faith – Page 11 – Jeff & Angie

Whispers in the petals…

September 4, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

This is not a rose…by any name. But it looks like it could “smell” as sweet. Have you ever seen anything that looked promising…but have the promise bite?

We probably all have. One thing you must know…His promises carry nothing but a sweetness of facts. Nothing amiss–all is well to the soul who trusts fully in Him. His promises are secure–written down forever here in the Word–and in glory!

Can you hear Him whisper in the petals of a flower? I can. Even in the death of a flower–there is yet life. When this bloom falls withered to the ground, there is yet life in the plant.

Lean in and listen close to His voice. He’s speaking ever so softly–only those real intent on hearing His voice will know His Words.

I’m leaning–and learning as I go–He is ever faithful.

Giving Him All….

faith, Trust

Trust in God (Part 3 of a 3 Part Series)

June 22, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Have we settled for lives of slavery–rather than a life of trust, obedience and freedom in Christ?

I think if we are honest—many of us would have to say yes.

At least that was the box I neatly packed my life into.

Slavery is predictable. You know what to expect day in–day out. No surprises there.

You get up-shower (hopefully)
work all day
go home
do some laundry
cook supper
watch TV
eat supper
shower
read a verse or two before you fall asleep
sleep–(hopefully)
start all over the next day

Slavery.

It may not be the making bricks from mud and straw kind, but nonetheless–it is what it is.

When the children of Israel had been delivered from slavery by God–using Moses as His servant and instrument–(picture this)–they are coming up on the Red Sea. It’s in plain sight. However, what was not in sight were boats. Not a single one. Somewhere up in front of the line, the complaining started.

“Moses–how are we getting across? You have some boats or rafts hidden somewhere?” (my thoughts–not found in the Bible) The feelings of restlessness and fear began to filter through the ranks of followers.

Moses–kept on walking. Probably doing some internal praying–I like to imagine, having a very serious conversation with God. “Okay God. I have obeyed. I see no boats–I see no rafts–but I KNOW I heard Your voice–and I KNOW You will not lead me astray. I TRUST YOU.”

As they drew nearer, the whining and complaining grew more intense. At that point, being slaves for the rest of their lives seemed more appealing than TRUSTING God with the unknown and yet unseen.

I imagine this walk to be much like a ride in a car with a troup of fussy kids. “Are we there yet?” “It’s hot back here!” “Sally poked me in the arm!” “Jimmy tore my paper!”

Being a mother, and a grandmother–I know the frustration I feel when I am headed somewhere with a determination—and trying to concentrate and all I hear is whining and complaining from the back seat. I personally want to slam on brakes, getting their attention–and giving them the “look” all kids fear–“I will put you OUT of this car if you don’t hush your mouth!”

I think Moses may have wanted to put some of the Israelites out of his ride at that point. Instead of lashing out, he recognized their fear and said to them,

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14) I hope you got that part where Moses told them they would NEVER again see those Egyptians!

Then in verse 31 of the same chapter it says: “And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant. (Exodus 14:31)

The children of Israel thought they were on the brink of their destruction–all they could see was their dilemma–but God was about to show them their deliverance!

Friend, when your feet have taken you as far as they can go–when your heart is weary and all you see in front of you is the Red Sea–friend–step out in faith! God is about to do one of two things! He will equip you to walk on water–or He will part the Red Sea in front of you! TRUST HIM!!

Psalm 9:10 “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.”

Do you trust Him? Have you given Him all your fears? Friend, He knows you have them, He knows your heart, you cannot be free in Him until you release ALL you are and all you have to Him. Firmly. Resolutely. No take backs!

If He asked you today, “step out in faith–I will meet your needs” could you? Would you?

If you didn’t know for sure what His plan was–would you trust Him?

If you couldn’t see where He was leading you–would you trust Him?

If you didn’t have a plan or map from Him for the road He put your feet on —would you still go?

These are all questions I had to answer for myself. In the past several months. No, I have no map–nor plan or grand scheme I am working from. He didn’t wake me up in the middle of the night and tell me that I would lead millions to Christ through song and dance routine. (I can’t dance—and my singing days are not what they once were!)

What He did was call my name. He planted a desire in my heart to do MORE for Him than ever before–and He has lead me step by step along the way. Have I been afraid? Yes. But did I give Him my fear? Yes. And—more than that. I trust Him.

I remember with tears, the last words of my sister Wanda. “I don’t understand. (Long pause for breath.) We trusted God. (Another long pause.) But–I still–Trust Him.”

On the bed in a hospital in Gainesville, Florida she was faced with the reality and finality of life. The words from the doctors offered no hope. The scriptures in her heart and mind however, brought everything in clear view. Psalm 56:3-4 says, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

The Psalmist David faced fear–but each and every time, he turned his fear into faith by handing it over to God.

He trusted in God–do you?

Father, as I have listened to Your voice speak to my heart–I have laid aside my fears in exchange for a faith that I didn’t know was in me! I am so thankful that YOU have planted my feet on this path to walk out the rest of my days–may my life be pleasing to YOU! May my steps–words and message be ordered by You and bring GLORY to Your name! Touch lives through the clicking of this keyboard–or the voice and message You have given me. Reach hearts in ways that only You can! I give everything I have and am to You–do what You will. In Jesus Holy Name~Amen.

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faith, Trials, Trust

TRUST IN GOD (Part 2 of a 3 Part Series)

June 9, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

TRUST: (2) Confident expectation of something; hope. (According to dictionary.com)

We like plans and programs. The tangible–the touchable–real or actual, rather than imaginary or visionary.

Trust is something we can’t see–we must rely on Who is invisible. We expect Him to be on time–every time–IN OUR TIME.

We like to orchestrate the events of our lives ourselves, not wanting to depend too much on someone else–having our own ideas and thoughts–and desiring “our” plans to be the plans to succeed!

That kind of trusting is not the REAL trusting sort that God has in mind for His own. I learned this lesson…as most all lessons…the hard way.

After Wanda passed away in February of 2008, God began to realign my faith. Securing it with strength and force that the winds of doubt could not disturb it’s foundations.

I began to allow Him to show me “me” with a fresh look–one that saw through everything. I saw all the things in my life that I had allowed to consume me. Things that were actually “draining” on my faith. Can you feel the pain that was involved in this? Yes it hurt to see the me I had allowed myself to become.

Up to this point, I could tell you more about CSI, Bones, or House than I could Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. The secular books on my shelves outnumbered the faith inspired testimonies of others. The catchy tunes on the radio reverberated their life stealing voices in my head all day long–those were the voices of the stagnant life following after selfish flesh.

I was sick of being as the song says, “Stirred but not changed”. I want to share the lyrics with you by Lanny Wolfe. (I could not find it on YouTube but found the lyrics on another blogger site!) The song is found at the bottom of this post. But that was me—tired of being stirred in my heart for a bit—but then the reality of dishes and laundry and I soon forgot the soul stirring Wind that had passed my way. Until “that” day.

That day I drove home–(just a few weeks after Wanda’s passing)–after work and talked to Jesus the whole way home. I wanted more of Him in my life. Active. I repented for not being as dedicated as I knew I should be. I repented for having conversations with Him only when I had a need or a burden. He desired a daily conversation–He desired that I would KNOW HIM. And through knowing Him–that I would make Him known. That’s the mission statement of our home church, “To Know Him~To Make Him Known”.

I had given my life to God when I was a teenager. Made mistakes—scraped my knees—laid my life for Christ on a back burner—and then fell on my face before Him years later. Fully giving Him all I had. Trouble is, the troubles of life sometimes cause us to be consumed with us. That was at least my trouble at times.

See, I like to fix things. As a matter of fact, I’d rather fix it myself than ask someone else. That too was my trouble. Jesus Christ came so that we might have life–and have it more abundantly—and He wants to be the FIXER in our life troubles. He wants us to TRUST Him enough to give it all up to Him. Since “human beings” had let me down…that was an area I ~~have~~ had trouble with.

On the day that became “that day” in my heart–I remember coming in the door, meeting Jeff in the living room, standing in front of him and stating, very matter-of-factly, “My life is about to take on some major changes. I cannot be as I have been and grow in God. I cannot live as I have lived and grow in God. And growing in God–and being used of Him is of utmost importance in my life.”

I don’t really know what I expected—but Jeff’s life didn’t change right then, and it was hard sometimes to not sit with him night after night watching TV when I had always spent my “down-time” doing just that—you know—to “relax and unwind”. Who are we kidding? We are really filling our minds with things that hinder the growth of God in our lives! (I’m very serious–and you might not like it, and you might not come back here–but I may as well tell you how it is with me.)

I won’t say that I never watch TV. I do–just not a steady diet. I guard myself–my mind, my heart–because I know exactly where the devil attacks my mind. And with what. I remember feeling in my heart a message God was trying to get through to me. “There are things to extract from your life in order for your faith to fully grow.” The extractions came, it seemed without Novocain. Some are still taking place. Again, without Novocain.

So—I began. Coming before Him–allowing Him to extract–remove–replace. Seeking Him diligently, not knowing the full journey–but the churning and burning in my spirit would not leave.

In the fall-winter of 2009 the urgency picked up speed. I went to Jeff one day after work and told him that I felt God was releasing me from my job. Changing the path I was currently on was a major shift in my financial, emotional and spiritual walk. Not necessarily in that order. This was the longest prayed over decision of my entire life. I sought God daily–fasted and prayed. It was during my first fast of 5 days in January that I felt God answer the 3 questions I had posed to Him—for direction-clarity-and faith. You also need to know that before that fast in January–God gave me a serious message.

I need to back up just a bit and give you that message. I shared it when I spoke on Mother’s Day and I have shared it with a few others individually. In November, early one morning–in the first few days of the month, as I was showering before work, I was having a conversation in my head with God. It went something like this. Well–actually, it went “exactly like this”.

“Father, if I leave my job in the first week of January, then I will be able to receive the pension plan portion that the firm puts into the account each year.” (I completely forgot that they had cancelled the pension plan that very year!) And I can draw out what I have and pay off this bill, and this bill and this bill.” There. I paused in my “mind-prayer” as I was shampooing my hair–and God spoke to the core of my heart.

“Angie. If you’ve got it all figured out–what do you need Me for?”

At this point, I was done shampooing/rinsing and was squalling like a baby. I felt the instant hit in my heart from “my plans”–and that fact that I was doing the planning and had not fully given it all up to Him. I fell out of the shower and onto my face before Him. Grabbing my robe around me, I began to weep and pray and talk to God out loud as I circled the living room–repenting of my “planning” His direction and call on my life. When He’s calling the shots in your life—He allows no suggestions from the side lines. Either you trust Him all the way or you don’t. There is no middle ground.

I was late for work that day–for I had to get myself prayed through over what I had thought in my heart. I left the entire planning up to Him. That is exactly why the leaving my job didn’t take place until March. But He knew when it would be all along. He just wanted me to TRUST Him. Can I tell you I learned a lesson that day? Again, the hard way.

And now—for the song–if you call me on the phone, I will sing it to you:

“Often times my heart has been stirred by the things that I have heard,
’bout so many who have never heard God’s word,
and though tears would fill my eyes all to soon I’d realize
though my hearts been stirred my life has not been changed.

I’m so tired of being stirred about the lost who need to hear.
I’m so tired of being stirred that His coming is so near;
I’m so tired of being stirred till I cry bitter tears.
I’m so tired of being stirred but not being changed.”

Have I heard it for so long that He’s just another song?
Has the story lost its thrill that I once knew?
Lord, give me a burden that’s so strong,
That it will last when my tears are gone.
I’m tired of what I’ve been. Lord, make me over again.

I’m so tired of being stirred about the lost who need to hear.
I’m so tired of being stirred that His coming is so near;
I’m so tired of being stirred till I cry bitter tears.
I’m so tired of being stirred but not being changed.”

But this time Lord change me let the work begin just now,
this time Lord change me please change me some how,
this time Lord change me let my life be rearranged,
I’m so tired of being stirred but not being changed.”

I sang this to Him this week.

Devotion, faith

From My Devotions Today

April 23, 2010October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Truth be told…this was from yesterday’s devotion. I read today–then read yesterday again. There was much meat to be digested. Have you ever read something and then had to go back again and again to completely get the full message? It happens to me very often when reading the Bible. Actually…most all the time. I rarely get the full impact the first run through. Hmm. Maybe that is why I have to repeat so many classes of learning with the Lord…..

“In the first phases of Christian life disheartenments come, people who used to be lights flicker out, and those who used to stand with us pass away, we have to get so used to it that we never know we are standing alone.” (2Timothy 4:16-17) “We must build our faith, not on the fading light, but on the Light that never fails.” My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers.

Oswald Chambers is one of my favorites. I can read it one day–go back and read it again and still get more. Yesterday he spoke of “standing alone” in God. My prayer to my Father this morning is when my focus shifts, help me realign my sight with the vision of what must be seen, what must be accomplished before I journey home! There is much yet to be done! He is calling on YOU to step out in faith–believe HIM for the impossible–LOOK to Him alone!

Stand in the waterfall of His love and allow Him to clear your mind, open your eyes and heart to what He has in store!

(Picture taken at Springville Camp & Conference Center)

faith

Worthy Is the Lamb

January 22, 2010 A. Knight

faith

The Places We’ll Go and the People We’ll See!

November 2, 2009October 21, 2016 A. Knight

I had forgotten about this little Dr. Seuss book until I looked it up online. It’s an encouragement of sort to dream big.

Dream BIG.

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.”

Have you a dream? Something that seems so far fetched, you rarely allow yourself any time at all to dream it? To think it?

Maybe you take the dream out on special occasions and put it back quickly before someone guesses what you might be dreaming.

I have not read the book in a long time and don’t even have a copy, but I remembered enough of the title to look it up. While we have been blessed with a brain in our head, we can think for ourselves, it is important to remember—Who is actually in control.

If you are a follower of CHRIST, you are not in the driving seat. It is not your direction. Nor, is it mine. We are “trusting” Him to take us where He would, enable us to do the work He has called us to and yes, dream the BIG—even seemingly “impossible” dream that He plants in our hearts!

What’s wrong with a big dream?

I have had a dream for the past several years. It started with the first of our Sister’s Retreats. I loved the special times we shared as sisters. As mother would regale special moments of her childhood and youth, I could just picture her. Growing up in a very small community and living the simple (but many times hard) life in the country. Sharing life and special memories that made us who we are is much of what “retreats” are about. Sharing Christ’s love is the largest portion of retreat weekends.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 (a dear friend reminded me of this verse this morning)

All too often I try and figure it all out before proceeding. Where’s the faith in that? Where’s the trust in that?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

I am so hungry to hear the LORD and see Him active in my life as never before! My prayer for this retreat was, “Father, let those that come experience something—a new place in You, that they have never before experienced.” I believe, after many e-mails and conversations with those sweet girls that came, the Lord answered that prayer! I don’t think He’s finished either!

I believe that as we draw closer to Him—He will take us places in Him we’ve never even allowed our little hearts to imagine! I want it all! I want all that He will possibly pour out on my head like anointing oil! (Leviticus 8:12)

What is your dream today?

Where do you want to go for God?

Perhaps you don’t know yet, but maybe you feel that pull, that tug in your heart. I know that I feel impressed as never before to continue in this path–blogging, writing, encouraging others, praying, believing and trusting Him for big things. He has already shown me that He CAN do exceedingly —abundantly—more than we can ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:14-21) (through the power that is at work within us!)

Let’s dream BIG!

Let’s GO FAR! For Christ!

Who knows where He’ll lead us and who we’ll see?

Photo found at Christian Book Distributors

faith

God Will Make A Way

September 25, 2009 A. Knight

This video is for you. I don’t know your name—but I know I was looking for another one…and this one came up with every search of the “other one”. I take that as a sign…

Whatever you are seeking Him for today, don’t stop seeking just because you don’t see the answer today. It may be tomorrow. Or next week. Or even next month or next year.

We prayed for 7 years for a miracle of a prodigal daughter….God is faithful. Listen to the words. This is for you. You know who you are. I love you dearly.

Just when you least expect the answer….it will be there.

faith, Family

Only Granddaughter

September 10, 2009October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Our only granddaughter. Kaylee-lou is what I call her sometimes.

She is ruler of the boys at her house! (She is blessed with 4 brothers) She has a sweet heart and a love to help mommy and daddy.

God is good! When her daddy married our oldest daughter, we were thrilled to at last, have a granddaughter! She’s been our little sweetheart ever since.

Marriage is hard for anyone, but especially so for blended families.

How many blended families do you know? In your church or your neighborhood?

Can you think of some ways to encourage and even help them in stressful times?

Prayer is key.

Sending a note or card of encouragement to both parents is good, calling their names on a daily basis is important as well. Offering to babysit for a couple hours while they go for a quick bite, or just a walk together, alone—without the whinney “I want’s” tagging along. When sending a card, include an uplifting scripture, and even a short prayer. That let’s them know they are thought of and loved. Mom’s and Dad’s need this as never before!

In the days we are living, life is stressful—the economy—medical situations—school issues—life in general. The enemy will work the hardest on families who are trying to stay in step with God—to cause them to lose sight of Him—and their goal. Heaven.

Seek out those that need your attention. Ask the Lord to cross your path with individuals that maybe just need a smile or hug. Freely give of the love that the LORD has given you!

For those of you (ladies only) who are following along with the ramblings of my hormonal days, I have posted an update regarding medication. Or, at least what I am taking. The link is included here.

I pray blessings on your weekend! God is faithful! God is good!

Read Romans chapter 8. The whole chapter in the Amplified Version if you have it! If you aren’t shoutin’ when you’re done, your shouter is broke. And you better get it fixed!

Devotion, faith, Trials

The Reality of the Vision

July 7, 2009October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Have you been struggling? I have.

Am I in the boat alone?

In my devotion this morning I read “yesterday’s” AGAIN—before I picked up today’s lesson for me. (We’ll cover today’s on another day…maybe tomorrow.)

I use the word “lesson” because, that’s what it has been of late. Lessons. From HIM to me.

I even put off sharing this…simply because I thought—well maybe they don’t want to hear about this…(I sure didn’t). I mean, really. I thought that once I reached a certain AGE…things would be different. Challenges wouldn’t be so challenging… (Huh. Did it work for YOU?— I thought not.)

Isaiah 35:7 says, “The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water;”

Do you ever FEEL parched? Dry?

I have–even recently. I have been battling this out, calling it this…calling it that…struggling in my own mind—and then yesterday, the words from Oswald Chambers in my devotional “My Utmost for His Highest” said this:

“We always have visions before a thing is made real. When we realize that although the vision is real, it is not real in us, then is the time that satan comes in with his temptations, and we are apt to say it is no use to go on.”

I read and chewed. The man wrote this –no telling how long ago—but it fits the heartbeat of so many of us today!

Further down, “God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we have patience.”

I know there are many (maybe even you reading this) that has a vision or dream that you feel God has placed within your heart. Something that often seems too heavy or great to bear. A calling on your heart and life to “go” to the unknown. See the yet unseen. And to teach…perhaps the seemingly unteachable.

I don’t know what this devotion does for you today, but I say this, don’t give up on the vision He has given you. If your heart is feeling dry and parched, remember He promised the thirsty lands of your heart will become a pool…springs of living water—enough to feed the thirsty souls of others!

The “battering” it out in the valley can be discouraging…(I am there), but sister—and brother, YOU are not alone there! He is with YOU! He is with ME!

After the valley of shaping—the vision will become a reality.

Habakkuk 2:3 (New King James Version)

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

Photo taken from our weekend mini-retreat. Jeff, Max and me. Sunrise over Silver Lake.

faith, Hormones, Life

If I Can Help ONE…

June 7, 2009October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Y’all are the coolest bunch!

I tell you—I wanted to reach through the computer and hug every last one of you that offered some AWESOME advice!

Did YOU know there is a “saliva” test that can tell you levels of your hormones, adrenal levels, thyroid and cortisol levels and more stuff than I dreamed possible? It is a test that spans a 24 hour period. Supposedly safe…but really. How SAFE can it be when you are to abstain from chocolate, caffeine, broccoli, cabbage, mouthwash, antacids, other various green leafy vegetables, caffeine, chocolate, etc.

Did I mention no caffeine….or chocolate which has caffeine?? And all you have to do is spit in a little vial…at 4 intervals during the day…fasting the morning meal…and no coffee…or chocolate…oh, sorry. I said that already.

I never believed I’d be sharing all this…but if I can help ONE person—the way you have ALL helped me—then I will have done something!

I cleaned house on Saturday….but seemed to have to constantly give myself a “pep-talk” to get through it…actually, Babbie Mason, and several choir C.D.’s seemed to help with momentum!

I helped Jeff on Sunday get some last minute (which lasted all day) things ready for District Council/Camp Meeting which started Sunday night….and let me just say…I am exhausted from this weekend of “work”! But God is good! All the time! Even when I am so exhausted my prayer is done “flat out” on the bed!

Monday rolled in with a ….well, let’s just say it rolled in. The early morning trip to the doctors office to pick-up said “kit” for testing…and then on to the office.

I have decided one thing. I don’t have hot flashes…I have a fever. Sometimes several fevers in one day. Many times during the night. Fevers can cause sweating, flushed face, nausea, exhaustion—and tiredness….see…I have fevers.

Case closed.

I’ll let you know what the doctor orders. 🙂