Knit and Crochet Bible Study

Tag: Jesus

  • FREE is One of My Favorite Words

    I am sucker for the word FREE.  I hate to admit it, but I have been enticed into many purchases because of the word FREE.

    Buy one, get one FREE.  I didn’t need the first one, but now I can get two!!  My biggest temptation comes when the offer includes a teddy bear.  I have so many teddy bears that many are still packed from our last move 3 years ago. I have no place for them. But they are teddy bears and many were offered as free with purchase or by signing up, or whatever FREE idea was popular at the time.

    My yarn and pattern stash is the same way. I have 2 rooms full of yarn and notebooks filled with patterns. More than I will ever use, but gee, lots of them were free!

    My favorite FREE offer comes from God. The gift of salvation. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  (John 1:12 NIV)

    God’s FREE gift is offered to all. But not all will accept the gift. They will respond I don’t need that, I can do this on my own. I can get to heaven just being good.  None of this is true. Nothing you can do on your own is good enough. We are all sinners. God is God. He is perfect. He cannot abide sin and the sinful nature. So He has offered a way, a gift, to allow us to spend eternity with Him. That gift is Jesus Christ, His only Son, whom He sent as a sacrifice for my sin and for yours. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)

    But God will not force you to accept Him. You must invite Him in. Will you?

  • 4 Little Sheep

    Despite my love for knitting and crocheting, there are other crafts in my life.  This post has no yarn in it, except for the child’s glove, the cheap kind you get for 99 cents when winter begins. Use the left over one from that pair where one was lost.

    My granddaughter came to visit me and taught me a  song. Her mommy (a creative woman, she takes after her own mom, that’s me) had made sheep/shepherd gloves to use when the little ones in her Toddlers for Jesus class sing Little Sheep.

    I have created a video with instructions on making the gloves followed by my granddaughter singing the song with me.  Because I goofed up singing some of the words I have written them into the video.

    This would be great for upcoming Vacation Bible School events, for Sunday School lessons, and for fun at home.  Check it out.

  • Colors of Salvation Afghan

    Did you complete your Colors of Salvation afghan/lapghan?  Perhaps you used the strips to make scarves or totes.

    Linda is a member of my local Knit and Crochet Bible Study. She showed me her completed project which she is giving to a close friend of hers in need of comfort.

    She says she is planning to start another one.

    If you missed any part of the pattern, I have posted the complete project in one PDF file for you to download.  Click on the file cabinet below.

    Once you have completed your Colors of Salvation project, please tell us about it with a comment below here, or with a message on the facebook fanpage . We’d love to see pictures of your completed work.

  • In the Blink of an Eye

    But joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

    I was working on a doll that I was crocheting for my grandchild which was done in a way that had the clothes worked into the pattern. This means there will be color changes along the way.

    I was half way through the project, mindlessly making the stitches, when I looked back at the doll and realized something was wrong. This outfit didn’t look well at all crocheted into the doll body. It was then I realized that although I made the color change for the waistband, I missed the color change back on row 17 for the bodice. Can you say FROG!  (you know, rippit  rippit  ripppit).

    On another project I noticed the scarf I was working on had become quite askew. No more did I have the straight even edge that looked so smooth the first 6 inches of the project.  Now, nearly 24 inches later I picked up a wrong needle from the basket it was laying in. I had knitted the last 18 inches on a needle of appropriate size and one 2 sizes smaller.

    These events are very similar to the day I woke up with a smile on my face, plans for the weekend all set, only to receive a phone call that my dear friend has passed away a few hours prior. In the blink of eye, disaster! (Psalm 73:19)

    Jesus was escorted into Jerusalem on what we now call Palm Sunday. (see the story in John 12)  When people heard he was coming to the Feast; they gathered palm branches and shouted as he approached, Hosanna Blessed is the King of Israel. (see John 12)

    A few days later these same people stood in a crowd in front of Pilate and cried out Crucify him! Crucify him! (see John 19)

    So quickly things change. Every day offers new challenges and new rewards. That dark day was brightened when the women went to the tomb and found it empty. (see John 20) A sad day quickly became bright as Jesus appeared to many who loved him.

    Your life, like the wrongly knit scarf, can change with or without notice. Every day offers new opportunities. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning is our promise in Psalm 30:5.

    God is a steady fortress,(Psalms 91:2)  unchanging (Hebrews 6:7),  ever present (Proverbs 15:3). When things turn suddenly to dark, hold tight to the hand of God. Walk with Him daily, and He will be at your side. Stay with Him when the stitches of your life are straight and smooth; and He will be there when you miss that color change or drop a stitch in your life. Hold tight to God, your God, just as you have done up to now. (Joshua 23:8)

  • Seaming It All Up

    Theologians tell us there are 400 years between Malachi 4:6 and Matthew 1:1. What was happening during that time? Was God trying to come up with a Plan B, C or even D?

    No, Gods plan of salvation was already in the works in Genesis 1. There is no Plan B.

    From Genesis to Malachi we find evidence of a sacrifice to be offered up to bring reconciliation between God and man. In the Gospels we find testimony of the manifestation of the sacrifice made. Acts to Revelation offers us testimony and encouragement to accept that sacrifice and a pattern to live for Him eternally.

    In the Old Testament people were looking toward to the cross. In the New Testament they looked back to the cross. God’s sacrifice on the cross knitted the two together seamlessly.

    The Salvation Colors afghan project brings together several panels which can be used to describe the story. Now it is time to seam the pieces together.

    As you bring together your knitted or crocheted panels remember the sacrifice that was made so that you may be a part of this story. Each panel is stitched together in black, referencing the sin which separates us from God. But don’t fear that sin, we will complete the picture with the ultimate gift from God, the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, so that we may live forever with Him. This is represented by the red edging around the entire project. A cross stitch is included to offer an additional reminder of God’s love. You will note that each panel is touched by this final edging; just as the blood of Christ touches each and every life.

    Recite John 3:16 before continuing: For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.

    Whosoever means you.

    For the seaming and edging click here.  A PDF reader is required.

  • It’s Personal

    Have you knit or crocheted a sweater, a skirt, or other garment that needed to be sized to fit your body shape? You will find instructions with parenthesis alerting you to the necessary change you need to make to personalize the garment to your choice. One size does not always fit all.

    How about embellishing an article of clothing with a special pin?  Because of my passion for teddy bears, you will often find me wearing a teddy bear or earring or necklace to personalize my style.

    My knit crochet Bible study group at my local church is currently studying the Lord’s Prayer as detailed in Matthew 6. In our discussions we have found we have no trouble praying for others, we find it more difficult to pray for ourselves. It seems selfish one woman commented.

    So during our meetings, we are now personalizing this prayer aloud and finding how much God desires us to seek Him and ask His guidance in our own lives:

    My Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name,

    Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

    Give me this day my daily bread

    Forgive me my debts as I forgive others.

    Lead me not into temptation, deliver me from evil.

    For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

    Wow! Suddenly it revealed God is MY Father. He provides for ME. It confirms I must forgive others in my life. The words took on a different meaning. God now appeared interested in ME personally, not just as part of a group.

    If I/you were the only person on earth, Jesus would have still gone to the cross.

    Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

    Are you seeking Him as your personal Lord and Savior? Pray today, ask Him into your heart. He  loves you.  It’s a personal thing.

  • Seeking Wisdom

    I have always thought that wisdom referred to a wealth of knowledge, that a wise man meant a smart man. 

    Recent study has opened my eyes to understanding that wisdom and knowledge are two separate things.  Look at these verses as examples:

    Solomon is speaking to God in 2 Chronicles 1:10, Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people. and God replied in verse 12 wisdom and knowledge will be given to you.

    Ecclesiastes 2:26  To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness.

    So then, I asked, what is wisdom?

    Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

    Job asks in 28:12 and 20 Where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? He considers then the worth of such and that it cannot be found in the land of the living (verse 13).  It can’t be bought, it is of such high value, it cannot be measured. He concludes in verse 29 The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.

    These verses intrigued me. If they are one in the same, why are they listed separately by Solomon and by God? Then David and Job point out wisdom is the fear of the Lord.

    I checked out the definition of knowledge at dictionary dot com and read acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation, then I looked up wisdom and read knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action.

    Proverbs 2:10 helps differentiate the two.For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Again, two different values.

    Knowledge is information obtained by study, wisdom is knowing what is right and just. Right and just, that describes God!! Isaiah 45:21 There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior. With God’s wisdom He who does what is right is righteous, just as he (God) is righteous.” 1 John 3:7.

    Proverbs is a book filled with wisdom, why we should embrace wisdom, and warnings against rejecting it. The book of Proverbs is 31 chapters. Why not spend the 31 days of January reading one chapter a day and finding for yourself God’s wisdom. Allow it to “enter your heart” as you begin this new year.

    I challenge you to seek to fill your heart with wisdom and grow in the knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

  • A Christmas Story

    I love the festivity around Christmas, with the lights, decorations, the songs and the many family gatherings. 

    I am very fortunate when it comes to family. I am part of 5 living generations: I have the privilege of having my grandparents as well as my own grandchildren.

    This year was the first year in many decades that extended family did not meet at my grandparents’ home to share Christmas Eve. It wasn’t because of their health, it was because a winter storm hit that kept everyone in their homes. As the storm continued Christmas day was spent home with immediate family instead of with my mother and siblings.. It is reported to be the first time it has snowed on Christmas day in the Kansas City area in 37 years.

    This made Christmas much more restful than previous years.  I was able to relax and focus on Luke 2 which  tells the story of the glorious birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  My heart went out to the young woman, alone in a town so crowded there was no room to offer a bed that she and her fiance were offered a place in a barn where they could rest. During the night, alone and far away from home, she gave birth to a child that would give his life that she and all mankind could have life.

    My family and I were able to stay in touch during though we were snowbound, thanks to telephones and the internet.  Mary had no such technology and could not contact her mother. With no internet or cell phones, word of this miraculous birth spread through angels. Shepherds in a nearby field heard the angels and went to welcome the newborn baby.

    Christmas is now over, the wrappings are thrown away, gifts are placed in closets or strewn across the floor. The tree is coming down and furniture put back in its place. Everyone is back to work.

    But the reason for Christmas remains.  Christ did not remain a child, laying in a manger. For unto you is born this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord  Luke 2:11.  He was born to bring you new life.  He lived,grew in stature and in wisdom, proclaimed God’s love, suffered, died, and conquered death. He is working, preparing a place for you in heaven.

    As Christ came to offer new life, we prepare for the beginning of new year. If you are like me, you have a stash of yarn and a stack of patterns waiting to be put to use; probably several unfinished projects as well.  In Christ you are a project, being perfected each day, another stitch here, a complete row there, even a little ripping back.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.. Eph 2:10NASB.

    As you look at your next project, I hope you will be reminded that you, too, are a project; you are a masterpiece created by the Lord God. He knows your heart; He shares your hurts, sorrows and pain; He rejoices with you in each victory of your life and joy you experience. May you grow closer to Him with each passing day.

    Wishing you bountiful blessings of love from God in 2010.

    TerryAnn

  • Jesus is Better than Santa

    With Christmas here, REMEMBER:
    Jesus is Better than Santa   (author unknown)
    Santa lives at the North Pole.
    JESUS is everywhere.

    Santa rides in a sleigh
    JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

    Santa comes but once a year
    JESUS is an ever present help.

    Santa fills your stockings with goodies
    JESUS supplies all your needs.

    Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
    JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

    You have to stand in line to see Santa
    JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

    Santa lets you sit on his lap
    JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

    Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, What’s your name?”
    JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

    Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
    JESUS has a heart full of love.

    All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
    JESUS offers health, help and hope.

    Santa says “You better not cry”
    JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

    Santa’s little helpers make toys
    JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

    Santa may make you chuckle but
    JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

    While Santa puts gifts under your tree
    JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

    It’s obvious there is really no comparison.  We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about — Jesus is still the reason for the season.

    May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2009
    And may He bless the work of your hands in the New Year 2010

  • Happy Birthday Jesus

    I am editing the post for this month’s panel in the Salvation Colors afghan.  How are you doing? Are you keeping up? 

    I ran across a post today I want to share with you, it’s along the lines of what we are doing with the afghan.  It’s a Happy Birthday Jesus cake with colors to represent Salvation. 

    You can find the post by clicking here.

    The chocolate layer reminds us that we are sinful.
    The red layer reminds us that Jesus shed his blood for our sins.
    The white frosting reminds us that Jesus has given us a clean heart.
    The green layer reminds us to grow in Christ.
    The yellow decorations remind us of heaven.
    The candles remind us Jesus is the Light of the World.

    Wishing you a very, Merry Christmas and praying you will be blessed with the abundance of God’s love in 2010.