Missions

Remember the Voice–Remember the Word

A. Knight

This morning when I woke I heard, “Heeellllooooooo”…..

In my head.  My heart.

My ears really didn’t hear it…but the voice was so familiar.

I’ve read on facebook so many of the phrases that everyone remembers–and it is incredible.  What we remember of Connie will last as long as we do.  The work of The Spirit through her will go on forever.

It’s also neat to read what others remember–and what their favorite things about her are.  I am sure it will bring joy to many readers, as well as comfort for those who are able to share.  That’s love.  That was Connie.  She loved to hear what you had to say–and she never interrupted with “her own agenda”…she just let us talk….whoever the “us” might be.

“Toodle–looo” (how ever YOU want to spell it…it sounded the same from her lips) was a favorite.  I heard it on every “Tom’s Messenger” message to me–and those on facebook.

“I love you precious” is a favorite of mine–

“that’s okay precious” –giving you carte blanche to feel the way you did about whatever you were talking about….and then I am sure she took that matter–if you were wrong to feel that way, “to her Father”.

Many times she would call me and say, “Angeleena, help me pray for “so-and-so, they have such a need”.  Your need wasn’t mentioned….but your name was.  I loved prayer time with Connie.

One particular precious prayer time was before I was to go to Cambodia.  I knelt down at her foot stool, the one at “her big chair”…and as she prayed the fire down, and The Holy Spirit began to flow through her, I found myself laying across the stool, weeping, laughing, Spirit flowing, and rejoicing in what God was doing in that very instant.  She covered me from head to toe in prayer.  Some prayer times were at my house, some at hers, some while we were driving–either apart or together.  But prayer was the most significant start to her day.  And Praise!

Many of you have had prayer times with Connie–I remember reading a particular post on facebook yesterday and just had to grin–knowing God in HIS awesomeness planned a Word Walkers Meeting for just two.  A young woman needed a BIG touch from a MIGHTY Hand…and He knew just who to send for the delivery.  


Tomorrow the family will be greeted by those who loved Connie fiercely.  They will be embraced by words that will fall in liquid down cheeks–from eyes that have already cried rivers…yet tears will still come.  

Can I tell you something else?  Joy will come.  Joy will flow from laughter as people remember silly things–things that Connie did or said…because she LOVED laughter.  Joy doeth good like a medicine.

Connie Wilson Haile stood on the Word of God.  She didn’t budge.  She taught anyone who would listen to do the same.  I love the fact that this is remembered by one and all about her–and the fact that negativity was a no-no around her.  You can’t speak life and death with the same lips…

We all know there are those who didn’t agree with her style or ideas about the Word…but they can’t say they were not affected…and they secretly wished they had that much spunk…and The Holy Spirit living in and working through them.   

She was not afraid to live life to the fullest and she was not afraid to be who she was.  I wonder–if we all took God at His word as she did…what results would we be seeing in our lives today.

Oswald Chambers wrote this: “We should battle through our moods, feelings, and emotions into absolute devotion to the Lord Jesus. We must break out of our own little world of experience into abandoned devotion to Him. ”  


This was from a portion of the devotion for November 13, titled, “Faith or Experience”.  She abandoned her life of “self” into a life for Christ.  She was devoted to doing the will of her Father.  No matter what it cost.  She had a reckless faith that God adored.  He loves it when His own believe HIM…

Her experiences in life tested that faith and her faith shown through every circumstance.

Was she perfect?  No.  She would tell you in a New York second–she was not perfect–but her love for God was being perfected daily–into the likeness of His Son…

Many of you will remember her testimony–and as the days pass, and your faith is tested, you will remember the words of this powerful, passionate for Jesus, woman.  You will remember the words she prayed over YOU…and the words of faith she reminded YOU to speak over your situation every day.

This blog was written for you.  Connie’s friends and family.  For those who loved Connie, but don’t know Jesus…make sure you find someone who does–I know they will lead you by the hand to Him…you will not be alone.  What a great testimony–to find Jesus as a result of a life lived such as hers.

Without Jesus–we have no hope…but with Him, believing on Him–TRUSTING in Him to save us from our sins…we have HOPE and a promise of eternal life.  (John 3:16)

I close with this:  Pastor Lavon Pettis prayed the most beautiful prayer just before she took her leave of this life–and he asked God to lay the mantle of Connie Haile on others.  Friends, there is a mighty work to be done.  It will not get done without a determined heart.  There are lost to win to Christ.  That’s what she was all about.  Leading hearts to Jesus.

Are you ready to wear a faith filled mantle?

© 2012 Angie Knight- The Knightly News.  All rights reserved.

faith, For Sisters of Faith, Friends

Connie Wilson Haile–a life–a testimony

A. Knight

Her words rang in my heart this morning…

“I’m going home….(breathe)….I’m going home…. (breathe), I can’t wait.”

After the talks we had had over the past few months–phone–texts–and in her living room–I knew what she meant.

Peace bathed her countenance, although you could tell the last few days had dealt a blow–she was focused. Mind fixed and guarded.

She taught hundreds to do the same.  Fix your mind.

When fighting the enemy the way Connie Wilson Haile had, for the past many years–she had learned a few of his (the enemy’s) maneuvers.  She watched close her own life.  She gave The Holy Spirit full authority to guard, keep and protect all that she gave to Jesus….and when she gave her life to Him…she gave Him all.

Many people will bear a heartache over this special friends’ passing, but once we wipe our eyes, we should look to the heavens, and know that God is getting us ready for Christ’s return.  It’s soon.  Connie would say-

-“fix your mind on what God wants YOU to do.  She would remind you that when you SUBMIT to God…and resist the devil…he will flee.
He has to.
Connie would remind us to trust in the LORD with all our hearts–don’t lean on what we think–see or understand–not to be moved by what we see in the natural… that we should–…in all our ways— acknowledge HIM…and HE will direct our paths.  She would remind us that God does not give us the spirit of fear–that comes from the enemy–HE, God, gives us power over the enemy–through the very Word inspired.
She would remind us that God is our refuge–and strength–a VERY PRESENT help in times of trouble.” 

Family, friends of Connie, GOD IS YOUR REFUGE.  Run to Him.

My sister, Wanda, had a favorite verse– Psalm 27:14  “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart:  wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Those words reminds me of Connie’s walk with God.  She never stopped believing for her miracle.  She got it today.  This afternoon she sparkled and shown all the way to glory.

That might not have been what the natural eye saw, but if you paused in the room and looked for the spiritual, you would see glitter on the faces surrounding the bed. While it may have seemed to be tears…it was really glitter–paving the way for her to move on the her heavenly home.  The one she was telling me about this morning.  The one she and I had talked of before…

Fix your mind.  Fix it hard and fast on Jesus Christ.  His return is soon–and His Bride will be a prepared and ready Bride.  Connie would remind you of this–and to stay steady.

Many times I heard her say, “I will live and not die–and I will declare the glories of God”.

She did live.  To the fullest!  And she declared His glories all the way Home.  Her death here was just a change of address.  Her body stayed–but her spirit soared.

Our prayers are with the family of Connie Wilson Haile.  She won.  God is glorified.

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

Devotion, faith, Life

Destined for Big Things

A. Knight

clip_image001“Suppose you had only 4 months to live”.

This was the conversation my baby sister, Aimee and I had one morning a  couple of years ago while driving to work. 

“What would you do?”  Was her next question to me.

Aimee had had a dream the night before.  Woke her up with such a start, and then she set in to ponder the matter. 

Suppose, just suppose that were true.

We tossed ideas back and forth, “Well, I suppose I’d continue on with what I’m doing”, was my first impulse.  “No, wait, I’d quit my job”.

“Do you think you’d travel to exotic places, or do something really daring?” She queried.

“No, I don’t think so.  I mean, unless the travel was for a memory for Jeff, I think I would stay home, get some things done for my family, write letters to loved ones, friends and some that I know need to know about Jesus.    But wait.  I would take a small trip.  I’d fly to California, Arizona, Colorado and the Bahamas.  See, I have some friends that I would REALLY love to see here on earth—that way, I’ll easily recognize  them in heaven.”  (One of those dear ones has actually moved closer…from California to Tennessee!  Still leaving a couple of friends in California though!)

I’m smiling as I imagine this part, because 3 of these precious friends, I’ve already met, hugged and we have plans to shake the world for Jesus!  Well, maybe not shake the actual world, but at least our part of it.

Aimee said, “Well, that’s because you are  a writer–and I’m a talker.  I think I’d tell all my friends and family about Jesus.  I’d want them to hear it from me”.

“Right, I understand, but I would “tell” them as well.  But the written word stands a long, long time.  It will serve as a reminder of our conversation.  Something they can refer back to.” 

I paused at this point, remembering the prayer journal of Wanda’s that I held so dear.  Her thoughts and prayers to God.  A reminder of her steadfast love and faith.  That’s what I want to pass on.

Light dawned in Aimee’s mind as she realized the value in writing the details of my love for them and my desire to see them either, come to know Christ, or grow in Christ.

A lot of plans are made these days for a future that seems so uncertain. 

Colleges mapped out, the 5 step plan to matrimony, etc., but there is so much more. 

What would you do?100_7608

The “Big Things” that we are destined for are beyond our wildest imagination. (Psalm 139:16-17)  Our dreams cannot possibly hold what is to come!  The Bible says we are to “set our affection on things above, not on the things of the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Where are your affections? 

The main things I contemplate on a regular basis are doing more for Christ.  (No, I’m not some Super Christian, I don’t have a red and blue suit with a dramatic cape–and I certainly don’t fly through the air, the flying part comes later.) But His plans for me are pretty much on my mind all the time.  I’m usually thinking thoughts like, “okay, Lord,what next? Or, Okay Lord, When?

When Aimee asked me if I would travel to exotic places or do something daring like “sky diving”, I gave the exotic places some thought (not the sky diving though).  But as quickly as I thought about it, the realization hit me that once the New Heavens and New Earth are set in place-we will be able to travel anywhere we desire (should heaven be our homeland and not “the other place”) 

Why spend the time seeing it now—IF we truly had so little time to spare—when we can see it with JESUS by our side, and the view not be tainted in the least with worldliness? 

(Please understand, I am all for taking trips and seeing great things—I LOVE traveling—seeing—missioning…and blogging it all!)

But you know, right now,  we were destined for more than the mundane existence we call life.  2011-03-31 Ohio Landscapes 2011 012

We were called to walk in Christ (Colossians 2:6). 

That means in all the fullness of grace, power and love. (Ephesians 3:14-21)

What is the “big thing” or the “more” in your life that you are seeking?

Take some time today and write out a list of what you feel God tugging on your heart about.  A dream, even if you think it’s beyond your grasp.  It’s not beyond His.  Remember that the next time you feel a tug to do something for Him, and the enemy taunts you with your“inabilities”.  Friend, there is no such thing as an inability when you give your all to Christ Jesus. 

Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Begin praying now about 2013…Let’s make it a year to do more for Christ.  The year we give Him our absolute all!

 

 

© Angie Knight 2012. All rights reserved.  Used by permission.

Devotion, faith, Life

Time Change—Changing Times

A. Knight

If you are like me…the time change sometimes brings a bit of anxiety over the fact that I was going to miss out on some precious sleep.  This time however, we will gain an hour…so I’m actually a bit excited. 

100_1025SLEEP. That is something I can relate to—and in all honesty, I enjoy. 

A cozy couch in front of a fire…a soft blanket…and I am nodding off in no time flat. 

A bed with crisp clean sheets–nice and cool to the touch, and when my tired body finds rest there–I am asleep before you can count to 100.  Sometimes it takes me a while..but I do enjoy the resting time.

For the disciples, in the garden, they had none of these, yet sleep captured their minds during their time of prayer.  They were tired.  They knew not of the scene that would shortly unfold before their eyes.  Changing their lives forever.

…”and He told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He then took Peter, James and John and said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow–to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” Going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed…” (Matthew 26:36-38 –Holman Christian Standard Version)

My notes state that verse 37 describes the feelings Jesus was having.  Sorrowful and deeply distressed. 

There is no way sleep would come His way that night.  He knew already what lay ahead.  He was preparing —He was drawing strength from the Father.  But this—this was something He did on a daily basis.

  • Not just crunch time.
  • Not just when the house is on fire.
  • Not just when the kids are sick.
  • Not just when the marriage is failing, the job is lost and the finances are disappearing.  But every day. All hours of the day.

There was a time in my Christian walk, that my prayer life was lacking in a “dedicated” time.  What I mean by that is, the emergencies brought about some serious praying!  The other days….sort of hit and miss. 

But time changes things.  And these things…change our prayer times.

There is not a day that passes that I don’t talk to the Father.  Our conversations on occasions seem a bit one-sided though. 

I talk—I pray…and sometimes forget to listen.  But when He speaks…oh my—does it ever ring in my heart and head.

A couple of years ago, while talking with a friend, she shared with me that her friend was consumed with the changing times. 

He had lost thousands upon thousands of dollars in the recent economical decline.  He was frustrated and depressed.  She had encouraged him to get back in his Bible.  To not neglect his church–nor his times of study and prayer. 

I told her that was all good, but one important thing he needed to do—stop listening to all the negative news. 

  • Yes, read the Bible!
  • Yes, pray without ceasing! 
  • But stop feeding the soul all the negative news that is played non-stop. 

See, he was daily—every waking hour–listening to talk radio—reading the horrific forecast of our financial system.  Instead of feeding his soul Christ, and how soon the eternal home was to the believers, he was feeding on the decay of our world.

I have purposefully steered my blog away from the economical situation. But I see it.  I’m not blind to what is happening. 

Our lives have changes along with everyone else’s…as we each tighten our belts and do things differently.  But I can’t dwell on that.  What I must dwell on is doing ALL I can—at every opportunity God gives me for HIM.  100_1085-1

Reaching the lost.  Telling of Christ’s love! And how He came to save them!

Yes, time will change. 

And the times are changing.  But Christ—is the solid rock—on which we stand.  All other ground is sinking sand.

As the times change, let us change.  Let’s become more dedicated to our prayer times.  Let us become solidified in our faith walk.   Let us share with others—love and care for one another more.  We are pilgrims passing through this land—our home is just ahead.  Keep heading that way. 

Following HIM–

© Angie Knight.  All rights reserved.  (previously shared with Laced with Grace)

Family

Happy Birthday Daughter

A. Knight

Jeff and I are blessed with two incredible daughters.  Much loved and appreciated for what and who they are.

We never thought –or dreamed of what they might become when they grew up–beyond serving the Lord.  I always wondered what God would use them for in the lives of others…I know that He continually uses both of them to touch the lives and hearts of others…

I know what He has used both of them for in my own life.  

A teaching instrument.

They became the vessel by which God would teach me of His unfailing love and power–and His mercy, forgiveness and GRACE.

On October 13, shortly around the lunch time hour–God brought into this world a little girl with dark hair and bright eyes.  A heart of compassion for others–if you don’t count the sisterly quarrels and subsequent fights with her beloved sister, April.  And up until April got a good foot hold in the world, Tiffany won the fights…uhmmm….but there came the day that changed.

Now, they are the best of friends and they lean on each other for strength and wisdom for trying situations in their own lives.

We are blessed parents.  

I confess it was tough raising two girls –close in age–born 18 months apart.  I learned so much along the way–thank YOU Jesus–for these girls…and all my lessons.  Now Tiffany is on the receiving end of much love–and some lessons mingled.  Lessons to teach…and learn from.

It’s harder, I think today, raising kids than when ours were coming up–more competition for time–and money.  I am thankful for the leading of the LORD in the lives of our children and grandchildren….

 Life is busy for everyone–but tomorrow, we have set aside her birthday to help her celebrate her first 29th birthday! (So she says *grinning*)

It will be a girls only day–and we are excited to see what God has in store for this girl…for the coming year.

Father, first, I thank You for this precious gift.  I thank You for all that You have guided her safely through.  I pray that You would continue to help her hear and heed Your voice as never before.  Draw her to You–where her faith was learned–and where she can be strengthened for the coming days– Grant her wisdom in raising her own children to love and serve You–forsaking the ways of the world…but reaching out to what You have purposed in their lives.  Protect her–keep her safe as You journey with her–teaching her of Your unfailing love.  

I am reminded daily that our time is drawing to a close–and we must all be so diligent about seeking to save those who are lost.  Thank You Father, for this first most precious and priceless gift.  A child.  We gave her to You when she was born…and still we trust You completely with her life.
Fill her to overflowing with the passion for You–  Remind her of her early prayers–as a child–when she was more concerned for the children in China than she was of how many stuffed animals could fit on her bed at bedtime.  We renew that vow today, as her parents, that she is Yours…not ours.  Ours only for a season of training–I hope and pray we didn’t fail you as bad as I sometimes thought we did…
We continue to…follow You.  Amen.

Tiffany, whenever you read this, know that your mom and dad love you with everything we have–as does your sister, April.  We look forward with great anticipation to all that God will do and reveal in  your life–as He continues to change each one of us–as we earnestly seek HIM….

I love the fact that you laugh easily–cry too.  For others.

I love the fact that you love your children passionately–and want the best for them…as we did (and do) you.

I love the fact that you have the best parts of us…(sorry about the not so good parts–work through them as best you can).

I love the fact that you taught me how to stay up all hours of the night–and I love the fact that you didn’t hold it against me when I fell asleep rocking you… (I remembered staying up late–last night as age and ailments wake me at odd hours…)

I love the fact that you were chosen by my Father in heaven to be mine.  I cherish and remember almost every detail of that day.  From the Red Holland show, to the nurse that discussed being baptized in the Holy Spirit with your daddy while I was in labor…Her name was Marsha.  

I love how stories of your own children will make me laugh–and cry as  you share them with me–knowing what they mean to me.

Mostly, child, I just love you.  Everything about you.  I love how you brought me closer to God–through every single trial of your raising………I pray that you also know and understand and feel that bond with our heavenly Father.

I leave with my precious readers–the birthday girl and her girl.  (Another blessing–and story for another day.)

(Yes, she was taught not to do that…but this was a fun day of family gathering at my folks house….and this made me smile.)


Happy Birthday Tiffany!!












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

Devotion, faith, Life

Afterwards

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.


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

Country Life Messages, Devotion, faith

Keeping Up Appearances

A. Knight

Originally posted with Internet Cafe`

Sometime last year, I removed the “fake” silk flowers from the pots stationed at my front door in sentinel fashion.

My “real” flowers had died due to lack of water, but the pretty, lacy, Creeping Jenny had survived.

I had complained about my lack of time to “green up” my thumb and a friend had suggested, “Put some fake flowers in the pot! No one will ever notice!”

So I had plopped some lively looking silks in the pot…you know…. to keep up appearances. But since the colors of the silks had faded, it was time (long past time) to remove them from their station.

Days later as I stepped up to enter the door, I looked down and noticed all the new growth of the Creeping Jenny.

With the “fake”  removed, the little peeping, creeping ground cover had plenty of room to shoot forth in new growth! It was then that I thought of all the times we “put on” a pretty façade of having and doing the right things in life–in order to “fit in.” Yet, all the while we lack spiritual growth. Many times it’s because we have not removed the “dead or fake” from our lives, and Christ has no room to grow and mature us into what HE intends for us to be! 

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:12-15 KJV 

Join me today in seeking to weed out what is unnecessary–the things that we tuck in just to “keep up appearances.”

The very burden of that idea of having to conform to others is what weighs us down!

God has called us to a specific walk. What He requires of me will sometimes look different than what He may require of you. But the goal is to seek HIM daily, allow HIM to do the uprooting of the fake: planting instead righteousness and all the spiritual gifts that will bring GLORY to HIS NAME!

By the way, “fake plants” have no roots. They only look good a short time as the sun fades them quickly–and when you get close—you can tell they are fake… Just in case you wondered. 

 © Angie Knight–The Knightly News. All rights reserved. Originally posted on Internet Cafe`.