FALLEN REDWOOD & MOUNTAIN ASH
By Linda A. Knowles
March 2018
O Mighty Redwood and Mountain Ash,
whose girth of trunk and superlative height none
could, at one time, compare!
Nevertheless, you have fallen!
And Jezebel and Ahab suffocate you;
and the vultures fly overhead,
to seek out where the carcass lies,
as the Ara Macaos,
perched upon your branches,
cackle and call out,
and they shriek wildly,
sending out their cries
and flailing their wings all about.
Jesus is the Savior, and if we truly love Him, we will obey Him. He is our LORD and our GOD. We are never to treat His sacrifice frivolously as Christ is the only means of salvation provided for us, and never take His mercy and grace for granted. He came here to earth as GOD in the flesh and dwelt among us. He is able to empathize with our weakness for He was tempted in every way yet He was perfect. His power is made perfect in weakness, and His grace is more than sufficient, and He is with you always, and HE is your strength.
“Then Jesus told her, ‘I Am the Messiah!'” (John 4:26 NLT)
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 KJV)
“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!'” (John 20:28 ESV)
“Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” (Romans 9:5 NLT)
“Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.'” (John 1:51 NLT)
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2 ESV)
“The one practicing sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this reason the Son of God was revealed, so that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8 BLB)
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 KJV)
“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT)
“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB)
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20 KJV)
“The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:2 ESV)
“He safeguards the steps of his faithful ones, but wicked people are silenced in darkness because humans cannot succeed by their own strength.” (1 Samuel 2:9 GW)
That’s right: Let GOD fight your battles for you. Our GOD is THE GOD of JUSTICE, and it is difficult to let go of whatever is going on around us that we’re facing. However, letting go and letting GOD do what HE has to do is something we won’t regret. I learned many years ago, never to repay evil with evil because the WORD OF GOD states, “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,” (1 Peter 1:17 ESV). We conduct ourselves as GOD would have us to conduct ourselves. GOD has set the standards of morality and ethics. GOD has set the standard of holiness, and therefore, we need to conduct ourselves knowing GOD sees all we do and hears all we say. Eventually, we will have to give an account to HIM for every idle word spoken (Matthew 12:36) and everything we have done (2 Corinthians 5:10). “And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.'” (2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV)
We simply need to take our position and stand our ground, fix our eyes on GOD, giving HIM glory and honor and obeying whatever command HE gives us.
DO NOT DEBATE your enemies and DO NOT ENGAGE your enemies. The WORD OF GOD states clearly, “Not defending yourselves, dearly beloved; but rather give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord,” (Jubilee Bible 2000). The wicked will perish, and GOD scoffs at the wicked (Proverbs 1:26); and “However, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life,” (Galatians 6:6-8 BSB)
ALWAYS REMEMBER: THE LORD is your SHIELD and your DEFENSE, and He is the GOD WHO UPHOLDS YOU. It is better to be a friend of GOD than to be HIS enemy (James 4:4), and GOD always takes care of HIS own children (Psalm 16:5).
“The LORD is my strength and my shield, In Him hath my heart trusted, And I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, And with my song will I praise Him,” (Psalm 28:7 JPS Tanakh 1917). “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust,” (Psalm 91:2 KJV).
Much Love To You All,
L.A. Knowles
King Darius had just done the layout of his kingdom, broke it down into 120 provinces, appointed a ruler to each province, and CHOSE Daniel and two other administrators to supervise the high officials and to look over the king’s interests. Daniel proved himself to be trustworthy and reliable, more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Daniel had great ability, and the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. (Reference Daniel 6:1-3)
Daniel had enemies who were jealous of his success when what Daniel was doing was simply obeying God, remaining above reproach, and doing his job. We can see this in Daniel 6:4-5, which states “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, ‘Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.’”
When you do what God wants you to do and live by His standards, never expect the world to applaud you because the world won’t applaud you. Daniel remained honorable and steadfast, walking close to the Lord. His enemies were looking for a way to bring him down, “but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn.” So they decided to plot evil against Daniel. It’s important to note, Daniel had already been through trials, but God delivered him out of each trial safely. No weapon formed against the Child of God is going to prosper. Nothing Daniel’s enemies had thrown his way worked. Nothing Daniel’s enemies did to him prospered. Like Daniel, we, as children of the Living God, can be bold and courageous, and because we are Children of God, we know our God is able to deliver us out of whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.
Daniel’s enemies devised a plan and “So the administrators and high officers went to the king and said, ‘Long live King Darius! We are all in agreement—we administrators, officials, high officers, advisers, and governors—that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions. And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.’ So King Darius signed the law.” (Reference Daniel 6:6-9)
But in the face of this decree, Daniel remained faithful to God. We can take a lesson from his wholehearted devotion. The enemy will do whatever he can to trip you up, but we have been empowered by the Lord Most High. We can take a lesson from Daniel when he combatted his enemies through prayer, “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” Nothing stopped Daniel from talking with his Heavenly Father. And let’s face it when there is nothing we can do and no place left to turn, there is nothing left of us to get in the way of God’s work. What better way to keep us on our toes than trials. They shape us and refine us, and we learn lessons, and if we are wise like Daniel, in the face of trouble, we continue our communion with the Lord and seek Him for counsel.
Daniel’s enemies were checking in on him, found him praying even though the decree had been put into law. The high officials and administrators made their way to the King and questioned him about the decree, and King Darius said to them the decision stood, an official law of the Medes and the Persians and could not be revoked. We can also take a lesson from this just because there’s a law does NOT mean the law is correct. For example, the law, in this case, was no one could pray to anyone or anything except for the King, but Daniel knew God’s law which states, “‘You shall fear only the LORD your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you.” (Reference Deuteronomy 6:13-14) Daniel chose to continue obeying God rather than man.
Now it may have looked for a moment his enemies would succeed in their plan, but that’s not the case. Yes, his enemies were jealous and a thorn in his side. They were busybodies, and they turned Daniel into King Darius: “So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, ‘May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.’”
In keeping with honesty, I would have looked at the lions, been scared out of my mind, and would try conversing with the lions if they were looking at me like I was thanksgiving dinner. “Hey, Mr. Lion, How Are Ya This Evening? Hope all is well. Please don’t eat me.”
Daniel, however, was bold and courageous. God shut the mouths of the lions and protected Daniel. Daniel was prayed up, strengthened by the Lord, and slept soundly all night… SURROUNDED BY LIONS. King Darius, however, refused any of his usual entertainment, fasted, and got no sleep.
Daniel’s example of courage and steadfast obedience to God is a lesson to us all. What the devil meant for Daniel’s destruction God used to shine forth the glory of God and was for Daniel’s good. Here is the result of Daniel’s situation:
Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?’
Daniel answered, ‘Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.’
The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.
Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.
Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:
“Peace and prosperity to you!
‘I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.
For he is the living God,
and he will endure forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and his rule will never end.
He rescues and saves his people;
he performs miraculous signs and wonders
in the heavens and on earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.’So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
King Darius gave glory to God. Daniel’s enemies were fed to the lions who devoured them before they hit the ground and prospered.
As God protected Daniel, God protects you. As God gave Daniel courage, God emboldens you. God gives you hope, salvation, and deliverance. God gives you healing emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Take your stand, and do NOT be conformed to the customs of this world. The world offers you NOTHING.
L.A. Knowles
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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
She inspired King Josiah and a nation to repent. Her name? Huldah, a prophetess who lived in the 2nd District of Jerusalem during the time of King Josiah’s reign. Not a lot is said about her. However, her role in the nation of Judah was one of great significance.
Here is their story: King Josiah, eight years old, had become king and reigned for 31 years. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s eyes, followed the example of his ancestor King David, and continued doing what was right. (Reference 2 Kings 22:1-7)
Fast forward to the 18th year of his reign,
“Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the Lord’s Temple!’ Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it. Shaphan went to the king and reported, ‘Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of the Lord to the workers and supervisors at the Temple.’ Shaphan also told the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.’ So Shaphan read it to the king. When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: ‘Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.’” -2 Kings 22:8-11
Josiah’s response was a fitting response given the fact He had heard the Words of the Lord. He listened to the Book of the Law which was now found, filled with despair, he tears in clothes in act of remorse. The king was not dignified in that moment of despair. Even Josiah himself took note, “We have not been doing everything it says we must do.” King Josiah wanted to know what they should do. As a result, he sent Hilkiah, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah to go to the temple, speak to the Lord for him (King Josiah), the people, and Judah. King Josiah had recognized God was angry at them because of their ancestors’ disobedience to the Words written on the scroll.
The men made their way over to consult Huldah about what they had found. For them to go to her, it was obvious she was respected, and she had a message from the Lord for them,
“She said to them, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken! Go back and tell the man who sent you, This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched. But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the Lord and tell him: This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city. So they took her message back to the king.’” -2 Kings 22:15-20
Huldah spoke boldly and confidently. She gave the men the message the Lord had her to give without hesitation. The message the Lord gave her was clear, and she had the courage to tell them exactly what God wanted. Huldah was willing to be used.
King Josiah’s response to the message God gave Huldah to give him is remarkable:
“Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And the king went up to the Temple of the Lord with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the Lord’s Temple. 3 The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord’s presence. He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. In this way, he confirmed all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll, and all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.” -2 Kings 23:1-3
He took the warning Huldah gave and he acted on the Word of the Lord. King Josiah took the lead, called everyone together in one place for the reading of the Word of God, and they pledged themselves to the Covenant. The King vowed to keep the commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul in the presence of God. King Josiah gave himself over to the ways of God. He removed the idolatrous priests who offered sacrifices to pagan gods, removed pagan worship and shrines of prostitution from the Temple of the Lord, idolatrous priests were not allowed to eat of the unleavened bread with the other priests, destroyed altars on the palace roof and the upper room of the palace and any other altar for worship to other gods, and the list goes on of the actions King Josiah made. He took drastic action. (Reference 2 Kings 23)
Like Huldah, are you willing to be used by the Lord to carry out the task He has given you?
Are you willing to be shaped and molded by the Lord like King Josiah was?
Will you, like Josiah, set your face like stone determined to do the will of God?
Will you push aside God’s Word, or will you draw close to Him and take immediate action on what needs to change in your life?
Is there anything you have to do so your life falls in line with God’s Word?
Remember our God never fails. He is the One who strengthens you and delivers you. You need only to go to Him and call out to Him. But if you go to the Lord for counsel and He tells you what to do, then be prepared to jump into action and follow every instruction He gives you.
“And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” -1 Samuel 15:22
L.A. Knowles
Remember This: Your story is just that -your story. Tell your UNTOLD Story -the story you have kept silent for months or even years, the other side of the story that has made those you once respected separate themselves from you.
Let their jaws drop open to the floor, and let them realize they were wrong about you. Let them realize you have a mind of your own, that you know more than you say, that you observe more than you let on, that you don’t need their approval, and that they cannot imprison you by what they say about you or by what actions they take against you. Let them realize they are not the reason for your success or for the better choices you have made for you and for your life.
If no one is encouraging you, then let me encourage you today; Free yourself up, and let it all hang out.
Much Love To You All, L.A. Knowles
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” -King David
In Christ, we find rest, a place of quietness, where we can commune with Him.
Christ gave an invitation and command when He said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
There is no one like Jesus. He is the First and the Last (Revelation 1:17), the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13), the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 22:13), The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), The Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Peter 2:4), the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9, 7:22; Psalm 90:2, Revelation 1:14-15), Redeemer (Luke 1:68, Colossians 1:13-14), Savior (Luke 1:47, Ephesians 1:7), Friend (John 15:15). Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6), Deliverer (1 Timothy 2:3), and is the One Who Calms the Seas (Mark 4:35-41), the One Who Can Be Fully Trusted (Luke 12:22-28). He is the Living Word (John 1:14), the Faithful and True Witness (Revelation 3:14), and is King of kings, Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16); He is the Great I Am (John 8:58). He is Emmanuel God With Us (Matthew 1:23), Mighty God (John 20:28), Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6), and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); He is All in All (John 4:24, 6:35; 1 Corinthians 8:6, 15:28).
His perfect love expels all fear (1 John 4:18) because He has not given us a spirit of fear but of love and of power and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Christ bears our sorrows (1 Peter 2:24), our illnesses (Matthew 8:17), and our problems (1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7). He takes joy with us when we experience good times (Zephaniah 3:17). He is our Cleft in the Rock when trouble comes (1 Kings 19:9-18, Psalm 91:1).
Christ was the perfect sacrifice (1 John 2:2), the Lamb of God who was slain at Calvary (John 1:29), risen from the dead (Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:20). He is Victorious… (1 Corinthians 15:57), conquered Death (Romans 6:9, Hebrews 2:14)), Hell (Revelation 6:8), and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-55), and HE IS ALIVE (Luke 24:5)! He is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25), The Living One (Revelation 2:8), and He Who holds the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:18).
How can we not praise Him? He is our Burden Bearer (Matthew 11:28-30), Yokebreaker (John 8:34-36), and is the Giver of Joy (Romans 5:1-5). He is our Guide, our Hope (Titus 2:13), our Blessed Assurance (1 John 5:13). Because He is the Truth, He sets us free (John 8:31-32). Shouldn’t the fruit of our lips be praise and thanksgiving to Him? He is the One Who Reigns on High (1 Timothy 6:16, Revelation 11:15), sits at the Right Hand of the Father (Mark 16:19, Luke 22:69), and has given us all we need to sustain us (2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Peter 1:3).
Sing out in praise and glorify His name. The Lord has done much for us, and He is worthy of all glory, all honor, and all praise; And He, The Lord, is our banner, and His banner over us is love.
I have found it better to live life out loud because I have found when you conceal everything about yourself rather than letting others get to know you, you will never allow yourself to be held accountable. Accountability and taking responsibility are part of life. Concealing your struggles and pretending you’re a picture-perfect person will never allow you to heal. When wounds are exposed, those wounds can be cleansed and then can heal… and in this life, I have quickly learned one thing: There are only very few I will allow myself to be accountable to and allow myself to receive Godly counsel from. I don’t just let anyone speak into my life.
*Remember this: If you decide to wear a mask, you will only be able to wear it so long before (1) your mask begins to fall off, (2) before your mask shows who you are little by little slowly slipping off, (3) before your mask completely falls off, or (4) before someone strips the mask off your face for you. Free yourself up, and take off the mask. At least if you take off the mask, you won’t have to worry about someone stripping it off for you. When you strip the mask yourself, it’s on your terms, not on someone else’s terms. Be genuine because it’s okay for you to be yourself. The right people will come along who will accept you just as you are, flaws and all…
Much Love To You All,
L.A. Knowles
“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’ And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” (Luke 19:1-10)
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, and he did whatever he had to in order to see Jesus. In his case, he ran ahead and climbed a tree because Jesus was soon to pass by that way. Jesus took notice of Zacchaeus and his heart because Jesus knew the heart of man.
WHY DID JESUS WANT TO GO TO ZACCHAEUS’ HOME?
“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” (John 2:23-25)
No one had to tell Jesus what the heart of men was like. He knew their thoughts and their ways. While no one else sees the heart of another, Jesus did and still does. Our Savior didn’t need to be told, and even in Jeremiah, the prophet noted what the heart of man is like: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” BUT Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ heart, and Jesus called out to Zacchaeus who was in the tree. Zacchaeus HEARD JESUS CALL HIS NAME, PROMPTLY OBEYED JESUS, QUICKLY CAME DOWN FROM THE TREE and RECEIVED JESUS JOYFULLY because Jesus was coming to his house. Zacchaeus wanted to hear what Jesus had to say and responded to Jesus’ message. Note these words of the passage, “So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.” Zacchaeus RECEIVED Jesus joyfully. Because the message of Jesus made a difference in Zacchaeus’ life, we can see the result of Zacchaeus’ changed life and his repentance. It took an act of genuine repentance on Zacchaeus’ part. Zacchaeus not only received Jesus, he also turned from his wicked ways, made restitution giving back more than he took in cheating people, and had a change of thinking. In that act of repentance and in the act of Zacchaeus changing his wicked ways, Jesus brought salvation to Zacchaeus and his household. The evidence of Zacchaeus being saved was demonstrated. How you live before God matters.
Claiming to have a relationship with Christ is more than words. Having a relationship with Christ means daily communing with Him, and loving Christ means obeying His commands, being faithful and loyal to Him no matter what the cost. Having a relationship with Christ means having a heart of contrition and repentance, receiving Jesus and His message, turning from your wicked ways, and changing the way you think so that your thoughts are aligned with God’s thoughts. Having a relationship with Christ is about laying down your will and your ways and walking in the ways of God, following the example Christ has set for you. Having a relationship with Christ means laying down your life for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, concerning yourself with mercy and justice and faithfulness, and walking humbly before Him. Saying you follow Christ without your life matching your words means nothing.
While you have breath there is a chance for repentance, changing your ways, and changing the way you think. Take an example from Zacchaeus and his attitude before Jesus. Zacchaeus didn’t just speak words of contrition. His words of contrition were backed up by his actions, changing his ways and turning from his wickedness, gladly receiving the message of Christ.
“Then Jesus called the crowd to Him along with His disciples, and He told them, ‘If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.’” (Mark 8:34-38)
One day each individual will have to stand before the God the Creator of all things, and each will be called into account for every idle word spoken and every action taken. So what will you do with what you know about Jesus? Who do you say Jesus is? Will you accept or reject Him? What you do with Christ is a matter of spiritual life and death, and what you do with Christ will determine where you will spend life after death. Don’t miss out on eternity with God by rejecting the only means of salvation God provided through His Son Jesus Christ. Choose life with Christ. Living a life truly sold out in devotion to Christ is worth it.
Much Love To You All,
L.A. Knowles
“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.” -Psalm 51:6 (ESV)
I have fallen in love with this verse because it showed me something I genuinely believe in. GOD IS TRUTH, AND HE DELIGHTS IN HONESTY BEFORE HIM. To pour ourselves out before GOD is to come before Him humbly, to come before Him with a heart open ready to hear His voice and really listen to Him, to come before Him with our minds set on Him, to really think about what GOD desires and what He would have us to do, to worship and adore Him “in spirit and in truth.”
Being able to come to God in prayer is a wonderful privilege given to us by Our Creator, and even knowing what we are capable of, He still desires to commune with us.
There is no better place to be than in the presence and in the arms of the Most High God, to be there fully, with our entire being before Him. One of my favorite examples of this is the woman with the alabaster jar. She fell at the feet Jesus worshiping Him, and it didn’t matter who or what was surrounding her. She poured herself out before Christ, and she gave all she had in worship to Him.
Personally, when I ask GOD to restore or renew me, I am reminded of this verse found in Isaiah 30:15, “For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength…'” Those words of that verse have become part of me because I know I find rest and salvation in repentance, and in “quiet confidence” is where I find strength…
And in that place where I meet with Him, I can break open my alabaster box to let Him see all that is there, a place I know that is safe and where I can find healing and restoration and where mercy is granted, grace poured out, joy beyond measure, and more hope found.
And in the “secret heart” that is where God will teach us wisdom and understanding, that place from where emotions, actions, words flow out. GOD gives wisdom to all who ask, and GOD does so generously.
Let Him teach you wisdom in the secret heart. Let Him breathe life into you, and restore what is broken, heal what needs mending, and let Him give you times of refreshing through your genuine repentance and quiet confidence.
It is truly worth it all.
Much Love To You All,
L.A. Knowles
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30
I wish people would stop putting themselves in temptation’s path. It’s bad enough that temptation will find you, but why make it easy for the temptation to try to take hold by stepping in front of it? It is one thing if the temptation comes to you, but to willingly throw yourself in its path is just foolish; that would be like stepping into oncoming traffic expecting not to get run over. Why give yourself the opportunity to find out whether or not you can handle it? Why give yourself the opportunity to fail?
Let me just make one thing very, very clear: BEING TEMPTED IS NOT A SIN. The sin is when you take temptation’s bait and then commit the sinful act.
“…BUT I’M STRONG I CAN HANDLE IT”
When I have heard people make this statement, “…But I’m strong. I can handle it,” I cringe EVERY single time. For me, personally, I know that if I come to the point of saying “I can handle it” that’s when I know I cannot handle it and usually means to slow down, get a grip, and know the only reason I’m able to take anything on IS BECAUSE OF GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE. I’m reminded pride comes before destruction and haughtiness before the fall. For any of us to think we are standing strong is when we need to be careful, and to think we cannot fall is faulty thinking.
What are you entertaining? The Scripture says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” That means, Folks, we can bring our thoughts under control. We do not have to entertain sinful thoughts. If sin actually showed itself to us in its actual appearance, rather than dressing itself up deliciously tantalizing, we would run clear in the other direction.
I can only speak for myself so I will. Back in the middle of March of 2017, God had spoken to me about certain shows that were absolutely off limits and that He no longer wanted me to watch. In keeping with honesty, my response to God was not one of enthusiasm, and it sort of went like, “Okay, God.” The shows weren’t helpful nor were they beneficial, and most definitely, the shows would not help me at all in my spiritual growth, so television is never on during the day except at night to watch a family show. I was confronted by God who gave me a command, and I chose obedience. HOWEVER, I NOTICED WHEN I TOOK THE FIRST STEP OF OBEDIENCE, God removed any desire I had for those shows I previously watched.
It is amazing how God will fill you with the strength you need to carry out whatever command He has given you. He knows when you are ready, and He knows exactly how to get your attention. He deals with you on the level you are at. Just as God dealt with me, He can deal with you. He can reach you right where you are at your point of need.
In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, it states, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
Do you struggle with temptation or a particular sin? Then you need to ask yourself what you’re entertaining. Whatever it is you are putting into your mind will affect you if not soon then later.
Do you want to draw closer to God? Any show you watch that is not pleasing to God is definitely not going to be beneficial to your spiritual growth; if anything, whatever you are taking through your ears and eyes, may stop you from progressing in God and eventually finding yourself off to the wayside and/or separated from Him. Your thoughts will not align with God’s thoughts unless you are spending time in the Word of God.
It is of great importance to read the Bible in order to have a storehouse of Scripture in your mind to combat carnal thoughts. The Psalmist declared, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” For each carnal thought you have that opposes God and His Word, there is a biblical truth to combat each one.
Have you been rejecting the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Do NOT say God has not spoken to you nor complain that He is silent when you haven’t opened your Bible to study or read it and if you are resisting the prompting and conviction of the Holy Spirit, and in Romans 8:12-14, it clearly states, “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.“
Will you choose to obey God and be led by the Holy Spirit, or will you live by your sinful nature and its dictates?
Choose you this day whom will you serve.
Much Love To You All,
L.A. Knowles
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
I hope your year is filled with joy,
and may you be blessed
beyond your wildest imagination!
Much Love To You All,
L.A. Knowles
Stained Glass Confessions 