The Poor Among Us

 

Proverbs 21:12

If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

 

 

I've had an extremely busy week.  We ARE NOT finished with our conversation that I started on Tuesday!  So many of you responded  to "Coddling Sin."   Some of those responses will bring great clarity and encouragement.  Can't wait to share!

 

But before I do, I received an email from a good friend of mine, Nicolette, who is one of the founders of, Seeds of Mustard Ministries asking for help.  Their local thrift store uses the proceeds to help familes in crisis or distress - all in the name of JESUS!

 

After reading her story, you will be able to see why I'm sharing this with you -

 

As the Lord leads...  Here's her story -

   

On Monday of Thanksgiving week, my ministry partner, Debbie was in the midst of people at Thrift 'n Gift, a local NC thrift shop supporting the needs of Seeds of Mustard (SOM) Ministries.  Then entered the Johns family, 3000 miles from their home in California.  (See Picture below)

The Johns' family consists of two parents and two children (12 and 13).   The mom, Shanai, has an 8-year-old son that was not with them.  He had been taken by his father last year and brought to NC without her consent.   Only a letter from the NC courts regarding custody allowed Shanai to locate him. The Johns family, already struggling in their California apartment, packed their van and household and headed to NC.

With limited funds and no jobs, this family of four has been living in their car.  The children are unable to be registered in school because they do not have an address.  SOM, prompted by the Holy Spirit, literally joined hands on Monday afternoon and began to pray.  Within minutes the purses opened following the prayers.  Several hundred dollars were donated to house the family through the Thanksgiving week.   

NOW WHAT?

SOM needs YOUR HELP.   We need $800 per month for three months to give the family shelter and an opportunity for employment. Gift cards for gas and or groceries can be sent or dropped of at Thrift 'n Gift, 1381 SE Maynard Road, Cary NC 27511.

We are asking for $5, $10, $15, $25, and $50 donations (not to exceed $50 donations per family) by November 30, 2012.  To donate, go to the Seeds of Mustard website http://www.seedsofmustard.org and click the PayPal Donate button.

Both parents are seeking employment and have already met with Durham Rescue Mission, The Caring Place and Raleigh Rescue Mission.  God has closed all of these doors, so we believe He has prepared SOM to step out in faith and obedience to ask you to help us help this family.  

At the Thanksgiving table, just Thursday, Shanai told us that she knows Jesus told her to come to NC so that her eight-year-old son would still be a part of her life.  Her words were, "Sometimes the Lord takes you to the edge of a cliff and tells you to jump."  
Silence.  
Tears.  
Smile:   "He will either catch me or teach me to fly."

Thank you for reading.

 

The Johns Family (center)

Debbie and Nicolette, Founders, Seeds of Mustard, on the left and right

Coddling Sin

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.

Reading the Chronological Bible? 

I'd really like to know your thoughts...   Double click on the Title of today's blog and scroll down to the comment section.  There you can share!

I've hesitated to share today...   It's heavy.  And it's a hard message that I'm still working through.  That's why I'd love to hear your thoughts.  (Your God thoughts - not your flesh thoughts.  I've got enough of those for both of us!)

Have you ever read Paul's message to the Corinthians - specifically chapter 5?  In this passage, Paul is specifically speaking to believers...   He's telling them to, "Grow up!"  And he's defining the code of behavior.  Behavior believers are to have toward other believers and unbelievers. 

1 Corinthians 5:9-13, NLT (bold mine.)

"...I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin.  But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols.  You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 

I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people.  Don't even eat with such people.

It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.  God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, "You must remove the evil person from among you."

Whew!  Is that strong or what?  Remember: this is believer to believer.  And the underlining theme is, "grow up!"

After reflecting on this passage, I realized I've fallen for some of the lies from Satan:

1. The lie of  maintaining political correctness at all cost.  Paul in essence says, "Call sin what it is and do not associate with that believer."
2. The lie of, "you aren't allowed to judge me."  A mentality that much of our country hides behind.    Believer to believer - Paul says judge.  But those who are not believers - leave judgement to God.  (Would love to learn more of your thoughts here.)
3. The lie of, "God is a God of grace, grace and more grace.  Even if that means turning a blind eye to sin amongst believers."   hum... Paul says remove this person from among you!  Don't even eat with them!

When the Holy Spirit inside of me is saying, "Speak up," or "Remove yourself," and I ignore the prompting, I'm coddling sin.

In the past, I have spoken up.  And one time when I gently spoke up, I lost friendships.  Women who were in Bible study with me - no longer really wanted anything to do with me.  But sin was being coddling.  When I spoke out  - you could feel the air in the room change.

It was not a warm fuzzy moment.  And yes, estrangment from beloved friends hurt.  But truly, as hard as it is sometimes,  God is not always the warm, fuzzy God we want Him to be. 


What does this passage look like in your world???  I'd love to know.

Family Traditions at Thanksgiving

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. “ esv

What are your family’s Thanksgiving Plans???

I love the week leading up to Thanksgiving.  Hearing everyone’s plans about how they are going to spend time celebrating with family and friends; what they will be eating; what traditions their family’s have.  There's a buzz….a thankful buzz and it's infectious!

Last year around the Thanksgiving table, our grandparents, brothers, sisters and children decided to start a new family tradition of giving as a group.   We enjoyed the time spent sharing our blessings and talking about the different ways we could contribute.  We decided on supporting a local area shelter.  It was a small gesture but it sparked us and united us. 

So this year, our extended family will be doing it again and we are challenging each other to give even more.  We are adopting a family to support for the month of December and adding support to a ministry that has been a personal blessing to our family.  This year it will be Knowing God Ministries. 

Luke 12:48b “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”

This verse has challenged us and called us to act.  I pray that the Lord will use our amounts and multiply them for His Kingdom. 

 

When you Don't Feel Like Being Thanful

 

James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...

  

Happy Thanksgiving!

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10 Ways to Appreciate Your Man at Thanksgiving

 

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 10 Ways to Appreciate Your Man at Thanksgiving

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

My husband, Pete was out of town last Saturday.   So my 2 girls and I had a full day of plans with great friends whom we love.

As I was getting ready,  I kept tripping over piles and piles of stuff.   Our house was a mess - actually- embarrassingly dirty.    In that moment, it was if God was saying, "Really Wendy?  Pete' s away... Working hard.... And you're doing what?... while your house is this messy?  This is SO disrespectful!" 

I immediately cancelled the plans and explained to the girls my reasoning.   "If daddy was going to work this hard for our family, we should too."   Amazingly, I had two joyful cleaners for 7 hours!    The more we accomplished -  the happier we became.   

When Pete got home, the girls couldn't wait to show him around.   Emily summed it up very well, "Daddy you work hard for us so we wanted to say thank you!" 

 

'Well that's a novel concept,' I thought, "I should SHOW my husband that I appreciate him for Thanksgiving!' 

On Pinterest you can find 400 crafty ways to say thank you to your mailman and garbage collector this holiday season. While that's a nice thing to do, good luck trying to find an equivalent list for thanking your husband.

 

Lists to appreciate your husband seem to have been out of print since 1952.  I believe it's because our culture tells women we should worry more about being appreciated  than appreciating our husbands.   

 

Since there are no cute Pinterest boards about showing your hubby thanks this Thanksgiving, I asked my Knowing God Ministries Team members for ideas. They made quite the list - Half of which made me blush... so it will not be printed here!  

 

Yet, I hope the remaining ideas inspire you to show thanks to your spouse as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday. 

1. Talk with him about what he wants for the Thanksgiving meal. Then make sure those items are on the table.
2. Take time for a date in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle.
3. Watch a football game with him or download an action flick rather than a chick flick.
4. Choose not to break the budget on the Thanksgiving meal or the weekend. 
5. Toast him at the Thanksgiving table ( okay that one made me cry!)
6. Plan the Thanksgiving meal in a way that does not stress YOU out.  (He will carry your stress too.)
7. Thank him in front of children for working so hard to provide.
8. Don't try to make it a Southern Living Holiday at the expense of peace and time together.
9. Ask him about his day and actually listen to his answer (ouch - that's so true!)
10. I'll leave #10 as the category that made me blush. Figure it out ladies!

Appreciating your husband is not so fashionable in our culture, but the truth is, if we are going to appreciate anyone this Thanksgiving, should we not start with the men we love? 

 

 

 

 

The amazing thing is when we do:  WE ARE THE ONES WHO BENEFIT!   A more peaceful home and a happier family.    Who doesn't want that?

 

 

 

 

 

A Fly on the Wall...

John 7:38

Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

God's hand of blessing is on Iron Sharpens Iron.  It is a place outside of the church - in the everyday hustle and bustle of life - where you can come and drink from the streams of living water.  

Water that is refreshing.  Water that nurtures our thirsty souls.

 We had women come from Washington, NC and Charlotte. (3 hours away each.) 

 It's not just a "Raleigh thing" anymore!

Why would you not take advantage of this?

Today, I want you to see what one of our luncheons is like.  To make you a fly on the wall - so to speak.   

As you can see, it's a very special time. 

This is Marsha!  She's on the KGM team.  She assists our Event Coordinator, Kelly with our luncheons.  Her husband's business donates our centerpieces!

[FOR GARDEN'S SAKE NURSERY, www.fgsnursery.com, 

9157 N Carolina 751, Durham, NC 27713, Phone: (919) 484-9759]

Kelly and Marsha had a fabulous idea for Christmas:  Bundle past ISI talks with the book the speaker promoted.  For example:  this is my Bible study with my workshop from last month on CD.

We'll make these available next month as well.  Great idea for Christmas.  If you want to order any - send me a note.  We'll wrap it for you as well.



Yummy food!



Arrival





We have a great salad buffet with soup, chicken salad, tuna salad, pasta salad, fruit salad and regular salad, as well as bread and muffins.  As my sister, Heather says, "It's the bomb!"

Our book table.



I welcome everyone and share the purpose of our ministry and luncheon.

Nancy Cobb, a KGM Board Member shared -

Cindy Finley led us in prayer

Her contact lens had fallen out prior to her coming to lead in prayer - hence the funny hand jesture!  She is so great.  She just rolls with whatever!

I introduce the speaker!

Our speaker!

Ministry takes place.

Sweet fellowship also takes place.

Below, two of the KGM Board Members, Nancy Cobb and Suzi McDuffee.  Almost the entire Board comes each month.  It's such a blessing to have their support.



Below is Sandie.  She handles all of the KGM administrative "stuff!"  She contacted me a few years ago and asked how she could help.  I have not run her off!!!  She's still here - being the biggest blessing in the world to us.

This month, a really cool thing happened - the ladies stayed and stayed long after the event was over.

Sweet, sweet ministry took place.

A little secret:  both Phyllis and I were majorly sick!  (We both refused to talk about it or share it with anyone.)   She went to urgent care when she left and was diagnosed with an acute ear infection and sinus infection.  Talk about perseverance! 

I had a horrible cold.  BOTH OF US were LIVING the POWER of PRAYER and the HOLY SPIRIT.  I went home and collapsed.



Above, one of our first time guests.  (I hope she'll be back!)

Below:  Cindy and her daughter ( can't remember her name!)  She came from Charlotte  to surprise her mom by telling her: she was going to be a grandmother!

Our speakers - all of them - keep us on the edge of our seats!

Do you see?  WE have women of all ages that come to drink from this refreshing spring!  Please make plans to join us next month -

December 14th!

I realize December is busy, but make time to redirect your perspecitve!

Amy Carroll, of Proverbs 31 will be our guest speaker. 

More details will come...