Category Archives: Trust

July 18, 2018

Our Summer Newsletter: 3 Teams+3 Days=God Glorified!

By Angie Knight

If I had to imagine what this group could accomplish in 3 days time, I would have come up short. But we know what NEEDS to get done will get done. Because God is leading the way.

This was an amazing group.

We were thrilled to host Evangel Worship Center from Marianna, Florida and God did not fail at performing the unprecedented for this amazing group. Beginning with the airport!

The doctors bags were NOT searched. That is unprecedented . For any of the teams we’ve ever brought, since 2011, the airport issues have always given me hives (not really, but inside my gut that’s the feeling I always get).

Evangel brought 3 groups: Medical; Construction; and Crusade teams. They all worked so well together–harmony and the love of God was felt wherever they were!

The school was blessed by the supplies many of YOU donated money for–thank YOU. You will never know (unless you come and see for yourself) the impact those supplies make in the work and teaching that happens at the schools.

When we asked for donations, many of you gave! When Jeff and I, along with Nancy, a dear friend from Bolivia, went shopping for them. I kind of expected much lower prices than back home. But no. She took us to 4 different market (very low priced) stores and they were priced so close to what it is at home for many of the things, it made me wonder how the parents afford to send supplies with their kids…in short; they don’t. So this is a triple portion blessing, the parents, the students and the teachers. And our prayer for each of you who gave, to be triple blessed!! I know you didn’t do it for the blessing, but you cannot out give our Father!

I am going to be transparent with this next thing; I’ve been super homesick. So much so, that I clung to these with such joy and gratitude for them giving up of their vacation time to come and serve the beautiful people of Bolivia–my heart weeps again at their hearts of service. You really should have seen them in action.

The team stayed at the campomento that belongs to the church we attend and they all seemed to really enjoy the freedom that afforded them to walk the grounds to pray or explore in safety.

Each morning began super early as Pastor LaVon and his wife Brenda cooked breakfast with Kenny and Debbie helping–of course Jeff was right in there, not wanting to miss a moment with them. I, on the other hand, slept a little later. (I think Jeff’s clock is always set for 4:00 am) Pre-cancer, I could have jumped up and been ready to go, as I had when I helped (my super-chef-friend, Donece) one summer in our camp kitchen, but unfortunately I can’t do that anymore. I try and not beat myself up over it, but sometimes I just do. Then I remind myself, I can do what I can do and I am GRATEFUL to be able to do it!

I want to share some pictures of the amazing team at work. Unfortunately this is the first year I didn’t get the construction team in action! BUT, I can tell you they installed 40 fans in the cabins in 3 days. EWC paid for them, the construction team installed them, and the hundreds of people that will stay in these rooms from this point on will sleep more comfortably in the summer (November – April) months. These guys were amazing. I do have a picture of Jeff, Brad, Larry and Tim walking, exploring the possibilities of another project at a school that is need of a bathroom.

IMG_20180627_153139.jpg

Jeff took them on a visit to the local hardware street.

IMG_20180627_142431.jpg

The “walk-about”.

The last pictures I want to leave you with are of the medical and crusade teams. I cannot express enough how blessed we feel to have hosted this group as our first team as MA’s here in Bolivia. We hope for more.

The Crusade Team

Pastor LaVon and Brenda Pettis

There’s no way to give you the smells and sounds they experienced:

  • The smell of the garbage that littered every single roadway.
  • The sounds of the rooster crowing every single morning.
  • The sight of the children that are placed on street corners to beg…

But I pray those smells, sights and sounds will long remain embedded in their hearts.

Thank you Evangel. The impact you have made in the people (your new friends) of Bolivia will be told across the corridors of eternity! You have made a difference in, not only their lives, but ours as well. THIS is what we came here for. To help others know the love of Christ through the sacrifices made by those who would hear the call of the Father, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 hcsb

Leave a comment | posted in Bolivia, Focus Forward Ministries, Ministry, Mission Trip, Missions, Trust

January 16, 2018

You Have to Believe it to See it

By Angie Knight

You’ve heard people say,– I’ll believe it when I see it? Try believing before you see. Try seeing it in your spirit. And then watch Him unfold the journey.

When in Costa Rica, I almost forgot that a blue this color existed. But the skies are that blue at home. #nofilter. And at night, the stars shine bright. It’s especially beautiful on a cold night. Head thrown back, thanking my Father for such wonderful gifts like this!

Every night while home, when I took my Gracie Mae out, I would look up at the night sky and draw in a deep breath of cold air and proclaim aloud my gratitude for the heavenly display of night-lights. I love it. If you have never had a length of time when you couldn’t see the stars– or a cloudless blue sky this spectacular– like only Northwest Florida (at my moms house) can produce, then maybe you don’t quite understand my immense joy. Even though I couldn’t SEE the stars in Costa Rica, I knew. I believed. They were still hanging around up there. Waiting to be seen!

I love coming home. Although we didn’t stay at mother’s this visit– (the things we both had to do were concentrated in Marianna), I still enjoyed my few short visits back home. It’s was really odd- the LORD really helped me deal with the emotions of each place I called home. The people– that’s another thing. It hurt to leave them again.

Our daughters and their boys are the delight and light of our hearts– but we have an urgent compelling to follow what God has laid on our hearts. It’s a compelling that we just can’t turn off.

The other night I heard something- it was actually in the wee hours of the morning– I lay there very still and the Holy Spirit whispered again. I got up to go to the bathroom with intentions of writing it down (typing it on my notepad) when I got back to bed. But just that fast– that word was gone. Stolen from my mind with all the busy things that kept rolling through night after night while we’ve been home.

As I lay in the bed, very still and quite, I asked the LORD, “please give it to me one more time.”

He did.

“You cannot unhear a call from God.”

Just like you can’t unsee something you wished you hadn’t seen- or unsay something you said and instantly regretted, you cannot unhear once the voice of God has called your name.

Oh how I love Him. I am so thankful that when He looked for someone to “go”, we both said “yes”. How in the world did it all happen?? Only by God’s grace and HIS divine guidance. All the pieces of this journey will hopefully one day find its way to a book– that’s what my friend Betty and I had hoped to get to work on– but it didn’t happen– too many things going on. We’ve planned it and talked it for several years now though. And God has kept piling on the Words and the journey is sweeter with every passing day.

A lot of things look different than what I first supposed. But I have followed Him long enough and lived for Him long enough to know that He is very purposed about every detail of our lives and this journey.

After being in language school with over 30 other students– from other districts, we do know that our district is the best. (Grinning– because our district is family) The West Florida District Presbytery Board gathered around us this afternoon before we left and prayed for us– and we have such admiration for what they each do. They are amazing. And one of them is our oldest daughters Pastor. And I had the opportunity to thank him for all the prayers he has prayed over our girl and her boys. God has been faithful!!

If you’re dreaming a BIG GOD SIZED dream– keep believing. If it won’t turn off in your heart and mind no matter what- keep praying. If every sermon you hear, every song and every Word keeps you coming back to circle your dream again– trust that In HIS timing, it will all line up.

No, it may not look like you imagined. You may be older, gray haired, a little weaker in body, but stronger in spirit, … believe to SEE the impossible. Believe to LIVE the improbable. And believe to be used by the Master Himself when the time is right. That’s what we are here for. Bring HIM glory, through telling His story which is our story and HIS story in us. That may have sounded like a jumble of confusion there– but it’s late. Jeff’s driving and I’m blogging on my phone.

When you look up at the blue sky– think of us. Pray for me that I will keep my eyes open to what HE wants to show me next. And when you look up at the night sky and see stars, count yourself blessed. There were many nights I teared up wanting to see them. I’ve never been on a mission trip to Bolivia and saw the stars. I only saw about 5 stars (and only saw the moon about 5 times!) while in Costa Rica. It saddened my heart a great deal because I love looking at the sky.

Well. It’s late. For us anyway. We may stop and sleep soon and get an early start in the morning. We love y’all. Every single one. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep giving Him Praise and Glory!

Believing…. and seeing. They go hand in hand.

Believing BIG-

Angie

#aknightsjourney

2 Comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Bolivia, faith, Hope, Life, Ministry, Missions, prayer, Trust

October 1, 2017

You’ve Got Mail!

By Angie Knight

October Greetings!

I was reading in one of my devotional books, “Streams in the Desert”, last week and this jewel jumped off the page.  Mainly because, not only was it a powerful devotion, but it was spot on for what we have been feeling and going through –here in language school.

A piece of wood once bitterly complained because it was being cut and filled with rifts and holes, but he who held the wood and whose knife was cutting into it so remorselessly did not listen to the sore complaining.  He was making a flute out of the wood he held and was too wise to desist when entreated to do so.  He said:

“Oh, thou foolish piece of wood, without these rifts and holes thou wouldst be only a mere stick forever–a bit of hard black ebony with no power to make music or to be of any use.  These rifts that I am making, which seem to be destroying thee, will change thee into a flute, and thy sweet music then shall charm the souls of men.  My cutting thee is the making of thee, for then thou shalt be precious and valuable, and a blessing in the world”.

I was stunned.  My eyes filled and I wept with gratitude and a strong repentant heart for crying out while being that stick of wood, and complaining for all the “shaping” going on.  This school is rightly named.  Chisel.

Every time I have entered a sentence in my Spanish Dictionary and used the name of the school, Cincel, the word “chisel” comes up, since that is exactly what Cincel means in Spanish.  Chisel.  We have all felt the blows of the hammer as well as the knife on the stick of wood.  But you know, in our hearts we all long to be useful for the Master.  The One who called us surely has a plan and purpose for every splinter of whittling,  and gouging out the places that have so desperately needed work.

On an encouraging note, we can carry on a conversation with others now with a little more confidence.  I walk down to the beauty salon and talk with the young ladies there about once every couple of weeks.  It’s where I got my FIRST haircut after chemo! I was so excited, and I have made two new “Tica” friends in the process.  One of them even gave me her phone number so that I could practice my Spanish.  And another one made me some flashcards this week to help with my “beauty salon lingo”.

We have prayed for you all during all these weather episodes and the various things that have been going on.  Last week, as I was sitting here typing, we had a small earth tremor that shook the bed that I was sitting on.  Everything in this world is subject to change.  In the very next minute–your life or my life could change.  We have no promise of tomorrow, we have today–and it’s up to us to use it for the Master, or squander it away.

This weekend, we were privileged to be able to go with dear friends, about an hour out of the city to the mountain area and just relax for the morning.  We stood at a fence and just viewed the valley and surrounding mountains and we breathed.  It felt good.  I cannot quiet describe the feeling–but it was needed and necessary.  And best of all….we spent time with friends of like mind and faith, who also left home, family, friends, and jobs they loved, to follow into the unknown, our Jesus.

While talking with the young lady at the little coffee shop–we asked her about the coffee harvest season.  The process from the time of planting, to harvest, to roasting, grinding all the way to your favorite cup of coffee.

Something we learned by tasting:  a good cup of coffee does not need sugar or cream.  That had to be proven to me.   It is something I will be excited to share with my family when we get home in December.  A hot cup of the best Costa Rican coffee.

She was so passionate about her job–her love of coffee and all things Costa Rica came through with every word she shared.  That’s what I want others to feel and hear in us as we share about Jesus in our new language.  I want them to feel the passion in our hearts–hear it in our voices and see it on our faces.  I want them to desire to know Him and share His love with their own families.

That’s one thing we need you to add to your prayer list for us:  Our ability to speak fluently as possible and to be able to share without reservation or hesitation.

Can I share with you a list of daily prayer needs?

Sunday:  Pray for our spiritual lives.  Our spiritual growth, fellowship with local believers, integrity, reliability, and consistency.  Jeff was blessed with a lunch a couple of weeks ago from an invitation from a “Tico” friend he met at church.  What a joy!  Pray for more connections and development of relationships that will last long after we leave.

Monday:  Pray for our personal lives.  For our marriage.  You have no idea the attacks on marriages and families here.  I won’t go into the details–suffice it to say, prayer is necessary to the mission.  Pray for our families back home, their health, both physical and spiritual.  Pray for their protection.  What is it with mama’s and daddy’s that believe we need to be there to help?  God is not limited by distance.

Tuesday:  Communication.  Adapting with generous flexibility to the culture, customs and people.  The language study, clarity in speech, ability to hear and comprehend.

Wednesday:  Relationships.  Both in the churches and the community.  As well as not losing our relationships back home.  That’s a fear many have as they shift their lives to another field.  We have discovered through conversations with others and reading several articles for missionaries, home relationships (back in the states) almost always suffer, insomuch as they are forgotten altogether.  Or at the very least, once they return, they are treated differently than when they left.  We hunger for our relationships with you to either remain strong–or become even stronger.  Not become weaker or disappear altogether.

Thursday:  Evangelism.  Boldness, sensitivity, Holy Spirit led.

Friday:  Discipleship. That we can be mentors.  Training, equipping, and encouraging others even now before we get to our field of service.  May we serve Him now with fervor.

Saturday:  Pray for our country.  Our first and home country, the United States of America, and secondly, our country of calling:  Bolivia.  Pray for more schools to open in Santa Cruz, relationships to develop and grow under the anointing and presence of the Holy Spirit.  Help us pray now for a good, safe, and secure place to live.

Often many think that because they aren’t giving monetarily, they aren’t helping.  NOTHING could be further from the truth.  Your prayers make the difference.  We cannot do this without your prayers.  I cannot say that loud or long enough.  Prayer is the KEY to the KINGDOM.

Thank you for taking the time to add us to your likely already long prayer list.  It is undeniably what keeps us going strong.  We love each of you.  If you feel led to get further involved, an offering of any amount is always welcomed and needed.  The cost of living here is “crazy” expensive.  But I won’t talk about that any further.  It hasn’t brought the prices down one bit! 🙂

We received our 3rd mail here this week! (It takes about 10-14 days to reach us if there are no holidays involved.) OH Mercy I was giddy with joy!  My heart overflowed with the love from the words that came from the letter–but soon found myself weeping like a child.  God is SO good!  Thank you.  Every word meant the world.  I have all three cards we’ve received taped to the wall in our bedroom.  It gives me joy every time I look at them.

We wish you were here.  We miss you.  BUT, if the LORD is willing [as my Mamo always said], or “Si Dios quiere”, we will see some of you in December!  We wish we could visit every single one of you in your churches!  You are greatly loved.

IMG_6089

All for HIM,

Jeff and Angie

“Streams in the Desert, Morning and Evening Edition, page 649-650, September 20      (L. B. Cowman, Zondervan Publishing Company.)

© Angie Knight 2017.  All rights reserved.  All photographs © Angie Knight 2017.

1 Comment | posted in Adversity, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Life, Missions, Trust

May 11, 2017

Pardon the Dust

By Angie Knight

Have you ever seen the sign that says, “Pardon the Dust”?, in a store when it is under a remodeling, but they are still  open for business?  Well, that is pretty much like my life.  I won’t speak for Jeff, but he would likely say the same thing.  My area is really dusty these days.  More so (in my mind) than the cancer days.

I told a new friend this week that [language school] seemed to be designed to do what the chemo did….kill off things that doesn’t belong.  Then we learned what the name of the school meant; in Spanish, cincel means to chisel.   Appropriate, don’t you think?  I think many of the new students have felt the sharp edge of the chisel this week.

We are on day 4 of classes and I will do my best to share enough, but not too much that  you get cold feet if God is speaking to your heart about missions.  But in reality, if God is speaking to you….there is no amount of things I could say that would scare you away.  You are in it for the long haul.  Just like us.  Be advised though, the enemy won’t like your decision–just as he didn’t like ours–BUT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL.  Through everything!

Our days begin early–Jeff slipping into an altogether new routine here, and myself as well.  We get up early (Jeff, often around 4:00).  He has always been an early riser-but I think this place calls for even earlier–simply because such deep God conversations need to take place.  And listening.  Escuchen….to listen.  Above the voices in my head, I am learning to listen more to the Holy Spirit when He gives a direction.  “This might hurt….but it’s for your good.”

There, He sets me on the block.  Chisel and hammer.  Dust is flying.  I am noticing some things in me that needs correcting.  I need to be more sensitive.  Not quick to judge or assume based on what my eyes see…but to listen.  He blows His holy air on the form sitting still on the block.   That’s me.  The tears I shed based on what I feel, the weaknesses in me, wash away more of the dust.  He is working to see His image in our lives….

That was like chemo and radiation.  “This might hurt, you will feel many changes, but it’s for your good”…. I think God prepared me in some ways on HOW to look at things so that I would not crumble (quite so much).

I have two friends who, one just this week lost her daughter to cancer, and our cancer journey began approximately the same time, and another dear woman is losing her husband, even as I type, to cancer.  And here I sit.  Healthy–preparing for a work God has set before me…and I cannot explain even the least amount of the whys of that.   But God’s plans are perfect and I will not try and understand HIS understanding for the Word says, it’s way beyond me.

We are grateful for our monthly supporters and daily prayer partners.  YOU have no idea!  When I wake up in the morning–I know someone is praying!  All during the week, I trust and believe someone is still believing with us that God has much in store!  And their support continues so that we may journey on.

Each day in class (so far) I have felt so close to tears at times because there is NO English spoken by the teachers.  It is brain numbing.  There, that’s the chisel again.  Learn a new way.  Open your heart, mind, ears and listen.    Admittedly, I come home and go to the bathroom to let the tears fall.  It’s a release.  Don’t feel sorry for me, pray with us.  We need to learn this.  The culture, the language, the people.  Once the tears are dry, I feel better.

I learned just yesterday, the best thing to do after class is go for a long walk.  So, Jeff and I walked yesterday, about 8 blocks, mostly uphill, to the grocery store to pick up a few things.  Let’s look at that miracle for a minute.  UP HILL.  The backstory of this is I finished my last round of radiation treatments that took place every single day for 6 weeks the WEEK before we left for Costa Rica.  I hardly had energy to pack.  I had beloved friends, one at a time, come almost every day to lend a hand with our packing.  I couldn’t even “think” clearly from the residual effects of the chemo yet, here I was packing with help, and then just a week later arriving here.

The walkway to our apartment is such a steep downhill trip, that first day I was so afraid I would fall face first–but I didn’t.  Sure, my knees ached afterwards, but look again at the miracle.  YESTERDAY, we walked over 8 blocks one way mostly uphill.  Of course I was sweating like a horse when we got there, but my mind was clear.  And we did our little shopping, enjoying the air conditioned grocery store…then we had to carry our packages back…all 8 blocks.  Thankfully, my precious husband carried the two stuffed bags and I carried the umbrella.  It rains every day.

New things.  Every day something new.  A new experience, a new feeling, a fresh mercy from God.  We are learning now to live without the air conditioner.  I have the blessing of two fans that Jeff bought after we arrived.  THAT is huge to me here.

I look at many things differently.  The dust that is gathering at the base of this Sculptors stone will soon be blown away again, and He will look to see what else needs adjusting.  Hammer will continue to strike and I can count on sitting in this spot, under His chisel until He feels it’s time.  I’m done.  I’m ready.  Then, I’ll go Home.  Not to an earthly home, but to my heavenly home.  All the while the chiseling and hammering is happening, work is being done, through me and on me.  He will use me however HE sees fit….just as He will YOU when you say “yes, LORD, I’m willing”.

In the meantime friends, please pardon the dust.  He’s still working on me.

 

[We are very grateful for a new supporter this week!  If you are interested in becoming a prayer partner or a monthly supporter–or BOTH, please feel free to visit our agwm site, www.tinyurl.com/sendjeffandangie]

© Angie Knight 2017.  All rights reserved.  All Photography © Angie Knight unless otherwise noted.

 

8 Comments | posted in Adversity, breast cancer, faith, Life Issues, Ministry, Missions, News Letter, Trust

July 10, 2014

Is it me–or is it Odd?

By Angie Knight
Kolomoki Mounds Lake

Ok…there are some odd things happening…
Not bad odd…just odd odd.  Yeah, that makes perfect sense.
It’s the “odd” sort of things that cause me to pause in my thinking, go back and dig in my prayer journal where I record prayers, thoughts, answers, Scriptures—because when I backtrack to what I’ve asked Him…I find that months later, there’s the answer in front of me—via Word from God through the Word…a scene that stares back at me from across the lake, through a message preached…or through a person– and most always most of those combined.
Side note:  I had the BEST surprise this week.  A monetary gift from Cindy M. from California to purchase BIBLES to carry to Bolivia! I was thrilled!  God is faithful to His promises!  If you want to get in on the action or find out what I’m talking about –go here:  Bibles and School Supplies for Bolivia!  Side note end.

This is from a past devotion.  I’m not even sure of the date—but the “odd thing” was I happened on it by accident today… I wasn’t looking…I promise.
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 road map—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.

There is preparation work ahead.  It’s been on my mind—and just last week—those words were spoken over us and to us by an incredible couple—who are just as hungry to see God in action as we are.  They have long since been acting on His instructions…

It’s really odd how things are coming together…For you too? 

 I firmly believe this:
 “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”  (1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV)

Photo:  Kolomoki Mounds State Park © 2013 Angie Knight-All rights reserved.
© 2014 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved.

Leave a comment | posted in faith, Ministry, Mission Trip, Trust

July 9, 2014

Face Your Facts With Faith

By Angie Knight

The last Sunday of June, Doug Clay, General Treasurer of the AG, brought a message that struck and stuck.

If you would like to listen, go to the church website and click on “Hanging Out In God’s Waiting Room”.

The audio/video quality is not the best–but the message was spot on.  My interest was highly piqued when he started asking the question, “how many of you feel like you’ve been in or are in God’s waiting room?”

I don’t know if you remember, but that was the only blog post my sister, Wanda, and I wrote together.  It was originally on our site, Sisters of Faith, with the title “God’s Waiting Room“, and it was also featured on her funeral service guide.

I had created that blog site so in hopes that it would revive her weary heart with something fun and inspirational to do before her last hospital visit–but God had other plans.  Although our lives were dramatically altered, we know His plans are always best…His timing and order always flows in the right direction.  And we carry with us, the faith that bore her on.

Sorry to side track–it happens at my age, more often than not….But back to the message by Bro. Doug.  It was one of those that resonated in my spirit.  I heard– as much as felt the vibrating of the strings as my heart was plucked along with the words, as God began to remind me of the journey we began.  I had almost forgotten.  No, not really, but as I told a friend  — there are days that the memory of what He called me out for is faint–covered with a mist- or fog–like your bathroom mirror after a hot shower–wipe it off.
Now.  Can you see…and remember.

I can’t re-preach his message–but I do want to share what God has been reminding me of since that day:

  • His promises are true.  What He said He will do–He will do.  
  • If He has called you to a place–He expects you to follow Him.  No dawdling on the road side.  
  • Time is short.  Get busy with the gifts He has given you and be contentious with His resources.
  • Faith is believing without the basis of proof.  A missionary cannot prove to you that God spoke to their heart and called them to serve Him in a foreign land (foreign to them, may not be foreign to you)…but they believe and therefore they put their belief into action.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance.  He went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 12:8)  By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful.  therefore from one man–in fact, from one as good as dead–came offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:11-12) (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

You and I can have power to conceive…that dream…that promise…
Maybe the facts are not in your favor…but Faith is. 
Face your facts with faith*.  Watch God in action.
*Statement from Doug Clay’s message, “Hanging Out In God’s Waiting Room”.
Photo:  2012 Retreat-Panama City Beach. © Angie Knight.  Used by permission.

© 2014 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved.

Leave a comment | posted in faith, Hope, Trust, Wanda

March 31, 2014

Nothing Wasted

By Angie Knight

“Where did you go to, if I may ask?’ said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along.To look ahead,’ said he.And what brought you back in the nick of time?’Looking behind,’ said he.”– J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit


Looking ahead is what we do.  For the most part, we all like to know in advance—hoping we can do something about the things we know absolutely nothing about.
It’s like we “think” we need to help God.  Are you kidding me?  You know–you do the same.  I’m not the only one.  
I use the excuse of  “needing to plan ahead”….ha.  The real deal is the fact that we want to know so that we can make alternative plans or ADJUST His plan… That’s the TRUE REAL DEAL.
We want to know so we can “advise God and give Him input…. be careful.  You and I will hear the same speech Job did.  Were we there when He cast the line for the waves to stop?  Were we present when the morning stars sang and all the sons of God shouted for joy–all for Him?  (Read Job 38)
What I’ve been hearing over and over in my heart–through reading The Word and in messages, “trust-and-wait”.  They go together like peas and carrots (Forrest would say).
In the story of our lives, God leaves nothing out. There are things we don’t know- yet- and things we will never know, this side of heaven. (That is where trust comes in…)
We participate in each word, line and punctuation of the details of our lives—as we live it.  Only He knows the advance of our days.  He’s been to our tomorrow and has a sovereign plan—and gives us the opportunity to put faith into action when the punctuation of our story turns to question marks.

Psalms 139:1-6  says:
O Lord, you have examined my heartand know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I traveland when I rest at home.You know everything I do.You know what I am going to sayeven before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me.You place your hand of blessing on my head.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand!


We are held in the promise of His Sovereignty.  We will never—ever face anything that He hasn’t looked and either orchestrated or approved…FOR OUR GOOD.
What does that look like?  Our good may not necessarily be desirous of us on the given day it actually happens…but, I can honestly say, after living 5 decades, it is for our good.  And He is dependable.

I may believe Him for something for more than 10 years…but when the miracle arrives, the years and tears no longer matter.  Like Gandalf, in the story of The Hobbit, He’s looking ahead.  He sees your tomorrow.  And you can stake the promise that when every need arises, He’s there in “the nick of time” for each of us.  

There is no need for us to look behind….unless of course we are counting our blessings…

Then, by all means, we should look behind, count them and thank The Giver of Life.

  

© 2014 Angie Knight- The Knightly News. All rights reserved.  (Portions previously shared also with Laced With Grace (2013); and StreetTalk Magazine.)

1 Comment | posted in Devotion, faith, Ministry, Trials, Trust

July 8, 2012

Rise and SHINE

By Angie Knight

There is work to be done…
sitting idly by is not an option…
if you are a child of God.

You are going to encounter the enemy…why not be working for HIM when it happens?

Doing what HE has laid on your heart…

afraid?  I’ve been there…still visit–but I determine not to stay.

He won’t ask of us anything that HE can’t or won’t equip us to do.

Isaiah 59:19(b)-21; 60:2 “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.  And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.  As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and forever.  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people:  but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.”

When you think…something is beyond you….remember WHO is going to shine….not you…but HIM!  It’s not beyond HIM.  The GLORY OF THE LORD will shine upon YOU!  Don’t fear….

Settle it.  Once and for all.  Take His hand.  Shake off the feelings of “I can’t”…and set your jaw…gather up your courage….and follow after Him.

THROUGH His power and strength—(remember the previous blog?) WE CAN DO ALL THINGS that HE has called us to do!

© Angie Knight- The Knightly News

1 Comment | posted in faith, Trust

July 6, 2012

Where Is Your Focus?

By Angie 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

2 Comments | posted in Life Issues, Trials, Trust, Wanda

April 22, 2011

Revelation Song–Easter Weekend

By Angie Knight

You can’t–or at least I can’t–listen to this song….sing this song…without FEELING the power of God surge through your heart!

We sing about the KING OF KINGS….OUR EVERYTHING!!! I DO ADORE HIM!!! Praising Him with all that I have –all that I am…

My heart and life is FULL Of all that Jesus Christ IS and what He has done for me—what He has done for YOU friend?

Have you recognized the missing link in your life? Do you know about the God shaped hole in your heart?

As I watched this movie–I cried again–my soul and heart gripped in an anguish of all that I have done…and all that I should have done. Unworthy I am–yet He freely looked on us with love and came to this earth for each one of us–so that we might know HIM…and the power of His love. The depth of His love.

All For Love. (Hillsong music to abbreviated scenes from the Passion of the Christ.) In a conversation once with someone, I suggested the youth of today’s churches see this movie if they had not seen it–the question was “why”. My reason: They all need to know.

Hollywood paints pictures of all sorts of blood-guts-gore and scare tactics to feed the need for adrenaline rush that people have, teenagers especially. The real need in their lives is for Truth of what Jesus came to this earth for–and what He actually suffered. It was for all of humanity. Not just a few. You and me are included in that word, “ALL”.

For God so loved the world (us again) that He gave–HIS ONLY SON. That whosoever would believe in Him–would not perish–but would have eternal–everlasting life in heaven.

Only click “play” if you are willing to be reminded of His ultimate LOVE and sacrifice. (*Warning–graphic scenes)

Would you like to make a decision to allow Christ Jesus to be LORD of your life? Please click here–let us know how we can pray for you. Your prayer request will not be made public.

I encourage you, don’t wait another day. Seek HIM today.

Giving HIM All,

Jeff & Angie Knight

3 Comments | posted in faith, Trust, Weekend Reflections