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!

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

Today’s reading is found in Matthew 27:45-54

The Cost of the Cross…

You know that feeling that you get when your throat seems to close up and you feel yourself choking on the tears that are about to spill down your cheeks? That is what the last 3 days of reading has done. I re-read day 84 together with 85. The Truth and conviction is joined hand-in-hand. The Truth of what He willingly gave, and the conviction for the wasted years of my life seemed to haunt my mind as I read. And then other things came back to me. Aimee will remember. But since you don’t know, I will share at some point in today’s study.

I have a vivid imagination and reading for me paints a picture in my mind. Reading takes me to the scene. But this scene today was filled with stomach churning anguish. I feel unworthy to even share this study today, however, I will share what I have felt as I read this study.

As a sinner, saved by Grace—I can relate to the darkness. For in that darkness of my life, I purposefully kept the curtains drawn on my soul to keep the Light out. Thankfully, I had precious loved ones praying the prayer that got through—and as the Light persisted— I repented and gave my heart to the Lord I have served for many years now.

Hard as I tried, I have not been able to imagine what it must have felt like to be surrounded by darkness and not feel the Presence that had kept Him going since the day He left His throne to embark on the earthly journey for us.

In verse 46 of Matthew, we hear Him plead with His Father for an answer…”My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He heard no answer. There was only darkness screaming back. The pain it must have been for Him to even speak those words, had to be excruciating! I heard a minister preach once about the Crucifixion and he made the statement, “in order for Jesus to be able to get enough air in His lungs to speak, He must have pressed His feet into the block upon which they were nailed (according to history he had read), and push Himself up long enough to breathe in and speak.” I don’t know, but I do believe that the words He spoke were words that He needed to say, not only for Himself, but for us today.

We experience dark days. Granted our days will never compare to Jesus Christ, bearing the sins of all the world. From every liar, rapist, murderer, abuser, addict, adulterer, stiff necked, hard hearted, slanderous, prideful and every perverse individual that would ever take a breath. He bore them all. The problems we face that causes us to “feel” darkness can never and will never compare. But it’s darkness to us all the same. With those anguished permeated words He uttered, He directed us to the next step we should take when our own world closes in on us in complete and total darkness.

Just before He breathed His last breath of mortal air, with a loud voice He cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) From a feeling of desolation to a complete trust in His Father—He paved the way. He drew the road map for each follower to align his or her life.

Wanda followed. On Monday, February 11, 2008, travel plans were being concluded. We had arrived at the hospital the day before to find a weakened sister. The words from her husband, Mark, tore at our aching souls. “Come now.” Just two words. But with those two words, all of life changed. We both had been filled with a feeling of “I don’t want to do this—I can’t bear this—I hate this—but we need Your will Father.”

The hours spent after we arrived seemed to pass in a blur. Blur or not, they are forever etched in my mind. Teaching purposes. God is using them the teach me things I need to know. And remember. As Monday dawned and blood was drawn, vitals checked, the truth bore down on us like a raging bull. We each took turns talking to Wanda quietly. She couldn’t speak, her lungs were being squeezed by all the building fluid in her body. When she did try and speak it was breathy sounding and barely a whisper.

I had stepped out to go to the restroom down the hall when she uttered her last words. When I read the passage for today, tears fell as I remembered her own last words. Similar to Christ’s. With a question in her shakey voice, she said, “I don’t understand….(long pause for breath)….we trusted God”. Another long pause, and then with a resolute firmness amid the weak voice she said, “but I still trust Him”. He had paved the way. She had followed. All the way to the end. Over the next several hours, until she drew her last breath, we recounted her trust and faith in God. In all the years of her life, it never waivered.

Trust. Following Him. To the end.

And so should we. I am following. Aimee is too. We are still praying for many family members to take up the Road Map (Bible) and follow Him as well.

I have been blessed with an incredible family. But the God who planted me here…deserves all the praise and glory for any good thing that may come out of my life. Or your life.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

Father in heaven, while I can’t completely grasp all that You have laid before us, I am more grateful that I can express. For You to love someone as sinful as me just amazes me. I guess that’s why the songwriter wrote about Your amazing grace…it is exactly that. Lord, there may be someone today reading this post that does not know of Your ultimate Gift to the world nor His sacrifice. I pray that they would find Your love here. Real in our lives. Living within us. And through us may Your love be spread. In the holy name of Jesus~Amen.

Sisters, we have only 5 remaining days. This study will end up on Saturday. A day when you will probably be cleaning house, putting up your Christmas Tree, or shopping for Christmas gifts. While you are going about, remember this tree. The tree from which a cross was fashioned. While you are buying gifts, remember this Gift. The very Gift that was given so freely to each one of us.

I will share more details about the next study in December, but until then, take some time to get alone with Him. Remember the journey that you have traveled down while we’ve studied together. I am sure this study has made an impact in your heart and life. I know it has mine. I love you all!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

Luke 22:47-62

My heart is purely breaking. Right now at this point, I can identify with Peter. I can see him in my minds eye…because I can relate his circumstance to places in my life. Long Distance Christianity. Let’s follow, but not so close as to be noticed. Let’s make sure that we still have the “look” of the world, so as not to be confused with those full of religion.

That’s sort of like going to Sunday School and Morning Worship but only because it is our “habit“, not because it is a desire or love. The message of the morning may make it all the way back to the car you drove in on….or perhaps, maybe even back to your kitchen sink. But somewhere along the way, life will eventually happen and, ooops! We find ourselves acting and reacting just like the world. I should know. It’s been my tale.

I concur with what Beth said, “in me dwells no good thing.” And for that reason, I have had to make serious adjustments in my life. Otherwise, flesh rules. I told Jeff sometime in the week after Wanda’s funeral, “my life will never be the same. There will be some changes. Things you may notice, or not notice. But I will never be the same.” I reiterated that to him on Wednesday night before church over a “diet coke” at McDonald’s.

Life is about to get harder for everyone. No one will be exempt from trouble. (John 16:33) Buckle your seat baby, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

Christ wants a Bride that is daily and continually preparing herself for HIM. There is a couple that is planning their wedding in the early part of next year. Aimee and I are close to them, and we have discussed their actions and how sweet they seem. I reflected on the actions and adoring glances of the bride to her groom. How she conducts herself, and the anticipation of the wedding for them. The daily preparations. The care and attention given to each detail. WE SHOULD BE AS SUCH FOR OUR GROOM!

“When we tiptoe to keep from being too obvious —or to obscure ourselves in safe places and remain unidentifiable, we are already bounding toward denial.” Beth hit a sharp place with that statement. But true.

Following Him at a distance, as to not be noticed by others, may keep us from being noticed by Him. What do you think? I told Jeff during our conversation over cola’s, in looking back over the past 5 to 10 years of our lives, the feelings I had held onto with a bulldog fierceness, had the Lord Jesus descended the heavens during those days, may have very well left me sitting right in my place at my own dinner table, rather than the marriage supper of the Lamb. I was determined to be mad. I was determined to hold on and not allow Christ to heal the hurt I was feeling toward some that had inflicted pain on dear family members.

We must turn EVERYTHING over to HIM. Not just parts. We cannot afford to follow Him at a distance. We must give Him our all…and do all we can for Him! Time is running out. And I don’t mean in just this Bible Study. The rest of my days will be lived for Him. Doing all I can, acting on His instruction as best I can, serving Him. No more long distance relationships. It must be all or nothing. If we are lukewarm…you’ve read it yourself (Revelation 3:16), “He will spit us out of His mouth.” Spit us far from Him—as something with a bad taste! The NKJV says “vomit“. The epitome of nasty, that is for sure!

I don’t know about you sisters, but I am listening and looking! I told mother this week, in discussing some “family issues”, we must be as in Nehemiah’s days, working with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other. This life demands it!

My Christian walk requires structured study. Like we have participated in. I MUST have it. I can’t just be like, “I’ll read a bit here…a bit there”…while that can be fine for some, I must have things structured. I have grown more in these past 90 days than I ever imagined. I intend to keep growing!

Father God, I count it a privilege to live and serve You! I am honored to be Your daughter! Keep my life in line with Your word! May You find me working diligently when the trump is sounded! Ready to go! That is my desire! In Jesus holy name~Amen.

Let’s begin our day with an old song that has such sweet words, and many of the pictures in the slideshow are the very ones that we used!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

Sisters, have a blessed, joy-filled day in Christ! We love you! By the way, join me in wishing our sweet Denise a very Happy Birthday! If you have time, pop over to her blog for a visit! You will be blessed!

Picture from: http://www.my.homewithgod.com/israel/jesuslife/

Angie

Lyrics: LetsSingIt
Hillsong United–Lord I Give You My Heart