My Blog has Transitioned

This is my final post on Google Blogger.    For consistency and simplicity, we have transitioned everything to our Wordpress platform @ www.knowinggodministries.net   

Although there should no glitches to you, the subscriber, in the event you do not receive any posts within the next two weeks via email, please contact us and let us know!   Melody  will be happy to help you!

If you are not subscriber, PLEASE visit our blog site and enter your email! We would love for you to be a part of the Knowing God Ministries family!

Many Blessings,

Do you shop at Belk?

Do you ever shop at Belk?  

Do you Christmas shop?

Are you looking for a way to help KGM 

AND 

get a jump start on your Christmas shopping?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you will not want to miss out on this opportunity. It's a win for YOU and for KGM.

It's the Belk Charity Sale!  KGM is a registered charity for this event!

DETAILS:
For 4 hours on Saturday, November 7th, you can shop at ANY BELK location and receive:

• up to 70% off storewide including savings on rarely discounted brands
• $5 off your first purchase
• Even if you can't shop November 7th, you can start reserving your merchandise November 2nd!

Time:

4 Hours ONLY!

Saturday, Nov. 7

6am-10am

ANY Belk Store

Tickets
You Must have Ticket - Tickets are $5  
(but you get your $5 back at checkout when you make your first purchase)

How to obtain a ticket:

1. Contact our office melody@knowinggodministries.net  - Contact us now!!!
2. Available at KGM @ NITE

How you can help:

1. Buy a $5 ticket
2. Forward this email to your friends - ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO SHOP AT BELK
3. Purchase (like I did) 10 tickets and give them away to special people.  (Or you could sell them)
4. Volunteer at a Belk store the morning of the event!  (Contact me for details)  I'll be volunteering!

This event is a win/win for both you and KGM!   Please join us in furthering the kingdom by planning your Christmas shopping in advance!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Selective Hearing

Belk Charity Sale

up 70% off storewide!

(Details + Luncheon Info below!)

Isaiah 66:2

"This is the one I esteem," declares the Lord, 

"He who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my Word."

I often joke with my husband by telling him he has selective hearing.  He hears the things he wants and ignores what he doesn't want to hear!

But if I'm honest, I wonder if God thinks the same of me.  Although I genuinely want to hear God's direction,  when I sense Him saying something I really don't want to hear such as: 

• "Forgive...  I'll vindicate," when in reality, I'd rather vindicate.  
• Or "Fast and pray," when I don't want to deny myself chocolate or dessert.  
• Or "Go and engage" when I'd rather stay in my comfort zone...

Its as if I turn into a quintessential two year old with a my fingers in my ears singing, "I don't hear you!"  Whatever it may be, I tend to turn the page and pretend I didn't hear that.  'Surely that isn't for me,'  I'll tell myself.   

How do YOU respond when God impresses something on your heart, you'd rather not hear?  Do you tremble at His Word?  Are you humble toward what He has to say?  Do you tend to have selective hearing as well?

If you and I want to the benefits of a closer walk with Him such as:   

• Hearing Him speak into ALL our circumstances giving direction and guidance
• Filling our marriages and/or parenting or business' with His resurrection life when we're on empty
• Living with joy and peace, despite the battle we may be facing...

WE have to resist the urge of being a selective listener.   THIS He esteems!

What to do when in a Fiery Trial

Daniel 3:24-25
"Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?...  Look!  I see four men walking around in the fire... and the fourth looks like the son of the gods."

NOTE:  This post is in response to a young mom who contacted me to ask about my daughter.  Her son was recently diagnosed with the same autoimmune disease my daughter has battled for 11 years. 

My advice to her and you, if you're walking through a fiery trial, is to:

1. Fervently pray over your situation.
2. Ask for eyes to see His Presence in the midst of your fiery ordeal. 

When you do, the journey may be dark, but you'll experience God unlike EVER before.  He promises to be with us in trials - even when it doesn't feel like it...

When my daughter, Caroline was two years old, she was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disorder called juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).   A mouth full to pronounce, this is a rare skin and muscle disease.  It presents itself looking like eczema, but it's not.  JDM gradually weakens the major muscle systems in the body until you can barely walk, swallow or breathe.  

Six months following this diagnosis,  her body was still not responding to the medications.  It was at the six month visit I entered the fire when I heard the words no parent wants to hear: "We're not sure if Caroline will make it unless we do something drastic."

Immediately a knot formed in my throat and I felt paralyzed with fear.  Millions of things go through your mind when something happens with your child:   

• You tend to blame yourself.  
• You wonder if you ate or drank something during pregnancy that could have caused it. 
• You wonder if in your cluelessness in parenting, if something happened that could have prevented it.  

Suddenly you find yourself spiraling into a sea of despair and hopelessness.  You're not even sure what to do next.  Getting out of the bed even seems difficult. 

In addition to her daily regimen of drugs, but Caroline would also begin receiving weekly shots of a strong chemotherapy drug that I was supposed to administer.  She would also be admitted monthly to the Duke Children's Hospital for infusions lasting six hours or more each visit.  

I walked around in a fog for days.  

Then God led me to call  my friend and neighbor, Suzi.  Unlike me, Suzi was able to think clearly and was not paralyzed by the trauma of the situation.  She knew the greatest thing needed - maybe even more than the increased therapy, was prayer.  And not just "cross my heart, hope it goes well" prayer, we needed fervent, on our face, storming the gates of heaven kind of prayer.  (Which I knew NOTHING  about at the time.  I do now.)

She immediately responded by calling a prayer meeting in her home.  She invited anyone who was willing to come for prayer.  

With our faces in the carpet, we cried out to the Mighty Deliverer. We asked for healing.  We asked for His help.  We prayed Scripture.  But equally importantly, we prayed for His Presence in the situation.  Side note:  We did this for 12 months, prior to EVERY Duke appointment.

As a result, I watched God undertake for me in ways that could have only been Him.  He would open my eyes to see His Presence every time I was at Duke Hospital.  I would "see Him" in the fire with me:

• When Caroline had to have multiple viles of blood drawn, the person drawing the blood would get it on the first prick instead of having to insert the needle multiple times.
• The nurses assigned to us seemed to be hand-picked - just for us.
• I would marvel at Caroline's uncommon courage - especially when I felt weak.
• He would enable my three year old to stay calm and perfectly still for six straight hours as she was hooked to monitors and an IV.
• Jesus would even help me find a parking place on those hard days.  This may sound small and trivial - but it was huge!

I could go on!  These examples scratch the surface.  I "saw Jesus" in one of the most scary trials I've ever encountered.  Within six months, Caroline was responding favorably to this new regimen!  He was answering our prayers both big and small.

Quite frankly, she's doing so well now, that it's easy to forget she has this disease.  Eleven years later, Caroline's disease is in remission!  Talk about answered prayer!

But the daily medications and the weekly drama of taking methatrexate are continual reminders that we're still in this.  (The disease has morphed into rheumatoid arthritis). We also continue to have quarterly visits to Duke and because this disease is provoked by the sun and ultraviolet rays, we apply sunscreen to her arms and hands even during the winter months.  Having moisturizer that has a good SPF is a must year round.  

Without a doubt, prayer has more to do with Caroline's wellness than her meds.  Yes, I give God praise for advanced medicine.  But sometimes advanced medicine is not enough.  Prayer - fervent prayer is what's needed even more.  

If you find yourself placed in a fiery trial, look for His Presence.  He'll be there with you, just was He was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.    You just have to have eyes "to see." You'll see Him in the mundane doing miraculous things only He can do!   When you "see Him," turn your despair into praise and gratitude!  And then look for an opportunity to tell others of His reality in your fiery trial!.

October 16th:  The Cash Clash!
Click HERE for details
Registration is open!




November 3rd:  Raising Responsible Children
Click HERE for details
Registration is open!

When Your Soul is Thirsty

Psalm 42:1-2

As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

This past weekend, I did a retreat in Grundy, Va, called 'Got Purpose?'  

Grundy is DEEP in the Appalachian mountains - close to the Virginia/West Virginia line. Once arriving, (five plus hours from Raleigh)  I found faith-filled women.  No, STRONG, ROOTED, faith-filled women.  

Retreat Team 

Above is the retreat team of Harman Memorial Baptist.  They were amazing!  Harman Memorial is in coal mine country.  (It was really cool seeing an active mine - across the street from the church. I've never seen a mine before!)  But even cooler were the women who attended.

The ~100+ women who attended were HUNGRY for truth.  Truly, they reminded me of the key verse today.  Their souls were thirsty for living water.  They were thirsty for hope. 

Many drove an hour + to attend.

Women of all ages

Even mothers and daughters!  (my favorite!)

I share this - because it's rare to find such spiritual hunger.  It's rare to find a leadership team that truly understands the power of prayer.  This leadership team in the months leading up to the retreat - met regularly for prayer.  They even took a day to fast. 

They absolutely inspired and encouraged me personally with their heart for prayer.  (See the new hit movie War Room.  Click to see trailer)   Prayer is powerful! 

As a result:

Women responded to the challenge of identifying the sin that would rather stay hidden in our lives; to forgiving those who sin against us; to walk with God by SITTING in our chair; to obey God - even when it means stepping out of comfort zones.

They responded by drawing lines in the sand - on their knees in prayer.  Each committing to walk with the Lord afresh - fulfilling the specific, God-given purpose each of them have been given.

Hope and joy abounded!  In a difficult area of the country where coal mining has been shut down and the economy severely depressed - women have a new way of approaching the everyday.  Women are dreaming again!  Except now - they're allowing their dreams to be defined by the God of hope!

Retreat leader, Dee Dee Looney

Thank you Dee, Belinda, Tracie, Sarah, Tonya, etc... for the opportunity to minister to your women!  What a privilege.

ALSO:  LOVED going to Huddle House at 11pm Friday night!  Can't remember the last time I was up that late:)  Fun getting to know you!

Luncheon Friday, September 18th

Luncheons are a mini oasis' of spiritual refreshment...each with a specific message to

help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.

This month:  SPIRITUAL WARFARE!

Speaker:  Debbie Wilson

Do you ever feel discouraged for no apparent reason?  

Does fear control you?  

Does your past taunt you? 

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you're experiencing

Spiritual Warfare...

Click HERE for more and to register.

Early Registration ends Wednesday!

6 Ways to Become your Husband's Companion

 
If in the Raleigh, NC area, don't miss the first KGM @ Nite and Tara speak on her latest book,
The 7 Day Challenge.  
See below for details!

Genesis 2:18, 

The Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be ALONE!

Men desire companionship from their wives.   They long to have someone with whom they can share life’s experiences.

However, I believe men are lonelier today than ever.  With social media occupying our minds, our kids busier than ever with sports or activities and the endless things we use to fill our schedules, men are lonely.

Even worse is when our men feel alone in our presence because we’ve become so disconnected emotionally, physically and spiritually.  Often we can be sitting beside him on the sofa or at the dinner table but are so distracted with our own agendas and schedules that our men are left out in the cold.

IF this is your home:

1.      Have the courage to say, I’m guilty!  

2.      Start being “available” when you’re both home at the same time. 

3.      Begin listening to him when he talks.  Put your smart phone down and look at him when he’s talking. 

4.      Don’t interrupt him. LEARN TO RESPOND TO WHAT HE IS SAYING.  This has become lost in today’s society.  Example:  He says:  “Let’s have roast beef Sunday, with mashed potatoes.  That’s my favorite meal.”  And you respond, “Hmmm, Sunday….what time do you want to leave for Church?”

5.      Laugh with him.  Study what amuses him.  It’s a big deal to a man that you are on the same page with him.

6.      Be willing to do things he enjoys (including watching things on TV).

Men are typically not as talkative as we are, so become comfortable with silence.  Your physical presence and mental presence will be noticed, even if you aren’t saying anything.

Taken from: Click HERE for more

Does your Marriage need a little touch-up work... a little sprucing up?  

Or a major overhaul?

Come and learn how the Bible's recipe for marriage can lead to significant change in only 7 Days!

EVENT TITLE:

Jump Start your Marriage in a Week

– The 7 Day Challenge

Location:

Hope Community – Morrisville Campus

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Tickets:

$10 – ticket  |  $22 – ticket + book (details below)

Register HERE!

Intimacy in Marriage - a Gift to be Prioritized

Song of Solomon 5:1
Oh, love and beloved, eat and drink!  Yes, drink deeply of your love!

Friday's Luncheon - SO good to see familiar faces...



and to meet all the new faces!



We had a full house to discuss a topic that for the most part, is NOT discussed in the church at large.
The topic:  Intimacy in Marriage.



  How can it be?  How awkward for a Pastor or Minister to address from the pulpit:

• Lack of intimate desire?
• Menopause issues?
• Dryness?
• Pain?
• Body image issues?

But in a room full of Christian women - we discussed it!    And we didn't just scratch the surface, we talked about very real issues and received solid Biblical truth.

Personally, it was refreshing to discuss a subject that drives much of the culture, except we brought God's standard and truth into the subject.

The big message of the day:  Sex in marriage is a precious gift we should prioritize, protect and foster.

Brigitte Harrison, our bold, courageous speaker, encouraged us to:

• Build a wall!  Sex serves as a barrier against temptation.  She described it as adding a layer of bricks around the wall of your marriage.
• To not be ashamed!  Sex is not something to be ashamed of.  God created it and said that it was good.  

She told us that sex unifies.  That sex allows us to intimately know each other.  That sex is actually a picture of God's love!  God's love is about acts of service; His love is sacrificial; His love is selfless. Therefore, we should be the same.


She even challenged us to be creative and adventurous.  There were 3 questions we should ask:
1.  Does God say no to this?
2.  Is it good for us?  Will it be encouraging?
3.  Is it only us?  (NEVER should sex involve other people.)



And the biggie:  We, as women, should not only respond to our husband's advances, but it is vital for us to initiate.  Men want to know we are eager, not just enduring.  They want to feel wanted.



Not always easy.  Several women during the break approached me in tears sharing that their marriage is on the brink of disaster - and that they've never initiated intimacy.  They were thankful to have heard such truth.

During the Workshop -




Oh my!  What a hoot this was!  Tons of fun!

Between Rey Cooke, Debbie Wilson and Brigitte; Kelly Hollis as the moderator, anonymous questions from the audience were answered.  Nothing was held back!

They did a great job answering with practical suggestions - some that even made us belly laugh!  If you were there, who will forget what Rey shared about coconut oil???



In all seriousness, what I personally loved was how these women addressed issues that come from menopause.  One such example was Rey sharing that though she had lost most all desire, she made up her mind that since this was important to her husband, she would make it important to her.  She proceeded to share the practicals of how she did this.

Another big moment (in my opinion) was when Brigitte answered a question saying, "Many of these issues I shared were NOT my husband's issues.  They were mine.  But I sat with the Lord and allowed HIM to walk me through these issues instead of making them my husband's problems.  You should do the same - sit with Jesus.  Allow HIM to heal your heart."

Amen!

The other really awesome thing was the number of spiritually mature women who were in the audience and were able to add such encouragement to the discussion.  The things they shared were PROFOUND!  I wish you could have been there!  One such nugget:

• Resentment and Romance are not good bedfellows.  If you're angry with your husband and not forgiving him - romance can never come.

POWERFUL statement.

• Another shared how she found passion in her marriage again following breast cancer.  A very moving moment.

1. To see more pictures from the luncheon, click HERE
2. To share your favorite part of the luncheon or the teaching that was most meaningful to you, join us on the KGM Facebook page by clicking HERE

Don't miss our September luncheon -
September 18th with Debbie Wilson.
Topic:  How to Win at Spiritual Warfare

Pre-Order your copy of my latest book!

It's discounted if you order by August 28th!  You'll also receive some fun presale perks, like a pass for a friend to the

KGM @ Night Event September 10th!

Married Woman: Sex is Warfare

1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Given our topic for this week's opening luncheon:  Making Intimacy a Priority - 

And a subject I've studied in writing, The 7 Day Challenge Guidebook, Jump-start your Marriage in a Week ...

I've realized something I had never considered:  If you are married, and you and your husband are not coming together very often, you are inadvertently giving Satan a wide open door for temptation.  

In This Momentary Marriage, John Piper writes:


A married couple gives a severe blow to the head of that ancient serpent when they aim to give as much sexual satisfaction to each other as possible.   Is it not a mark of amazing grace that on top of all the pleasure that the sexual side of marriage brings, it also proves to be a fearsome weapon against our ancient foe? 

Marriage at its exquisite peak of pleasure speaks powerfully the truth of covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church. And that love is the most powerful force in the world.   It is not surprising then that Satan's defeat, Christ's glory, and our pleasure should come together in the undefiled marriage bed.

Is this new perspective or what???  Maybe not for you, but it has been for me. 

It's been my experience that women use sex as a weapon for getting what they want. Or have a take it or leave it mentality.  It's rare that I find a woman who craves sex as a man does.  

Regardless, sex needs to be on our radar because it's warfare against the enemy.  We, as women, must wake-up and become savvy.  Sex in the marriage bed is spiritual warfare against the one [Satan] who desires to kill, steal and destroy our marriages.  Sex becomes the blow to the ancient serpent while strengthening the family unit.

More on this subject?

Brigitte is the one on the right. 

• If you are local to the Raleigh, NC area, don't miss our luncheon Friday. A brave, courageous Pastor's wife, Brigitte Harrison will speak truth with authenticity on this subject.    

We'll also have panel members:  Rey Cooke, Debbie Wilson, and Brigitte Harrison, women representing all ages - willing to take your questions during the workshop hour.  Click HERE for more.

• My new book, written with Nancy Cobb!  There's a whole section on intimacy.  The practical suggestions will leave you gasping thinking, "Did I just read that?"  Oh girl, with Nancy's help - she BLEW ME away!  Prepare to be blown away yourself!

Pre-orders have started!  You can order your book now through Aug. 28th for a discount + more!  Click HERE

The God we WANT HIM to be

(Two Exciting Announcements Below)

Romans 1:21-22
Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't  worship Him as God or even give Him thanks.  And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like.  As a result, their minds became dark and confused.  Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.


Because God is good, kind, merciful, forgiving, loving and long-suffering, it becomes easy to think God is a God:

• who is tolerant towards whatever our hearts desire and excuses sin 
• who says any world religion is fine as long as you are well-meaning  
• who says love is all that matters - marry and have sex with whomever you like  
• who says all things are permissible as long as you're a good person

We see this EVERYWHERE:  people thinking up foolish ideas of what God is like.   But this is thinking up a god who meets our individual desires...

Making Him the god we WANT Him to be... not the God Who reveals Himself on the pages of Scripture.   As a result, Scripture tells us, minds become dark and confused.  What a warning this is for those of us in the church AND outside the church.

The Creator God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God Who sent His Son as the ONLY way to His heaven, is the same God WHO IS loving, merciful, forgiving, long-suffering and kind.

But He is ALSO:

• the God of wrath; (Romans 2)
• the God who will judge sin; (Romans 2)
• the God who shows his anger from heaven by allowing judgments to fall.  (Romans 2)
• The God who will expose and judge our secret lives and thoughts.  (Romans 2)
• the God who disciplines those He loves - allowing them to have hard times;  (James 1)
• the God allows persecution.  Christians aren't promised freedom on this earth - they're promised persecution.  (John 15:19)
• the God Who says, "My Spirit will not always strive with man."  (Gen 6:1)

Is this new to you?  if so, take time to read the references.  

There's so much erroneous teaching.  My new prayer has become, "Lord, protect me from formulating the god the world says you are.  Help me to know YOU, with great clarity, the God of the Bible."

Make sure you have not formulated GOD into a god you want Him to be.

Do you KNOW the God of Scripture? 

• Ask yourself, "Who do I believe God is?  Is this the God of Scripture or have I made him into what I WANT him to be?"

• Pray - "Help me to know WHO YOU truly are - not who i want you to be."

• Over the next week, watch these videos created by Anne Lotz.  They're wonderful for your quiet time... And will help you to understand not only the God Who is... but what all the national and international disasters unfolding in the news have in common with the God WHO is.

Coming Soon...


Preorders begin soon!  Details to follow.
Make sure you're following us on Facebook!


Luncheons are Back!
Save the Date: August 21
Registration Open

It's a HOT topic this month:  Intimacy in Marriage   
IF you're married or one day want to be - you will not want to miss this!
Click HERE for details

10 Ways to Identify a Woman of Integrity

Psalm 15:2-5
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
    speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
3 Those who refuse to gossip
    or harm their neighbors
    or speak evil of their friends.
4 Those who despise flagrant sinners,
    and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
    and keep their promises even when it hurts.
5 Those who lend money without charging interest,
    and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

Would you consider yourself to be a woman of integrity?  Until my recently, I would have answered yes without question.  

In my last post, I shared how my cell phone was stolen this past weekend.  (Update below.) It's easy to think I'm a woman of integrity because I don't steal cell phones.  But when I study God's Word - I see something a different standard.

In my quiet time, I'm studying David and the years prior to him becoming king.  The decisions David made during these lean, hard years, prepared him for the destiny God had for him.  David chose to make one good decision after another... after another.

But when I look at the integrity behind the decisions David made, I see how we must be careful of the so called "small areas" of life.   In God's eyes, these small areas are character defining.

Below are a few ways we can "tighten up."  They may sound harsh.  But until we call things WHAT THEY ARE, and see things the way God sees them, we'll continue to be deceived by our own self-righteousness.

• Do you have conviction?  When you read the news, do you have God's sense of right and wrong - standing firmly upon it?  (It's not always the popular viewpoint.)

• Do you base your moral compass on what everyone else says is right or wrong?  Or is your moral compass based upon God's standards?   

• Do you tell "white lies" telling yourself it's only a little lie so it really doesn't count?

• Do you do the right thing, all the time, even when no one is looking or when you'll not get any credit?

• Do you ever twist the facts so that it becomes the truth?  This way, you can have an appearance of being honest.

• Do you ever emotionally manipulate people to get what you want?  (intentionally or unintentionally)   Sometimes this is hard to see in ourselves.  But if we really want to be women of integrity, don't fight that small voice in your heart that may be revealing that you're a manipulator.  I speak from experience.

• Do you keep your word or because of the rushed world we live in, forget and fail to be a woman of your word?  Such examples could include: 

1. Telling someone you'll do something, and then fail to carry it out...   
2. Telling someone you'll pray, then forgetting...  
3. Telling someone you want to have lunch or coffee with them, never really intending to do it because of your busy schedule.

• Do you retaliate when someone betrays you unjustly?

• Do you approach your Christian service (or any for that matter) as an effort done at your convenience?  They're lucky to have you, right?   So you show up late; prepare the morning of or night before.

• Do you gossip about others but become very critical of others who may be gossiping about you?

Very convicting list.  I'm GUILTY of some of these.  Are you?

I've been hearing "tighten up," in my heart.  Jesus says in Luke 16:10, "If you are faithful in the little things, you will be faithful in large ones.  But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities..."

If this is a convicting post, be encouraged.  An honest self-assessment will ultimately bring freedom... Making you a woman of integrity, not only in the eyes of men, but most importantly, in the eyes of the ONE Who ultimately matters - The Lord God Almighty, Himself!

"Nothing is more pathetic than having a small character in a big assignment. Many of us don't want to give attention to our character; we just want the big assignment from God." 

- Henry Blackaby

UPDATE
Thank you for your prayers, I got my cell phone back!  The 19 year old kid made a small series of good decisions following his disastrous one.  I'm praying he's on his way to becoming a man of integrity.  Psalm 25:8, "He shows the proper path to those who go astray."   Glory to God!

The Link between Decisions and Integrity

Psalm 26:11
I live with integrity.  So redeem me and show me mercy.

This past weekend my cell phone was stolen from the hotel room my family and I were staying in. We had been on the beach and had decided to ride bikes to eat lunch.  So we went up to the room, got money, I plugged in my phone and then rode bikes to our lunch destination.

Upon my return an hour later,  the phone and the charger were gone.  We called the police. Ultimately, a 19 year old kid in housekeeping confessed.  He lost his job and was charged with larceny.

Ouch.

I can't help but wonder the trail of bad decisions that led up to the brazenness to callously steal.  But one thing is for sure:  one REALLY bad decision between 2:00 and 2:15pm on a random Saturday, changed the trajectory of this young man's life.

My heart hurts him.  Though angry on Saturday, by Sunday morning, I was reading the Lord's prayer. Jesus tells us to ask for forgiveness of our sins, but to also forgive those who sin against us.

This young man sinned against me and my family.  He violated our safe space.  He stole something of great value ($900+).   Though insurance will cover some of it, I still have to pay the deductible.  I also now have to invest the TIME in replacement, etc.  (Time is something I seem to lack these days.) You know the drill.  Not fun.  Other than email, I'm officially off the grid for a week minimally.

Regardless, I choose to forgive this young man.  I want my sins forgiven, so I have no other choice, but to choose to forgive.  In this choice, I'm finding myself led to pray for him.  I'm praying he'll begin making good decisions.  That he'll become a man of integrity.

He did make the choice to confess - good decision!
He did make the choice to return the phone - another good decision!
He did not return the phone with the sim card in it.  The sim card is the computer of the phone. - Bad decision.

The police have given him 24 hours to return the sim card in order for additional charges not to be filed.

My prayer today is that the Lord will show the proper path to this one who has gone astray.  (Psalm 25:8)  Will you join me in praying?

It's easy for me to think I'm a woman of integrity because I don't steal cell phones, I haven't killed anyone and I do the right thing MOST of the time.

But when I study God's Word - I see something a little different.  This 19 year old kid and I have more in common than I'd like to think.   There's a link between the decisions we make (good or bad; big or small) and our integrity.

I want to be a woman of integrity.  Do you?

Next Post:  Identifying if we are Women of Integrity

Trusting God for Provision, Guest: Lindsey Wingo

Psalm 23:1 (NLV)

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.” 

I remember my first lesson about God’s provision and blessing in my life. 

I was in elementary school and had gotten  from my grandmother for getting good grades on my report card. I already knew what I would purchase with my well-earned money, and I couldn’t wait to go shopping!   

Soon after receiving my reward, I attended a church service and my heart was pricked as I heard about a special love offering that would be taken up that night.  Even as a child, I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to give my $30 to the love offering.  I was torn because I really wanted to use it for myself. But I talked with my parents and decided to give my money to the love offering instead. 

A few weeks later, my mother shared my story with the women’s Bible study she led.   Soon after, I received an anonymous letter in the mail with $30 inside!  At a young age, God was teaching me the importance of obeying His Spirit’s promptings and watching as He poured out His blessings in return.

Now that I am older, and a mother myself,  I could list countless times when God provided for my specific needs in powerful and practical ways.   

My mom uses the illustration of holding everything we have with open palms. The Lord gives, and the Lord can take away. It all belongs to Him! With this perspective, I am able to truly live life “anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). 

When He prompts me to give, I know it is more blessed to obey. As my husband and I practice tithing and giving to our local church, as well as other ministries God places on our hearts, I fully trust that He will be faithful to provide all of our needs. Ultimately, the greatest provision has already been made in Christ’s death and resurrection. That is truly all we really need, and it cannot be taken away from us if we belong to Him.

I have made the habit of writing in a journal each time the Lord meets specific needs in my life, answers prayers, and pours out His blessings in ways I haven’t even thought to ask! As my children grow, I will encourage them to do the same and will share some of the things written down in my own journals. Just as the Israelites were encouraged to pause and remember all that God had done for them and their ancestors, I want to be faithful to do the same for my own family. As we are faithful to obey, faithful to trust, faithful to remember, and faithful to pass it on to future generations, God receives the glory.

As my four-year-old quoted recently, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need” Psalm 23:1 (NLV). May we walk closely with our true Shepherd, ready to obey, fully trusting Him for our provision.

About Lindsey

Lindsey was the speaker at our March 2015 Luncheon

            

Lindsey Wingo is the Editor-in-chief and founder of the Missional Motherhood blog. She is the wife of Worship Pastor, Ryan Wingo and stay-at-home mother of two sweet girls, Ivey (4) and Ruthie (2), with a little boy on the way! 

The idea for Missional Motherhood was birthed in her heart after attending KGM's 1st Annual Women’s Conference from which she left with a renewed desire to intentionally pass on the truth of God’s Word to her children, training them up to send them out.  It is her prayer and vision that Missional Motherhood would unite mothers from around the globe with the common purpose of raising up a mighty generation of Christ-followers in an increasingly dark world. Lindsey has a passion for women’s ministry and is a firm believer in the power of true sisterhood in Christ!   She can also be found writing letters to her girls on her personal blog, “Dear Daughters.”