Author: A. Knight

A devotional writer, speaker, mission-trip-taker, difference-maker. All with my best friend and love of my life.
faith

Our Faith

A. Knight

We learned by example.  Our mother was our example…and she lived Jesus.  Every single day.  Good times and bad–Jesus was there.  She still lives that example today.

We were raised in the Assemblies of God faith.  We stand firmly planted in the belief’s of the fundamental truths today.

These are nonnegotiable tenets of faith that all Assemblies of God churches adhere to. This list is derived from the official Statement of Fundamental Truths. Click links below to see the complete original statement with scriptures. (Taken from the General Counsel of the  Assemblies of God website.)

  1. WE BELIEVE…The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.
  2. WE BELIEVE…There is only One True God–revealed in three persons…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity).
  3. WE BELIEVE…In the Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s son Jesus was both human and divine.
  4. WE BELIEVE…though originally good, Man Willingly Fell to Sin–ushering evil and death, both physical and spiritual, into the world.
  5. WE BELIEVE…Every Person Can Have Restored Fellowship with God Through ‘Salvation’ (trusting Christ, through faith and repentance, to be our personal Savior). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
  6. WE BELIEVE…and practice two ordinances—(1) Water Baptism by Immersion after repenting of one’s sins and receiving Christ’s gift of salvation, and (2) Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper) as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death for our salvation.
  7. WE BELIEVE…the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Special Experience Following Salvation that empowers believers for witnessing and effective service, just as it did in New Testament times. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
  8. WE BELIEVE… The Initial Physical Evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is ‘Speaking in Tongues,’ as experienced on the Day of Pentecost and referenced throughout Acts and the Epistles.
  9. WE BELIEVE…Sanctification Initially Occurs at Salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike.
  10. WE BELIEVE…The Church has a Mission to seek and save all who are lost in sin. We believe ‘the Church’ is the Body of Christ and consists of the people who, throughout time, have accepted God’s offer of redemption (regardless of religious denomination) through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.
  11. WE BELIEVE…A Divinely Called and Scripturally Ordained Leadership Ministry Serves the Church. The Bible teaches that each of us under leadership must commit ourselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, to build up or edify the body of believers–the Church and to Meet human need with ministries of love and compassion.
  12. WE BELIEVE…Divine Healing of the Sick is a Privilege for Christians Today and is provided for in Christ’s atonement (His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins). [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
  13. WE BELIEVE…in The Blessed Hope—When Jesus Raptures His Church Prior to His Return to Earth (the second coming). At this future moment in time all believers who have died will rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air, and Christians who are alive will be caught up with them, to be with the Lord forever. [1 of 4 cardinal doctrines of the AG]
  14. WE BELIEVE…in The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. This millennial reign will bring the salvation of national Israel and the establishment of universal peace.
  15. WE BELIEVE…A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.
  16. WE BELIEVE…and look forward to the perfect New Heavens and a New Earth that Christ is preparing for all people, of all time, who have accepted Him. We will live and dwell with Him there forever following His millennial reign on Earth. ‘And so shall we forever be with the Lord!’
Missions

Words from Wanda

A. Knight

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Have you ever had to wait on something? Waiting is sometimes the hardest thing to do. In this life of instant everything….perhaps we forgotten how to “wait”.

These are some thoughts that have been on my mind in this most recent episode of heart problems. I have had health issues all of my life—so you would think I would be used to the onslaught of enemy attack by now. Or at the very least, I would know what and when to expect it. But yet again….I am caught off guard. In my weakened physical condition…the enemy attacks the spiritual “me”. Isn’t that where we are all most vunerable?

I have spent my fair share of time in waiting rooms. Waiting is tiring. Watching others come and go…while I am still waiting. When we are in God’s waiting room it is for a reason. He may be trying to speak to us. Are we listening? Or, have we forgotten how to listen? In this noisy world, do we find ourselves just listening to the roar of the world, instead of keeping our ear tuned for the calming voice of the Lord?

Do you hear….from the depths of your heart….”be still and know that I am God”…. It’s time to stop and listen. Sometimes difficulties may enter our lives to “slow us down”. I have discovered that many times we “cover up” the voice of the Lord with busyness. We stay so busy we have no time to spend in prayer or the Word. Are we afraid of what He might say….or are we afraid of what He might ask us to do? I have found myself feeling this. In discussing this with my sisters, we all seem to feel this way. Afraid of what He might require us to do. We need to remember—He won’t ask us to do anything that He won’t guide, direct and qualify us to do.

When we finally stop and listen, however the “listening” came about, it is worth the wait. We realize with clarity that the enemy was trying to “steal” something from us all along. He kept our focus and attention on other things….demanding things. But we must stop—-and listen.

Since I have been home from the hospital, I have found myself being attacked during the night—by the enemy of my soul. When I am plagued with thoughts of fear and the uncertainties of life, I try and pull as many scriptures in as I can recall, almost as if I am pulling up a comforting quilt to warm my body and soul. A couple of my “strength verses” are, “By His stripes we are healed”; and “Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world”. I have to remind myself over and over of the promises of the Father in order to get even a minute of peace. Sleep does not come easy these days. I cling to the promises of the Lord. I am listening to His voice—I want to be obedient to His calling.

Jehovah-Shammah ~ the Lord is there;
Jehovah-Rophe ~ the Lord who heals; and
Jehovah-Shalom ~ the Lord is peace.
Thank you for praying for me. Keep it up. The Lord is not finished yet!

Keeping the Faith,
Wanda Jakelsky 🙂

© Angie Knight-Sisters of Faith 2007.   All rights reserved. 

This post was written and posted January 24, 2008.  Wanda’s one and only blog post–yet these were not her only words to us.  As her sisters, Aimee and I have been honored to hear wisdom pour from her heart and mouth on many occasions.  The last few weeks of her life, she spent more time reflecting and less time talking.  Talking required more oxygen than she was able to expend.  Reflecting on things from God–soaking in Him.  Getting ready for her departure.  I believe she knew.

Many times I wonder at the secrets He revealed to her.  By a knowing smile that she gave me the last time she spoke, I know He had been telling her some pretty incredible things.  Oh sisters, I wish you could have seen that smile.  I was the only one who did.  Aimee was behind the bed, looking through the cabinets in search of a pillow to make Wanda more comfortable.  I was on a stool, near her face, trying so hard to etch it in my memory.  As if I could ever forget those beautiful eyes and that smile.
The secrets He shared–she has experienced today.  Wrapped in the glory of Him in heaven she breathes celestial air today! No more oxygen, no struggling to speak or walk, and I just imagine she is running!
I hope you know the One she called Father.  If you don’t, I invite you to sit at His feet today and share with Him your burdens.  Wanda would say the same.  Learn about Him. Invite Him into your life.  Ask Him to forgive you of your sins.  Prayer is key to a relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you never had a conversation with those you are closest to—would you be very close for very long?  I don’t think so.  In order to be close to Jesus–to hear HIM speak, we must be in constant communion with Him.  Prayer is that communion.

If you have made a decision to follow Christ today, drop us an e-mail.  We would love a chance to pray with you.  Maybe you just need a little “concrete” poured into your decision.  Be resolute in your walk with God.  You will never regret a relationship with Him, but if you don’t have one, I guarantee you, there will be a day when you will regret you didn’t stop and seek Him out.

May I pray with you?

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you have allowed us to visit in this way today.  The incredible individual that has stopped by has a heart to know you.  I pray today that You will make Yourself known to them.  May they find the peace which Your Word tells us, keeps them as they seek to know You more.  Father, I lift them up to You–go with them from this spot today, may they be blessed as they hear Your Word and act according to Your Word.  Surround them with Your presence, and may they know they are loved by You!  In the Holy Name of Your only Son, Jesus I pray, Amen.

Missions

The Sisters of Faith Bible Study Give-Away!

A. Knight

For our sweet sister-participants…you know who you are—Denise O., Denise W., Bernadine, Gail, Janice and Regina! We are having a give-away and YOU are included! Girls, you may not have met Janice–but she was a participator of the study daily—but she had trouble with the commenting portion—but she checked in with Aimee weekly on the study.

We are so thrilled that you could join us! We had a couple share with us they enjoyed reading along as they could and several were already involved in a study elsewhere…that is okay! What matters is that we are each digging in to HIS WORD!

We are going to have a video taped drawing for the prize of a gift basket of goodies! Aimee is preparing the basket of a book (details forthcoming); and an assortment of goodies—I really want it to be a surprise! (Can you actually BELIEVE I am going to TRY to keep a secret??)

The drawing will be held next week and you will be notified of your ‘win’ by e-mail and on the Sisters of Faith site, as well as my personal blog, Knightly News!

Sisters, we would be amiss if we didn’t thank each of you for praying for us during Thanksgiving. You knew how difficult this first Thanksgiving would be without Wanda. Christmas will be as well, but we draw strength from your prayers and our faith in HIM.

We love you dearly!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie and Aimee

P.S. I need to know if you have your own Sisters of Faith T-Shirt. I think I have mailed everyone their size. PLEASE let me know via e-mail (av_knight (@) hotmail (dot) com

Christmas

The Perfect Gift

A. Knight

The song, “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” rings in my head…I can’t seem to keep myself from humming. (Lyrics by John F. Wade)

Oh, come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant!
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the king of angels:
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.

Never fails, every time I get to the part “Oh, come, let us adore him”…I begin to feel the tears in the back of my throat … I begin to feel the Spirit of heaven singing in my heart…I adore Him.

What it must have been like that night to have been one of the shepherds in the field…just minding their own business…minding the sheep. When out of nowhere…an angel appears!

If you have ever been at the hospital when someone dear to you has just given birth, and you have been asked to “share that good news” with other loved ones, you know that feeling of excitement you get in your heart as you begin to make calls and give the details of the birth. The size. The weight. Whether he or she has hair….who does he look like? Sharing the details of the birth is exciting! I remember well calling family and friends after my grandchildren were born…the joy I felt— the relief!

The angel chosen to deliver this blessed message to the “loved ones” must have felt such excitement! The night may have went something like this…

Just as the shepherds were beginning to wind down, as they rested around their campfire from a long day of “sheep watching”…some watching furtively…some sleeping noisily. When suddenly a bright light seemed to shine all around them, as the angel from the Lord made his sudden appearance. A few possibly even yelled out in fright or astonishment (same thing—they were scared!), but the angel calms them with his words… “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

Did you get that? This great joy is for you and me. Even on the days we don’t feel this “great joy”….it is ours. This gift of joy is like none other. This Gift of Christmas is like none other. This gift does not require a specific size. He is a one size fits all. He fits into each heart that He is given access. All we have to do is send out the invite….He accepts. It is not even necessary for us to “clean house” before He gets there….He does the cleaning once He moves in. He tells us what should stay and what should go.

As calm settles in each shepherds heart, the excitement and wonder of the news begins to bubble up inside their hearts, as they recall stories they heard from their fathers of this very night!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given….and he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end…” Isaiah 9:6-7

Who does He look like? How much did He weigh? These are questions that usually only women would ask…so they didn’t ask. But the angel gave the pertinent details. Where they would find the infant God (John 1:1; John 1:14) . Lying in a manger. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. (Luke 2:11-12)

As the excitement of this news rustled in their hearts, it was also bursting in the hearts of the angels that were “eavesdropping” from behind the heavenly curtain. And they could hold it in no longer! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men “. About this time, they may have even broke out in a chorus of

“Oh, come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant!
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the king of angels:
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Oh, come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.”

As quick as the angels departed…those shepherds did not waste a single second…they gathered their flocks (I would imagine—because, of course, these were diligent shepherds!) and made haste! “Oh, come, let us adore him, oh come, let us adore him, oh, come let us adore him…..Christ the Lord!” They sang as they traveled….as energetic as if they had slept all night! The adrenaline was coursing through their veins, as it probably was the sheep they were herding on their way.

They were about to behold the Gift of Christmas…the very first Gift. The ultimate Gift. The perfect Gift, from the Giver of life.

As they arrived, out of breath, chest thumping hard, more from the excitement than from the run…they looked into the sleeping face of Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father…the sweet face of the Mighty God and experienced something they had never known before. I believe they felt as I did the night I invited Christ to live in my heart. Clean. Whole. Complete.

“Oh, come, let us adore him…..Christ the Lord.” And adore him they did. They bowed in adoration. As they looked on the tender face of that first Gift…they were privileged to be among the first to behold Him. They couldn’t linger long…for news like this must be shared! And from the joy in their hearts they shared the delight of this incredible night!

This is the perfect Gift to give others…not only at Christmas…but throughout the year. We can give Christmas…all through the year….. “Oh, come, let us adore Him…..Christ…..the Lord.”

Father, I am so grateful that You gave….You gave us Life….through the life of Your Son. I adore You. I worship You. On my face before You I ask that You cover my life with You…so that I am not seen, but You are. May we all share the love that You poured out that night so long ago into the lives of each of us. All of us shepherds…just keeping watch over our flocks….give us that burning, exciting desire to share Christmas on a daily basis. In Your most holy Name~Amen.

From December 2007 Archives of Knightly News and my submission to Laced with Grace December 2007

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Days Eighty-Nine and Ninety

A. Knight

Scripture reference: Luke 24:36-49

I decided, since we were concluding today, to add both days. I have no idea what Christ has done in your life through these past 90 days, nor you mine. But if He has done similar to you—what He has done in me….girls, I don’t know how we sit to type!

There have been many days in this journey, after reading your comments and reading the pages I have wept before the Lord. This has tendered my heart in so many ways.

Now as Beth has shared with you her thoughts on the fear, fright and temporary unbelief of Jesus’ own, I feel another direction. Let’s look at verse 45 of the passages we read from today. “Then he opened their minds to understand these many Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

He had explained. He had held out His hands and directed them to see His feet! What more evidence did they need? Still they were unsure. I like what Beth said in her paraphrased version, “Boys, you don’t have a mental file already prepared to stick this information in. This one won’t compute intellectually. Quit trying. Just behoLd and believe.” Right. Have faith. Show a little trust here.

I have been praying for God to reveal the Word to me—my mind—my heart—and to show up in my life! I want HIM to work fully in me and through me!

The Scripture reference for the final day of study is Luke 24:50-53.

Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. They worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. (NLT)

I remember when I was an older teen, at my home church, a revival broke out in a powerful way. Souls were saved, lives forever changed and God was sought. I remember going to school the next day after particularly awesome services when the Holy Spirit was so strong and still having that “high”—that feeling of awe at what we had felt. God was moving—because people were seeking. Are we seeking Him with the same fervency today?

In 1Corinthians 15:2 Paul writes in a letter to the Church at Corinth… “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”

Beth writes, “Jesus Christ walked the way of humanity so that humanity could walk the way of God.” He paved the way. He gave us the perfect and ultimate example of life. Of love, grace, mercy–compassion–and true fulfillment of a life following and seeking God with all our heart.

What do we do with what we have learned? Well, He gave me the exact word on a day and at a time I needed it most of all.

The day that Rese, my dear friend and pastor’s wife from my home church, called me to ask if I would be willing to speak at the Women’s Christmas Tea. Well, after I told her that I would and hung up the phone, the enemy started. Immediately. “You’ve been to this before—do you remember how many women attend this?”

“Yes I do!”

“Do you possibly think you can do this?”

“With Christ I can do all things.” Of course the Lord was speaking the rebuttle to my heart—from what I had learned over the years of leaning on and trusting in Him. The ride home that day was long. Very long. I cried most of the way. Talking with God. Trying not to listen to the enemy.

When I had almost made it home, I was praying to the Lord, “Father, You remember I did tell You that I would do anything You asked of me. But Lord, You know I’m not a good speaker. You know how I sound? Do You remember?” Well of course, He reminded me He knew EXACTLY how I sounded! (I really ask Him stupid questions.) As I drove on, I asked Him to show me—tell me—let me know what You desire of me—‘if You would only just speak it out to me!’….and then He did. Right before my eyes and right straight as an arrow into my heart. Oh how I love Him!

Crossing a bridge, about 3 miles from home, a white van comes up on my right side on the 4 lane. On the side of the van is a picture of a cross, some sheep, and the words, “Feed my sheep.” I started squalling. Not a pretty site. I began thanking Him. I have never before seen that van. But He meant for me to see it that afternoon. He meant for me to see the message. The one to me. Personally. He is such a personal God.

Sisters, I have to tell you—ask Him for what you have need of. Seek Him with all your heart. Live for Him and walk with Him. Devote your self and time to Him as never before. I want to be found working in His fields. I want to be found doing what He has asked of me.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. (2Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV emphasis mine)

Sisters, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to meet with you here everyday. I can’t say when I have ever enjoyed anything as much as I have this. You are a strong bunch of women! God sees your strength—and He will use that strength to bring glory to Him!

I leave you with Beth’s closing words, “He is changeless. But you and I were destined for change. So determined is God to transform us, we cannot draw near Him and remain the same.”

I want my life to reflect Him. Everyday—in every situation. More of Him and less of me.

We love you sisters!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

P.S. Don’t leave just because this study is finished! There will be a give-away among the sisters that have joined us! Also more news is coming on the “testimony blog”, Joined Together. Please consider sending me your testimony—maybe something particular—or how you found Christ! It is a great encouragement to others! We will start that up soon!

P.S.S. Details of the giveaway will be posted next week—so check back! And the next study—which will begin in January (not sure when exactly) will be forthcoming!

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Eighty-Eight

A. Knight

Happy Thanksgiving all you sweet friends!!! May your day be filled with His bountiful blessings. I’m so glad you came to join us for a few minutes out of your day. If you are like me, it is a busy one, filled with lots of traveling, cooking, visiting family, and eating. We’ll diet Monday, right?! Our Bible study will soon be coming to a close and I’ll say I have loved it! I have enjoyed getting to study more about Jesus. Let’s continue on today with Beth on: “Snapshots with Jesus.”

Read Luke 24:13-35
Angie and Grandbuddy are the camera crew in our family. They are always making pictures at our family get-togethers and I’m so glad they do. We have some very special family memories captured. What about God’s family photo album? Like Beth said, “We can look back and see all the times Christ was there and we didn’t even know it.” He is not the news reporter with the “Heaven’s Gates Post” or the “Daily Christian’s Life Chronicle” waiting for us to goof up, but He is holding the special memory album for us to see Him with us in our everyday snapshots.

This time of year people are eager to have their children’s picture made with Santa or themselves with Santa. Makes me wonder, “If people knew Jesus was ready to have them in His picture, how eager would they be?” Would they be so eager to show it to others or would they poke it down in the bottom of their picture box, not wanting friends or co-workers to see?

Have you been away from Him so long you have forgotten what He looks like or would you immediately recognize Him? It took two walking on the road to Emmaus time to recognize Him. We get so caught up in our on cares and concerns that we forget He is there with us. I would have loved to hear Jesus expounding on the scriptures like He did with those two followers. He took out time for them, and came right to where they were to share His presence with them. He loves us and wants to share His presence with us. What kind of pictures does He have to share with us or snapshots?

I see the astonishment on the Emmaus fellow’s faces when they finally recognized Him. I picture them with eyes as big as saucers. I imagine they thought, “It’s Him… It is true!!!” Were they not as close to Him in the past as they should have been to recognize Him? I pray I would. I want to even know my Lord’s whispers. I believe this closeness only comes with spending time together. Spend some time- extra time thanking Him today for who He is and what He has done.

Join us here tomorrow with Angie with Day Eighty-Nine, “A Frightening Peace.” I love all you dear sisters!

Heavenly Father, I come to you today thanking you for sharing your “One and only” Son with us. You’ve opened the album for us all to see. Thank you for your love for us, and I want to say that I love you with all my heart. I’m thankful for this time with you today. Help us all continue to grow in you, mold us and shape us in the women of God you would have us to be. May this devotion today remind us that you are always with us, even when we are unaware. In Jesus’ name I pray–Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Eighty-Seven

A. Knight

Scripture reference: Luke 24:9-12

I hope you could feel the excitement of yesterday’s discovery! Aimee shared it with a full and overflowing heart!

I love that He chose us. To tell it—to share it—to be a part of His ministry! When they “went back” to tell what they had discovered…they met the same faces filled with incredulity that you or I would see if we were to tell someone that gas was now on fifty cents per gallon! Some of us might simply choose not to believe, while others might grab our purse and scurry off to the nearest gas station to “see for ourselves”.

I think Peter had the heart that longed for more fellowship. He longed for a chance to “feel” the love coming from the Teacher. His Lord. His Savior. If there was even the slightest possibility that the women were telling the truth —Peter was not going to miss his chance! He needed the assurance of his forgiveness. Perhaps he felt he needed to explain his actions. His fear that caused him to leave, then to curse. And deny. Ever been there?

Have you ever been in the place where you felt you had broken the heart of the person you most loved in all the world? I have felt disappointment for my actions as a teenager, as well as an adult. Wrong choices leaves us with an aching heart. Peter had made a wrong choice. Said the wrong words. To the wrong people. At the wrong time.

So for Peter, the women held out to him a thread of hope in the words they carried. The thread that could lead back to the One he loved the most. He chose to believe the women. He clung to the hope and belief that what Jesus taught them was in fact true.

“However, Peter ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.” Luke 24:12 NLT

While Peter didn’t “know” exactly what happened….he had hope. He had faith. He believed, although he had not seen. His belief and faith would enable him to preach a fiery message we read in Acts. Peter found his voice. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fell….Peter found his voice. He had reason to shout from the roof tops…and fear didn’t enter the picture!

Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this… Acts 2:14 NLT with that introduction, he embarked on the beginning of a Pentecostal Sermon if there ever was one! AND there was about 3,000 saved and baptized after that message! GLORY!

I pray for a Holy Spirit empowerment in each of our lives…as we have NEVER before experienced! Seek Him! Daily! Express to Him your desire for more of Him—He will flood your heart and life with blessings!

Father, You alone are holy! We exalt and magnify Your name! I praise You for choosing to use us. We may sometimes feel like an unlikely vessel. But we are willing. Give us wisdom and knowledge and may we glorify Your name in all we do. Bless each heart and life that shares our study today. We give You all the glory and praise, in Jesus holy name~Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

90 Days with Jesus Bible, 90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Eighty-Six

A. Knight

Read Luke 23:50-56, and Luke 24:1-8
Good morning friends. I have something special to tell you today! Have you heard the news?
He is risen!!! What a miraculous promise fulfilled! The ladies that had went to the tomb on that Resurrection day was going to perform a ritualistic custom of that day, but to their amazement Jesus changed their plans. Has He ever changed your plans?

Beth talked about the angels that were there at the tomb, one at the head and one at the foot where Jesus’ body previously resided. I love the comparison of the “mercy seat” with the tomb. The cherubs on the mercy seat were placed at the exact positions. What an awesome sight that must have been! All the worrying the women had done about the soldiers and the stone was already taken care of before they arrived. Isn’t that just like God- always ahead, taking care of every need. He is so good!
Another part that I really was excited about was vs. 6. Beth elaborated on these words and it stuck with me. “Remember how He told you…” Beth asks: “Beloved, have you forgotten something He told you?” My mind automatically started racing away with me, thinking about promises I’ve read in His word that started ringing in my ears…..One of my favorite is Isaiah 59:1, (please allow me to share it again, if I’ve shared it before, it bears repeating) it says: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear;” He has heard our prayers friend, and His hand is big enough!!
Had He not risen, we would have no hope, but He fulfilled the plan. We have a hope of eternal life!
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the promises you’ve given us. Thank you for saving faith! Your grace is sufficient for our needs today. May we be mindful today of the cross, the suffering, the death, the Resurrection, and eternal life you have given us. This holiday season always brings us back to you and everything you have done for us. I love you more each day. This precious study has drawn us closer to you. Bless Beth Moore for writing this study and sharing her heart, help her to continue to listen your voice as she writes and anoint her heart. Thank you again for all the dear sisters in our study. Show them more promises in your word that is written with each one of them in mind. With a thankful heart I pray in Jesus Holy name–Amen.

*An old chorus comes to mind…. “From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is to be prai—sed, from the rising of the sOn, the name of the Lord is to be praised.“

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee
Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving!

A. Knight

Our list of thankfuls could go on and on. Bottom line? God is good. Whether we have deserved it or not, most likely the “not” is the correct term, but He is faithful.

He blessed us with famiLy:

My Mother, my Grandbuddy, my siblings and their spouses and children. Our children. Their spouses and children. Our friends and loved ones that are far stretching this nation! God has multiplied His love to us in countless ways. He has used YOU to do so!

Our blessings are not in “things”, although we rest in a comfortable bed at night. Our blessings are not in food, although we never lack for substance to keep our bodies going strong. Our blessings are not in the material possessions, although I collect books, dust and the occasional bear or snowman. And Jeff collects marbLes. I hope one day if he “feels” as if he’s lost them all, I can empty the jars and show them they are still intact!

Our blessings outnumber the problems that only with God’s help, we have been able to overcome in our lives. He has proven His love over and over in many ways. We are grateful.

On this Thanksgiving Day, we pause to reflect on the wonders of His grace and mercy. Undeserving we are, yet He keeps on loving us and blessing our lives.

Our family table will miss the presence of one darling sister, Wanda. But His table is rejoicing that she is home. Completely well and whole. Her skin is radiant as she reflects His Light and love! Mother, she struggles for breath no longer! Victoria, she will walk up stairs with you! Aimee, we will join her soon! Family members that aren’t ready, prepare yourself. In the moment, any given moment, this life could end. But this living isn’t over. You will live on in either an eternal hell or heaven.

Today is a wonderful day to make your choice and stand firm in His love. Accept His free gift~kneel at the cross~offer your life to Him. Repent of your sins~ask Him to come in and “clean house”. You will never be the same, your life will be forever radically changed, once you make HIM Lord of all.

To my blogging friends, you have no idea how much like family you feel to me! I would love to have you join us for Thanksgiving Day!! My life will never be the same because of your love and encouragement! From e-mails, cards and notes and even a few phone calls—you are all my sisters in this walk of faith! Thank you!

I could not pass this Thanksgiving Week up without thanking Mark. My brother-in-law, who is now my brother. Sort of a Namoi-Ruth story—but with different characters. Our family is your family. Our God is your God and your God ours. We are incredibly thankful for all the ways you have loved our sweet Wanda and the love you have for us. I am thankful that God brought you into our lives and blessed our lives, through you and Wanda with Victoria. And the blessings still come our way. We look forward with great anticipation to what God will bring about in your life in the coming year! We are thankful for the miracle of love. God is good.

Thank you Heather~for hosting these thankful hearts this week! I pray that with each post read, hearts will be strengthened and renewed in faith! God bless you all!

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