Life – Page 4 – Jeff & Angie

Afterwards

October 11, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

“Lord”, Simon Peter said to Him, “where are You going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.” (John 13:36

Holman CSB) Oswald Chambers uses the KJV and I love the way it reads…“but thou shalt follow Me afterwards.”

Afterwards.

I just have to tell you—those words brought the tears to the forefront. Stuck in my throat and threatened to burst as a waterfall the day I read that devotion about 3 years ago.

Maybe it was partly due to the post I finished that night called “Letter from Heaven“. But I also believe that once again—the Lord has confirmed to me that that particular book— or devotional tool, was the correct one for this season of my life. I put in a rare plug here for your next yearly devotional book–Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, is one of the best. You will be blessed tremendously by this one!

Following Christ Jesus has been my determined path for some time. More determination than before, however, lit my heart afire these past few months. But the fire began rising in a fervent heat in 2007.

Between the first calling of “Follow Me” from Jesus to Peter to the second calling was one of the “blank spaces”.

What Peter did in his blank space is, I’m afraid is what happens in many of our lives in our own blank space.

Chambers’ words, “Between these times Peter had denied Jesus with oaths and curses, he had come to the end of himself and all his self-sufficiency, there was not one strand of himself he would ever rely upon again, and in his destitution he was in a fit condition to receive an impartation from the risen Lord.”

Sound familiar?

It does to me. For I found HIM only at the end of myself. Realizing I had no power to change any circumstance of my life…but He had all power. As Chambers closes this page, his words ring true and fresh tears sting. “There is only one lodestar in the life now, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Lodestar.

Guiding star.

Point of reference.

The dictionary reference says:

1. a star that shows the way.
2. Polaris.
3. something that serves as a guide or on which the attention is fixed.

Today, where is your attention fixed?

Are you at the end of your abilities?

You will never find the end of His.

Without Him, we have no ability, but Jesus said four times in the Gospels,

“with God all things are possible…..”….”If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.”….”With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”…..”And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee”….

(Matthew 19:26 ; Mark 9:23 ; 10:27 ; and 14:36 )

What are you believing Him for?

Are you at the “afterwards of your blank space?”…

are you looking at the horizon and feel the end of yourself?

That’s where I found Him. At the very end of me.

No longer self-sufficient…but God is sufficient for me.

Life, Ministry

If You Say Go…

August 13, 2012 A. Knight

If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can’t be done
We’ll fix our eyes on You and we will come.

Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We’ll gaze into the flames and look for You.

(By Rita Springer)

My niece sent me this song last year—before she left for an incredible journey…

He called…

She went.

A few weeks ago, I received a note in the mail…someone not understanding our burden for the lost… “why do you go so far?”

“Why not stay here?”…

I imagine Jesus leaning over the table of Matthew, the tax collector and saying, just for him, “Come, follow Me”…

Without hesitation, Matthew rises and follows. No questions. No straightening of quill or parchment. No gathering of list of debtors…just obedience. (Matthew 9:9)

Matthew never looked back at his table.

His position.

His income.

His purpose was no long “his”….but it was now “HIS”.

Are we in that place of full on obedience? No matter what it looks like to the world?

He will not call you to a work –a mission—or a purpose that is not already written in the record of time…and that HE will equip and enable you to do—bringing Him glory and honor as you put your full faith and trust in Him…

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

Will you go?

We have embarked on a journey of such…of seeking more of God. Through His Word…through prayer…through the very self denial of certain things…each one is different…but for each one that chooses this Way…Joy is found.

Joy in knowing Him in a way that is beyond words….it must be experienced.

Operation 180º may not be understood by all…but if you are willing for some changes in your life…by turning your focus fully on Christ—your life will turn completely away from the world…and target straight for the “Narrow Gate”…and take you all the way Home.

(Bro. Shane Martin preached a great message Sunday, I would like to encourage you to click on the website and listen in—video archive on the sidebar.)

Are you ready? Willing? Focused?

Let’s go. Listen to this song: If You Say Go, by Rita Springer

Devotion, faith, Life, Ministry

When God Calls Your Name

August 7, 2012October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Walking with my sister, mother, aunt and cousins, along a dirt road last year, I was about to take a step over what appeared to be a letter.

I stopped. Bent over and low and behold, it was an “A”. Not placed by human hands…but by the Wind.

How it happened I didn’t have a clue, but I knew it was significant –at least for me.

Sometimes we look for a “word” from a friend…to encourage us…or uplift us. But that’s all it can do, and sometimes that’s enough…for the time.

But there is a WORD that you and I can have on a daily basis…straight from the heart of God.

I am very excited about what our church has begun this past Sunday.

Operation 180º. It’s a call to prayer, Bible reading, and fasting for 90 days.

Did you just gulp? 90 days will take us to the first week of November–a time when we are thinking, “Thanksgiving”…family gatherings–hearts and lives blessed. For many though, it doesn’t mean anything out of the ordinary. It means just another day. Just another 90 days.

God has called our name-–He is intent on giving us a message–letting us KNOW that He is present–and wants–desires for us to “see Him” and experience HIM as never before.

Life as usual won’t get us there. It takes determined steps.

I know I’ve talked a lot about this…but I have found that I have to dig myself in mentally, spiritually and even physically to make time with HIM all it should be.

This morning it was raining–I woke at 3:13.
Odd time…the odder thing was this: I began thinking of all the times I had heard God speak to me.

Over the past 4 years, I heard from Him… (not from any individual), 7 times. Actually, as I was on my way to work, I thought of the 8th. Oh, and sitting here right now, He just reminded me of the 9th. Significant words. Words from the Word.

When reading the Bible, we read down the page (hopefully not passively, but fully involved), and a passage jumps out at us..perhaps we heard it recently, maybe even said something similar in days or weeks prior. But the significance is when we FEEL Him say, “this Word is for You…for your –today–“.
Most times, tears fill my eyes as I realize His love afresh for me.

The 7 to 9 times of His voice I’m speaking of this morning was His voice–to me. In my ear…to my heart…and no one else heard anything. It wasn’t audible…but it was heart focused and heart felt. So much so that the very words permeated my soul and changed the way I looked at that day!

7 to 9 times I heard Him call my name with a specific message for me. Not to be ever forgotten (as was recently discussed with a mentor). I can still feel the heat…I can still smell the smells around me–I can even still look around and see what I saw then. It made an impact. (I just thought of another!)

In every single instance–my mind and heart was fully focused, fully engaged in following HIM. Not my agenda. I want that every day!

It is a fight. The enemy does NOT want you to have that…why, if you have that, you JUST might start to BELIEVE HIM FOR IMPOSSIBLE THINGS!

I’m laughing right now, because that is what I am doing. Believing HIM for impossible things.

If you DARE…step out on the water. Believe for the IMPOSSIBLE….REACH higher than you’ve ever dared before. It starts with determination.

When we first began discussing this plan of action, I remembered the compass on my phone. If you have a compass on your phone, get it out.

I’ll wait. Click the icon. Bring up the compass.

Notice what happens if you fidget in your seat.

Fidgets brings movement.

Steps in either direction brings movement.

Changes.

The needle will go wild if you spin in your chair!

Did you know (perhaps at this point you do), every move you make alters your course?…Every. Single. Move.

One glance to the left, your whole body makes the adjustment…the needle moves…maybe just a bit, but enough to alter it….keep glancing to the left…or to the right…and the needle will move so much that you might not remember the direction you were headed in the first place….

Friend, we better know.

We better keep our eyes open and straight ahead to the straight and narrow.

It is hard? You betcha! (GrandBuddy lingo)

But the Bible says, few will enter into the straight and narrow path…because they can’t find it…their focus is so off course, they lost sight.

Hey, we are so close to the end, you must KNOW the enemy will try EVERY tactic known–every weakness you have, he will pull out to tempt you with…stay focused. Stay alert.

Watch your steps…better yet, watch the One you are to be following.

I have to tell you this before you go: yesterday while driving home from work, I passed a truck and smiled when I read the sign (yes, I have this thing for trucks and billboards). It was a “moving truck”…(pay attention), the side of the truck read: “Dedication at every turn”….

It will take dedication; determination; eyes wide open and focused. Prayer–fasting–not just food–THINGS that have interrupted your life and stolen time from God. He won’t stand for it…He’s not going to “take it from you”…YOU have to decide to lay it down.

Operation 180º. 90 days of purposed steps in His direction will change the course of your life.

Go for it!

(2 Chronicles 7:14-16) Read it today.

Devotion, Hope, Life, Reflection

Givers and Takers—Movers and Shakers

May 1, 2012 A. Knight

Matthew 25:31-46 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry
and you gave Me something to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me something to drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in;
I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you took care of Me;
I was in prison and you visited Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’

“And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels!

For I was hungry
and you gave Me nothing to eat;
I was thirsty
and you gave Me nothing to drink;
I was a stranger
and you didn’t take Me in;
I was naked
and you didn’t clothe Me,
sick and in prison
and you didn’t take care of Me.’

“Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help You?’

“Then He will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me either.’

“And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

I know which side I want to stand on. But to be found standing on that side, we must be found “doing” –or LIVING—working with all that we have for Jesus. If we focus only on the “task”…and not Him, then it becomes our god…HE alone is to be worshipped.

· When we get caught up in the details we lose sight of what we are here for…not for us…but for HIM…and others.

V 35: For I was hungry…

What is the world hungry for? Let’s roll back the clock to a year in your teens…what were you hungry for?

Most of us could and would answer—attention.

To be noticed—

to matter.

To be valued.

Too often we discover all around us are people who struggle living daily—feeling that they have no value—they are starving to death for someone to share a piece of life with them. Most of the time—they want more than a smile. They need an ear—a shoulder.

Sunday afternoon—I was sitting on my porch—the birds chirping—the ceiling fan stirred the warm air—and I hear the rustling of leaves.

Scurry—stop. Scurry—stop.

I hear it…but I don’t see it.

I don’t get up. I continue doing what I set out to do…

That’s what we do. Day after day—we hear them.

The people.

We even sometimes smell them. We know they’re there.

Some of the time we even may acknowledge them—but there are days when they are a bother.

Their noise and needs and even existence seem to interrupt whatever nice flow of life we have.

I had gone out to my porch to soak up HIM. I wanted to be alone with Him. My head leaned back on the padding of my chair—and all of a sudden—HIS creation interrupts my quiet. ……………My private world…

They are hungry…

They thirst…

They have questions…

We have answers…yet we are so tucked inside our world…with a nice “do not disturb” sign on the door of our hearts and minds—refusing to answer.

We may not wear a visible sign, but the very fact that we “look away”—tells the tale.

We know in our hearts—although—to admit it to another—we would never do…

but God knows. He’s not deaf, nor is He blind.

They have needs—just as we do—and what if the one He sent to be the ear or shoulder—passed them by as a nuisance….a bother.

Refusing to hear…

Refusing to help…

Yet there are those individuals who look for opportunities to help. Who don’t mind the interruption to their day…thinking that possibly here is a chance to serve God by serving another. Here is a chance to love God by loving another…here is a chance to feed God…by feeding another….VISIT with God—by visiting another.

I cannot presume to label you—sheep from goats…although, the label is clear to His eyes…but just as quick as you can change your mind—you can change your label—with the HELP of God. God knows who and what each of us are—HE knows the hidden places of our hearts…and whatever we are today…HE can change tomorrow…If you’re a taker—He can help you become a giver…

If I were to pen this same passage today—this is what it might say:

“All the nations—every tribe and tongue—man-woman-teenager—boy or girl will be gathered before Him and HE will separate them one from another. Just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

He will put the givers on His right…and the takers on His left…Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father-inherit the Kingdom—which was prepared for you from the very beginning of the world…

…For I was a runaway teenager,

Lost in my own world of “self”

Without clothes or food—and no one to help.

Yet you fed me plenty and clothed me clean,

Loved me without judgment—treated me like a queen.

I was the mother of the runaway teenager…

On no shoulder could I cry,

When that same teenager still full of strife,

Turned up months later—

Yet now carrying life.

You pulled me to you and let me cry….

Then wiped my tears until they dried.

I was the sister—who had nothing to drink—

Parched from life of sin on the brink.

My heart bore the scars of neglect and abuse—

With calluses of a lifetime and feelings of no use.

You opened your heart and your home so free

You poured me a drink—Living Water it was, all for me.

My sin took me far—stripped me bare—dumped me out

Yet in my cell you reached in—because you had no doubt

That the One who died for you…did the same for me

And because of your love…today I am free.

Then the righteous will answer Him, Lord, when did we see you as a runaway, as one of pain, starving, homeless and hopeless? When did we clothe you or visit you in prison’s chains…

And the king will answer; whatever you did for one of my beloved daughters…you did for me.”

Picture with me two scenes:

1) A 14 year old girl, sweaty and fearful. Tears streaming as pain after pain grips her young body. Her mother nearby, her father perhaps waiting outside—head hanging—there’s no one to call. Her body tenses as each pain tears at her for release, when finally a small life struggles out—to be held and gazed upon by those who are not sure they can handle this red, wrinkled life. Tears flood the older mother’s eyes as she sees with clarity all that her young daughter, now a mother will have to give up. Years of teenage antics and fun have just been replaced by wee morning hour feedings, burp cloths and dirty diapers. The older mother wears guilt like a cape, heavy and scratchy like rough wool around her drooping shoulders. Who will help?

2) A young couple in the next room, hands clasp tight as the final push brings forth new life. A wriggling, screaming baby emerges into a world of lights. Excitement and tears of joy rush the room—as they snap pictures of her exquisitely fluid arrival taking place. The calls begin to go out and come in, announcing with great delight—the Joy that was born today.

Both births took place…on the same day—somewhere in USA. One full of joy—one less than the ideal situation…One needed help… the other…most likely had more help than they knew what to do with.

What do we do? There are those in our cities, in our communities, neighborhoods and even churches…in need.

Hurting. Hungry. Hopeless. What can we do for them?

Here are just a few things we can do:

1) Pray for them. They need to KNOW someone is praying—and they need to know you care.

2) Give. Of your time, your money or other resources and your love.

a. Maybe you can sew. Sew baby blankets. Sew burp cloths. Wrap them up in pretty packages and give them to your local Pregnancy Crisis Center—or health department that works in the school system with the pregnant teens. Or give towel/wash cloth soap sets to your local homeless shelter.

b. Maybe you are gifted in having a “listening ear”. They need counselors in crisis centers and homeless shelters—those who they will screen and feel qualified to be there for them. People need to know other people care.

3) Think of creative ways to bless them. “Diaper month.” “Bib and Blanket” month. For homeless shelters, think beyond that—soap, hand sanitizers, toilet tissue, tooth brushes and toothpaste, combs, hairbrush, the list can go on and on…WHAT ABOUT BIBLES? What if you placed some Bibles in every shelter—they don’t have to be expensive— give them hope of life…LIFE.

Every donation makes a difference.

4) Get involved. That’s the biggest thing. Maybe you don’t have an area you feel particularly gifted in…

show up…show interest…show CHRIST.

What would HE do?

He would be a “giver”…a mover and shaker…

Adversity, Cambodia, Life

Complacent?

March 23, 2012 A. Knight

That’s a word that’s been on my lips a few times today…especially in thinking of how some are towards growth…seeking God for more…and especially in living outside of the walls we’ve secured around our lives. Complacent.

I was one. With a capital “C”. It makes me nauseated now to think of how I was—and would still be had God not gotten my attention with life…

You know…life. The daily stuff that happens and then all of a sudden, life smacks you in the head with a brutal sharpness that causes your eyes to sting.

God will deal with complacent…and I personally believe it nauseates Him.

What do you do with this disease? Is it treatable?

I say, “yes”. But it takes some knee work. As in getting down on them and seeking God—asking for forgiveness for the hardness of our hearts and the blindness of our eyes to the plight of others.

I’ve witnessed complacency. It sits comfortably on church pews all across our nation. It has soft knees and not so soft hearts. I’ve seen complacency fill a pulpit…from real life—to televangelist. Those seeking that dollar bill…or mega-dollar bills. Nauseating.

The day we went to the temples in Cambodia, I struggled inside with what I witnessed. People kneeling before a lie…seeking to please a lie. Walking miles in the heat for a lie…tears formed in my eyes as I watched one young woman, possibly early 20’s kneel down and offer something to the dead stone.

But think for just a minute what we are doing every single day. We offer up hours of our lives to dead stone. Maybe it’s not stone, but it’s dead nonetheless. It not only steals your time…but it steals your family. It steals your future…and if I may be so bold to say (I may as well be bold—I told God I’d type what He dictated), I believe it will steal your eternity in heaven…and hand deliver you one to hell. Ouch. That hurt.

Where are you sowing seeds of life? In your church? In your neighborhood? Community?

Or in dead stone.

I’ve spent all the time I intend to with dead stone…I determined a few years ago, that God would have my full attention. If He chose to rearrange my whole life—He could. If He chooses now to send me across the “pond”…I’m His to send.

Truthfully, I am dealing with things since my return. The first trip to Honduras brought things into focus…now, the lens of my camera has been cleaned again. Bolivia brought insight and clarity. Cambodia brings urgency. An urgency that cannot be ignored.

When I came home from Honduras…God really began to deal with me about how I spent my time and money. I worked on it…with His guidance and help. I told a dear pastor friend today, Bolivia was different. Maybe it was because Jeff and I were there together—but there was a feeling of dog-tired-joy. Joy like I’ve never experienced. Peace.

Tonight—as I sit here—reliving moments of the past 3 years, I am praying for more insight into His plan. I will change-rearrange-do what needs to be done to fall in line behind Him. Following Him has been my “sign-off” on my blog for many years, then, I changed it to “Giving Him All”. When I give Him my ALL, I am following Him…and I don’t intend to stop.

I can promise you I won’t be a favorite. It happens when I leave and see God somewhere where the people are hungry for Him and then come home to where the complacent out-number the hungry…even in our own church. My mouth sometimes gets in gear and I can’t stop it…so—if you are one of the complacent…you might want to avoid me for a while.

If you are not sold out completely—willing to give it all up for Him—then I’m afraid you are like the girl in the picture. Standing before the dead stone. You may not be bowing down…but you are there…stuck inside the rocky walls of life…and life has a tendency of crashing down…

Might I add—a crash helmet won’t help…

Only the helmet of salvation will.

Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Amen.

Life

Read Any Good Books Lately?

January 17, 2012 A. Knight

Might I suggest one?

In my search for good books—there is one that cannot be topped…no matter how fascinating the author.

The Word of God is the infallible—authoritative rule of faith—the very revelation of God to man. It is our foundation. Our core. Our strength.

When I’m troubled, it’s the second place I go. I said second, because when I’m troubled I go to the Author first. I do all my “tellin’” to Him.

Besides growing up in a wonderful church home, I was blessed with the Word of God taught in our home, and read in our school at the end of each day by Mrs. Hawkins, my 5th grade teacher. That short 30 minute Bible lesson was perhaps all the Biblical training some of the class received—in that short span of one school year.

Sadly, I have learned that there are countless individuals in our little towns and cities who cannot tell Adam from Jonah—and they have no clue who Jesus really is. What happened?

I didn’t go to a private school…we just lived in a blessed community, where God was more than a swear word. As a matter of fact, Mrs. Hawkins would wash your mouth out with nasty green “dispenser soap” if she heard you say anything that resembled a swear word or anything equivalent to a swear word (even words like “gosh, golly, gee-wiz, darn-it, etc). It was a “law” in her class. And anyone who broke the law…well –you remember the “cleansing of the mouth”?

What happened?

I believe it is the neglecting of the Book. The rare time spent on our knees…the lack of a true humble spirit—it’s a life lived in a fast pace—too fast for time in the Word—but plenty of time for the world.

I’ve shared with our Young Adult group on several occasions that I enjoy Oswald Chambers’ writings, along with many others (Oswald being a favorite), but more than reading Oswald, I enjoy time spent in the Word of God. Oswald may have made a mistake in his theology (I haven’t found one, but that’s not to say he was perfect)—but there are no errors in the Word of God.

I pray each time I teach—that they go home and search out what I’ve said—that they get up with God about things they need in their lives. And that they leave determined to know HIM more than perhaps the latest updates on Facebook. Please know HIM more. Get in His Word…that is the only place you will TRULY find out about HIM. And His incredible—unfailing, undeniable, irrefutable love for you. And every single lost person walking the dirt of this globe.

Ask around. you will be surprised at who “knows” about Jesus and who doesn’t.

Remember this man? Bolivia 2011….

God’s love is for him too.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life” Romans 1:16-17 NLT

Thank you Savanah Lollie for use of your picture.

faith, Hope, Life, New Year

The Old and the New

December 28, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

When I worked at the law office in Dothan, I had certain a routine for closing out the year and beginning a new one. Same when I worked at the high school. New files were made…certain old ones were filed away…and in some cases, a purging happened.

Sometimes–that needs to be done in our lives…a purging.

When we moved in November–I knew in advance that there would be some things that just would not “fit” in this sweet little house. The couch for instance.

Now friend…I loved my couch. We spent a LONG time searching for the right couch…with Bible Study and Prayer times in mind….and it was well used for those purposes–as well as snuggling with grandkids and watching a good movie.

Our Common Grounds girls loved it too…I remember several of them making the comment the first time they came over to pray–“oh I sure wish I had THIS!” Unfortunately, it didn’t fit in the house. But God supplied another for us to use that does fit.

The “prayer” couch, where I met with Jesus every morning in one certain spot–will STILL be used as a place to meet with God–and learn of Him though–it will reappear soon–and I will show you where and tell you how….later.

In the moving–and purging–and cleaning out of all the “clutter of life”–I discovered something about me. I would have a tendency to be a hoarder if I wasn’t careful. I mean–I kept every sweet note every person mailed me–and those darlin’ cards that lifted my heart–tucked in a cedar chest.

There came a time though–that the cedar chest had to be used for it’s original intent. To store “quilts and blankets”. so I took a few hours and cleaned it out–going through every single card….

I’ll be honest–I had a hard time parting with some of the cards–and some of them (those that had a scripture verse and special note) I kept. But in comparison, it was just a few reminders of where God has brought me. As I re-read the cards–I saw the hand of God moving in my life through encouragement of others. I knew that in many girl’s shoe boxes or a drawer was perhaps a card or note with my signature–and a prayer. I know the value of the written word–and a prayer of faith in a desperate time of need…. I’ve been there.

In the purging process–God showed me that if I’m not careful, I will tend to hold on to what He’s done in the past–satisfied with that–yet knowing that there is SO MUCH MORE that He wants to do in the future!

Can I share a secret? He’s got more. MORE than you could even imagine is in store for this next year! I feel it in my BONES!

Isaiah wrote about the LORD reminding him of what He had done in the past and letting him know that the future held even greater promise for the Children of Israel!

(Isaiah 43:15-19 NLT)
I am the Lord, your Holy One,
Israel’s Creator and King.
¹⁶ I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters,
making a dry path through the sea.
¹⁷ I called forth the mighty army of Egypt
with all its chariots and horses.
I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned,
their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.
¹⁸ “But forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
¹⁹ For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland….

We cannot begin to comprehend what HE is about to do in our midst! BELIEVE. TRUST. DO NOT WAVER in your heart about HIS LOVE.

I want to live this gift of 2012 with such intentional devotion to Christ that I see Him at every turn. I want HIS presence to feel as it does today–and has for the past several days…thick–sweet as honey.
I intend to make a mark for HIM. So that HE will be glorified. I am willing to go through the purging process–and let HIM direct me at all the things that are unfit–the things that are choking the life out of me–so that there is ROOM for HIM to dwell without any hindrances.

I discovered though with the move–it is an intentional process. Friends can’t help you with this. YOU must desire this–and make the necessary changes on your own.

I have helped others move before–and if you’re not careful–you will simply take everything that is in the “past” house and move it right into the “NEW” house. And it just won’t fit.

Moving is best done with a clear mind on what you really NEED….not what you want.

As 2012 dawns–take some time and evaluate the “unnecessary” of your life…see what things are “time stealers”…and what throws your mind and heart into a pit of dispair. Get rid of those things. I can only tell you from my experience….you will be amazed at how you will feel…

A fresh rain is getting ready to fall on God’s people…and I don’t want anything to hinder me from feeling every single drop. The road ahead holds great promise….don’t be left standing around…be ready.

© The Knightly News 2007-2011
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faith, Family, Life

Summer Heat and School Daze

August 8, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

As the heat of the month of August continues, we are reminded of how MUCH we love winter…right?

Well, at least I am reminded of this glorious fact. As well as the fact that I STILL believe that I would LOVE to live in a climate that primarily has very cool days and even cooler nights. Uhm…I’m thinking Canada? I used to think Alaska, but then I remembered all those months of “dark”…and I’m not a fan of complete dark. I like the sunlight. But then all those months of complete daylight would also be rough…

With thoughts of August, come thoughts of school. This blog is especially for the parents of children of all ages.

Parents, your children are about to return to school, and while you are jumping up and down (I trust not in FRONT of said children) at the prospect of your grocery bill and electric bill going down just a bit and the house to return to some form of quiet–may I just share my heart for a minute?

Those precious ones that have been entrusted to your care by our Father need your prayers. Daily. I mean, lay your hands on their sweet heads or hold their hands and pray for them…daily. Don’t let them leave the protection of your home without a prayer covering. I’m serious.

You are the one the God gave the instructions to “train up your child”…not the school system. While the school system does it’s job of teaching some things, there are critical things that the “system” just won’t teach your child. You are the one who should deliver on the training of moral standards; manners; ethics; faith, value of friends and family; right vs. wrong; life and death; healthy living; and I could go on and on but you’d turn the page.

My point is this: You have one chance. Don’t blow it.

You have one opportunity to show them the right thing to do at the right time. They watch your every move. They see you watch things on TV–and they learn “when I get a certain age, it will be okay to watch whatever my parents watch”. They hear you mock someone, or fuss about something, or become critical in certain situations—constantly, and there you go–a little “mini-you”.

Believe me–I know this one. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen “me” reflected as if looking in a mirror–while watching my daughters with their children. And I pray daily that they don’t make the same mistakes I did—by not being as consistent as I should have–among many other things. It takes more than reading a book on parenting. It takes “living a Book”–living a life pleasing to God.

The times in which you are raising your family is so much tougher than when we brought our first little one home from the hospital. I was scared then–that I couldn’t do it…but we prayed–we struggled through some of the “life events”–and came out on the other side! Not with any gold medals–but with two daughters who were taught right from wrong–and knew what it meant when their daddy’s eyes got big and serious (they called it his mean eyes). They know the value of faith. And how BIG God really is. (As much as our finite minds can comprehend.) Did they always do what we trained or taught them to do? No. But we knew they were taught the right way–the choosing of the “way” became up to them at a certain age–but prayer–is constant. Don’t ever stop praying.

If we could see–with our natural eye, the evil lurking in the spritual–we would wear our knees out in prayer! PRAY.

Let’s concentrate on being the godly role models our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews need. They are watching. Everything. Trust me–nothing gets by these baby-blues.

Family, Life

What Community Looks Like Up Close

May 23, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

Saturday I was honored to snap some pictures of my niece before her Senior Prom. What a milestone.

Seems like just last week she was toddling around…and now, here she is about to step out into life full force.

As I took pictures at Lake Seminole of her, many parents, grandparents and other “Prom Attendee’s” began to drive up. This was an upclose look at “Community in Action”.

The grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, were just as excited as the Seniors about this part of their life.

I found out later from my sister, Aimee that all the parents arrived at the prom around 10:00 to take the pictures of the traditional “Senior Walk”. Wow. I was most likely asleep at that time–so I don’t have those pictures, but I do have some sweet ones to share.

Let’s show appreciation for moms and dads, aunts, uncles and cousins, grandparents (they brought folding chairs to sit in while all the picture taking and posing took place)–and say a hearty “Thank You”–for helping these great young folks get to the place they are today–a place of readiness to face the world…and all it has to offer–letting go of the hands that held them tight all their lives, and holding out their hands to the Creator, God the Father and all that HE has in store.

You know, all of these pictured, even those behind the camera lense, may not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, but I’m so glad–that any point in life can be a starting point with Him.

What about you? Do YOU know HIM?

The great God of all this world is behind the camera lense of your life…snapping pictures away–what are you giving HIM to work with?

Happy Graduation y’all!

Life, Weekend Reflections

River LIFE

May 14, 2011October 21, 2016 A. Knight

If you live anywhere in the South–I say that because I don’t recall seeing the first decal of this type when driving through some of the Northern States in March of this year, but if you are “from around here”, you’ve seen various “life” decals.

Salt Life; Swamp Life; River Life; Beach Life, etc.

When I first saw “Salt Life”, I must confess my ignorance…or naivete. I thought “Salt Life” meant that they were staking their claim as Christians to being the “salt of the earth”. Hmmm. I soon found out the truth.

I actually preferred my way of thinking. If I had that sticker for my back windshield–I would be staking my claim as being what I feel we are all–as followers of Christ to be: The Salt of the Earth.

My daughter, Tiffany and her husband went camping last night–woke up to soggy skies, but they soon cleared to reveal this look at the river.

I instantly thought of two verses in the Bible.

One says what we are to HAVE if we believe in Christ Jesus. The other says what we will EXPERIENCE at the end of this life IF WE HAVE believed in Christ Jesus.

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” John 7:38 NASB

Can I tell you the river of life flowing from my life is the most exciting feeling in the world? Just the knowledge that HE wants you and me to FEEL His presence in such a way. I have felt that powerful river–and as the leaves of the trees rustle and twirl about–clapping their hands–and so do I!

Can I tell you the excitement jumps in my heart at this?

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2 KJV

People! What a time that will be!! If the very thought of being with Christ Jesus doesn’t send your heart into magnificent palpitations–oh my! That’s what it does for me!

If life struggles are weighing you down..take hope–and take heart. We’ve come a long way–but we’ve not much farther to go. Set your gaze on the river…

The RIVER OF LIFE.