Our Response Can Only Be

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

broken chain

“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”  -Romans 5:10

“He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”  -2 Corinthians 5:15

Our chains are gone, and we’ve been set free.  We’ve been bought with a high price; That price being Christ dying on the cross, shedding His blood for us.  Since Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, His sacrifice is infinitely greater than any sacrifice or offering ever made.  Before God, we stand redeemed, are reconciled to, and restored by God.

After all the Lord has done, our response can only be, “Thank You, Lord, for setting me free to live for You.  I’m Yours, O Lord.  Do with me as You will.”

Linda Agnes Knowles

Not Again?

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

“‘Am I the one they are hurting?’ asks the LORD. ‘Most of all they hurt themselves, to their shame.’”

Jeremiah 7:19

Idolatry… yes, once again we are confronted with the people of Judah who committed the act of idolatry. They were making sacrificial fires and cakes to Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of love, war, and fertility (Jeremiah 7:18); and they poured out liquid offerings before this false god.

Is it any wonder why God was infuriated? God was so infuriated He had told Jeremiah, “Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, and don’t beg me to help them, for I will not listen to you,” (Jeremiah 7:16). God was not looking the other way. He saw they were breaking His commandment not to have any other gods before Him. They were to love God with all their heart. Instead, the people of Judah had hearts filled with unfaithfulness towards God. In other words, they were being disloyal towards God.

In sinning against God, disregarding His commands, and turning away from Him, they were hurting themselves. Isaiah 59:2 says this: “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” By committing the act of idolatry, they had committed spiritual suicide. They had cut themselves off from the Wellspring of Life, the Source of Strength, their Deliverer. They turned away from the Almighty Everlasting God.

Before we judge the people of Judah harshly, we need to look at ourselves. Are we being unfaithful to God in any way that would cause Him to look away from us?

Let’s go further. The purpose of the sacrificial system God put in place was not to please Him. The purpose of the sacrifices to be made would make the people recognize their sin, cause them to repent, and to refocus them back to living for God. The purpose of the sacrificial system was to spur the people on, to encourage them to take joy in obeying God.

In this passage of Scripture, the sacrifices the people of Judah were doing before God dishonored Him because they were doing the sacrifices out of duty and obligation, not out of love or wholehearted devotion to Him. They were making sacrifices to the goddess Ishtar while they were also making sacrifices to God. They had turned away from God, disregarding His command not to have any other gods before Him.

Remember this: God DOES NOT conform to our will and our ways. We MUST conform to what God wills and desires. God is to have first place in our lives. He will not share His glory with another, and He is not sharing first place in our lives with anything or anyone else. Either God is God in our life, or He is not.

Let’s choose Life by choosing God because He is life. He is the Giver of Life. He is the One who sustains us, and He alone is worthy of all the glory and praise. Think of all that He has done for You. Let’s bring honor to His name by walking in obedience after Him. Let’s walk uprightly with undivided hearts, giving Him first place in our lives. Whatever it is that we need to remove to progress in our relationship with Him, then let’s remove it and press on. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need,” Matthew 6:33.

Heavenly Father, You are still on the throne, and You are still sovereign. You are Lord, and You are Master. You are faithful and true. You know all things from beginning to the end. Nothing is hidden from Your sight, and everything is exposed before You. You, O God, truly know the depths of our heart. Father, when we walk away from You, we are only hurting ourselves. We are sorry for our wrongful ways and sinful attitudes before You. Lord, forgive us for our sins, and we ask that You cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us not be as the people of Judah but let us remember that You alone must have first place in our lives and that You will not share Your glory with another. Remind us that we are to conform to Your will and to Your ways. Give us the wisdom and the insight to understand that sin separates us from You. Help us to understand that You do not tolerate sin, that we are to be holy as You are holy. Give us the strength to remain steadfast in You. Time is short, Father God, and the return of Christ is nearer than it ever has been. There is no time to straddle the fence, and You do not play games. Lord, let us be living sacrifices before You that are pleasing and honorable in Your sight. Use us to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

THE DEMON CHALICE

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is the-demon-chalice.jpg

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THE DEMON CHALICE

By Linda A. Knowles

Thursday, 12/10/2020

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You chose to drink from the demon chalice,

Which was passed all around;

Then you chose the chains,

That now have you bound.

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You bought the lies,

And you bought into the deceit;

You sold out to gratify your fleshly need.

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You chose the honey from Timnath,

And you filled yourself with her seductive,

sensual intoxicating wine,

Drinking yourself into a deep sleep,

Cheapening your own life.

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You should have been vigilant and sober minded

But your lust-crazed mind and soul has left you bound;

Your lust-crazed heart has left you spiritually blinded.

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You drank from the demon chalice;

Tell me, who can help you now,

Since you’ve chosen to swim in willful ignorance

while drowning in disgrace?

Live Out The Word of God In Every Aspect of Your Life.

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles
Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Expendable

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

Let Nothing Come Between You and God

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

Heavenly Father, You are God and You are Lord of All.  There is no one and there is nothing that compares to You for You alone are the Almighty Everlasting Father.  Above You, there is no other.  The new year, O Lord, is just around the corner.  Help me to end this year strong and to remain steadfast in the new year 2019.  Thank You for guiding me and leading me in Your way.  Father, I ask You to continue to guide me in all my ways and to direct my steps as I put my trust in You and acknowledge You in all my ways.  Apart from You, O Lord, I can do nothing.  In You, I can do all things because You are the One who gives me strength.  You are my Hope and You are my Refuge.  I cling to You, O God, for You are my Deliverer and Your words sustain me.  Father, I delight in You, and because I delight in You, I know You will grant me my heart’s desire.  Father, draw close to me as I draw close to You.  Help me to remember there is freedom in submitting to You and walking in obedience to Your will and to Your ways.  Be the Light which illumines the path I am to walk.  Show me the Ancient Path, the good way, that I may walk along the Ancient Path and find rest for my soul.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

No Slipping And No Falling

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

Our Lord is great.  He is bigger than any problem or struggle you have.  He is the One who catches you, not permitting those who belong to Him to slip and fall.  This old hymn of the church says it all, “WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.” 

Remember the Lord hears you calling out to Him.  He hears you when you cry out, and anyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

Written By Joseph M. Scriven In 1855

Copyright Status Is Public Domain

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What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

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Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

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Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

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Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised

Thou wilt all our burdens bear;

May we ever, Lord, be bringing

All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded,

There will be no need for prayer—

Rapture, praise, and endless worship

Will be our sweet portion there.

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“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'” -Matthew 11:28-30NLT

Peace With God

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles
1 peter 5

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7(NLT)

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Peace with God is so important that the ceremonial law for peace offerings is detailed in Leviticus 3.  The peace offering was an expression of gratitude, and it was a way for the people to maintain fellowship with God.  Part of the offering could be eaten by the one who was presenting the offering because it was symbolic of peace with God.
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Peace is a fruit produced in us through the work of the Holy Spirit.  Peace with God comes by having faith in God and His promises.  Peace with God is not cheap, but it comes through a sacrifice of praise and joying in the God of your salvation.  Because of the peace of God, you are able to drink deeply from the well of salvation.  Peace comes from knowing that your enemies cannot prevail against you and that God upholds you with His victorious right hand.  Peace of God comes from waiting upon the Lord, fully trusting in Him.  As you wait on Him, He will renew your strength, and you will mount up with wings like eagles.  This is the kind of peace you can experience and should be experiencing as a child of God.  Remember no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, no matter how many enemies you have surrounding you, you must know fully that God has established His relationship with you.  Because God has fully established His relationship with you, you have peace with God.
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PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, You are the God of All Peace and You are the Peace That Surpasses All Understanding.  Father, thank You for establishing my relationship with You.  You are the Peace-Giver.  Let me always remember to cast all my cares on You because You care for me, and help me to always remember You, O God, are my Protector.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

Your Words Are Sweet

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

Psalm 119vs124

“I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,

and teach me your decrees.”

Psalm 119:124 (NLT)

YOUR WORDS ARE SWEET

By Linda A. Knowles

 

Like Mary, O God, let me sit at Your feet

to devour the Words that You speak

For Your Words are like honey on my lips

And Your decrees ever sweet.

Deal with Your servant gently, O Lord,

and teach me Your ways;

That I may listen to all Your commands

to take heed of and obey.

 

Times of Desperation Are The Best

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

GRACE 2

You might be thinking, “Seriously, Linda? Times of desperation are the best? Are you crazy?”  Probably, but I have had a lot of time to think about desperation since I have been through desperate situations myself as well as knowing some others who have found themselves in situations and circumstances beyond their control. I have thought a lot about people in the bible who have found themselves in the most dangerous or crazy situations.  *Let’s face it. We’ve all had those moments where we have come face to face with trials and not knowing what to do in those situations… those situations that have had us laid out before the LORD, those situations that have had us completely at the end of ourselves, that have us carefully tuning in to hear GOD’s voice speak, paying more attention to what the Word of GOD has to say, and clinging to GOD more than we usually do.

“In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles.” -Psalm 34:6 (NLT)
Are these times pleasant when we are going through them?  NO.  However, those are the rawest of moments where GOD can work WITHOUT US trying to help HIM because there is nothing of self to get in the way because we have given up the situation to GOD, completely surrendering whatever it is to HIM.  That’s where GOD wants us: FULLY SURRENDERED TO HIM, relying on HIM, not just in the bad times but in the good times as well…  in the time of blessings and in the time of tribulations.  *In the pages of Scriptures, we see Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah who all lived for GOD, served GOD, and did great things for GOD.  However, they all went through trying times.  Through it all, they clung to GOD with steadfast devotion and unwavering loyalty.  Their success did not come by walking an easy road but by walking a narrow road paved with humility, suffering, persecution, and all while walking in obedience to GOD who upheld them no matter what the circumstances or situations they were in.  GOD worked everything out for their good and for HIS purposes, and GOD can work things out for you just as HE did for them.  Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah were blessed for enduring their times of trial, those desperate situations.   Remember it was desperate times which took Joseph from the cistern to the palace (Genesis 37-41), Daniel from the Lion’s Den into prosperity (Daniel 6:28), and Nehemiah from cupbearer to heading up the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-9).  

REFLECTION:  “For he clung to the LORD; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the LORD had commanded Moses,” (2 Kings 18:6).  You can be like Hezekiah who did not depart from following GOD but kept the commandments of GOD.  Cling tightly to GOD at ALL times.  Be faithful to the GOD who has been faithful to you and who has kept you.  Be loyal to the GOD who has not let your enemies triumph over you.  Walk with HIM and follow the LORD’s commandments, obeying Him with wholehearted devotion.  Without GOD, you can do nothing.  With GOD, you are an overcomer and made victorious. *PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, Your power is made perfect in weakness. You are the Horn of My Salvation, and You are the Wellspring of Life.  No matter what the circumstance, good or bad, I will put my hope and trust in You for with You all things are possible.  Thank You for times of desperation because, in those moments, You teach me and show me more of Your goodness, Your faithfulness, and Your grace.  Thank you for making my feet like a deer able to climb the mountain heights You have set me on, and when I come to You to have my strength renewed as I wait upon you, let me rise up with wings like an eagle.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Linda A. Knowles

“Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.”  -Isaiah 50:10

Giving Thanks Is Not Just For Thanksgiving Day

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

PSALM 138

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;

I sing praise to you before the gods.

I face your holy Temple,

bow down, and praise your name

because of your constant love and faithfulness,

because you have shown that your name

and your commands are supreme.

You answered me when I called to you;

with your strength you strengthened me.

All the kings in the world will praise you, Lord,

because they have heard your promises.

They will sing about what you have done

and about your great glory.

Even though you are so high above,

you care for the lowly,

and the proud cannot hide from you.

When I am surrounded by troubles,

you keep me safe.

You oppose my angry enemies

and save me by your power.

You will do everything you have promised;

Lord, your love is eternal.

Complete the work that you have begun.

thanks

Developing an attitude of gratitude is a daily practice.

Choose joy by being thankful every day.

Much Love To You All,

L.A. Knowles

O Technology, Why oh why do you vex me so?!

Posted on by Dr. Linda Agnes Knowles

technology<Well I came pretty close to this…

Technology and I are having one rocky relationship right now.  It’s actually a love-hate relationship especially when I’m trying to figure out what on earth is going on just on the other side of the screen…  And then I think to myself, “How is it possible technology is making me feel completely inferior when it is a stupid inanimate object that right now seems to be the bane of my existence for the moment?”

While technology is wonderful and has its advantages, there are moments I would like to knock it upside the back of its head like this woman is doing in the picture.  Yeah, Ma’am, I couldn’t have expressed myself any better…  especially since I don’t want to destroy my computer because buying another one would require I give up cash, and at the moment, I really don’t want to.