90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Eight

A. Knight

Beth titled this devotion “A Night of Nights.” Text: Luke 2:15-20. I’m so glad I have this one to share Angie . Sisters, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and had some time to do the other two studies on your own. (Day 6 & 7) If not, take some time today and catch up.

I will tell you now, the tears streamed down my face as I read Beth’s breath-taking view of the “holy night.” My favorite scripture in this text is vs. 19: “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” For me, this would have been very hard to do, because many times I ponder out loud – you can just ask my husband or Angie for that matter. When I’m worried I want to talk about it, sort of get it off my chest. If I’m excited I can’t hardly keep it in. I’m not quite as bad as Angie though. Let me give you an example, but don’t tell her I said this, but sometimes she might get me a surprise and she just can’t wait to give it to me. She’ll say things like: “Do you want to know what it is?” And I might say, “No just keep it a surprise, because I like surprises.” She can’t stand for me to say that, but she just can’t hardly wait! Now on the other hand if I get her a surprise, I won’t tell her. I like to keep her guessing, but I’m really dying to tell her, too. But Luke writes, “Mary kept all these things in her heart.” To be so young, Mary was very wise.

When the shepherds came to visit with their wide-eyed stories about the angels, I doubt if it startled Mary and Joseph. Somehow, they were prepared in their hearts for His birth, for His coming. They did not know the exact day or hour, but none-the-less, they were ready. I may be getting on another topic here, but it’s a good thought, you probably know what I’m about to ask. Are you ready? As a little girl, I remember hearing my grandmother, a.k.a. “Mamo,” testify in church and her last sentence would be, “Pray for me that I’ll be ready should He come or call.” She was! He did call her home, and I’m praying that same prayer, that I will be ready.

The movie screen kept rolling while I read today’s devotion, I pictured in my mind so clear a young mother holding her infant with that sweet look in her eyes, as she tenderly caresses the thin, delicate skin of her newborn. I worked in a nursery of a hospital on the night shift for two years, and I saw a lot of babies born. It was always a privilege to take the infants to their mother’s room for their first visit. Before I would take them out to their mommies, I would give them a good bath and put a little Johnson & Johnson baby lotion on them. They would always smell precious. I loved to watch the mom’s faces after I placed their sweet- smelling newborn in their arms. The first-time mom’s are always full of questions, and I would answer them all, the best I could. To me they were all beautiful, no matter if they were red and wrinkled. My favorite part of all was when the mother’s would hold them in their arms and look into their little faces and kiss them. I imagine Mary had that look in her eyes, too. It is hard to fathom she delivered her son / her Saviour! Oh, how I would have loved to been her nurse!

Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son to this earth so we could have eternal life. Thank you for planning a future with us in mind. You are so awesome! I pray for everyone that joins us today that you can remind them of your love. If someone is weighted down with heavy burdens, Lord help them cast them on you- lighten their load. If someone has decisions to make and they don’t know what to do, Lord brighten their path. Most of all, help us be ready should you come or call. I give you all the glory, honor, and praise. In Christ’s name – Amen!

Keeping the Faith,

Aimee

Picture from “Women Health Matters” website

Devotion, faith, Reflection

The Table He Prepares

A. Knight

The following devotion is from the archives, originally written and posted on November 3, 2007. So very long ago. Or so it seems. Much has happened—and God continues to watch over our lives.

I will be back over at Sisters of Faith this week along with my baby sista, Aimee. She will get us started again in the morning with day 8 of our Bible Study! It has been so uplifting to fellowship with the other precious ‘sisters’ in the LORD that have joined us on this journey! You are invited over. Come and sit with us every day if you get the chance! Comment to let us know you are there!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 NIV

I want to focus on two sentences here. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

I heard this complete text read several weeks ago and a clear mental picture formed instantly in my mind. I became so excited as it unfolded in my mind and heart. I thought about it during the night and even called my sister Aimee the next morning on my way to work. Still excited, but not able to adequately form the words to such a degree as to get my “picture” from my mind, over to her, she asked me to blog it. Easier said than done at times. Several other devotions came to my mind and heart between that morning and this. I blogged those, unable to wrap my mind around the exact way I wanted to express my thoughts from that heart message. But here goes—

Let’s break it down. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” When we prepare a table for our loved ones, what do we put on it? If you said “the best”, then you are right, the very best. In speaking of food, we prepare their favorites. I know when I am going to my dear mother-in-law’s house, and it is a “planned” meal, she always has rutabagas. For me. Because she loves me and she knows that they are one of my favorite vegetables, and one that I rarely cook myself. In fact, I can count on one hand the times I have prepared them (probably using only 3 fingers!). It is a lot of work! Since I am the only one with a great love for them, I don’t go to the trouble at home for just me.

Do you see the picture here? We prepare the favorites. We use the best dishes. The best glassware, the best serving dishes, the best of everything we can find in the house for the special guest. We try to find out what their favorite dessert is. If it’s a cake…then of course I track down the recipe for my sweet Jeff. If it’s a pie or pudding, then that would be my delight. I love the look on my son-in-law David’s face, when April tells him that “daddy” has made a “German Chocolate Cake”. We know it’s his favorite. We delight in pleasing our children.

God delights even more so in pleasing us. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:9-11) He shares this insight of the Father’s love for us. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gift to those who ask him!”

That is plain “as the nose on your face”. It is clear that God loves us more than we can comprehend. So if He is “preparing a table” for us, what do you suppose is on it? His best!

Let’s look somewhere else. In Joel 2:25-26 we read, “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army with I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” (KJV)

I used the KJV here for a reason. It gives particular names of the types of locust. They are all in the locust family. Simply put, locusts are swarming grasshoppers and they devour crops and vegetation. Sound familiar? Sounds like the work of the enemy in our lives. We are very aware that he comes to “kill, steal, and destroy”. However, God promises to restore. To give back—in plenty—go back and pick up verse 24 of the same chapter. He will “overflow” our restoration!

Picture this: A long banquet table covered with a crisp white linen cloth, of the finest quality imaginable. This is the table He prepares for us….on my table I see all the things that the enemy of my life has taken from me. All the things in my life that the enemy has damaged or caused me to suffer pain from are laid out for all me to see that my Father is now “restoring to me”.

Gilded ornate frames, with pictures of my dear loved ones that have wandered from the most holy path of our Father sit among the various dishes on the expanse of white. I see a big platter of “joy” that the enemy continually tries to steal. I see “compassion” in a delicate porcelain bowl. For it is in the busyness of our lives we tend to lose our compassion for others.

“Peace”, pouring from an endless silver fountain sits firmly in the center of the table. “Trust” is plenteous, for my Father knows that bit by bit the enemy has wrecked havoc in my life regarding trust. Vision is clear in the crystal goblet on the right hand of my filled plate. Our “vision” to see the lost come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, many times, has been stolen right before our very “eyes”. Hope is brimming over, along with purpose. Distinct, clear purpose.

Our purpose and His calling are now restored with clarity as never before experienced! As I stand at the table, He has so lovingly prepared for me….in the presence of my enemy, I am overwhelmed at the fullness of joy I now feel. I see the enemy, but I am not afraid. For my Father has him completely bound and subdued.

The enemy in my life is the same enemy that you have faced. He may have worn different clothes, but his purpose was the same. His actions were the same. Bit by bit, things have disappeared in our lives that God has so lovingly given to us. Maybe we didn’t even notice.

If your couch suddenly went missing, you would notice right away. But if someone took only took one cup from the cabinet—-would you notice? If one sock went missing—would you notice? Probably not until you “needed” it….hmmm. I see that now you have the picture.

We neglect protecting our valuables that have been bestowed upon us, until many times, it is too late. We don’t have what we need—-at the very time we need it!

However, He is a restoring God! He will cover your table with every nic-nac that has disappeared from your life. Look around your spiritual house. What has gone missing? As I fall down on my face before the throne, the Father begins to “set my table”. He has anxiously been watching the driveway for me to seek Him out. To seek out His company. His divine Presence.

As I am seated in His Presence, He “anoints my head with oil; my cup overflows.” His lavish blessings overflow my life as His Holy Spirit is pouring on my heart, mind, body and spirit. His anointing represents my life dedicated for service to Him. As kings and priests of old were anointed for service, so does the Lord desire to anoint each of us for service to Himself.

My heart overflows with the love of my Father as He tenderly cares for my needs. We will share in this table of plenty that He has set before us….and we will remember—-to carefully guard all that He has restored in our lives!


90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Five

A. Knight

I love the time of year from November 1, all the way through to January. I love times of gathering, fellowshipping, and most of all loving one another.

Planning what we’re going to prepare to take to mother’s house was always top discussion between Wanda, Aimee and myself. We’d call each other every day to see if who had come up with some new fangled recipe. —To delight the others.

God is all about delighting us. I love what Beth said, “In the Jewish calendar, the fourteenth day of the first month is called the day of conception. If our God of perfect planning and gloriously significant order happened to overshadow Mary on the fourteenth day of the first month of His calendar, our Savior would have been born toward the end of our December. We have absolutely no way of knowing whether or not He did, but I would not be the least bit surprised for God to have sparked His Son’s human life on one Passover and ended it on another.”

Me either Beth. Aren’t we planners as well? When planning a celebration, don’t we try to work it out so that “everyone” can attend? I don’t know about you…but I like to think that the “taking names” (for tax purposes!) was something that God used as well. I mean Joseph and Mary had to travel back to Joseph’s home town. I kind of imagine that he had a few friends there. Perhaps some relatives. Just for my own contemplative thinking, I like to imagine that he couldn’t go to them at the late hour for a bed for his bride because maybe he wasn’t sure of where they lived now…maybe he didn’t know if he had anyone left in town…one thing is for sure….there was no room for them in the Inn. But God provided. By the time the wise men arrived on the scene, they were in a house (Matthew 2:11). Perhaps of a relative? I don’t know…but I do know…..God provided.

This is something I read today while searching out more on Mary. What her life may have been like up to the point of leaving home and going with Joseph. This is what I found and wanted to share it with you. “Mary had up to this time been living at the wrong place for Messiah’s birth. A little longer stay at Nazareth, and the prophecy would have failed. But lo! with no intention certainly on her part, much less of Caesar Augustus, to fulfil the prophecy, she is brought from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and at that nick of time her time arrives, and her Babe is born.”¹

The plans God has for you and me are just as detailed. When we leave the plans and directions to HIM, the Master Creator…we will find that it all works out. The pieces of the puzzle all fit together with a click as they snap in place. The job. The marriage. The finances. Even down to the decision of where to go to church. None of these are beyond His expertise!

When I read the page for day 5, I immediately thought “party”. I smiled thinking that we (or at least in our area), will turn any event into a party. Hurricane coming? Gather everyone in a safe place and let’s eat! Let’s play some games! What is that, if not a party?

Bible Study time? Gather them all together in the living room, get out some cups, plates, forks, napkins, make some coffee, have some juice or iced tea ready, plead with Jeff to make a cake with extra thick icing….and you have a Bible Study Party! You learn from the very heart of GOD and you have you some rejoicing in the kitchen with cake!

Baby about to be born? The waiting room is OURS! When waiting on that new arrival—there is MUCH prayer—some eating if he/she takes a while getting here…and then once that lusty cry is heard—it is all out party-time!

Christ’s birth is a day to celebrate! I agree with Beth, we don’t know the exact day. BUT we do KNOW He CAME. He lived. He died. He was resurrected. He lives TODAY! I think that is worthy of a celebration EVERY DAY of the year!

This is the LORD’S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23 KJV

Father God…thank you for tending to each and every detail of my life. All the way from the difficult ones I can see…to the miniscule ones I might not notice. I praise You, for even in the difficult days as yesterday was, I felt Your presence. I KNEW You had me in Your sight. Nothing escapes Your notice. Thank You for following so closely my heart. Take tomorrow and make it YOURS. For Your glory. Not mine. I love and praise You forever. In the precious name above every name…Your Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ~ Amen.

Please don’t forget, Saturday and Sunday have been reserved for your private–personal devotion time. Let us not neglect it. But cherish the time alone with the Father. He’s been waiting for just that time to share some personal notes with you! Come on back on Monday and share the delights of your soul and weekend with us! This week has been incredible to me. I have learned—and loved every minute of the study time. I find myself thinking about it while driving to and from work!

Have a blessed weekend and most of all,

Keep Trusting Him,

Angie

¹Jamieson, Robert; A.R. Fausset; and David Brown. “The Gospel According to Luke.” Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Blue Letter Bible. 19 Feb 2000. 4 Sep 2008.

Most of our pictures come from the movie The Nativity Story, which if you have not seen this yet, I highly recommend buying this one!

For Sisters of Faith

Praise HIM in the STORM!

A. Knight

This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 KJV

What feels like a hundred weekends ago–but in reality it has only been thirty something, as Jeff and I were driving home from Gainesville, Florida…leaving a very weak sister behind…my heart was the heaviest I had felt for some time.

This song came on the radio and my tears fell like the rain that was pelting the windshield of the car, as my heart wept for the “unknown”. Our family had been in this place with her before. Watching Wanda struggle. Watching the enemy try and drain her very life from her body. But friends, family and even complete strangers began to pray. People that didn’t know Wanda began to call on the Father on her behalf….and Wanda’s little body began to strengthen—for a time…until her time came.

She had some very tough times…but her strength was amazing. Her faith was incredible. She held on to her faith when it seemed I had to search sometimes for mine. Hers remained steadfast and strong.

I am reminded of her faith and strength especially on these days when I have troubles arise and I look to the heavens for my help. I KNOW where it comes from…it comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. There is not a day that passes that I don’t think of Wanda in some way. I probably always will. That is okay. For I will soon see her! That is a promise we have from the scriptures. I cling ever so tightly to that.

If you haven’t been on the Sisters of Faith site for any of the Bible Study yet, I encourage you to meet me over there. I have found the LORD so real and amazing! He has delivered His message into our hearts from the words penned by Beth Moore in her book, 90 Days with the One and Only. I have been blessed….and I FEEL what He is doing in my life. I also feel the enemy balking and trying to discourage me in my journey….but I carry on!

Denise, my melt down came yesterday. A bit lingered today…but I carry on. I grasp on to the hem of His garment and allow Him to pull me to my feet and we walk ahead. Ever reaching…ever stretching….ever running to the mark—to the place He has laid out for me—the place that takes me home. Home. Heaven.

Take His hand dear friend….He will never leave you nor forsake you…but will fill your cup as you lift it up…of HIS incredible annointing…CARRY ON!

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Four

A. Knight

Can you feel the excitement in Mary’s words? When I was reading the scripture text Luke 1:46-55, I could sense Mary realizing the blessings God had given her. Notice: Mary stopped to praise. In verse 46 she said”My soul doth magnify the Lord.” She may have been a humble handmaiden, but she had a way of expressing her praise and gratitude to the Lord that surpasses any teenager I have heard today, let alone any adult. She had a profound ability of edifying her Lord and Saviour.
The words in verse 48 speaks volumes to me as Mary said, “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” Within herself, she recognized she was a “lowly handmaiden,” but in Him she was “blessed.” I too am nothing without Him! Today is “Thankful Thursday,” and I’m thankful “He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Need.” – I guess this could be my song!
As I was thinking about everything Mary was saying to Martha, it dawned on me this thought: God provided someone to believe Mary’s story and someone to share in her excitement, that would understand. It is so special to have a friend that you can tell your secrets to, someone that accepts you. I’m sure Mary felt rejection from some in her family and others probably doubted her story, but God gave her Elizabeth. God understands a woman’s needs and provided for her. Ain’t God good?!
Beth stated, “Mary’s song reflects twelve different Old Testament passages.” His word was in her heart. What song is in your heart- one of hurt, one of despair, or one of praise? Let’s sing praise!
Keeping the Faith,
Aimee
90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Three

A. Knight

When I read Beth’s first question posed to us…I sort of laughed. I mean, we probably all have the same answer there. Or, maybe not. Since I am from a small community, I answered according to the way things were (are). 1) Everyone knows everyone; and 2) Everyone knows everything. There is good and not so good in both of those. I say that with a grin on my face.

2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” NLT

Beth uses the above scripture reference and I like it in the New Living Translation, but the word “troubles” in the KJV is “tribulation” and in several other translations it is “afflictions”. If I were to put that same verse in “Angie” vernacular it might read something like this (pardon the paraphrase please): He comforts us in all our stuff, the issues that we can’t seem to overcome, but by His miraculous grace in our lives, we do—we “get” it. So by His example of comforting us —He wants us to give that same comfort and love to another when we see them dealing with the same stuff. The same problems. Don’t judge, just help.

I love the picture that Beth paints for us with her words describing Mary, her possible age, her characteristics, etc. In verse 35 of Luke 1 the angels words bear a surprising jolt to Mary’s senses, and then verse 36 offers Mary the solution to any (and you know there were some) possible questions she might have.

I have typed what seems like a kazillion letters at the law office where I work. Almost always after giving the description of the “enclosed” documents, we end it with a sentence, much like Gabriels “hint” to Mary was in his statement regarding Elizabeth. Our sentence reads: “Please call us should you have any questions or concerns.” I just know little Mary had some questions. And without a doubt—some big time concerns!

I love the quote from Beth’s book that she used on page 16. Re-read it now if you have your book handy. I especially love the last sentence, “Women are like that, aren’t they? We long to find someone who has been where we’ve been, who shares our fragile places, who sees our sunsets with the same shades of blue.” I can tell you from my experience, I wanted to KNOW what it was like, what I could expect and just exactly how long will this last? This would encompass not only birthing babies, but in every aspect of child rearing and life events…I wanted to KNOW!

I am glad that although the answer to those questions may not be exactly spelled out in the Word, there are those that have blazed the trail of faith before us written therein of which we can read, learn and be encouraged that by the faith they had—their complete trust in the LORD, they made it…showing me that I can and will too!

Before we leave Mary today, I want to point out something that I have missed in my reading before. Probably because it’s not spelled out. It is in the unwritten of the story of Mary. Her bravery. Can you imagine (I will continue to say that a lot), leaving your mother (the one who you have learned EVERYTHING from) and traveling a distance on foot, in a completely unexpected pregnancy, to a village or town where, most likely, she had never gone to alone before. They probably always traveled as a family. But for this journey, Mary is alone.

I imagine she looked to the heavens for comfort at night, sought solitude, perhaps even hoped that by some chance the angel Gabriel might appear again to give further instructions. I liked what Bernadine and Aimee said about Mary being alone. In our solitude, where we seek God in our complete honesty and wide open heart—He can best meet our needs and minister to the brokeness and the questions that maybe we have in our own lives.

When the greeting between Mary and Elizabeth had passed, and warmth and family was felt, I am like Beth. I believe that they shared tender conversations. I love what she pointed out that while Elizabeth was expecting her son, Mary was expecting her LORD. This completely blows me away. Totally. That takes me back to the Christmas song by Mark Lowry, “Mary Did You Know?”

In all the excitement of the visit between the two, I know they must have conversed in hushed tones. The secret of Mary’s pregnancy was not out for public knowledge yet. But for Elizabeth to be able to keep that—oh, it must have been hard! Surely her face gave her away when she looked at Mary? Do you think?

I remember when I found out that Wanda and Mark were to adopt a newborn. They wanted to surprise everyone. (I sort of found out before hand.) But I was sternly instructed, “you cannot let them know that you know!” Know what? Right. I was good. But when the day came for the unveiling, or in this case, the unwrapping of the little pink blankets, my heart nearly burst and my eyes flooded. As did everyone else in the house that day. What an incredible joyous time! That was better than standing outside the delivery room and hearing a new cry for all of us. For this infant miracle came to a couple that could not have children. This miracle of life came to a young woman who prayed daily to have the blessing of motherhood. And like Elizabeth, her prayer was answered. Wanda wasn’t as old as Elizabeth when Victoria was born, but it was miraculous, nonetheless.

The love between Mary and Elizabeth is more than likely greater than many Aunts and Nieces. For good reason. I am glad that this story was not overlooked. I am thankful that we have it to read and learn from. When the Lord lays a job at your feet, or places a passion in your heart, He will also put someone in your path or life, who at sometime has felt or gone on the same journey.

Father God, Your unlimited love and mercy amazes me daily. As You pour blessings into our lives, help us to pour them right back out on others! Oveflow our hearts and lives with the Holy Spirit as never before. Give us wisdom and knowledge as we continue in Your Word. In the holy name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray~Amen.

I am loving this study! See ya’ll soon!

Keeping the Faith,

Angie

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day Two

A. Knight

Welcome to day two of Jesus–90 Days with the ONE and ONLY.

“How can this be?”

I have said this in a little different wording, more like: “Lord, I don’t know how you can do this.” Some of our sister, Wanda’s last words were, “I don’t understand.”

It’s all about the same thing – trust.

Trust goes beyond hoping so – it’s believing with all our heart. Mary did question, but she also believed. When we look at things through human eyes sometimes there seems no way – but with God – He is “the way, the truth and the life”.

When we add Him in the equation it balances out every time. Our circumstances may be like Algebra: when you figure out what the variable is, or what “x” equals, and put the answer in for “x” – it works every time! In our life equation “x” = God! He’s the answer.

Beth asked, “What would we do if God never called us to greater things that were more His size?”

Maybe we need our faith to speak up and go ahead and request the “biggie” like, instead of : “Lord, save my child,” say: “Lord save him, and saturate his life with the Holy Ghost, and use him to be a mighty man of God!”

When Mary actually trusted and surrendered everything to the Holy Spirit she said, “Lord I am your handmaid.” In other words, “Whatever Lord – I trust you!” This is the biggie!

I once read somewhere that “Faith is like holding a hand in the dark.” Maybe it is dark where you are in your life – just keep holding His hand.


Dear Lord,

Thank you for this time with You. You are my faithful friend. Thank You for sending Your “One and Only” Son to save me. Help my desires mimic your desires, making me more like You. I pray a special blessing for those today that are joining with us on this 90 day journey that You would draw us close and breathe on us with your presence. Help us answer “yes, I am your handmaid” to everything you’ve called us to do–In Jesus name–Amen.

Join us back here tomorrow for another day with Angie, as we journey on. Don’t forget to read in your own book and make your own notes!

Keeping the faith,

Aimee

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

The Bible Study *2008*

A. Knight


~~~~~~
The Bible Study will follow this post. We would like to thank each of you for joining and participating with us on this journey! Just a couple of things to know as we begin: We will be taking turns writing the devotions on each day and will be using the comment section to respond to each one of you! We regret that, with the time involved, we won’t be able to ‘visit’ each one individually everyday, but will stop by as time allows.

The weekends will be yours to study and reflect on your own. Feel free to share with us any nugget you take away from those two days! We will meet each of you back here each Monday morning (barring any computer problems that may arise—as I have had this weekend—which prevented the scheduled posting of this blog!)

We want you to know that YOU are appreciated! And to show our appreciation to you, at the end of the Bible Study, we will be having a “give-away” among the participants. I have a list of names, but some may have had something come up. So we will use the comment section and my e-mail inbox, as well as anyone that attends church with Aimee or myself that may be following along and can’t comment. Just be sure you let us know that you are reading along and studying with us!
We are expecting amazing growth in our own spiritual lives–and in yours as well! Keep us updated on how things are going for you. Invite someone to join us on this journey!
Above all—keep the faith,
The Sisters,
Aimee & Angie

90 Days with Jesus Bible Study

Day One

A. Knight

Welcome to day one of Jesus– 90 Days with the ONE and ONLY.

Give Him the Name Jesus.

Jesus. What do you feel when you hear His name? Power? Peace? Comfort? For me, all of those and more.

Beth Moore asks the question: “What hope does He stir up in your spirit?” I listed out several things —-as just saying His name in my mind pushed the play button of my life’s tape. I saw myself at various times “relying solely” on His name. Remembering lying prostrate on the floor crying out His name is usually first in my heart and mind. I felt the peace that only His name brings.

It is hard to fathom what might have been Mary’s feelings being told this news. Trying to “place myself” in her shoes, I think I would feel completely unworthy. Totally aware of my own human nature—afraid of failing El Olam, the Eternal God, the Everlasting God.

El Roi–the God who sees. Nothing is hidden from His view. Aimee and I shared a recent devotion from Psalm 139. The psalmist David said “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise.” That is the perfect picture of God’s all seeing, all knowing eye. His eyes are omniscient. I wrote in the margin of my book, “nothing is hidden from His view.”…Nothing. He’d been watching Mary’s life. He had been watching the way she was brought up. He watched and knew her obedient and willing heart. It was not one put on for show. It was honest. Sincere. Considering that nothing is hidden from His view, I wonder if Mary tried to recall any part of her life for closer examination. I know that every single time I have been asked to participate in a project—or take on a new assignment for the LORD, my shortcomings and all the areas I feel unqualified in come rushing to the forefront of my mind like the ocean waves crashing on the shore. I wonder if this happened to Mary.

Beth reflects a bit on the “whereabouts” of Mary—suggests what she might be doing. I don’t know why I have always thought this—but for some reason, I have always pictured Mary in the barn–doing her daily chores. Going about her daily routine…perhaps she was contemplating God. Maybe–singing a song of praise to the top of her lungs! Or quietly humming to herself.

No matter where she was—it is evident—she was alone. As Aimee and I discussed recently—knowing that Mary was alone gives us reason for reflection in our own lives. Aren’t we usually “alone” when we feel the Lord speaking to our hearts? We feel that nudging in our spirits—that causes us to pause and lean in to Him for a listen? Has He ever told you something in the deep part of your heart/spirit that took your breath away? I imagine that for Mary—this visit from Gabriel—simply made her catch her breath! I can almost hear her intake of air as she realizes that she is no longer alone!

“Highly favored”, were the angel’s words. I have recently witnessed two different fathers expressing to their daughters their love and complete admiration for them. Not only for what they have accomplished in their lives…but just because they belong to them—they are part of them. They are proud of them—and it shows in the smiles—the love—and the words of affirmation. I think that is something that God was expressing through the angel Gabriel, “Mary, you are highly favored!”—Sort of even saying “He’s been watching your life!”

The exchange between Gabriel and Mary has always intrigued me. Many years ago I wrote a play for our church for a Christmas production. I found myself longing to have a “hidden camera” for the scene between this pair! Her racing pulse must have been evident to Gabriel because he quickly assured her with “fear not”. And, I like to imagine, when he spoke aloud the Name the infant was to be given —peace swept over her like a warm blanket. It does for me.

Jesus

A more powerful name does not exist. But not just because of the name itself—Beth relayed that it was a commonly known/used name in those days. However,it is the Owner of the name that brings the peace and power!

I was so blessed by this first day of study—as we joined Mary in the “barn” —(or wherever you have pictured her!) I was glad to be privy to this intimate conversation between the messenger of the holy God and the daughter He chose to bring His life into the world. I have really thought much about my own life—and how I conduct myself on a day-to-day basis. I know there are many times I fail. But as the microscope is targeted on my heart—I am allowing HIM to peel away the pain from the past years and create clean flesh—remove the stone—and the areas where I may have begun to harden due to some harsh realities of life. I WANT to be a fit vessel. I want to be considered “favorable” by Him.

I hope you have answered the questions she posted for us on page 5–these are personal reflective questions…I answered mine—laying my heart bare for HIM to know and see. I write in the margins of my book and use a highlighter as well. You do what suits you best! Above all—listen closely for what He may say to you in these 90 days! I am looking forward to this journey with you!

Father in heaven, thank You for this incredible Gift of life that YOU freely gave to each one who chooses to believe and follow Your path. I am unworthy of this on my own…but through the life, death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus—we are made worthy—His bride! Fill me with wisdom and knowledge as we study Your Word. Help us to be able to share this love with others! This incredible love! Thank you for this opportunity! We give You all the praise—in Christ’s name we pray~Amen.

Sisters of Faith—we journey on! Aimee will be sharing from her heart tomorrow—so read up! Be ready! I love you all!

Keeping the faith,

Angie