Holidays

We interrupt this Bible Study to bring you

A. Knight

a holiday extravaganza! It was a blast!

We had a great day at Aimee’s and I really wish that each of you could have been with us!

The Sister’s of Faith bracelet that Aimee is sharing about are handmade by Susan at Count it all Joy and she is selling them for $10 each! Part of the proceeds of the bracelet’s will go to Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC) same as the T-Shirts we sell! Thank you Susan for that awesome contribution to the mission work for children that our missionaries work with!

By the way, in case you were wondering…the fire place behind baby Jake…is fake. No heat was being produced so don’t worry there. Although it is a heater—as well as looking pretty, it was only on for the “looks”. As cool as it was outside….with all us hormonal women in side that one room, we had to turn on the A/C! Believe it!

The slideshow is of Aimee’s house, Rylan was generous with hugs, but he found a special friend in Susan. She captured his heart by looking at his “toy magazine” several times and listening to him!

http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf

The LORD is incredibly good to us! Aimee and I want to express our deepest thanks to all of our new sisters! We are nearing the end of our Bible Study, but we hope that you will continue to join us as we continue to seek HIM first and share HIM with others!

We will be embarking on another Bible Study journey in January of 2009! We will announce the new study in December. So….get ready! You have been a sweet blessing in our lives and we are so thankful that you have taken time out each day to be a part of this study. We have loved getting to know each of you!

At the conclusion of this study, we have developed a new blog called “Joined Together”. This one is special and significant in the fact that we, as sisters of faith, are joined together in faith. In love. In the Father of each of our hearts. We are part of the Bride of Christ.

This blog is to share testimonies of what He has done in your life. What we would like to do, is have each one of our dear sisters share a testimony. Be preparing in your heart and mind now what you would like to share with other sisters on the journey of faith.

We will feature one testimony per month. When you get it ready, simple e-mail me (I think all of you have my e-mail address, but to be sure, it is av_knight (at) hotmail (dot) com.) and let me know. I can do one of two things, I can post it for you, or give you a sign-on to do so yourself. If you prefer to share something that you’d rather not have your name on, let me know and we will do so anonymously.

This is meant to encourage others. That no matter how difficult the journey—God will see you through. There are so many that need to know—the battle may get tough, but God is awesome in His power and grace—and He freely gives to those who seek Him and ask! BELIEVE! Have Faith!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

By the way, I posted a little video of Rylan sharing his “wants” for his birthday and Christmas. He felt left out when I talked to each of the ladies in the room and didn’t include him. I am sorry sweet boy! YOU know Nana loves you! (It’s on my blog—Knightly News)

For Sisters of Faith

Extravaganza ends in exhaustion!

A. Knight

Today was a day filled with chilled air and many activities! I started the morning off with a young fellow waking at an ungodly hour on a Saturday…before 7:00 a.m. Fortunately, he fell back asleep on Papa’s pillow and then when he woke again, “I’m ‘tarvin'” was the words mumbled from his sleepy self.

Since he is the ONLY grandson that does NOT like biscuits, I don’t offer. Instead, he would rather have cereal, oatmeal or pancakes. Cereal was his choice this morning. Easy. With lots of milk and chocolate milk on the side 🙂

While he is eating, I get started with the slow cooking process of “chili” fixings. I put it on early and let it cook all morning on low.

Jeff was busy with the Senior/Retired Minister’s Luncheon at the Activity Center and I was getting ready to head over to Aimee’s for a Holiday Extravaganza that she and Susan were hosting. It was FUN! I bought lots of goodies and even WON a door prize!!! (No it wasn’t rigged either) *grinning*

Here is a small clip of Rylan and me as he was showing me his decision from the ‘toy flyer’ he has just about worn out by looking at it!

He has picked out his birthday and Christmas gift.

If you wondered why I kept wiping his chin…he has a bit of a leaky mouth sometimes…he also was determined that his jacket stay on and zipped all the way to the top the entire time! Having a bit of OCD makes things interesting sometimes. This grandson has definitely taught me patience. He is our sweetie—visiting as often as he can.

If you want to see the video clip from the “Extravaganza” you will have to hop over to Sisters of Faith site! Susan from “Count it all joy” was there! IN PERSON! Yeah Susan! You really made the day fun! (And I suppose you know that RYLAN loves you to pieces!)

I bought some really pretty jewelry…did I already tell you that? Well, I am very excited about it—I LOVE pretties!

What did ya’ll do this weekend??

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Missions

From the Inbox

A. Knight

The following is from Kristie Rutzel of Crosswalk.com. With her permission, I am sharing this e-mail. Perfect thoughts and ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Ya’ll have a blessed weekend! ( the picture is mine…my sweet Cy!)

This coming Saturday, November 22nd, is National Family Volunteer Day and we want to inspire you and your family to share Christ through volunteering in your own local community or as part of an international volunteer program!

Here is just an example of how one of our contributors at Crosswalk.com, Sharon Brani, and her family were led to volunteer their time and energy together as a family mission. How will your family be blessed through embarking on a new family outreach? I look forward to hearing your stories of how God has and will work through you and your family this Family Volunteer Day and throughout the year! Help us spread the word by blogging about Family Volunteer Day and giving your blog readers examples of how they can offer their time and service.

The Gift Goes On: Choosing a Family Outreach

Editor’s Note: November 22nd marks National Family Volunteer Day. Below, Crosswalk.com contributor Sharon Brani shares the blessings she and her daughters experience through their involvement in family outreach. If your family is interested in locating family-friendly volunteer opportunities, resources with links can be found at the end of this article.

It all began in 1993 when I, a single woman in her early forties, adopted a six month old baby girl from Russia. God’s Hand was so evident in even the timing of her adoption. On Christmas Eve of 1993 my life was changed when I became the mother of Noelle. And although many people refer to the blessing that my daughter received through adoption, I have always known that the gift was mine.

The miracle of adoption always shines with the wonder of God’s plan and purpose. There are no accidents. No mistakes. The little one wrapped in a pink blanket was His Touch to my life, breathing fresh hope and healing. He knew all about the pain of my divorce. He knew about the shattered dreams and broken heart. He knew and so graciously provided the gift of a very special child who for years afterward would bless me with incredible joy and laughter.

In 2000, God whispered within my spirit once more that there was another little girl that needed me. I questioned. I prayed. And after long months of waiting and even a failed adoption, I finally came home with my second daughter from Russia. Jenny, too, became His very special gift of grace and love to my heart. My two daughters continue to bless me and the lives of many others. What precious gifts from the Father’s Hand!

But it does not stop there. In fact, the story is only beginning.

In late 2007, my girls and I talked and prayed about a family mission for the new year. We tossed about various ideas. We were already supporting a child in India. We participated in the yearly Christmas shoebox ministry where shoeboxes are filled and sent to another part of the world to bless a child at Christmas. What else could we do?

After searching the internet and speaking with other adoptive parents we finally decided to adopt the Shoes For Orphans Souls project led by Buckner International Adoptions in Texas. Their website explained the process clearly so with open hearts we agreed to make this our own project for 2008.

I was so touched when each girl asked to go to the local shoe store to purchase their first pair of new shoes. My oldest, after much deliberation, chose a small pair of white DCs. She not only took them into her church youth group the next day to promote the shoes for children idea but also continues to keep them attached to her book bag. With brown eyes sparkling, she tells everyone that this is only the first pair that she will buy to help an orphan somewhere… Continue Reading Here

God Bless You and Your Family,

Kristie Rutzel, Salem Web Network Marketing Coordinator

Line: 804.205.9700 Ext . 152 Fax: 804.205.9648

111 Virginia St., Suite 500 Richmond, VA 23219

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Eighty-Two

A. Knight

Read Luke 22:63-71
The rejection Jesus must have felt is heartbreaking. Maybe He had healed some of their own family members, and yet, here they are spitting on Him, slapping Him around. The shame of all the mocking. . . . Thinking on these things reminds me again of the love He truly has for us. This was only the beginning of the suffering we will be studying. The story we know so well is painted again before me today a-fresh.
Beth reminds us that our Lord and Saviour is the “King of the mountain.” I remember that game, too, as a child. No matter if you are on the mountain or down in the valley, He is there. I read one time about mountain climbers and all the enormous amount of stress a person puts their body through just to reach the top. Climbing up, they risk falling and injuring themselves. As they climb, the altitude changes making the air thinner and harder to breathe, therefore, they could possibly even suffer a collapsed lung. Climbers, sometimes lose a finger or toe due to extreme temperatures dropping to frigid levels. Recovery time from the mountain experiences could be difficult, also. Climbing a mountain is very hard work- however, being on the mountain does have some rewards. The view is awesome! The feeling of accomplishment would be felt, but the climber can never stay long- can’t live there, but must either come down and work on climbing another or stay in the valley most of the time. I heard someone say recently that it’s in the valley where we grow and our roots grow deeper.
Beth comments of Jesus being our “Bright and morning star, the Lily of the valley, beloved son of God, the Alpha and Omega, the Prince of peace, King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords!” Who is He right now for you? No matter what mountain you may be facing…”He is the King of the mountain!!!”
When I read of Jesus responses to His taunters, I think about what response I would have probably given: “You touch me again and I’ll call fire down from Heaven!” -or- “I’m telling my Father on you buddy!” He had the power to make them all stop, but He chose to take all the suffering for us. I’m trying really hard not to get ahead, but it’s so hard when I know the rest of the story. I’ll stop here and just say…..He loves you!
Dear Lord, thank you for loving us when we were the ones that hurt you. Thank you for loving us today when we still hurt you or let you down. Remind us today of who you are- our King of every mountain. Wherever our sisters are living or whatever they are facing be near them. Bless them all I pray. Cover them, and help them today see you in everything. Touch them, by once again reaching your hands of mercy out. In Christ Jesus’ name I pray—Amen.
Love all you sweet sisters. Be blessed! And Keep climbing!
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Eighty-One

A. Knight

Luke 22:47-62

My heart is purely breaking. Right now at this point, I can identify with Peter. I can see him in my minds eye…because I can relate his circumstance to places in my life. Long Distance Christianity. Let’s follow, but not so close as to be noticed. Let’s make sure that we still have the “look” of the world, so as not to be confused with those full of religion.

That’s sort of like going to Sunday School and Morning Worship but only because it is our “habit“, not because it is a desire or love. The message of the morning may make it all the way back to the car you drove in on….or perhaps, maybe even back to your kitchen sink. But somewhere along the way, life will eventually happen and, ooops! We find ourselves acting and reacting just like the world. I should know. It’s been my tale.

I concur with what Beth said, “in me dwells no good thing.” And for that reason, I have had to make serious adjustments in my life. Otherwise, flesh rules. I told Jeff sometime in the week after Wanda’s funeral, “my life will never be the same. There will be some changes. Things you may notice, or not notice. But I will never be the same.” I reiterated that to him on Wednesday night before church over a “diet coke” at McDonald’s.

Life is about to get harder for everyone. No one will be exempt from trouble. (John 16:33) Buckle your seat baby, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

Christ wants a Bride that is daily and continually preparing herself for HIM. There is a couple that is planning their wedding in the early part of next year. Aimee and I are close to them, and we have discussed their actions and how sweet they seem. I reflected on the actions and adoring glances of the bride to her groom. How she conducts herself, and the anticipation of the wedding for them. The daily preparations. The care and attention given to each detail. WE SHOULD BE AS SUCH FOR OUR GROOM!

“When we tiptoe to keep from being too obvious —or to obscure ourselves in safe places and remain unidentifiable, we are already bounding toward denial.” Beth hit a sharp place with that statement. But true.

Following Him at a distance, as to not be noticed by others, may keep us from being noticed by Him. What do you think? I told Jeff during our conversation over cola’s, in looking back over the past 5 to 10 years of our lives, the feelings I had held onto with a bulldog fierceness, had the Lord Jesus descended the heavens during those days, may have very well left me sitting right in my place at my own dinner table, rather than the marriage supper of the Lamb. I was determined to be mad. I was determined to hold on and not allow Christ to heal the hurt I was feeling toward some that had inflicted pain on dear family members.

We must turn EVERYTHING over to HIM. Not just parts. We cannot afford to follow Him at a distance. We must give Him our all…and do all we can for Him! Time is running out. And I don’t mean in just this Bible Study. The rest of my days will be lived for Him. Doing all I can, acting on His instruction as best I can, serving Him. No more long distance relationships. It must be all or nothing. If we are lukewarm…you’ve read it yourself (Revelation 3:16), “He will spit us out of His mouth.” Spit us far from Him—as something with a bad taste! The NKJV says “vomit“. The epitome of nasty, that is for sure!

I don’t know about you sisters, but I am listening and looking! I told mother this week, in discussing some “family issues”, we must be as in Nehemiah’s days, working with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other. This life demands it!

My Christian walk requires structured study. Like we have participated in. I MUST have it. I can’t just be like, “I’ll read a bit here…a bit there”…while that can be fine for some, I must have things structured. I have grown more in these past 90 days than I ever imagined. I intend to keep growing!

Father God, I count it a privilege to live and serve You! I am honored to be Your daughter! Keep my life in line with Your word! May You find me working diligently when the trump is sounded! Ready to go! That is my desire! In Jesus holy name~Amen.

Let’s begin our day with an old song that has such sweet words, and many of the pictures in the slideshow are the very ones that we used!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

Sisters, have a blessed, joy-filled day in Christ! We love you! By the way, join me in wishing our sweet Denise a very Happy Birthday! If you have time, pop over to her blog for a visit! You will be blessed!

Thankful Thursdays

Thankful Thursday and Happy Birthday Denise!!

A. Knight

Thankful Thursday is a special day! It is incredible what God is doing among us!

My heart is overflowing with His goodness! I choose to seek Him—and leave the problems. I choose to celebrate friends and their encouraging ways…I choose to seek Him in His word! I choose joy—in the midst of problems—I choose Christ.

A message and cake for Denise of ShortyBear’s Place…
You are a treasured friend…

A blessing to hundreds!—Thousands!

I am blessed to know you! I pray that the Lord fills your day with delights, surprises, joys and healing!

Ladies, I have to tell you again, if you have the opportunity to get the Bible Study book, 90 Days with the One and Only, get it. Do the study on your own. I cannot express how it has affected my heart and life in these past 81 days. We’ve not many more to go. I am looking forward with GREAT anticipation to what HE guides us to next! You will find me on the Sisters of Faith site today—Thursday.

Be encouraged sisters, when the news spills it’s gloom and doom of the day…look toward the sky, push the hair behind your ears to hear better….is that Gabriel beginning to blow?

I love you all! I look forward to a great reunion in heaven….a special time of gathering for those blogging hard for Christ Jesus!

Thank you Iris for taking us to the place of testifying for Christ! Visit Iris for more thankful hearts!

He is MORE than enough for ME! Praise Him today—on this Thankful THURSDAY!

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Eighty

A. Knight

Read Mark 14:32-42

Here they are now in the garden of Gethsemane, praying- supposed to be watching and praying, but it looks like they’re sleeping. They’ve sung the song, now it’s time to pray. Jesus prayed. Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to “watch and pray” in vs. 38, “lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Ever felt like that? I have. Sometimes my alarm goes off in the morning and I remind the Lord that I’m still tired and I don’t feel like I’ve had enough sleep, but when I go ahead and get up I’m blessed, but when my flesh rules, I’m rushed and my time with my “Abba” is cut short. He waits patiently for me at our “meeting place,” which is a little peach-ish colored chair in a corner of my dining room. If I’m late- he is still waiting, and I lose that precious time in His presence. Help me Lord, give more time to you! I want more of you time and less of me time.

My earthly father was not around very much, while I was growing up. As a matter of fact, rarely, but my Heavenly Father is near me everyday. I loved Beth’s insight for us on the word “Abba.” I’m so thankful I can call Him- my “Dear Father.” As I read today’s devotion, I couldn’t help but think about my own son and how much I love him and how it would hurt to know, if he were in desperation calling out to me and I had to let him suffer to save someone else’s life. Jesus loved us so much, He pressed forward to the will of the Father. He asked to let the cup pass, but yet He remembered us and His Father’s plan for us and was willing to give His life. Thank you Lord!!!

Vs. 39 says: “And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.” That lets me know, there is nothing wrong with repeatedly making our requests known to the Lord. If we have to pray about something everyday until the victory comes, it’s okay. I have a tendency to want to talk about something until I wear it out so-to-speak. But, the whole time I’m talking about it, I’m letting go of some of the worry. Maybe this counts for prayer, maybe I should spend more time praying about it and less talking and the worry would be less and less. My husband would probably fall out. I’m going to work on this!

Dear Father, thank you for sending your only son to die on the cross for our sins that we could live in Heaven someday. Thank you, that His life does not end on the cross but He rose again and lives today! Please, bless our sweet sisters that have joined us on this 90 day journey. I’ve been blessed and every day it seems to get richer. I pray the remaining days will be the miracle days for us all in this study as we draw close to your side. In Jesus Holy Name–Amen.

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee

Picture from: http://www.my.homewithgod.com/israel/jesuslife/

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Seventy-Nine

A. Knight
Eleven days left…what are you going to do at the end of the eleven days? Mark this off as another chore done? Aimee and I have discussed that very thing. Not marking it off, but continuing on …in a deeper walk with HIM. What about you?

Will you lengthen your stride as you walk on?

Our Scripture reference for today is found in Psalm 116, the entire chapter. In reading this chapter, I did some studying in the JewishEncyclopedia.com and was amazed at all the traditions—that I know hardly anything about. Let’s stretch that a bit further. I know practically NOTHING about. There are some very interesting facts though. I encourage you to read up a bit when you have time. Beth mentions the possibility of Christ actually singing the song of the 116th Psalm. Do you think when you are singing a song—specifically TO HIM—that He may even sing along with you? That thought makes me smile.

Going back to the weekend reading you will remember that what they (Jesus and the disciples) were doing, was tradition. Strict tradition. If you can remember reading back when Moses lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and the ecstatic joy of being set free experienced by those in the caravan of followers, the dance and song lead by Moses’ sister, Miriam, that too became tradition for the Jewish people.

But here was Jesus—as Beth stated “with the clock ticking toward the cross” and He was singing. Part of me wants to say, “How could He?” While the other part of me knows, “How could He not?” His journey was coming to a close on this earth. He had taken the little band of followers as far as He could. The rest of the journey would be by faith. Even more faith for us today, for we have not seen, nor heard His voice, yet, we have unimaginable faith and trust in the God of all.

I join Beth in wondering exactly what He felt when He sang the words from the Psalms. Tradition says that these words were sang or recited. I love verse 2 that says: “Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

How beautiful! It reminds me of a song we sing, “As long as I have breath, I will praise You Lord.” That was a song that we sang around Wanda’s bed as she began her departure from this life, and her body was readying itself for the next one. Each of our lives has had a song at one point or another—what’s your song?

Right now—and for the rest of my days my song could be sung, “I Give You My Heart”.

The words of that song take my focus off of me…and place them firmly at the foot of the cross. I see a clear picture of what He sacrificed for me when I close my eyes and sing that song.

As we end today, I am closing with the lyrics of that song. Let’s worship Him together today. As you go about your daily—reaffirm to His heart that WE belong to HIM and WE will live FOR HIM.

This is my desire, to honour You
Lord with all my heart I worship You
all I have within me
I give You praise
all that I adore is in You

Chorus:

Lord I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for You alone
Every breath that I take
Every moment I’m awake
Lord have Your way in me

This is my desire, to honour You
Lord with all my heart I worship You
all I have within me
I give You praise
all that I adore is in You

That is indeed my complete desire. To know HIM more—to LIVE FOR HIM.
I love you ladies…every single one.
Keeping the Faith,


Angie

Lyrics: LetsSingIt
Hillsong United–Lord I Give You My Heart

Country Life Messages, Life

Tuesday–Close off his Access

A. Knight

I am sitting on ready….for what God is going to do! What I mean is—there are things on the horizon in EacH of our lives…are we looking toward what He is about to do…or are we concentrating on the gloom and doom that the Wall Street Journal keeps predicting?

I choose to look for the beauty in what He is about to reveal! What do I see in the stolen computer? Well, a scared devil that thinks that I MUST be about to publish a BesT SelLeR! One that will reach untold sinners for CHRIST! Really? Well, it could happen. REalLy!

Let me share with you something from a book I am reading (yes, I am still reading some of the others…but this one keeps pulling me back!) “i am not, but i know I AM” by Louie Giglio.

“God is always looking for ordinary people to play significant roles in His unfolding story. And, given that He is GOD and supremely confident in Himself, He is free to choose the least among us–the slowest, the lesser-known, the last, the smallest, the poorest–to accomplish amazing, God-sized stuff.”

I mean, He is God after all. Right? Right. So here I sit. Waiting to see if He will fill the thief with remorse—-and give me the opportunity to share Christ…or possibly just by reading some of the stuff on the computer, maybe He will run as fast as he can to the nearest church. Or jail. Whichever—I pray he or she will find Christ.

One way or the other, God will be glorified. Maybe only by me not having a flailing fit and threatening to kill/clobber any suspect….God is glorified when we give our problems to Him to solve—we are releasing Him to crack His holy knuckles and show His stuff. AND while He is showing His stuff, we are showing what we are made of.

I WILL tell you that I did get mad. But I didn’t scream and holler. I wasn’t mad at Jeff, but at the thief. The one that had the audacity to open a door that was closed off to him—one that didn’t belong to him—and take what WaS NoT his.

Hmmm. Sound familiar? Sister—and any brother that might be reading…THAT is exactly what the enemy does to you and me EVERY SiNgLe DAY– when we leave things accessible! Yes, the door was left unlocked. But not on purpose. By accident. Jeff thought he locked it. Thought he’d pushed the button down to lock both doors.

If you don’t lock—seal tight—the doors of your heart and mind EVERY SINGLE DAY with the word of God—the enemy has access. Complete and total access. It’s not enough to just lock them once in a while. Just once a week. See, he is roaming the parking lot—looking for access. I bet you never thought of it like that. Neither did I. Until the computer went missing.

On Friday night, after Jeff went to bed, I went to the laundry room to pray—and cry—and whine (as I told you before)…but my prayer was, “Lord—get some glory out of this.” USE THIS. Well, it looks like He just did. I blogged it and applied to to our walk with Christ. There. He, Jesus Christ, just received glory for a crisis in my life. I was just able to use it to show myself and others that the EXTREME need in our lives is not for a makeover, but for a complete restoration of our hearts and souls! WASHING at the cross by the blood of the Lamb. The complete removal of the stains of our sins. And we are changed. No longer sinners and thieves, but now made new—white as snow. Freed from all charges against us!

Being all out honest, I will tell you that on Friday night….after the news was delivered to my pierced ears…I wanted to give that thief a piece of my mind….now, all I want to know is can I give Him Christ? Will he take Christ—as His Lord and Savior and turn from his thievin’ ways?

Let’s don’t pray for the return of the computer. Let’s pray instead for a thief to find Christ. Soon. Time is running out.

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Seventy-Eight

A. Knight

Read Luke 22:31-34

Have you ever went through a sifting? I remember as a little girl watching my Mamo make a cake and she would sift the flour with a cute little metal sifter. I picture this when I hear the word sift. All I remember it doing was taking the lumps out of flour and making it lighter or finer in texture. Maybe that’s what sifting does to us softens us and gets the lumps out of our lives and makes us “finer.” (I don’t know if that is a word but I just used it twice to mean different things and I’m going to keep it.) When someone ask you today how you doing, just say “finer” and watch their expression and see if you get a smile. (Okay, that rabbit was loose but I hemmed him up in the corner and I’m talking about “sifting.”) I have had trials that gave me the option either I’m going to continue to trust God no matter what, or give up. Some of the trials/sifting seem on-going, almost no land in sight, so-to-speak. Peter was warned of his sifting that was to come. Makes you wonder if under Peter’s big talk was a little boy possible shaking in his boots. Peter doesn’t seem to get it… Christ is always right. No need in arguing with God, He will get the last word!

I read a book one time, by Marion Bond West. I can’t think of the name of it right now, but it was a true story about her life, and she based the whole book on the scripture in Habakkuk 3:17-19 and it reads: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield not meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. This verse carried me through some storms. Maybe if you are going through a trial, you need to write this out and place this verse somewhere you can see it everyday, or even write it on a business card and have it in your pocket to pull it out when you need to, all during the day. I do this sometimes, and I may give the scripture I have in my pocket away to someone that might need a verse of encouragement. I had to put myself in this scripture by changing the words at the beginning to fit my situation, for instance “Although my child is being rebellious, and the truck payment is due….” (you get the picture- put your situations there- make it personal)

Even though you may be going through a “sifting” time God is still faithful. Amen!!! I like ole’ Peter. He was real. Now some of the other disciples you couldn’t get to know like Peter. You always knew where Peter stood on things. I believe in vs.33 he thought he would withstand anything. He was talking real big, but I believe it was out of the love he truly had for the Master. This trial he went through brought him back to reality that he was still human and if not staying in prayer and on guard could slip into sin. The Lord gave him a clear warning, but he remembered the warning later. (I don’t want to get ahead, sorry Angie.)

Christ told Peter in vs. 32 that He prayed for him. I thought that was moving. Don’t it feel so good for someone to come to you and tell you they are praying for you. I always feel some immediate strength when I hear someone tell me they are praying for me. Spend some time this morning praying for someone and tell them you are praying for them, or drop them a card. It will bless them and you, too!

My husband went through a time of depression one time and that is what brought him out of it, writing notes of encouragement to people. Don’t turn inward when you are depressed, turn outward to help others. It will be worth the effort! God bless you and sisters I’m praying for each of you.

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee