Category: Life Issues

Life Issues

Watch Your Mouth

A. Knight
How many times have you heard that?  Said it?

I can’t even begin to remember how many–but I am certain I’ve been told that as much as I’ve said it.  Generally it starts when our mouths begin to get sassy.

Oh, it doesn’t happen by itself.   Our mouths really don’t have a mind of their own…it operates solely upon what is generated from the brain.  And unless you are looking in a mirror…you can’t really “watch your mouth”.  But then, that wasn’t the point anyway.

This summer I have had the privilege of loving and caring for some of our grand children.  In most cases, they were mini-versions of their parents.  Not just their moms.  I saw versions of their dads as well–and I saw the reflection of what they have consumed from life.  When they prayed–oh how sweet!

They are fun-neat-hilarious-and at times right on target with the surprising things they say.  We’ve had a blast.  One thing I have said a time or two– “watch your mouth”.

Kids pick up words from other kids.  I know mine did.  I know I did.  They don’t use the vocabulary of their parents most of the time, it’s their peers.

I wonder at the end each day, how many times The LORD has looked at me and wanted to scream, Angie! Watch your mouth!  Instead, The Holy Spirit nudged me…and it was my choice to listen and cease–or keep right on with my opinion–vocalizing it to the hilltops.

I’ve heard it said –can’t remember where I read it–so it’s not my quote, “you can’t unsay words.”

Good grief–how true that is!

I’ve had my feelings hurt…I’ve gotten mad….been sad….with a full conversation–all in my head,  and as long as it stays there until I’ve listened fully to what God has to say on the matter, I’m okay.  But the instant I let words flail and fly out of my lips without so much as a “test run” with The LORD, I’m in big trouble.  Generally people get hurt.  The hearer as well as the speaker.  (Remember “do unto others as you would have them do unto you?”)

I have said things I’ve had to go back and apologize for.  I’ve said “I’m sorry”, more times than Carter’s got liver pills.  But that’s okay.  The instant we think we don’t need to say I’m sorry, or that it shouldn’t be us saying the I’m sorry–then we are in a bad way.  Spiritually speaking–as well as emotionally and futuristically speaking.  (I think I made up another word!)

Tonight–as one grandson has played a game–I have said several times to him, watch your mouth.  Meaning, he has used a silly word that has one meaning to him (he got from his friends), but it has another meaning in the dictionary.

As hurtful things have flown through social media, and from conversations of people, I have to remind myself, watch  your mouth.  I need to keep my opinion to myself.  And an opinion cannot be based on one side of any story.  The seeds you sow in words will root out and spoil good words sown in the past.  Rash and sudden decisions based on immediate feelings will often do more harm in the long run.

I remembered a “rash” decision I made about 20 something years ago, that I made out of hurt feelings.  Not taking time to rationalize, or see another persons view point–only mine.  It was solely from my perspective that I based my decision–and even claimed to have prayed about it.  Well, funny thing was, I did pray.  I “told God” what He already knew.  However, I didn’t wait to see what He had to say.  Instead, I did what soothed my hurt feelings.

I have learned along this almost 54 year journey, that God wastes nothing.  Not even poor decisions, or big mistakes.  He uses every-single thing on our journey.  Teaching, training, molding and making us into what He purposed for our lives.  Sometimes, like Moses, it’s a wandering in a desert.  Even as long as 20 something years.

We assume (incorrectly) that surely “this” must have needed to take place in order to get me to this point in life.  Are you kidding me?  He is GOD after all.  He can change our address in a breath.  Just ask Philip (Acts 8:39-40).

This life on earth is temporary.  We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience–and what we do here–affects our eternal.  Make it count.  (I am speaking to myself as well.)  Don’t let words that need to be said, go unsaid.  Words like, “I love you”.  “I’m sorry”.

If you are a parent especially listen to my voice of experience…. always end the night with your child in “I love you”…. It doesn’t matter how hurt or angry you may be with them…love them.  And get their side of the story–don’t just believe what you were told.  YES, I know they may lie….but listen to the WHOLE story first.  NOT just one side.

These little guys that have been here this summer–have been fun.  I’ve listened to two sides to many verbal tussles.  When I wanted to holler at one for being hurtful to the other–waiting paid off.  Oh how I do love these little guys.  I love being a mom, and love even more being a grandmother.  It does keep me on my toes.

Maybe they learned something this week.  Maybe they learned to watch their mouth.  Not looking in a mirror…but guarding what they say–making sure good things come from their heart and lips.  Teaching kids to guard their heart- their mouths and minds is more important now than ever before.  They experience far more of the world by the age of 10 than I had experienced at 15.

While we are teaching…we should also be remembering it for ourselves… Watch our mouth.

© 2015 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved.

Devotion, faith, Life Issues

Belly Button Ring

A. Knight
This is a repeat from several years ago–but I “felt” it was needed today:
I have a good friend that is totally “hip”. Really “with-it”.  

All the things I am not.

Well, I have hips…. but my “with-it”…sounds more like something I’d say after I had been to the dentist and returned with my mouth numb…

When this happened, I asked her permission to share this story with you…hmmm, let’s just say—the LORD spoke to me through it.


Lisa was having trouble with her back. Her neck. Her shoulder. This was tough—especially since she is a faithful gym-goer. She had been having trouble with “strength” —lifting the weights. So she made an appointment to see her Chiropractor. 


As he began to examine her, and question her, he maneuvered her for a response to her reflexes, testing her resistance, and he noticed the weakness on one side. “Lisa”, he said with a questioning tone, “do you have a belly-button ring?” 

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do”. She replied–she was, after all very “hip and with-it”, and loved her belly-button ring.

“Do you mind taking it out?” Dr. Carnes needed to prove what he felt was the problem.

After she removed the metal, he began his testing all over. This time, her body reacted differently to each maneuver. She had strength. It was almost like you had removed the cryptonite from Superman’s space and his strength returned.

With a puzzled expression, she wanted to know why it made a difference. His explanation made perfect sense. The metal, or foreign object was interrupting the energy flow of her body. Something was blocking her physical strength. But once the hindrance was removed…strength returned.

Do you see what I saw? The instant parallel of our strength in Christ vs. the hindrances of the world came racing to my mind.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”Romans 12:2 NLT


To her, and many others, the belly-button ring was attractive. A symbol. But to her body, it was a hindrance. Might not have been noticed before. May not have even “felt” the resistance before. But at this time in her life…the change of the energy flow was noticed. 

She is only a few years younger than I am, but in good physical condition. I on the other hand, well, if you know me…you know.  I am a bookoholic instead of a gymoholic……It shows. 

After she told me this, I immediately told her, “you know this will have to be a blog”. 

I smiled, already hearing the Lord speaking to my heart. Because He knows me. He knows the things I have been neglecting so long they are now “hindrances” in my walk. 

“Examine your life Angie. What is blocking your “energy flow”. Are you full of My strength? You know from your past experience what happens when you try to conform to the world–when you neglect what I have called you to do…. In order to fit in you allow things to come between what I desire for you.” 


Well, you could have knocked me out of my rolling chair with a feather! 

In my past I know there have been many times that I wanted to be a part of what seemed to be fun—so much so, that my decisions were warped. 

Poor decisions made an impact in my life that was NOT pleasant. But I was thinking…surely not now. Why, surely I am right on track…But after thinking this over….I can find things that need to be removed from my heart and life to increase my energy flow. 

I took a phone survey and even polled some random ladies with a simple question: What are some things that we allow to hinder our relationship with Christ:

  • TV (too much of it, and the type of programming—we are what we feed our minds);
  • Busyness and/or obsessive housework (as in the Martha Syndrome);
  • Excessive secular reading (neglecting the Bible);
  • Unforgiveness (self-explanatory);
  • Anger (self-explanatory);
  • Greed (desirous of worldly things); and
  • Envy (wanting what everyone else has). Another late entry of the survey came in after I came home from work. It seemed the opposite of one, but when she explained, I instantly saw how it could quickly become a hindrance: 
  • Having a clutter filled house and life.

The first one listed was mentioned by more than one person. It deserved top ranking. The next ones listed fell as suggested by those I polled. They all fall in the category of being a “belly-button ring”. So-to-speak. A strength zapper. 
If not attended, I think it could even cripple.

I have embarked on an “examination” of my life. I am on the table. The Lord is probing my heart and life for the unnecessary. I don’t have any piercings other than my ears, but there are MANY things that need to be dealt with continually in my life. Things that left unattended in my life will drain every ounce of spiritual strength I have. 

Father in heaven, reveal to me–to each one of us–the hindrances in our lives. I need to know. I want to see it for what it is and deal with it once and for all. Forgive me for waiting so long. Some of the issues may have been here so long they are deeply embedded. Remove them from my life. Pour in the peroxide to boil out the wound. I ask with all sincerity of heart that the anointing of the Holy Spirit flow through my life as a river that I never before experienced! Help us to reach new heights in serving You. I am Yours. Wholly and completely. In the awesome name of Jesus I pray. Believing in You~Amen. 

Your turn.



Are you as close as you can be to Jesus?


Think about what might be hindering your walk with Christ. Resolve to take control of it and remove it from your life.


Make a list of hindrances. Share them with others. Shine the spotlight on the issues so that they are exposed. Exposure can bring about closure.


© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

faith, Life Issues

Teaching from the class room

A. Knight

God wants—desires for us to see Him everything—“Calling nothing small if it bears us His message”.  (Streams in the Desert, July 24)
·        Sometimes we overlook the obvious…looking for some grand display or show—something out of the ordinary.
·        And there are times God does that—but if we refuse to find Him in the ordinary—We will miss the grandest blessing of all.  (You may be tempted to quit reading, just because you glanced down and saw–gee-whiz–she typed a DOOZY of a blog here–please keep reading…it might be the one for you today)
Psalms 106:7-15  Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.  Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.  And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.  And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
·        Sometimes we read verses like Psalms 106:1  “Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” 
…and think God is just all “mercy”…that He will wink at and overlook our lusting flesh—our sinful desires—our carnal nature…
Let me share with you for just a few minutes the facts from my perspective: 
1)   We don’t have the mind capacity to think anywhere near what God might be thinking;    Isaiah 41:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 
·        We read in verses 12-13 how the Israelites believed only “after they saw”…
§  Don’t you know that after all God had already done in Egypt—with the plagues … you would have thought—they would believe God for anything!
§  But no—at the first mud puddle, they are in a complete state of pandemonium!  (I’m not tossing stones at them…)
“Oh, he’s brought us here to kill us!  We’ll drown!”  All they could see was what was in front of them!
§  Yes, I know it was the Red Sea…but to God—it was a mere mud puddle!  They were so occupied with the outward—they couldn’t even fathom God blowing the waters aside! 
Sometimes we can’t imagine how or what God might do when we come face to face with our own Red Sea—but don’t start overlooking the obvious…and being occupied with the outward—Just be honest with God:  “God, I don’t know what this looks like from your position—but from mine—it appears to be an impasse.” 
·        Unreachable. 
·        Insurmountable. 
·        Unachievable –but follow that up with a statement of FAITH…
“BUT GOD—Your Word states: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!  BE GLORIFIED IN THIS!”
o   Don’t shrink back…but praise and step out! 
o   God still wants people willing to cross the sea…
§  Sometimes He’ll provide a boat
§  Sometimes He may build a bridge
§  Sometimes He may say “walk out in faith…Because HE IS ABOUT TO PART THE WATERS!!
Oswald Chambers wrote:  “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading…It is a life of faith, not of intellect and reason, but a life of knowing Who makes us “go”…The root of faith is the knowledge of a person, and one of the biggest snares is the idea that God is sure to lead us to success”….(read that again)
Lest we think God’s planning on making us the “next great” whatever–remember, it may not be the corner office with all the perks that He is leading you to…it may not be the pulpit with the congregation of 2,000…it may be the janitorial closet…or the congregation of 25…
Success in God’s eyes is not the same is ours…HE is looking out for the welfare of the heart…not our pocketbook–(and yes, I know HE will provide all our needs–according to His riches in glory–but your heart –MY HEART is a big concern to Him–and it is OUR GREATEST NEED.)
o   Your faith will grow as your prayer life increases…and your prayer life will increase when you encounter obstacles that test your faith…The Israelites faces obstacles—they made choices…
you and I have the same choices today to make: 
A.  Praise; or
B.  Complain
o   Faith is an easy word to say…but what happens when something comes to our lives that requires us to “use” our faith?
o   Prayer is something warm and fuzzy to “think about”…doing it, however, we find that the matters of life always tend to usurp their authority and place in our minds and lives…
o   Bottom line…prayer and faith has to be a determination of the heart and life of the individual.  It is many times a battle. 
2)  The tolerance of the LORD is running out…we are too occupied with our outward! 
§  The faith of the Israelites was contingent on what they saw, not on their trust in the INVISIBLE…
§  They had unreasonable desires for food…in the wilderness—they craved meat—they craved flesh…NOT GOD.
Romans 8:5-8 “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
  • They tested God—God gave them what they asked for:

The amplified version of verse 15 says: And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their souls and [thinned their numbers by] disease and death.
Other translations state:  plague; terrible disease; wasting disease.  
The Message stated, “empty heart”.  
(Read also Numbers 11:33–we find that as they were still chewing the “lusted for meat”–they became stricken with the disease–they got more than they bargained for–because they were not satisfied with what God was supplying for them.  They could have killed their own livestock and supplied meat for themselves, but they had begun to like the idea of being waited on hand and foot as God was supplying “manna” from heaven…they wanted Him to supply “MEAT”…eating meat was not the sin…having a cavernous appetite for something other than God was the sin…their sin lay in their belly.)
  • They didn’t believe until they “saw”…

God is looking for a people who will believe when things look the opposite…
Jesus said to Thomas after needing “proof” that it was indeed the Lord… “Thomas, because thou has seen me, thou has believed:  blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”… (John 20:29)
·        God wants us to be so in love with Him—so desirous of Him—time with Him—to hear Him—to know Him—that we are occupied with Him continually…that the outward fades—and the inner grows.
For inner growth—that can have peace in a storm, vision in the blinding rain, it will come only from seeking Him—if we want changes in our life—and growth—we MUST cease being overly occupied with the things of the outward—and seek Him with all of our hearts.

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Life Issues, Trials, Trust, Wanda

Where Is Your Focus?

A. Knight

I read something that brought back a bittersweet reminder of my sister, Wanda, this morning….and because you are dear to my heart–and perhaps have a struggle or two of your own, I wanted to take just a minute and share it with you.

II Chronicles 20:12(b) …”neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

I have to tell you, in the instant I read that–after reading all of chapter 20, I “heard” her voice….”I don’t understand….(long pause for struggled breath)....we trusted God.....(another pause–suck in air and strength), “but I still trust Him.”

You know, there have been so many times I didn’t understand what God was doing (okay, clear confession, I RARELY understand)–but I know enough of His amazing power and love–to trust Him. That doesn’t mean that I don’t pause along the journey and ask a question or two…but I join with Ezra (as it is believed he wrote), we may not know what to do in the hardest of circumstances, “but our eyes are upon THEE.”

If the battle is hot before you–and you feel the pressure from the enemy surrounding your life…maybe you even see the dust they’ve kicked up from riding into your life–

lock your eyes on Him.  Our Savior.

The Lord came in to bring deliverance–to fight the battle for them–but read back at the beginning of the chapter to see what got God’s attention.  It surely wasn’t the fact that they continued doing their every day deal—“walking in oblivion to God”––

Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the LORD–proclaiming a fast (II Chronicles 20:3).

Through the voice of Jahaziel, the LORD spoke to the people and told them “the battle is not yours, but God’s”.  

I’ve heard many people quote that verse–“just stand still–the battle is not yours”….but let me remind US all…

their preparation before the battle was what got GOD’S attention.

SEEKING God.

I’m afraid too often we want to carry on just like we have done– day after day–and expect God to just come in on our grounds, on our terms, and cooperate with us. Ha!

I can just imagine the expression of incredulity that passes the angel’s faces as they look at our pitiful selves trying to “go it alone” and get it all accomplished…(oh, all for His name sake of course)…leaving out the very One who gives us the breath we breathe every.single.day.  Let’s not forget that.

My heart cries out to Him today for the places in our lives where we have shut Him out…

for those of us who think–“the battle is too hot…we may as will throw in the towel”…

Friend, don’t do that.

A year or so ago, I had learned that someone I knew very well had decided to walk away from ministry…from the very voice of God.  It broke my heart–I wept–not understanding how they could possibly do that.

Since that day–I’ve learned–there are battles we face as believers in Christ that can become so incredibly intense and overwhelming that the enemy of our soul– leans in and whispers—“it’s too much.  Why don’t you go back to the simple way of living.  Why bother with all of this–you are only wearing  yourself out!  Go back to just worrying about yourself–stop fretting over all these other people”….

Well, you know exactly that is what he wants you to do…”stop”.  Recognize that raspy voice for who and what it is.  The enemy.  The pure stinkin’ devil.  He is set out to destroy you and me–he wants to stop you cold in your tracks–and keep you from doing what God has CREATED YOU FOR.

Do you want to shut the enemy up?  Write this down, or copy paste this and print it and STICK it to your mirror—READ IT OUT LOUD.

“I can do all things through CHRIST which stengtheneth me.  (Philippians 4:13) and BECAUSE HE GIVES ME STRENGTH, I forget those things which are behind me–I reach toward what is before me–and I PRESS TOWARD the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ JESUS.” (Phil. 3:13-14 paraphrased)

Don’t stop.  Don’t sit down.  We are getting close to the finish line.  Be steadfast in your journey.

When the enemy starts his talk…YOU START YOURS.

But do it OUT LOUD.  He does NOT have the ability to read your mind…all he can do is plant things there–and he knows he has succeeded when he sees your reactions…and when he hears your negativity–and when he sees you SIT DOWN.

There is no sitting down in the battle.  As I would tell my girls if they stayed too long in the bed on a Saturday when there was work to be done…. “Get your butt up and get busy!”

(Wow.  I cannot believe I just said that to you!…but really.  Get up.  We can’t win this sitting down.  WE MUST FIGHT.)

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

Devotion, faith, Hope, Life Issues

Are We Battling in the Pit—or Succumbing?

A. Knight

2011-02-25 Sisters Retreat 2011 Feb 030 I have to ask myself this very question going through every situation that seems to knock the very breath out of me—spiritually speaking.

Years ago, while in the middle of a particular “battle” as it were, I remember a phone call with my mother.  I was firmly planted in a pit. 

I had done pretty much like Beth Moore described in her book, “Get Out of That Pit”.  I had decorated it…tried to make it pretty….but that didn’t change what it was, nor what it was doing to me.  I had a party going on all the time!

A “pity party”.  Or, say it like this:  “A Pit for me Party”.

And I wasn’t budging anytime soon.  Mother tried her best motherly advice—all her cajoling, her “peppy words”, everything a good mother could and would say to a child (no matter the age), firmly entrenched in the depths of her personal pit.

2011-02-25 Sisters Retreat 2011 Feb 043 Finally, in desperation to get her to leave me alone I said, “Mother.  Stop.  I’m having a pity party-and I’m not done.  When I’m done, I will get out.  Please let me finish”.

That is pretty much how parties in my pit went.  When I had had enough…and the prayers of a faithful mother—who refused to let her daughter continue—but sought God on her behalf had been ushered up to Glory and heard by the King (Psalm 34:1-7), I would come to my senses and seek God for myself and –HE reaching down—the hand that had always been extended, would help me “out” of the pit.

This morning, my pit experiences came to mind as I prayed for and thought of some others who are current pit dwellers.  Be it either by way of a stronghold of the flesh, mind or spirit…it can be a place so deep—that we cannot see the light of day…Nor the LIGHT that permeates every dark place.

What I did was succumb.  I was satisfied that this was the place I would dwell the rest of my days.  In a battle of the mind.

Others battle things that many of us are familiar with.  Be it tobacco, drugs, alcohol, perversions of the flesh, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, the list goes on and on…they are all life affecting, life altering and life diminishing existences in a pit.  Satan desires to destroy us…God desires to bring us out of those times and places and restore our purpose and vision greater and brighter than before.

Many things I have experienced that others have not.  MANY things I have NOT experienced that others have.  Each life has it’s own exposure to plots created and planned by the enemy—who knows our weakness and that is the very tool he uses to try and bring about our demise.

BUT we don’t have to stay in that battle—and when we realize that as a child of the Most High God—this not our battle to fight, but His—then we are on steady feet—and the path is clearer.  2 Chronicles 32:7-8 records these words by Hezekiah.  “Be strong and courageous!  Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or  his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!  He may have a great army, but they are merely men.  We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!”…(NLT)

Tell me, if after reading those words from Hezekiah, don’t you feel strengthened?  Don’t you feel a Source greater than your own might envelope you with might and strength?  I do.  I see more clear.  The dust from the battle ground settles and I see more clear the plot and plan of the enemy—and I know now what to do.

Pray. Fight.  Suit up with the armor that is laid out in the Word in Ephesians 6:12-18.

People.  We’ve got a battle to fight—and it must be fought daily.  There is not a single place where we can lay aside our sword, helmet or breastplate and take ease.  This war will continue until the Day of Christ’s Return. (Revelation 1:7)  The walls of the pit will get higher—more slippery—harder to scale, while we sit idly by and not do our part.

Complacency in the pit will lead to eternal death and damnation.  Complacency leads to a lukewarm existence…and that existence nauseates God to the point of vomiting.

Get up.  Get out.  Gear up!  Arm yourself (I say this to myself as well!) with the weapons that we are instructed to use against the enemy! (Ephesians 6:14-18)

In 2 Corinthians, Paul addresses the spiritual war. (10:3-6 NKJV) “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

An excerpt from NKJV Study Bible footnotes:  “strong holds…high thing:  Overlooking ancient Corinth was a hill 1,857 feet high.  On top of it was a fortress.  Paul used that imagery as an illustration of the spiritual warfare he waged.  He destroyed strongholds, cast down towers, and took captives.  The fortress, towers, and captives represent the arguments, thoughts and plans that Paul was opposing.  Paul cast down all rationalizations.  He took captive to the obedience of Christ every perception and intention of the heart that was against God.  Our actions reveal our thoughts.   We should not cling to thoughts that do not conform to the life and teachings of Christ.  Paul did not walk according to the flesh.”

Our actions reveal our thoughts. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27  “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus:  not with uncertainty.  Thus I fight:  not as one who beats the air.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (emphasis  mine)

Thinking defeated thoughts is allowing the enemy to plant seeds of doom.  Seeds that will not grow and become what God intended when you began your journey with Him.  You can’t give in to the enemy in your thought life and win a battle.  It just won’t happen.

I speak from experience in this!  Too many times I allowed thoughts of defeat, doubt, fear, or flesh to enter in the picture God was working on in my life.  At those points I think He halted His brush strokes—in mid-air.  I think perhaps He was saying, “Angie, until you settle “who you are in Me, We can’t finish what We started.”

2011-02-25 Sisters Retreat 2011 Feb 044 What are you trying to settle in your heart and mind?  Do you know who you are in Christ?  Are you aware of the armor that has been made available to you—to enable you to fight well and WIN?

I encourage you today, dig into the Word.  That is where the answers lie to all the issues we face.  Every single one.

You can win the battle instead of succumb….determine today to do so!

 

© Angie Knight—The Knightly News—Giving Him All 2011.  All rights reserved.

Life Issues, Mission Trip, Reflection

Meeting Jesus

A. Knight

Honduras_2010-Monday_Work_007In a hurry to meet us, Honduran, Stephanie grabbed one wrong flip-flop.

I know that because the next day, she had on one of the same ones, and it’s mate.

This brought a question to my heart.  Are we in that big of a rush to meet with Jesus?  So hurried that we scramble each morning, hoping not to miss an opportunity to show Him how much we love Him?

Probably not—for most of us.  I know I like things orderly.  Timely.  Even though I have found I work best under pressure—I like to take my time, plan things out—cross all the “t’s” and dot all the “i’s”.  Sometimes I even get distracted on my way to meet with Him in my morning devotion.  I spy some laundry in front of the machine, decide now is a good time to put on a load to wash—you know—while I read and pray.

Then, my feet feel the grainy remnants of yesterday on the floor.  I grab the broom. 

And as I step on the sidetracks of the morning, I remind myself of my purpose.

Spend time with Jesus.  Meet with Him.  Go to Him.  First.  While the day is yet fresh—without the beads of perspiration.

One of many things I have taken away from our Mission Trip to Honduras is the way the children ran to meet us every single morning.  Who knows how long they waited at the top of the hill.  My roommate, Marcella, and I rose very early every morning in anticipation of what the day would bring.  Knowing we needed to tuck into our hearts every single fragment of the day—tie it securely and never forget what God has done—where He brought us from—and where the journey would lead us all—as we take His hand and grip it fiercely. 

All the way home.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place.  And He was praying there.”  Mark 1:35 NIV

We don’t have much more of the journey ahead.  Meet with Jesus in the quiet place.  The early place.  Give Him your day—before it takes over your mind….let Him have it all.

There have been many times—my quiet time was when the house was still again—after the ravages of the day had taken it’s toll.  That was when He refreshed my soul, refueled my mind—and it was needed.  So necessary.

Whatever your time—whatever works best for you and Jesus—meet with Him.

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faith, Life Issues

From the Devotional Book

A. Knight

In the words of Oswald Chambers, “Dreaming about a thing in order to do it properly is right; but dreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong.”

Can I just tell you that on the day I read this one…it hit me square in the eyes. For several reasons.

1) I had missed doing my devotions in my Oswald Chambers book for a few days. I read other things…—but when I picked my book back up, I flipped first to the “day at hand”.

“SMACK”. Right between the eyes.

2) Yes, I had been dreaming. But to put action behind my dreams scared me to death! But still…

My mother always told us, “Actions speak louder than words”. Yes. I know. A mother’s wisdom.

Oswald goes on further, “When we are getting into contact with God in order to find out what He wants, dreaming is right; but when we are inclined to spend our time in dreaming over what we have been told to do, it is a bad thing and God’s blessing is never on it….’neither sit nor stand but go.’ “

It is alright to wait before the Lord to get the instructions. Or the roadmap—but there are times, when He bids us go–have faith in Him and go—and He directs us step by step.

Wanda’s favorite verse was Psalm 27:14. Wait on the Lord. As you are waiting “before Him”…meaning on your knees, in your prayer closet, or on your face, in your private devotions, He is doing the strengthening. He will be your strength. When you feel you have gone your absolute limit….give it up.

To Him. And when He answers, however He may choose to answer, give Him all the praise.

We do. We give God the glory and praise for Wanda’s life and testimony. AND for what He continues to do—through the faithful perseverance of one darling sister. We praise Him.

Thanks for sticking around with us! We promise to post more faithfully! We are blessed to be sisters of faith with you!

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90 Days with Jesus Bible Study, Life Issues

Day Twelve

A. Knight

Scripture Text for today: Luke 2:39-40, 51-52

One of Beth’s thoughts today was the qualities she likes most in people, and she asked “What would be on your list if you were to make one? And which of them can you see Jesus possessing?”

Now, I have never made a list of the qualities I like in people, but it is something to think about. When I was in High School we had to write down the qualities we wanted in a spouse in our Life Management class and needless to say my husband fit the type I wrote about. (Awe, ain’t that sweet!)

Anyway, sorry for chasing that rabbit, contemplating this thought made me think of that paper. Well, I would have to say Jesus possesses all the good qualities that I can think of. Faithful, honest, wise, a good listener, etc…..

Just like Beth, it is hard for me to fathom the human side of Christ. Makes me wonder, “Did He ever have a bad day?” Beth mentioned how He was favoured in vs. 52, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” I liked her words, “He came bringing heaven to earth. In today’s terms, He was a man who could preach an anointed sermon, then change a flat tire on the way home from church.”

I want to live a life pleasing and favourable to God. Our Uncle Cecil taught an adult Sunday School class for many years before he was physically unable to, due to several strokes, but one of his favorite things to say at the close of his lessons was, “Children, if you want to hear the Father say well done, you’d better have done well.”

I admit I tend to be a people -pleaser many times, because I want others to be happy. I won’t compromise my beliefs, but I will often stretch myself to thin.

One day, I was praying about my pleasing tendencies and I was crying about how I didn’t feel I could do enough to please people or measure up to others. I had high expectations for myself… I’m a pastor’s wife and I wanted to visit everyone, make pies and cakes for everyone, and be a good teacher, and be a good wife and mother, etc… and I heard the still small voice speak to my heart, “Child, all I expect of you is for you to do your best and I will handle the rest.” That was a liberating thought for me, because all he requested was my best.

May God bless you is my prayer, and may all you beautiful ladies be found favoured!

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee

Life Issues

Faith for the Prodigal

A. Knight

“True faith is that which marks a beginning, but you keep it active by your actions. True faith keeps on believing right on to the very end.” ~Stephen Potter

Do we have true faith? Can we continue to believe and trust when the situation looks hopeless? Thinking today about faith and trust I wonder at times about my own. Marsha, the mother of missionaries to Africa, told me a couple of months ago, that “many people don’t have faith to pray for a situation for the long haul”. We can’t see the end. We don’t know the answer. Are we still going to believe for what we can’t see? Are we willing to say to Him, Lord, I don’t know what You are doing in this child of mine’s life….but I have faith in You and I trust that this child I gave back to You when she was born is under Your watchful eye. The child. No matter how old they grow to be, they will always be your child. They are being watched.

However, the child has a will. To do right or wrong. To choose evil over good. The choice is a gift God gave to each of us. We have the right to determine which path to take. The wide one that looks easy as pie? Or the narrow, winding, sometimes even treacherous road that at times has a fog on it so thick you can’t see your hand in front of you. That’s the road that is toughest in the here and now. But it’s the “then” —the “eternal” that we are trusting for . It’s what we are believing for.

When you give birth to that precious little babe, they don’t come with a tag like washing instructions….”pre-shrunk—will not shrink, machine wash gentle cycle, no bleach, tumble dry low, iron medium heat if necessary”. There is no label that says, “rebellious, firm hand, but loving, sniff clothes regularly”.

It is hard to say—or point to a day when the loving child turns into the prodigal. The one that wants to take all his or her possessions and leave for “the better life”. Humph. Better indeed.

The passage labeled as the “Parable of the Lost Son”, has a few verses I want to point out. You know the story by heart. But read this:

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:17-20 NIV (emphasis mine)

While he was still a long way off. The KJV says “great way off”. In my minds eye, I see that father. I think the father watched the roadway every day with “expectation”. Not only did he desire his son to come home, he expected him to come home. He wasn’t sure what condition he would arrive in. But he knew he would come home. In the deepest part of his heart, he knew that at some point he would reach the end of himself, and that his selfish ways would bring him to his knees. Right smack-dab in the middle of the pig pen.

I believe he watched expectantly for years. I don’t think the prodigal’s funds were lost in a week. Not even a month. I believe it was years. The Bible clearly tells us what the “lost son” was doing —but until the son arrives back home in a state of shame…the only thing we know that the father did while his son was away…was watch and wait. I think he watched everyday. The Bible makes no comment about the mother of the son. She may not have even been living. But if she was, I like to believe, that while the father was outside watching the roadway, the mother was inside on her knees praying for the child to find the right road home.

Sometimes the mother does both. Watching and praying for each prodigal to make it home.

Oh, by the way, go ahead and get their garments ready, get the family ring shined. Get the bathtub set, the water just right, soaps, towels all in place. For isn’t that him? Coming just now down the road?

Father, my heart cries out to You for each prodigal. I was one. You, O Lord have never turned Your back on one seeking You. You have lavished us with Your love and attention. May we each love our own prodigals as You have loved us. With compasssionate love. Forgiving love. Merciful love. Teach us Your ways O Lord. I praise Your holy name for all that You are, all that You desire to be in me, and all that You are bringing to pass in our lives for Your glory. In Your holy name I pray~Amen.

Keeping the Faith,
The Sisters (Angie)

Life Issues

Sisters…two here…one There

A. Knight

So….here we are.
Angie and Aimee. The oldest girl and the baby girl.

Our picture is forever altered. For there was a face that fit right in the middle. Wanda’s.

We carry on. In Faith. Forever Trusting. Always believing….in Him. After all, we do have a job to do. Share His truth. With everyone we can. All who will recieve.

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

We will be her voice. We will share the love of Christ with others. We will carry on.

I feel that both Aimee and myself have a new found determination to do more. Go further. Carry more. Tell more. Be more for Christ, Who was all for us.

We begin with the T-Shirts. They speak a message.

Sisters we are….faith we have…Christ we share.

And the verse? “Wait on the Lord. “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

I can’t tell you what she saw when she took His hand and entered in….but I can tell you what I felt. I felt the glory of God as I have never experienced it before. I felt—more than saw….a glimmer of His Presence as the heavens parted for her to make her entrance as He extended His hand. As a conductor lifts his arm and leads an emotional piece of music….and then moves it upward, reaching higher for the highest note to be heard…I felt her move in spirit to the “higher places” with the Father. The beginning of the most beautiful song heard imaginable.

Sisters of faith…and sisters that have not yet decided to accept His love….Accept Him. Accepts His love. Accept His Gift. Christ Jesus’ life. His sacrifice. Accept Him on this glorious Easter weekend…the first Easter Wanda can be with the One that gave everything for a sinner such as I.

I intend to hear that song for myself. Her song as well as mine. For we each have one you know. At least it’s what I believe. Whatever I need to change…I will change. Whatever He chooses for me….I accept. He is my all. My Savior. My Father and soon coming King.

If Wanda could tell us something this morning…it might be:

“Sisters, the cross will be heavy at times, but you will never have to carry it alone. The Lord will be your guide…as He was mine. Remember the past victories and rejoice! Remember the countless blessings and take heart! There truly is joy in the morning!

Within myself, I had no strength, but through the power and strength of trusting in God—He gave me what I needed. Everytime. You can make it to the end! You can finish the race!

Keeping the faith,

The Sisters