flitting wings; both birds and butterflies.

Deep breath as the Presence of Holy invades–as a permanent Resident. He knows this place. He knows His place. In me–all of me. I ask for more. Tears sting as a song of praise fills my mind. He’s so good.

Outside this world, this intentionally sacred place, there exists a cacophony of actions, things that would pull the mind and body into a distorted knot–the minute the feet left the threshold. But inside, the ointment, the oil of healing–mind, body, and soul, was applied. But it’s all a choice. Yours and mine.

Before I asked her, I knew holy discussions ensued in this room. His prayer room. My brother-in-law, the minister. The one younger than my Jeff, yet he was the one who offered us John 9:1-3, when we were waiting on our first born. He was the one we went to at every stage of change–good or bad, through-out our married life. His relationship with his Father was felt in the room. I could still sense it. The residual effect of times spent in the Presence of The Holy One stung my eyes as they filled and spilled down my face. Like the fragrance of incense. It remained.

The sound of snapping lids closing containers tight brought my mind out of its place of prayer. Life. Constantly reminding us we are here for a season and purpose.

I rose from my seat and began going about the room recording the light changes with pictures–wanting to somehow preserve the feel of the room.

There are many times I feel that sacredness in my own house–but it must be an intentional action. The feeling is not often enough. I’ve not been as intentional as life cries out for it to be.

Toma told me that morning that she and Whit had always shared the front room for devotion. As I walked into that room I felt the same Presence of God hovering–as if beckoning me to pause. To be intentional. To rest there… I can’t linger. My heart wants to–but my mind pulls me to hurry through the day.

I imagine that the same thing happens to you.

Friend, there is something –or rather Someone found in the sacred moments of a pause. To be intentional about creating a sacred place in our homes and hearts. I have to work at it. It won’t happen accidently. Even placing things in the room in such a way that brings harmony. Sacred moments don’t happen without us being intentional about seeking Him.

That morning my scribbling words on a scrap of paper marked me. I came home and wrote it in my prayer journal. I needed to pull those moments back in close. To remind myself to become more intentional about everything.

“Life. Living intentionally for eternity”, became the focus. A new season for us. We stepped out in faith to the unknown. Really. Even today I know without God, none of this is possible….but hand Him an impossible situation–and He is ABLE.

Living an intentionally life of sacred holiness will not happen by accident. Purpose and passion is demanded. Giving up our rights to ourselves. When God speaks, nudges, or whispers to us–something is required. Sometimes “action”–but other times, “stillness”. Too often we mistake the action for stillness-the pause.

Father, help me recognize Your Voice. Help me to become more aware of You than ever before–I long to live intentionally sacred before You. I give You all of me–holding nothing back. All glory and honor goes to You! In Jesus holy name, Amen.

Focus Forward Ministries

Go For Launch

November 13, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

We have been so blessed. I cannot come near knowing how to describe what I feel inside.

For the last few years–and still now, I have felt God nudging me along with “more” in store…”More” in my mind…like you walk into an ice cream shop–and you smell the freshly made waffle cones, but as you look down the long line of glass topped freezers, you know there is MORE in store –you haven’t yet tasted what your nose is telling you is there…but you know there’s MORE.

That’s what I’m feeling.

We have launched our ministry website— Focus Foward Ministries, Inc. We are so grateful for all the prayers–all the hearts that have joined–and for every donation (tax deductible) that will come in to help us build—reach—teach/disciple—minister–all for His glory and kingdom. I know there’s more. I believe for things I am yet to see come to pass.

There are children without homes or parents and they need a safe place to grow up. There are babies that need to be held and loved. There are sick who need tending–and water that needs pouring.

Our personal web address has changed for ministry purposes– and I hope you have signed up “over there” for email updates. I cannot express the blessing YOU (dear reader) have been in my journey of faith– you have prayed–lifted us up to our Father–and encouraged us. thank you.

What lies ahead is exciting–but it will also STRETCH us all. Yes, even you.

I read this morning in 1 Peter 1:8-9 HSCB:

“You love Him though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

What a powerful word to my heart this morning–YES, we’ve not seen Him in flesh–but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have seen the activity of Jesus Christ–and the actions in others as they carry the Gospel to other nations, as they give everything in themselves to obey the call that God has burned in their soul. We hope we can also be that example of faithful obedience. That call is a burning–a feeling of more than indigestion–it’s a continual gripping of heart and soul. For Jeff and myself, only satisfied when we are on that foreign soil.

Tears fall as I type this, because I know–the TRUTH in Christ and there are millions who don’t. AND millions who’ve not had a chance. And it’s our responsibility and duty as believers to insure that they get that chance….by whatever means we can.

Please visit our page and check us out, and sign up for our Newsletter by mail. Thank YOU for standing with us. It’s all…ALL for Him.

faith, Life, Missions

New Steps of Faith!– Oh! The Places We’ve Been!

November 2, 2014October 21, 2016 A. Knight

We’ve not yet been everywhere He intends to take us…but the affects of Cambodia, Honduras, Bolivia will forever be embedded in my heart and life.

Jeff has ministered and built for the kingdom of God in Alaska, Jamaica, Peru and Bolivia…but we’re not done…there’s more fields to harvest–more work to be done, and we need many hands to do the job!

Every missionary that came through our church doors has pulled at my heart. I would sit and listen and then my eyes would reveal the condition of my heart. My heart yearned to walk with them. Talk one-on-one with them, in their location. On the very soil where their hearts were changed. And it happened again and again–and we admitted we were no longer satisfied with “just” doing the every-day-normal routines. We had to do more.

To find out the “more”…. I’m going to send you on a quick journey. I’m going to encourage you to pray for us as never before. I going to squeeze back tears as I reveal what God has so graciously been doing in our lives in the past several months.

It’s not been a “sudden” decision–it’s been a long waited out–long thought and prayed out decision–only made after several joined with us in prayer and we sought godly counsel over the changes in our lives that would ensue.

I (Angie) left my job in 2010 at the law office to embark on —who knew what–because I felt such a strong call–beckoning–from God I could simply not ignore. He proved Himself over and over throughout that whole process.

Then, in 2011, God nudged again–to both of us. It was time to make further changes. We became part of a wonderful mission minded church and was honored to served as their mission pastors. Jeff led 4 mission teams to Bolivia, and 2 disaster relief teams to North Alabama after tornadoes ripped through neighborhoods leaving families without homes–or the ability to clean up in the aftermath. We had great teams. Hard working teams–who, sought God for direction and financing to be able to join us. Oh, how grateful we have been for the hands and hearts who have worked along side us–not flinching at the sweat- or the unusual food. But loving the sight of the change in the lives we sought to help. And every member of each team is affected.

Fast forward: 2014. Again we feel God moving and working in our lives–more changes on the horizon. We enlist some of the same godly counsel to help us pray and seek God’s direction and perfect will for our lives. Messages from the pulpit, passages of Scripture and words from others align with what is in our hearts. Change is once again upon us. This time a bit different.

We have launched a new web/blog site and I would like to encourage you to please sign up for the emails to be slipped right into your inbox. That will be the best way to stay up with what’s going on in our lives–and the lives of our “team members!”

To see what comes next…go here: jeffandangieknight.wordpress.com/

To journey with Christ is the most life changing experience…what you “think” is going to happen, often doesn’t.

Our focus is set on Him. We don’t look back at what “was”, but at what He has ahead. Although we can’t see the future, we know He has a watchful eye on our lives. Please pray with us, journey with us and listen as He might even be calling you to step out of YOUR comfort zone…and follow Him.

Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and 14 I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 GWT