What kind of Pool Party are you being invited to?

By Helen Knueven

In Matthew 18:21, Peter asked, “Lord – how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Seven?” Peter was being generous, since he was taught to forgive three times.

Imagine his amazement at Jesus’ answer. Probably expecting to be commended, Jesus tells him, “Not seven, Peter, but seventy times seven.” Of course, God was not really talking about counting, but forgiving.

Do you think that God’s standard for Himself would be lower than the one that He gives to us? Will God forgive us as much as we are commanded to forgive each other?

In Hebrews 8:12 – The Word says, “For I will be merciful to their iniquities and I will remember their sins no more.” (NASB)
Another great scripture that I love I Micah 7:19: “Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths. Of the sea.” (NLT)


Many Christians are almost drowning in the sea of God’s forgetfulness. As Corrie Ten Boom said, “No Fishing.”

The Lord says that He forgives us when we ask. He throws our sins in the sea and chooses to forget them! It’s not that Jesus really has a bad memory, but He chooses to forgive and to forget.

Our sins are like evil sharks that could destroy us if we could not receive God’s great forgiveness.
But Jesus throws these sharks in the sea of His forgetfulness! How great and how unlike us He is!
You may be struggling with the same sin for a long time. But God knows your heart. When you ask Him to forgive you, He does not hesitate.

Get out of the sea of those forgiven and forgotten sins. Those sharks would like nothing better than to paralyze you and condemn you and cause you to run from God.

I’ve learned from experience that it just doesn’t work to try to pay for my sins by playing the movie in my head. Jesus paid for every one of them when He hung on the Cross. (John 3:16)

I, for one, am very happy to dwell on this subject. It clears my mind, it feeds my spirit, and energizes my heart in forgiving others when I remember the great mercy He has given me. How freeing to know that He looks at me so differently than I look at myself.

I recently heard a lady tell a friend struggling with condemnation– “If you have asked Jesus into your life, when God looks at you, He sees Jesus, not your sins.” The lady replied, “Now I’m starting to understand because when Christians are hard to work with, I try to see Jesus in them. Are you saying that God is seeing Jesus in me?”

Yes – that is what she was saying. And that is what God’s Word says about Jesus being the perfect sacrifice.

God’s love is like an ocean – free of danger, and rich in mercy. Wouldn’t you rather be there? I know I do.

Spring Fever

By Helen Knuever

With all the events that have troubled America lately, it’s hard to have optimism when we look across our country. We see terrorist attacks, devastating floods and more. But because of the promise of Christ – I sense a spiritual spring fever sneaking up on me. One day there will be an end to all of this suffering.

Mark Twain said of Spring Fever: “It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so.”

I think that’s also true of heaven. I Corinthians 2:9 says “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Although we have His promise – we don’t know what it really looks like.

As the song says, “I can only imagine” - but to imagine sure brings a sense of deep comfort.

Spring fever – brings with it a certain restlessness and an excitement with a certain feeling of laziness. Have you felt that way at all? Spring fever also has a certain romantic feeling. The restlessness of being a pilgrim; the excitement of the future with Christ? I am not sure how the laziness fits in – perhaps it is the feeling we have to wait for God to do something. Although faith is not passive – there are times when our own activity needs to stop and wait on God’s direction. And so even that action is passive. The romance of a heavenly lover - who really does care for us - and whose we belong to -not out of fear, but love.

I don’t want to become so heavenly minded that I’m no earthly good, though. So many people are looking for peace. So many people need a person in their lives to show the love of Christ. That is another anticipation that I have. Imagine a revival sweeping across our land where God draws millions of people unto Himself. Imagine the body of Christ advancing in love – no longer caught up in their personal differences – but all taking orders from Jesus Christ.

Maybe this is it! When we pray (we may feel lazy while doing so) as we put our own plans on the shelf. Restlessness caused by the desire for something better calls us to go beyond ourselves and our typical routine. A spiritual spring fever where the excitement of true believing that God will cause America to be drawn to Him!

Do you feel it? Are you tired of normal religion? Are you restlessness for more of God? Can we pray together for a massive revival in our country? Can a feeling of laziness be replaced by a waiting on God to give us clear directions? Do you crave heaven? Do you crave knowing that others are going there with you? Can we believe that God cares about this world even more than we do? Do you sense your first love for Jesus sparking your heart? Then maybe you have spring fever!

Solomon 2:10-11 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

 

Samson's Hair, God's Grace

By Helen Knueven

Every beautician knows that hair grows!

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the fact that hair grows; how God’s gifts and God’s callings are irrevocable, and when my enemy rejoices to his highest hee-haw, that is when God is about to breakthrough in unprecedented deliverance.

I have learned this from reading the book of Samson. One may think, that because of his lack of willpower, he would be excluded from the anointing of God working in his life ever again.

Sometimes as Christians we can feel excluded from God using us. A few moments of indiscretion, a bad decision, or even a string of events that had the chain effect of failure, seems to disqualify us. There are also times when we don’t understand the reasons for perceived failure, being passed over time and again, and not realize the things in our lives that our good.

Samson was a man of God with supernatural strength in his hair. Where is your supernatural strength? If you are a Christian, I believe that you have it. It may be an outward obvious strength, or it may be an inner gentle strength. Is it in the ministry of hospitality? Or writing, music, preaching, drama, or evangelizing?

A short synopsis of Samson’s story: Samson had such a supernatural strength that he could kill a lion or bear with his bare hands. It was not a strength given just to flex his muscles – the divine plan was that Samson would deliver the Israelites.

His enemies worked hard to stop him and defeat him. They used a woman who deceived Samson into telling her his secret. While he slept, she shaved his head – and the Philistines captured him. They attributed their success to a small god. That is always problematic. Poor Samson had his eyes gouged out. He ended up working in a prison. But as time went by – something happened. Samson’s hair grew. God was avenging Samson – in prison it surely did not look that way to him, but his strength was increasing because it resided in his growing hair.

Judges 16:22-23 Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. 23. Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.

We can see the arrogance of his mockers – They thought that since he had been captured and his strength had left – he was no longer a threat. They did not consider that God was still able to change situations for His own people.

A little background: Even before Samson was born – an angel had told Samson’s parents that Samson would be a deliverer of Israel, and be a Nazarite from the womb, and that a razor should never touch his head. So even though Samson was in this situation that reeked of defeat – God had a plan for his life.

I believe there are times in every Christian’s life that they feel as if they are a shaved Samson. You may be in a situation where you relate to Samson, and yet, if you are going to relate to him, you must relate to him in entirety to understand that God is still at work on your behalf.

Sometimes is it because of sin; and sometimes, it is because of a greater plan, I believe.

Perhaps you are a preacher whom God has used mightily in the public ministry – and you fell. You find you’re incapable of facing crowds now. Maybe you are a music minister and you’ve been tempted to showcase your talent over communicating God’s love. You realize now that people are not so much worshipping God when you play, but noticing your technical ability, and the joy you once knew has disappeared. Maybe God has used you in the healing ministry and instead it going to your heart – it went to your head. There are so many possible situations in which we may fall.

Or maybe you have been faithful in ministry. Doors closed without your ability to even guess why. Maybe those in authority were envious and screeched the ministry to a halt. There are countless reasons why a Christian can begin to feel they can no longer move in the anointing.

You might be a writer gifted with communicating Biblical truth, but you have been rejected like Jeremiah, the weeping prophet. Rejection letters abound to the point you could wallpaper your apartment with them. You may have the gift of giving that people have tried to exploit and you somehow gave in to it. For every good gift God gives – there is always an evil desire of the enemy to thwart it.

For every time that happens, how wonderful it is to remember that we are not just people whom God has chosen to use, but we are people whom God has chosen to love.

Clearly it is not always sin when we sense God pulling back. For when Jesus hung on the Cross – The Son of God and Son of man, our perfect, and sinless sacrifice, at one time cried out, “My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Back to Samson - One day when the Philistines probably had one drink too many, they ordered Samson in so they could have fun mocking him. It would be, they thought, the icing on their cake, to bring in the man of God and humiliate him further.

Have you ever felt like that? The thing they forgot was that HAIR GROWS. Let us not forget it, though.

This time, however, Samson did not take the anointing for granted. He called upon the Lord and prayed, “Lord, let me one more time be avenged of the Philistines and then let me die.” Samson did not realize that all of the time he was in prison God had been working that out – letting him wait as his hair grew back.

As the Philistines prepared to use Samson as their dartboard, they were horrified to find that the strength of Samson had returned. The whole building came crushing down upon them because of Samson’s strength. Samson was content to die with the anointing of God flowing through him.
The thing about hair – it grows! The thing about the gifts of God – they are irrevocable!
Romans 11:29 tells us, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

The thing about God’s judgment – it has a purpose.
Micah 7: 8 “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.”

Maybe you can’t relate to these hardships. Maybe your growth and impact is pushing out on every side. But if you can relate – I’d like to remind you of the seed that waits in darkness in the black soil. The seed was created for one purpose – to break through the ground, clothed in beauty that exceeds Solomon’s costly clothes.

Let the rain from heaven do it’s work – and wait for the balm of the light of the sun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Helen Knueven

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

I am drawn to these scriptures this Thanksgiving. Even though Paul wrote from prison, he wrote with contentment. While in need, he resonated with confidence and a grateful attitude as he realized Christ alone to be his strength.

The Phillipian church, known to be the poorest church, gave Paul a gift that he needed very much. It caused Paul to rejoice for their expressed love.

In this time in our country, we are faced with many uncertainties. Homelessness, unemployment, and the threat of natural and manmade disasters dot our country’s future with question marks. We who look towards the unforeseen future can also look back at God’s faithfulness.

I would like to say Happy Thanksgiving! Because in this all – we who seek the Lord will not be disappointed in our pursuit of Him. He will not leave us alone. His presence is finer and more precious than any possession or experience we have had or still desire. He alone is our strength!

The Lord does not delight in our suffering – not does He necessarily always delight in our abounding – the Lord delights in us.

Today, if you are fortunate to be with family and share a meal, would you let yourself be courageous and reach out to someone? Who knows? Your gift may cause them to rejoice as the Philippians’ gift did for Paul. You may not need to look very far to find someone who needs help or encouragement.

Perhaps you are not so fortunate as to be with family today. Consider He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. The presence in the Lord within you can cause not only you, but someone else great comfort. Who knows how God can use us when our focus is on Him instead of ourselves? Our testimony of Christ’s love is our best gift. Although it’s not always easy to shift focus, when we focus on Calvary something happens. Someone you know needs what you have.

My parents’ secret coping mechanism was finding someone poorer than themselves to share a small meal with. To be honest, it wasn’t always easy finding someone in that situation. But as a child, I thought we were rich! And I guess, now that I think about it, we were after all. It was their way of showing His love to strangers.

Prayer – Lord, you deserve the highest praise and the most extravagant thanks – help me to develop a continual thankful heart. Thank you for your most extravagant gift of your Son, Jesus Christ!

Election Promises

By Helen Knueven

Now that the election is over, I decided to list a few of the promises that have been made by different candidates and research the Bible concerning these situations.
Aren’t you glad that God’s promises never overwhelm Him? He never compromises – He delivers what He says He will and there are no grid-locks. He sure gets a lot of bad publicity, but it doesn’t make him nervous. No checking the polls to see how long He can sit on the throne.
So whoever you voted for in the American election – the most important question is – in your heart of hearts – who are you voting for? I’m so glad that when we vote for Jesus we can be sure that we are in the winning party that will never end. I also was warmed to find this scripture that God has voted for those who believe in Him!
I Thessalonians 1:4 - For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
I hope this encourages you as you look to God’s long-term plan for those who worship Jesus Christ.

Promises:

1 We will secure all loose nuclear weapons in the world within four years.

• A Isaiah 11: 6 And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the kid, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them.
• B Isaiah 2:4 And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.

2 We will create secure borders.

• A Psalms 147: 14 He makes peace in thy borders, and fills thee with the finest of the wheat.
• B Isaiah 60: 18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shall call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

3 I will double federal funding for basic research over 10 years.

• A Proverbs 8: 12 I, wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
• B Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

4 Our military will be so powerful that no one would even think of challenging it.

• A Psalms 20: 7 Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.
• B Psalms 62: 11 Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God;
• C 2 Chron 20: 21-22 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

5. I’ll ensure that every classroom will have a quality teacher.

• A Psalm 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
• B Psalm 32: 8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
• C John 15: 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

6. I’ll see to it that we use more renewable energy like wind and solar power.

• A Rev. 21: 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.
• B. Isaiah 40:30-31 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

7. I’m committed to protecting social security.

• A. Psalms 23: 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
• B. Psalms 28: 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
• C. Ephesians 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Still Standing

By Helen Knueven

There breathes a certain company of people
Unimpressed with themselves
Still standing – to give honor to His name.

The enemy can’t rejoice against this nation
When they fall – they do arise
Still standing – to his horrified surprise.

There lives a unique family related
By the blood of Jesus Christ
Still standing – unshakable in the shakings

There thrives a select group of folks, as one,
Who love the name of Christ
Still standing – with expectancy.

This company of people, brought close by His presence
Are a joyful crowd of because they know
The Master’s love, The Savior’s touch
Still standing – receiving strength.

Lord, give me this certain company of people
Gone through the fire, Called from the wilderness
Still standing - by your grace

My heart is warmed when I think that we
sharpened each others’ blades, readied ourselves,
Still standing – we have been changed

If I have to go to war – let it be with these
Who counted the cost, and called it pocket change
Still standing – for the glory of the call.

Are you Looking?

By  Helen Knueven

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

I wonder why God would want to hide something; only for a king to discover it. By the way, in the book of Revelations, it says that God has made believers kings and priests unto Him.

Have you ever felt a strong calling on your life and then wonder why things seem to take so long? Why so many obstacles have blocked you? Ever wonder if you really heard right?

Have you ever had a strong desire to achieve a goal, worked hard at it, only to still see it out of your grasp?

I kept asking myself: Why would God hide something that He wants me to discover it? Is it possible that He wants to reward our passionate pursuit? Does He enjoy our quest and delight in our finding the treasure?
Come to think of it, why do coal miners have to go deep into the earth to find coal?
America’s deepest coal miners are about 2,220 deep, while gold and copper mines in America go down 9,000 feet. http://www.livescience.com/11169-chile-collapse-facts-amazing-survival-story.html
In South Africa, hard rock gold miners go down into the earth 12,800 ft. underground. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_mining_(hard_rock)
I would rather have a diamond ring than a coal ring, how about you? Coal is precious, but diamonds are even better. I am not a diamond expert – but I could get an A in a diamond appreciation class. I have heard that the diamonds from South Africa are even better.

My dad was a coal miner and one thing a good coal miner has to have is a good deal of courage. I only pray that I will keep that kind of courage in my heart.

Following our calling and the zigzag trail it often takes us requires a great deal of courage. The better the treasure, the deeper we have to go.

Sometimes when it seems we are so close to where we should be, roadblocks of all kinds seem to come out of nowhere. The inner voice confirms that we are on the right track; while our mind tells us we are wrong and probably crazy.

And only God knows how close we are to our goal – how many more feet down we must go before we find the treasure. It could be really close! Or we could have a long way to go. Is it worth it? I believe it is.

Miners’ lights are pretty intense. But I’m sure that the light on the helmets of salvation are brighter than the sun.

Don’t leave things to chance; because chances are you’ll stop short if you do. Remember it is our honor to search things out. You just might find yourself at the Cross again, this time to enter in the fellowship of His sufferings and the power of His resurrection.

Psalm 105: 3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Do you really hope so?

By Helen Knueven

The word, hope, has been diluted so much – that people say things like:

“I hope I win the lottery”

“I hope I marry a rich guy whose hobby is cooking.”

“I hope they know how lucky they are.”

(There is no confident expectation of these things.  They do not really express a true hope.)

We don’t expect to win the lottery – or marry some yacht-buyer.  Usually when someone says,   “I hope they know how lucky  they are”, it is prompted by an emotion.

We use the word so loosely – that we forget how powerful true hope can be.  It is used in a somewhat wishful thinking way – but real hope is powerful. 

God’s Word elevates the word, hope, to epic proportions.

Yet the hope that God gives us is so powerful – and holds within it a revolutionary patience.

From reading the scriptures below, my heart is encouraged in seeing that Hope is so powerful to the Christian that it comes to us in the person of Jesus Christ.  We cannot experience salvation without hope.  Indeed, our faith is built on hope, a confident expectation of God’s Word.

Jesus Christ took upon Himself our sins and has promised true believers salvation for eternity.– He is our great Hope!

I Timothy 1: 1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

I also love this scripture:

Romans 4:18  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

We look at ourselves, and disqualify ourselves because of our own unworthiness, but against  hope we believe in hope because Jesus Christ has proved to be the One who came to save sinners, and not the righteous.

We need the supernatural power of the Holy Ghost to experience this hope.

Romans 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

And lastly – Hope cleanses us, purifies us and readies us for the day of His appearing.

1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

1 John 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.

This is the kind of hope that ushers us into His kingdom at the time of our death.

It is also the kind of hope that empowers us to live today.

Do you hope in Him?   

If not, know that God is ready to give you hope.

Jeremiah 29 13   And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Have you heard?

By Helen Knueven

There is a house that has church services in Glen Ellyn, IL.  It wasn't a one-time event; either.  It has been going on for over a decade.   The picture of the house was on the front page of the Glen Ellyn News.  Can you believe it?  People were assembling in their house with others who were of like mind.  They were not just talking or having a nice dinner, either.  Somehow they had the nerve to pray!  If you don't believe me, it was in the paper as if some covert operation was taking place.   People in a house - praying. 

After a government worker caught wind of it, they were told they needed a permit.  They complied with the government and sought a permit but still seems to be a topic of debate.  It is clearly a violation of the constitution to me, for the government to get involved with ‘the right to assemble’.  It is also an ironic twist on the interpretation of separation of church and state.

I often read of government intervention to prayer meetings in China and how this agitates the government.  You can read for yourself about in the Voice of the Martyrs magazine.

But in the last few years you can read articles cropping up in America that tries to can prayer meetings through zoning ordinances and religious harrasment laws. 

But I think there is a lot of good news here anyway.

I have a feeling they were not just praying for their houses to sell, their bosses to get off their backs, or that they woud have a more fulfilling job. No, I don't think that self centered prayers get too much attention.  I suspect they were praying for the salvation of souls and because of the power coming from those kind of prayers, it was felt within the community.

 Have you ever wondered if your little prayer made a difference?

There is a government higher than any one on this earth - and we can reach the One in charge!  He, who died for us, in front of a multitude, now sits on a throne.  Our prayers are welcome; especially when we want to see His kingdom come here on earth.  There is a promise attached with praying in secret - an open reward.

 However we may need to stretch our idea of that word.  Some have been counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Jesus.

 Matthew 6:6  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Journeys to Joy

By Helen Knueven

 

Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

 

For the wise men, Christmas was a journey to the manger as they followed the star that led them to the baby Jesus.

 

For the shepherds who were greeted by angels that night – Christmas also became a journey for them as they followed the angels instructions and found Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus.

 

Christmas was a journey for the angels, too, as they trekked the heavens proclaiming God’s message of peace in Jesus Christ to the shepherds.

 

The journey resulted in great rejoicing for all of them. We can read in the Bible how each one of these groups praised God with great joy because of His wonderful gift.

 

May each one of us find ourselves on a holy journey this season; to bring our gift to Jesus, finding His presence in unlikely places and conversations as we seek to honor our King.

Meditation on Psalm 97:11

By Helen Knueven

(Psalm 97:11 KJV)  Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

How do you sow light? Sowing represents something going into the ground – being buried in darkness; a seed.  (You haven’t seen the last of it though!)  It will revisit the earth in beauty.  But for a time – darkness will be the companion of the seed, along with dirt.  Not such a great sounding situation.

I pondered the scripture and the meaning.  To me, it is a fascinating concept.  I know that light cannot be overpowered – and by one strike of a match a dark room is lightened.  It seems that light would be overpowered if it was sown.

And yet, God’s Word says the light is sown.

I remembered that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World –and I thought about the utter darkness of the Cross.  And yet – the brilliant light that Christ gives to all who believe.

Yesterday, I received an email from a missionary friend in Cambodia.  She said, ‘Please pray for us – things are not right.  Our children had their house broken in – My husband fell into a pit, and my own wrist is broken.  And on top of all of that,  sickness has attacked.

Then I remembered  the scripture. “Light is sown for the righteous.”  Cambodia is a dark place where sex trafficking is done without restraint – and God has sent our friends there to bring His love into this dark corner of the world.

Our friends are sowing the light of Christ into  Cambodia – perhaps you know missionaries that have gone into dangerously dark places to spread Christ’s love.

I believe that we can pray for them and sow light into the darkness too.  We can be partners with them drawing upon the light that only Christ gives; expecting to reap a harvest of light.  Our efforts can seem so weak – so lacking and yet all God expects us to do is give our best.  He will pick up the slack and cause seeds to grow. 

How will you sow light today?

Prayer:  Lord, help me to go into the darkness, declaring your goodness in the midst of a crooked generation, and shine as your light, in Jesus name.  Amen.

Photo courtesy of Motion Worship

 

Light Is Sown for the Righteous

 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. (Psalm 97:11, KJV)

By Helen Knueven

How do you sow light? Sowing represents something going into the ground – being buried in darkness; a seed. (You haven’t seen the last of it though!) It will revisit the earth in beauty. But for a time – darkness will be the companion of the seed, along with dirt. Not such a great sounding situation.

I pondered the scripture and the meaning. To me, it is a fascinating concept. I know that light cannot be overpowered – and by one strike of a match a dark room is lightened. It seems that light would be overpowered if it was sown.

And yet, God’s Word says the light is sown.

I remembered that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World –and I thought about the utter darkness of the Cross. And yet – the brilliant light that Christ gives to all who believe.

Yesterday, I received an email from a missionary friend in Cambodia. She said, ‘Please pray for us – things are not right. Our children had their house broken in – My husband fell into a pit, and my own wrist is broken. And on top of all of that, sickness has attacked.

Then I remembered the scripture. “Light is sown for the righteous.” Cambodia is a dark place where sex trafficking is done without restraint – and God has sent our friends there to bring His love into this dark corner of the world.

Our friends are sowing the light of Christ into Cambodia – perhaps you know missionaries that have went into dangerous ly dark places to spread Christ’s love.

I believe that we can pray for them and sow light into the darkness too. We can be partners with them drawing upon the light that only Christ gives; expecting to reap a harvest of light. Our efforts can seem so weak – so lacking and yet all God expects us to do is give our best. He will pick up the slack and cause seeds to grow.

How will you sow light today?

Prayer: Lord, help me to go into the darkness, declaring your goodness in the midst of a crooked generation, and shine as your light,
in Jesus name. Amen.

Say it Now

By Helen Knueven

While I was doing some major organization in my office, I ran across an unmailed card.  It was addressed to my sister eight years ago.  Way too late to mail since she passed away about seven years ago.

“How did I luck out and get you for such a great sister and friend?  Thanks so much for listening to me the other day! Thanks for being you – that’s all you need to be!”

Tears welled up in me as I realized I never really said this to her. I hope that she knew while she was here how special she was to me! 

Why do I find it a huge challenge to have before me all at the same time: a card, a pen, an updated address book and a stamp?

Hours later as I was still organizing I found another card meant to be mailed to my mother-in-law.  I remembered how I spent hours wording and rewording it.  And here it lay unopened and unmailed!

Part of the card said, “After 40 years of marriage – you and Dad still light up the room!  Thanks for showing me what it means to ‘share your love’ with others.  You sure do! We are so lucky!”

It was just another Hallmark card that never fulfilled it’s purpose!  Mom has also passed away and I had not communicated my heart feelings to her.

I guess I would like to communicate one thing now while I have the chance: If it’s worth saying, say it now!

I have to believe that we say things with our lives that are never verbalized and are still felt.  But is there someone you appreciate far more than they realize?  Let them know in some way while you have the chance.  Maybe it’s a good friend that listens to you at critical times.   You won’t regret it and they won’t forget it.

The truth is most people hear more discouraging words than they do encouraging ones.  Even so, the power of one encouraging word is so impacting.

If you think I’m exaggerating, think back.  Can you remember an encouraging word someone said to you years ago?  Opportunites are time-sensitive, but when we take advantage of them, they can have lasting effects.

A Vicarious Life or a Vivacious Life?

By Helen Knueven

Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus went alone to pray after sending His disciples on a ship. While they were there a great storm developed. At some time of the night, Jesus’ returned to them. He walked on the water, and met up with the tossed ship that rocked the frightened followers.

They were afraid they saw a ghost, but Jesus reassured them. “Don’t be afraid; it ‘s me!”

Peter, struck by the adventure and sight of Jesus walking on water requested, “Jesus, if that is you – tell me to come to you!” Jesus complied – and Peter walked on the water for a short time until the ravishing waves caught his attention and then he began to fall.

Jesus realized Peter’s faith was wavering. He extended His hand and lifted him up. After they entered the ship, the storm subsided. The vote was unanimous amidst the disciples: Jesus was the Son of God!

Many sermons have been preached on this passage. Some point out the necessity of faith and urge us to have more faith and to be less like Peter.

Some say, “Be like Peter! At least he walked on water for awhile.”

Others emphasize the graciousness of our Lord . Though He chastised Peter for doubting, He did not hesitate to extend Himself in two ways: in calling out to Peter to join Him in the water walk, and in holding him up when he began to sink.

Today I would like to share another thought. I would like to focus on what Jesus was doing after He sent the disciples away. He was praying. Time with the Father was valued far above everything else. Of all the people He could be healing, of all the storms He could be calming, of all the profound sermons He could have been preaching – Jesus’ priority was His relationship with the Father.
Jesus could have handled this situation is so many different ways. If He relied on experience instead of relationship, He may have spoken to the waves as He did in Matthew 8:26-27. If He did, Peter would have never walked on water. Nor would the others have witnessed the available power of God for everyone who believes.

Because of His constant communion with the Father – He always knew the best way to handle every situation. Although experience is a good teacher – the Holy Spirit is the best teacher.

Has God placed you in some form of leadership? Can you trust the Lord to develop the faith of the people in your life? Do you unintentionally stop those you lead from growing by managing? Or do you lead from the outflow of your relationship with the Lord? Have your best lessons in life been learned from lecture or by experience? Though Jesus Christ was fully human and fully divine - He walked as a man in obedience to the Father; thereby becoming our example.

Let’s be honest. Human nature is walking on concrete, not water. But we are in this Christianity for the magnificent nature of God.

Only in His presence are we truly transformed.

Jesus does not want us to live on the edge of experience but in the joy of God’s ability and presence through us. My prayer is that our communion with the Father will precede our decisions and life’s occurrences.

Introducing Helen Knueven

Heaven’s  Commentaries to Earth on Jesus Christ

We sing, “Silent Night” but I doubt the suggested silence of the first Christmas

Heaven’s First Commentary

An angel appeared to shepherds tending their sheep that first wonderful Christmas.

Luke 2:10-11, “But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:13-14 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Surely the shepherds suddenly knew that they were included in God’s beautiful plan even if they did not understand it.

Heaven’s Second Commentary

As wise men sought the Lord Jesus – a star guided them.  It charted the path for them as they searched for Jesus. 

In Matthew 2:9  “…and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.”

Even the stars cooperated with helping wise kings find the divine baby!

Heaven’s Third Commentary

Jesus came to John, the Baptist, to be baptized.  As Jesus came out of the water – in Matthew 4:16-17- the heavens were opened up, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

What a confirmation to John!

Heaven’s Fourth Commentary

In Luke 9:35 Moses and Elijah talked with Jesus about his crucifixtion.  The disciples were taken up into a cloud with Jesus.  They wanted to build three tabernacles; one for Jesus, one for Elijah, and one for Moses.

Suddenly there was a voice out of the cloud that said, “This is my beloved Son: hear him.”

The fact that Jesus alone was worthy of worship was established by the Father.

Many times it seems that heaven is silent – but when it comes to announcing Jesus Christ, it will speak.  He is not shrouded in mystery to those who seek Him.

I believe that these four commentaries all tie together into the message of Christmas.

It seems to me that heaven went out of it’s way in more than one way to speak to Earth in a way that we could understand.

I would summarize it this way:

• 1st commentary – Angelic visitation to shepherds concerning Jesus’ birth.
• 2nd commentary – Cosmic visitation and guidance to wisemen concerning Jesus’ birthplace.
• 3rd commentary – Divine public endorsement by the Father that Jesus was/is the favored Son of God.
• 4th commentary – Another public endorsement and instruction to “Hear Jesus” alone. 

We are called to go the second mile to make God known to others, but He went from heaven to earth to make Himself known to us.  I am reminded of the scripture in Jeremiah 29:13  “  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."  God chooses how He will speak – but He is the best communicator.

The Lord desires us to know Him.  God did not come to us in lightning bolts, but in voices of guidance.  May we truly hear what Jesus says to us by opening our hearts to Him.  

I pray that this Christmas you, too, will hear the sounds of heaven as you seek Him. 

May you have a truly Merry Christmas!

Helen Knueven

I had an encounter with Jesus Christ  that changed the direction of my life forever.

Most of the songs I write are about Him.

I teach private piano lessons and write devotional studies, short stories,Bible studies and songs.

I'm lucky to be married to the greatest guy - Mike!