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We’re Not Called to Be Christians; We’re Called to Be Disciples!

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When I first heard Christian comedian John Stein say on Flashpoint, “We were never called to be Christians,” my ears perked up and I was thinking, “Say what?” Then, when he followed it with, “We were called to be disciples!” I said aloud, “Yes!” Christian outreach and mentoring. The heart of the Christmas and Easter stories.

At this time of year, we hear the Christmas story in sermons and read in our Bibles of how Jesus sacrificed his home in heaven to be born as an infant in a smelly earthly manger. Aren’t we grateful that Jesus’ teenage mother Mary didn’t have access to abortion clinics or abortion pills, but instead welcomed a child, the Savior of the world, at an extremely inconvenient and embarrassing time. She didn’t count the cost of the sacrifice of reputation and marital plans. She and fiancé Joseph both trusted God.

Then at Easter, we remember the reason Jesus came to earth was to die a painful humiliating death on a cross and rise alive three days later to offer those who believe in Him forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. But salvation comes with a responsibility as a “Christian.” Before ascending back to heaven, Jesus’ parting assignment to His disciples and to all Christians is The Great Commission.

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:16-20.

Jesus didn’t say go and make Christians. He said go and make disciples and then teach them what it means to be a Christian so that they in turn will disciple others. During his three-year earthly ministry, Jesus discipled men and women who then became His faith-filled followers: Christians. The term Christian doesn’t even occur in Scripture until after Barnabas and Saul (later named Paul) had been discipling the church.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:25-26

 Jesus never called his followers “Christians,” he called them disciples. Jesus’ divine plan for each of His followers was to multiply Christianity through discipleship and mentoring. Likewise, He called each of us who know Jesus as our Savior to be disciples. That should be a sobering and challenging thought and a commission for us this Christmas season.

How Can We Be Disciples?

  • Share Your Faith by Witnessing What Jesus Has Done for You

Christmas is an easy time of year to share our faith through conversations, Christmas cards, at parties, social media, wishing store clerks and everyone we have conversations with a Merry Jesus Christmas. But the real test of our faith is whether we take advantage of opportunities to talk about Jesus when it’s not Christmas or Easter.

Every Christian has a story to tell of how Jesus became his or her Savior. Why don’t we tell that miraculous divine story more often? People are intrigued to know more about each other. We ask questions like: How did you meet your husband or wife? How long have you been married? How long have you lived in this city or neighborhood? What kind of work do you do? How long have you attended this church?

Why don’t we ask: “How long have you been a Christian?” “How and when did you ask Jesus to be your Savior?” “What’s your faith story?” “What are you doing for Jesus today?” “How are you discipling others?”

Even if we’re not asked, why don’t we spontaneously tell our faith story of becoming a discipling Christian? Some might say that’s too personal. Jesus warns us against hiding the light of Jesus in our life.
 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16

Asking Jesus to come into our heart should be THE most important highlight of our life. It should define us! It’s our identity! We’re called to be disciples sharing Jesus. Not Christians who keep the greatest news in the world as a private secret.

In my blog last week, The Battle to ‘Fight, Fight, Fight’ Has Just Begun, I mentioned Pete Hegseth who is President-Elect Donald Trump’s cabinet choice for Department of Defense. As Pete encounters a media smear campaign, the Lord has given him tremendous opportunity to share his faith. Pete repeatedly says to reporters and cameras, “I am not the man I was ten years ago because of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Or he’ll say, “Jesus Christ saved my life.”

Hegseth is using an unfair persecution to disciple the public. He’s not just saying, “I’m a Christian,” which he actually does say on his Facebook profile. He’s discipling the world by telling what Jesus Christ did for him personally and offering hope that the listener’s life could also experience the same divine intervention.

Recently Boise State University’s football team won the Mountain West Championship and the first words out of the coach’s mouth when interviewed was, “Thank you Jesus!” Which my husband tells me the coach says after every win. The BSU running back Ashton Jeanty also gave all the glory to “Jesus for saving my life” when he was interviewed. Thousands of viewers heard these discipling moments and only God knows the young people or people going through a hard time who also gave their heart to Jesus after hearing these athletes use their platform to share Jesus.

“I thank God, man. I never thought I’d be in this position,” Colorado’s Travis Hunter said when accepting the Heisman Trophy, wiping away tears on Coach Prime’s shoulder.

These men understand discipling and how to publically and unashamedly give the glory to God for what He’s done, and is still doing, in their life! We marvel at them and yet they’re discipling us to also be just as proudly bold about Jesus. Not just at this time of year or when it’s convenient, but every opportunity, everyday.

  • Be a Mentor; Find a Mentor

Another word for discipling is mentoring. I like to paraphrase Titus 2:3-5 “Teach what you’ve been taught so others can go and teach or disciple what you taught them.” I always sign my book, Mentoring for All Seasons, “Be a mentor, find a mentor.”

Life is full and diverse. We encounter seasons and God helps us through each one so we can help someone else going through something similar. The subtitle to the book is my tagline and the perfect description of mentoring, “Sharing life experiences and God’s faithfulness.” Who do you know who needs you to disciple or mentor them through a life experience right now?

What Will It Cost to Be a Disciple?

While ruminating on the concept of being a Christian disciple and how I would write about it, I came across my Facebook friend Christine Trimpe’s meme, which is the opening picture I’m sharing with her permission. There is a cost of discipleship. Our time. Energy. Effort. Maybe even persecution.

  • While Jesus called us to be disciples, He also warned us of the sacrifice.

 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:25-32. NLT

  • We may suffer for being a discipling Christian.

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” Matt. 12:30 NLT

Peter was saying what the opening picture of this blog depicts. We need to completely surrender our heart to Jesus and be ready to go wherever He sends us, talk to whomever He puts in our path, and be ready and willing to tell the Greatest Story ever told! “Once I was lost, but Jesus found and saved me and He wants to save you too.”

After dark one evening, he [Nicodemus] came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:2-3

Jesus answered [Thomas], “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Who do you know this Christmas who needs to hear discipling truths?

Please leave a comment here.

Note: I’m taking off the next two Mondays, but the Lord willing, I’ll be back with a Monday Morning Blog on January 6, 2025, and my December end of the year About His Work Ministries Newsletter will be out on December 30.

Merry Jesus Christmas and Happy Discipling 2025!

December 16, 2024
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The Millimeter Miracle!

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I had planned to take this week off from writing my Monday Morning Blog, but after the attempted assassination of President Trump while we were on vacation last week, and Biden pulling out of the presidential race, I feel I can’t wait another week to share what the Lord’s been revealing to me.

Like so many other history-making events in the past, I’ll never forget where I was when my texts started blowing up with the news of the horrific, satanic, cowardly attempt to take President Trump’s life. Dave and I were enjoying a meet-and-greet party at our son’s house in North Carolina where we were meeting our grandson’s bride-to-be and her family the night before their wedding the next day. We were surrounded by family members and friends we hadn’t seen in years and looking forward to seeing our new six-month-old great-grandbaby and her mommy, neither of which we had met yet. It was a joyful gathering and then the conversation turned to President Trump’s harrowing experience as new details filled all our phones.

There was relief that Trump would be ok, but sadness to learn that a rally attender was murdered while shielding his wife and two daughters from the bullets and two others were critically injured. How did this happen? Why did this happen? As I write this blog, we still don’t have those answers and I wonder if we ever will.

Why have so many Democrats, liberals, media pundits, and progressives, including the Biden Administration, tried to silence and gag Donald J. Trump and his supporters during this presidential campaign? Why are they so afraid of a fair political fight? They’ve tried to intimidate him, falsely impeach him, imprison him, take him off the ballot, and now eliminate him? I think it’s because . . .

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. John 3:20

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

They’re afraid that Trump will uncover and expose the evil, selfish, corrupt deeds they’ve undemocratically imposed on the American people in order to destroy America for personal and political gain, greed, and power. I don’t care who they nominate to replace Biden, the Democrat political platform and agenda is demonic and evil. Those who subscribe to it have been deceived by lies.

Trump doesn’t even need to reveal their lies and demonic platform. God is doing it for him. For example, all Trump had to do was show up at the debate, and Biden showed the world the great four-year cover up that he is not capable of leading America. Someone else is obviously running the White House and every person and media pundit who swore he was capable, was lying. Most of us who are paying attention already knew that. Now, with the dark deceit and deception exposed to the light, it can’t be denied. Just as when light hits cockroaches, they’re all scrambling for cover and cover up.

Speaking To The ‘Never-Trumpers’

I’m sure some in my broad mailing list don’t like President Trump. You are still talking about the mean tweets, even though he hasn’t been on Twitter, now X, for four years. It’s hard for you to admit that life was so much better during his administration because you don’t like him personally. I don’t know all your issues, but here are some that I’ve heard from Never Trumpers:

  • Trump’s been divorced and married three times. Well Reagan was divorced and married twice. Did you hold that against him? I’ve been divorced and married twice too. Do you hold that against me? I know God hates divorce, but He also gave us free will and some of us, or our spouses, made poor choices in our earlier years. I was unequally yoked because I didn’t have wise mentoring as a young college grad. I’ve asked God for forgiveness and received God’s grace to marry my husband of thirty-two years, Dave, and become a Christian author, speaker, and director of Woman to Woman Mentoring and About His Work Ministries. 
  • Things Trump’s said and done in the past. When I looked at a list of things Never-Trumpers claimed he said or did, most of them have been debunked, even though the media and Democrats continue to tout the misquotes and lies. King David actually raped another man’s wife and when he impregnated her, he had her husband killed. Yet, God called David a man after his own heart and used David in the lineage of Jesus Christ. David had consequences like the loss of the son he and Bathsheba conceived, but then God gave them Solomon. Many of us find solace in reading King David’s Psalms, which are a favorite part of our beloved Bible. God can turn our past into purpose, and I do believe that’s what he’s going to do with President Trump.
  • Trump’s Language. I’ll admit I cringe a lot too, or at least I did. But in his 90-minute Republican National Convention (RNC) speech, he didn’t say one cuss word!! He mentioned that a few months ago Franklin Graham had asked him to not use foul language and he said, “the last four or five times I’ve been good.” So, he knows and he’s trying! Trump also said, “I humbly ask for your vote.” He used the word humble at least twice and when he gave tribute to the fireman who was killed by one of the assassin’s bullets, Trump quoted, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16

I say to every “never-Trumper,” he who has never sinned, go ahead and throw the first verbal barb. But oh yeah, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) We’re voting for a platform, not a personality!

A Changed Man Still in the Fight

Near-death experiences change you forever. When I had my first diagnosis of breast cancer, I wasn’t sure if I would live or die. But I experienced a serenity of either being with the Lord for eternity, or if God spared me, knowing He had a purpose for my life that I had not yet tapped into. Obviously, I lived and actually lived through two more breast cancer scares. It changes you. In the Introduction to my book Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer, I wrote: “I continuously seek a new term to describe the ordeal because I’m more than just a “survivor”; I’m also a “winner”! You see, there is a spiritual battle going on around us—a battle for our souls, our hearts, and our minds—and God does not want us merely to survive this battle. He assures us that with His help we will be victorious. Wounded but not defeated. Not just surviving, implying we barely make it, but energized by running the race, staying the course, and fighting the good fight. Somehow, some way, we will be better women because of this experience.

I don’t feel I just survived’ rather, I believe God had a purpose and a plan in my breast cancer. He wanted my heart to break for every woman going through this. He intended for me to write this book and speak freely so others also might find purpose in their breast cancer.”

If you heard President Trump’s RNC speech, you heard him describe in detail the events of his near assassination. He said that might be the last time we hear him talk about it because it’s just too painful to recall. I wrote exactly that in Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer: “It took me months to write the first words of this book. I wanted so badly for you to have it in your hands, but every time I thought about putting my journey into words, it seemed too painful. Finally, I cried out to God to release what was holding me back and discovered that freeing power came when I wrote through the pain and despite the pain.”

Many of us have prayed for President Trump for years, and yes, we always pray that he will grow closer in his relationship with God. Escaping a near death experience will do that for you.

In President Trump’s case, the bullet missed blowing off the side of his face by ¼ inch, even closer than a millimeter, as he tilted his head to look at a graphic on the screen. His son, Eric, said his father’s Guardian Angel protected him. He usually shows that graphic towards the end of his speech, but in Buttler, Pennsylvania, he went off script and asked to show it just before the bullets started flying. When he showed the graphic at the RNC, he mentioned he never got to see it in Buttler, but it providentially saved his life turning to look at it. A Millimeter Miracle!

 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Gen 50:20

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. Phil. 1:12

Following are some direct quotes from President Trump the week following the attempted assassination.

  • On Truth Social, Trump acknowledged it was divine providence that spared him and an act of God: “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness. Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts thememory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.”
  • “It was God who helped me!”
  • “It changes your attitude, your viewpoint on life. Honestly, you appreciate God even more!”
  • “I’m not supposed to be here tonight, and yet, I stand here before you in this arena only by the grace of Almighty God who had other plans!”
  • Referring to when he dropped down after sensing something flying by his right ear and bringing his hand down full of blood knowing it was a bullet: “The amazing thing is I felt safe. I felt serene because I had God on my side.”
  • “None of us knows God’s plan for us. If I learned anything from last Saturday (July 13th), every moment we have on earth is a gift from God.”

To that, I, Janet, say Amen.

Pray for Former President and Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump’s Spiritual Transformation, Growth, and Reliance on God!

“I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NASB)

Twice in the last week, I’ve heard President Trump mention how his father took him to Yankee Stadium to hear Reverend Billy Graham. He’s remembering his spiritual roots. We must keep praying for President Trump because he can’t help but experience some PTSD from such a traumatic experience. Since he knows and acknowledges that it was God who saved him for such a time as this, our prayers can help him overcome any negative feelings as we celebrate with him a victory over an evil attempt to take him down.

I don’t know why God chose to use adulterer and murderer King David, or secular King Cyrus (Chr. 36-22-23, Ezra 1:1-2), and I don’t know why God’s using Donald J. Trump to make America great again. But I do believe God has called him and will protect him and use him to save America physically, globally, economically, and spiritually. When you consider the many evil attempts to discredit and destroy Trump, yet he still prevails, I think we need to agree with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who was President Trump’s Press Secretary and now the youngest governor in the United States and the first female governor of Arkansas, when she said at the RNC:

President Trump’s immediate reaction to the assassination attempt was captured in the iconic picture of him standing amongst Secret Service agents under the American flag with his fist in the air and blood streaming down his face, telling us to not give up or give in but to “Fight, Fight, Fight!”

We too must not lose heart, give up, or give in! However God leads you in the next four months to fight the spiritual and political battle, we can turn this all into good. We can help bring back civility, love for fellow man, and most importantly our dependence on, respect for, and love of God our Great Creator, Provider, and Ruler!

For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Phil. 2:13

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom. 8:28

Join the Fight for this Election Write Now! Join the My Faith Votes 2024 Presidential Election Letter Writing Campaign to encourage registered Christian voters in swing states to vote on November 5. We’re on a mission to motivate and equip Christians to Pray Think Vote in every election.

I’m sure you have some thoughts about this blog. Please leave a comment here and I’ll reply.

July 22, 2024
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How “God Winks” Can Help Us Through Difficult Times

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When I said in my last blog that I’d be taking a break for my husband’s knee replacement surgery, I didn’t expect to be MIA for six weeks. We heard stories of people having this surgery as outpatient or at best coming home the next day. I had no idea the journey that lay before us and we’re still venturing on, but God did. My husband continuously says he doesn’t know how anyone goes through this without God!

Praise God, He was our constant companion, even though I must admit I had a few meltdowns along the way!!!

For those of you who prayed for us, we’re grateful. Please keep praying! If you didn’t know about what we were going through, I’m sure you know someone having a difficult time right now and I encourage you to stop reading for a moment and pray for them. They’ll feel your prayers. They need your prayers.

Back to our story . . .

Dave got off to a rocky start when he had a bad reaction to the meds and anesthesia used during surgery. While he was in the hospital for five days, his oldest daughter Michelle and I were with him all day and evening. Michelle had flown out from Chicago to help us with his transition home.

Then to my shock, the doctors determined he wasn’t home ready and needed to go to a rehab facility where he would be placed in COVID quarantine. We could no longer see him! He had a negative COVID test right before they moved him, and we were all vaccinated, but those were “the rules.”

We walked with him as they wheeled him down the sidewalk to the rehab facility, but when the elevator doors shut, I was shut out of his life. Half of my heart ripped away!

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 2:7-9

I’d been his advocate in the hospital and now I was standing on the outside. I couldn’t stop crying. I’m crying now just remembering. I was one of those people you read about kept from their suffering loved ones. It’s reality to me now. It’s cruel.

I came home alone and Michelle flew home. Our family’s only visible communication with Dave, doctors, therapists, and nurses was FaceTime. Dave was there for eight days where he received physical, occupational, and recreational therapy and excellent care, but this was so beyond what we had anticipated.

I stared blankly when people asked, “Why?” Every time I heard that question, or about people who came home the next day, it only made me feel worse. Sad. Heartsick. Despondent.

There’s a lesson for us all. When someone is going through a traumatic experience, hearing how someone else sailed through it only impounds the hurt and trauma. All I wanted was a hug or a prayer. Compassion.

My worst nightmare became reality when 5’5” 122 lb. me, who had recently had surgery, would be bringing home by myself 6’4” 230 lb. hubby who could barely stand up and move by himself, even with a walker. He would have to stay in our basement “Man Cave.” It would be a long time before he could navigate stairs up to our living level.

And so the journey began even though I felt completely inadequate for what God was asking me to do on my own to successfully help this man I love so much recover well and safely. It seemed overwhelming. It was overwhelming.

But of course, I wasn’t completely alone. That’s when the God Winks started!

God Winks Don’t Miss Them!

Dave and I had prayed before his surgery and during his recovery that we would be a witness and light for God’s goodness to everyone we met, and that they would see Jesus in us, no matter what. Maybe that prayer set us on this trajectory because God wanted to use us for His glory. I can’t say I always represented Him well. My emotions at times overtook me when I couldn’t stop crying or heard myself having an unkind outburst, but there were also some amazing experiences where God’s glory shown through in spite of us.

God Wink #1

I thought daughter Michelle came to help after we got home, but it turned out God wanted to use her to support me while Dave was in the hospital and through the experience of sending him off to rehab. Michelle was my rock, a calm and steady voice, gentle pat on my back, and hug that guided me through the crisis and chaos. When I was too upset to eat, she located a smoothie shop nearby that’s now become my favorite!

We live 1 ½ hours from the hospital and rehab. So our daughter Kim, who lives closer, welcomed Michelle and me to stay as long as we needed, which meant my two granddaughters gave up their bedrooms and slept on the couch. No complaining. That’s what love does.

While I was away from home, neighbors Joni and Mike, who are also part of our Couples Bible Study Group, watered our plants and mowed our lawn. Mike takes our trash to the dump when he’s home. (We live in the rural mountains, no trash service.)

God Wink #2

One of the male nurses in the hospital stopped in Dave’s room, even though Dave wasn’t his patient that day, and said he had looked up my books on my website! He was a Christian too.

When Dave was in rehab, I brought some of his favorite juice to help him get more fluids since his BP kept dropping. The nurse that came to the door began comforting me about not being able to see him and I noticed the cross around her neck. Turns out, she’s a Christian also and Dave was her patient for the day. I knew he was in God’s hands.

She assured me that rehab was right where he needed to be. He wasn’t capable of coming home yet, but they would work to get him ready. Rehab was actually a God-Wink blessing.

God Wink #3

Several days before I brought Dave home, three men from church came over and helped prepare the Man Cave by taking off doors, moving furniture, making repairs, and taking Dave’s recliner downstairs.

God Wink #4

Leanna, a dear friend from our Couple’s Bible Study Group, got up early to leave at 6:30 am to drive down to Boise with me to pick up Dave from rehab. I don’t function well early morning, but with Leanna in the car and Jesus at the wheel, it was a beautiful morning even though it had been a rainstorm the day before.

God Wink #5

Dave’s second night home he had cramps in his calf and shooting pains down his leg. He was wreathing and crying in pain. Hot compresses helped but he couldn’t stand up. Leanna, who called me every day, had said call us no matter what time of night. So I did. She and her husband Bob and muscular son Ty came right over and the men got Dave up out of the chair and into bed. Ty gave me his number to text if I needed him in the middle of the night or next day.

God Wink #6

Friends Cynthia and Tom, who were dropping off food they had bought for us at COSTCO, were here when the doctor’s office called about Dave’s leg cramps and shooting pains. We needed to bring him to ER (1 ½ hours away) for an ultrasound to rule out blood clots. When we got off the phone, Tom said he would drive us and Cynthia said she would sit at our house and wait for UPS to drop off medication that needed a signature.

This was the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend, a heavily traveled day in our area and I had been up all night with Dave. This couple was having a family reunion at their home in a few days, but Cynthia said that taking time to help us was confirmation to her that God had the reunion under control! Praise God there were no blood clots.

God Wink #6

The following day, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, daughter Kim and hubby Toby came up to plant our garden, mow our lawn and do other things on my “to-do” list.

God Wink #7

Memorial Day, Barb from our Couple’s Group stopped by to ask where I needed help. She folded all my laundry and vacuumed my whole house! Amazing timing since around 4:30 pm I got a text from long-time friends from Arizona, Debbie and Jerry, that they were about an hour away and what did I need at the store?! I thought they were coming the next day, but thanks to Barb, my house was ready and I had food to feed them because Gene, another friend from church, had brought over a tray of her famous enchiladas the day before!

Debbie and Jerry had planned this trip to visit us before we knew Dave was having surgery and they said they would only still come if they could be of help. I said, “Oh yes! Please come. I need help!”

They were visiting angels as Jerry is an amazing “handyman” and Debbie just pitched in and saw the many things that needed doing while I was tending to Dave downstairs. Together they cut down on the thousands of steps I was taking up and down the stairs. Debbie went with me to Boise to grocery shop and go to a doctor’s appointment with me to take notes when my brain was exhausted.

I was sad to see them go, but we all were aware of God’s timing in bringing them to “visit” when I needed them most. I finally felt a little rested and ready to tackle Dave’s recovery on our own.

God Wink #8

Now for the over-the-top presence of the Lord showing His face in an act of kindness of two strangers, Scott and Donna May. Physical therapy recommended we get a recumbent bike for Dave. I put a request on our local community Facebook page and began getting messages about bikes for sale. One in particular looked perfect but it was pricey even used. Then there appeared a message from a gentleman who said he had one he could loan us that they only use in the winter and he could deliver it?!

I asked for a picture and it was the exact one I had considered buying. I messaged back thanking him for his generosity and he responded, “Christians help Christians!” I wondered how he knew I was a Christian, but I certainly told him he was an answer to prayer.

When Scott and Donna May brought the bike over the next day, I asked how he knew I was a Christian. Scott laughingly admitted he had looked at my profile and website to be sure I was someone he could trust to return the bike LOL!

Donna May said she refers to these serendipity experiences as “God Winks.” I assured them that God had definitely been winking at us.

And He still continues. Neighbors Bob and Theresa, also in our Couples Group, called and said they’d noticed our lawn getting pretty long again. Could they come over the next morning and mow and spray for mosquitoes. Bob also stops by and picks up our bags of trash to take to the dump.

A physical therapist we’ve been working with in town was concerned about Dave using our shower if we moved him upstairs and offered to come over to our house after work and check it out! He did a survey of our home while he was here to give us tips on moving Dave back upstairs, which we did several days later.

What’s the Take Away from Our God Winks?

1. Ask for Help!

Don’t try to go things on your own. Let people know where and when you need help! We also asked for prayer and I know our church was praying for us and for God to watch over us.

Many times people will just say, “Let us know when you need help.” But then we don’t because we don’t know what kind of help they’re prepared to give and we don’t want to be an imposition.

2. Receive Help

It’s a blessing for others to bless you! Let them. Yes, it’s humbling and maybe even embarrassing, but the Bible tells us that “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecc. 4:9-10 NLT

3. Join or Form a Bible Study Group

Our Couples Bible Study Group have been through many things together and as one woman in church put it, “Your group is really tight.” We’re there for each other to celebrate the good times, help each other through the difficult times, pray and learn more together how God wants us to navigate the world through the wisdom in His Word.

4. Be Alert to Who Needs a God Wink

Because people are reticent to ask for help, or impose, let’s try and notice when and where someone needs help and then just do it. I’m sure there’s someone in your life who needs a “God Wink” right now!

Note: There are many issues in the world today that I want to write about, but I’ve been so consumed with our issues that I didn’t have the energy or brain-power to tackle them. For several nights after I returned home alone, I couldn’t even turn on the news to hear the world’s troubles because I was living through troubles in my own little world. It all seemed like more than I could process.

I told a friend that I’ll know when the Lord frees my mind to write again, and today was the first day I’ve actually sat down at the computer to write. I’m not sure how consistent, but I’ll try to be back on Mondays. We’ll find out this week when Dave will have his other knee done. Yes, we’re doing this again in the near future, but I know God’s winking at me right now and assuring me He’ll be right there seeing us through it.

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 The Message

Photo by Saad Chaundhry @saadchdhry

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June 21, 2021
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We Prayed. God Blessed Us. Now What?

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Only God would coordinate the timing on September 26, 2020 of the Franklin Graham Prayer March 2020 and The Return with Jonathan Cahn both in Washington DC on the National Mall on the same day that President Trump announces the nomination of a conservative Christian woman Justice for the Supreme Court!

Only God!

This was no coincidence!

A friend messaged me what I also believe to be true: “I believe the remnant is storming the Highest Court in prayer and praise!”

I do believe that God heard the prayers of His people and the heavenlies smiled down on us.

So now we keep on praying and believing. We must not stop because you know that Satan is only going to ramp up his efforts to create chaos, fear, and turmoil.

I also participated in a “March for Peace and Prayer in America” in my small rural mountain community. It was nondenominational and not political. You could bring “signs of prayer and peace but please no negativity.”

As I discussed the walk with a friend from church, I found myself wondering if carrying an American flag would be considered political. Negative?

I’m happy to say we carried a large American flag and signs with encouraging Scriptures and quotes. Some of those walking were barely able to walk from the very young, one with a cane, and even some slightly lame. But everyone completed the march and gathered together at the end for encouragement and prayer.

The morning started with rain that cleared before we walked and God blessed us with an affirming rainbow!

What a spirit-filled day from coast to coast!

How Have We Strayed So Far?

As we watched the joy and smiles of the thousands walking, and some even in wheel chairs on the National Mall, I noticed many carrying and waving with pride small American flags. I couldn’t help but think what a sad day in America when emblems of patriotism and love for our country are politicized. Even scorned and burned.

I ask myself so often: How did we let this happen? I know many are bravely and boldly speaking up, as am I, but why are so many denouncing their own country? Why are children being taught that America is bad when the rest of the world looks up to us with admiration? At least they used to.

Why are we letting a fringe element of Marxists convince us that there is “systemic racism” in our country?

Why aren’t more people acknowledging that the problem is systemic secularism?

People are rejecting what they once held true and dear to fit in with a system that is rejecting not only our country . . . but our God.

As I pondered these thoughts, my Bible reading was Psalm 37 in the Holman Christian Standard Bible. I’m going to share with you some of the verses that spoke directly to my heart in these troubling times where God calls His people to action but not agitation.

I add my commentary in italics and add emphasis to the scriptures. I hope they bless you too!

Psalm 37 “Instruction in Wisdom”

Isn’t wisdom what we all want right now as our tempers rise with current events? I’ve even had some friends say their blood pressure is literally rising. God says this:

Do not be agitated by evildoers;
do not envy those who do wrong.
2 For they wither quickly like grass
and wilt like tender green plants.

3 Trust in the Lord and do what is good;
dwell in the land and live securely.[b]
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and He will give you your heart’s desires.

God tells us that if we trust Him completely and continue doing what we know is right and good, even in the midst of all the rioting, lying, COVID, and evil we’re watching daily, He will keep our lives secure.

He wants us to keep our focus on the Lord and the joy that He brings to our life and He will give us what we’re praying for either on earth or later in heaven.

Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him;
do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way,
by the man who carries out evil plans.

8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage;
do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.
9 For evildoers will be destroyed,
but those who put their hope in the Lord
will inherit the land.

I don’t know about you, but at our house we’ve found ourselves very agitated at the injustice and evil that seems to be prevalent in our country today. But notice that in eight verses, God tells us three times to not be agitated by those doing evil because it does no good. In fact, it can bring harm to our health and well-being.

Instead, we need to do just what thousands of us did on Saturday, pray with trust that God is on His throne and we will get our land back if we don’t lose hope.

A little while, and the wicked person will be no more;
though you look for him, he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
and will enjoy abundant prosperity.

12 The wicked person schemes against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at him.
13 The Lord laughs at him
because He sees that his day is coming.

The wicked have drawn the sword and strung the bow
to bring down the afflicted and needy
and to slaughter those whose way is upright.
15 Their swords will enter their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

. . .

The Lord watches over the blameless all their days,
and their inheritance will last forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in times of adversity;
they will be satisfied in days of hunger.

20 But the wicked will perish;
the Lord’s enemies, like the glory of the pastures,
will fade away—they will fade away like smoke.

As Christians, we know that doing wrong or evil to satisfy the culture, never pleases God. Even though we’re laughed at and disparaged, we let it bounce off us because our future is eternal life. Those who are scoffing at God will learn some day that their future is literally in hell.

A man’s steps are established by the Lord,
and He takes pleasure in his way.
24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,
because the Lord holds his hand.

25 I have been young and now I am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned
or his children begging for bread.
26 He is always generous, always lending,
and his children are a blessing.

Turn away from evil and do what is good,
and dwell there[i] forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice
and will not abandon His faithful ones.
They are kept safe forever,
but the children of the wicked will be destroyed.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it permanently.

God reminds us that in the end, His justice will prevail. Until then, we seek righteous wisdom from God and follow guidance from His Word. We will dwell safely and securely with the Lord forever.

This theme runs through the remainder of the psalm. As you continue reading, pray that God will speak to you to calm your heart, mind, and soul as you pray for His righteousness to prevail in our world and that those promoting and supporting the evil will be unveiled and stopped.

It may look like they are winning for the moment, but God is always the winner.

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom;
his tongue speaks what is just.
31 The instruction of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not falter.

32 The wicked one lies in wait for the righteous
and seeks to kill him;
33 the Lord will not leave him
in the power of the wicked one or allow him to be condemned when he is judged.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way,
and He will exalt you to inherit the land.
You will watch when the wicked are destroyed.

35 I have seen a wicked, violent man
well-rooted like a flourishing native tree.
36 Then I passed by and  noticed he was gone;
I searched for him, but he could not be found.

Watch the blameless and observe the upright,
for the man of peace will have a future.
38 But transgressors will all be eliminated;
the future of the wicked will be destroyed.

39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord,
their refuge in a time of distress.
40 The Lord helps and delivers them;
He will deliver them from the wicked and will save them
because they take refuge in Him.

Amen!

So What Do We Do Now?

We keep on praying!

Let’s pray for Amy Coney Barrett and her family. We know how malicious the attacks will be but the Lord will be her strength and give her the right words and countenance.

Pray for President Trump as he continues to govern our nation while campaigning.

Pray for an outpouring of the Spirit on our nation.

Pray for a down pouring of rain and cold temperatures on the cities where the riots continue.

Pray for the safety of our police force and the military.

Pray for the coronavirus plague to subside.

Pray for churches to open their doors.

The vision the Lord keeps giving me is a sudden outpouring of the Holy Spirit over all those who are doing evil in our cities and government. A miracle of mass salvation!

There is no one outside of God’s reach, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)

Nothing is impossible with God.

Let me know what you’re praying for. What vision is God giving you?

September 28, 2020
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The Rant, a Rave, and a Primal Scream

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The Rant

If you regularly receive my Monday Morning Blogs, you know I tackle relevant issues with a biblical perspective and routinely challenge the body of Christ to bravely take a stand for our faith and beliefs.

Recently, I was expounding on why I think it’s important for churches to open safely and denounce the label of “nonessential.” Some considered it a rant!

I have to admit, at first I felt offended until I came home and looked up the definition of rant: to talk in a noisy, excited, impassioned, or declamatory manner.

That’s definitely me. I write and speak about topics with excited passion. While I was writing this current blog, I saw a dear friend wrote on a Facebook post where I was “ranting,” “Yes you care about important things . . . that’s who you are!!”

It greatly troubles me that big box stores, Home Depot, Walmart, liquor stores are considered safe enough for masses of people to frequent with strangers but churches following strict safety guidelines are not allowed to open with people who know each other!

And even more troubling is that many Christians are continuing to accept the explanation that churches aren’t safe but it’s perfectly fine to risk your life at Costco because your family needs toilet paper.

Then there is the argument that you could pray and watch a sermon online at home. Well, of course we can pray at home. Hopefully, most of us pray all day everyday wherever we are.

But “church” includes more than praying or listening to a sermon; it’s worshipping with the family of God.

Church is the body of Christ serving and encouraging each other and the community. Comforting those who are anxious or troubled. Carrying each other’s burdens. Experiencing the Holy Spirit and singing together. Fellowshipping.

Church is truly more than the building as Jesus gathered at the river many times, but the key word there is that they gathered. Essential for every church as warned in Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NLT)

If church wasn’t essential for Christians, than why would we ever bother to go when we could just sit home and turn on the computer or TV?! Granted the positive side of experiencing church at home online is that churches found creative ways to also reach many who might not have attended church otherwise. Let’s pray that those online opportunities will continue. But it can never replace attending church services in person.

Another concern is that the majority of churches and Christians initially accepted the designation of church and religious assemblies as nonessential. To me the subtle and not so subtle underlying infringement on our religious freedoms and the ensuing significance is that when we need the church most, it’s deemed irrelevant.

Believe me this will set a precedent if we allow it to continue.

Lest I “rant” and repeat myself, here are blogs I’ve written on these issues.

The Rave

Last Thursday during my quiet time, I was “ranting” to the Lord about my concern that churches were classified as nonessential. I concluded, “Lord, it’s going to take President Trump to change this. Please let him declare that churches are essential and need to open.”

Later that morning, I was listening to the president talk to reporters on the White House lawn when suddenly he said, “I want to get the churches open. They are not being treated with respect by a lot of the Democrat governors. We’re going to take a strong position on that very soon. Churches are essential!”

Wow!!!!

I was stunned.

I started praising God and I haven’t stopped. Just this morning in church, I shared with the congregation this amazingly quick answer to my prayer. Exactly what I had asked for!

Was the timing of my prayer a coincidence? I don’t think so. The Holy Spirit prompted me to pray for President Trump and maybe he needed intercessory prayer at that moment as he prepared to publically announce his support of churches opening around the nation.

And the Lord wanted to affirm to me that He hears my prayers. God was encouraging me to keep on ranting about the issues He puts on my heart and to give Him all the praise and glory for the progress we’re seeing as the country opens up and churches return to services.

Then the next day, Friday, President Trump formally announced at a White House press conference: “Houses of worship are essential offering essential services. The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now–for this weekend,” Trump said. “If they don’t do it, I will override the governors.”

“In America, we need more prayer not less,” Trump added.

Wow! Victory in Christ. Thank you Lord! Hallelujah!!

So yes, I will keep right on ranting and raving as the Lord leads me and I pray you will also.

But wait, there’s more.

The Primal Scream

Pete Hegseth is a co-host on Fox and Friends and he has a new book out American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free. I haven’t had a chance to read it but here’s a synopsis.

In American Crusade, Pete Hegseth explores whether the election of President Donald J. Trump was sign of a national rebirth, or instead the final act of a nation that has surrendered to Leftists who demand socialism, globalism, secularism, and politically-correct elitism. Can real America still win? And how?

Hegseth is an old-school patriot who is on a mission to do his part to save our Republic. This book celebrates all that America stands for, while motivating and mustering fellow patriots to stand ready to defend — and save — our great country. As he travels around the country talking to American citizens from all walks of life, Hegseth reveals the common wisdom of average Americans — and how ready they are to join the cultural battlefield. Now is that time, and Hegseth has written the playbook.

In addition to Fox and Friends, Hegseth is a Fox News Political analyst and served in the U.S. Army for twelve years–doing tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay; and earning two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge. 

Friday’s press conference where the President deemed churches essential took place during Dana Perino’s regularly scheduled FOX program The Daily Briefing. When her program resumed, Dana remarked that, “Hegseth was her timely guest.”

When Dana commented on Pete’s book, he described it as his “primal scream.” Again, I looked up the definition: A release of intense basic frustration, anger, and aggression. An outpouring of raw emotion.”

I identify with Hegseth’s primal scream.

His heart is for Americans not to lose the civic and personal freedoms he fought for while serving the country he loves so dearly.

My heart is for Christians not to forfeit the religious freedoms and liberties our biblical and American forefathers fought to preserve for us. The right to share the Savior we love so dearly with a world under the bondage of sin and Satan.

So yes, I’ll continue passionately ranting, raving, and when necessary, letting out a primal scream for the God and country I love and cherish. How about you?

PS If police officers are in your family, or you know someone who would like to pray for them, here is a blog I wrote for Crosswalk, 4 Prayers to Honor Police Officers.

Opening picture is a sticker by Redbubble.

May 25, 2020
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Holy Nectar By Saundria Keck

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It’s happening again! I’m blessed to be writing a new book with Leafwood Publishers who have given me a very short deadline. I just started writing and it’s due 9/30/18!! Yikes! So rather than take a hiatus from Monday Morning Blogs, which I did earlier in the year when we were on vacation, I’ve asked some of my author/speaker friends if they would like to share some of their thoughts with you. I know you’ll be blessed, and I’ll add some of my posts as time allows. You know I won’t be able to stay silent if there’s a pressing topic I feel the Lord wants me to share with you.

Today’s guest blogger is Saundria Keck. Enjoy how a hummingbird inspired her to share this message with us, one I needed to hear myself especially as I work towards this deadline in the middle of summer. It’s short and like me, maybe perfect for a refreshing quick read today! Enjoy!

Holy Nectar by Saundria Keck

Holy Nectar from a hummingbird and God

Recently a hummingbird managed to get herself trapped in our garage. When I noticed her, she was flying in a panic near the ceiling, trying desperately to find a way out. As I watched her, I thought: How can I help her? Just then, she dropped to the top of my car, wings widespread, breathing laboriously. She was exhausted.

I ran into the house to tell my husband Lee about the bird. He managed to scoop her up in a towel, the sweet thing. He took her outside, placed a capful of nectar near her bill, and gave her a chance to sip and recoup. Eventually she took a sip, and we watched as her breathing became less labored. She rested. She recouped. Then in a flash she flew off. Restored!

[Tweet “Girls, is this you? You are going ninety to nothing? You are exhausted. Do you need a sip of Holy Nectar?”]

Girls, is this you? You are going ninety to nothing? You are exhausted. Do you need a sip of Holy Nectar? Fall. Fall into the arms of Jesus for awhile. Sip on His Word. He will restore you.

[Tweet “Fall into the arms of Jesus for awhile. Sip on His Word. He will restore you.”]

Then you can fly again.

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:5-6, NIV

If you received this blog by email, leave a message here.

Saundria lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband Lee. They have two grown children and six grandchildren. Saundria served in Christian publishing for many years but is now retired. She is nonetheless busy writing books, curriculum and blogs. She also leads a Moms’ Ministry in her church. As a hobby she flower gardens.

A hummingbird reminds us to stop and smell the flowers in Holly Nectar by Saundria Keck

Saundria Keck

July 16, 2018
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Happy Birthday Mentoring for All Seasons!

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Happy Birthday is celebrating the release of a new book Mentoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life Experiences and God's Faithfulness

Last week was a super exciting week here at About His Work Ministries! We had a Big Birthday and Release Day celebration for the birth of my “baby” Mentoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life Experiences and God’s Faithfulness. In honor of this long awaited day, my hubby grilled salmon: my favorite food!!

Many have followed me on this year-long journey from writing the book last year in a very short four months, then the physical setbacks I had earlier this year with a concussion and then kidney surgery during the final edits. Praise God, nothing could stop His plans for Mentoring for All Season’s release day September 12!

Happy Book Borthday to Mentoring for All Seasons that released Sept. 12!

[Tweet “Praise God, nothing could stop His plans for Mentoring for All Season’s release day September 12!”]

It’s been an amazing week of sharing this release on social media and guest posting every day, sometimes twice a day, on friends’ blog posts. This book is the culmination of what God has taught me over the past twenty years, when He took a woman who had no experience in women’s ministry or had never written a book or done any public speaking to start a ministry that has now blessed innumerable women and churches!

[Tweet “I was just an ordinary woman who said “Yes” to the Lord, and as they say, the rest has been HIStory.”]

I was just an ordinary woman who said “Yes” to the Lord, and as they say, the rest has been HIStory. Some have heard or read my testimony, others may wonder how did Woman to Woman Mentoring come about? Who am I to write a book to help women mentoring each other in all seasons of life? Honestly, I’m surprised too: that God would choose me for such an honor to serve Him in this way.

So I thought today, I would share with you a little of the origins of my story.

I never planned to become a writer, speaker, or for sure not go into ministry! But isn’t that just like the Lord to direct us onto the paths He wants us to go, and we have a choice whether to follow Him or go our own direction. In my thirties, I chose my own path, but the Lord guided me back. I rededicated my life and His prodigal daughter returned with all my heart. Little did I know the plans He had for me.

[Tweet ” Isn’t that just like the Lord to direct us onto the paths He wants us to go”]

Soon I was attending Fuller Theological Seminary getting a Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership, while managing an insurance agency and being a new bride with a blended family. I prayerfully attended a Women in Ministry Leadership Conference, hoping the Lord would reveal where He wanted to use me when I completed seminary, as long as it wasn’t in women’s ministry. Since I also had an MBA, surely it would be in business. Trying to create my own path again.

The Lord did speak to me, but not how I expected. I was enjoying a cup of coffee, waiting for the evening’s worship and teaching to begin with Jill Briscoe, when I heard a voice . . . “Go, and feed My sheep.” I looked around, but no one was speaking to me. I thought, “What sheep? Where? And what would I feed them if I found them?” Again, “Feed My sheep.” I muttered, “OK,” and spent the rest of the evening wondering what I had just agreed to do. Feed my sheep is my testimony in my new book Mntoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life Experiences and God's Faithfulness

I couldn’t wait to call my husband and excitedly share what I heard from the Lord. My godly husband suggested we pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning of “Feed My sheep.”

The next morning, the workshop instructor taught from John 21:15-17 where Jesus tells Peter, feed My sheep. Her topic was “Shepherding Women in Your Church.” The Holy Spirit was answering our prayer. But women Lord?!

Returning home, I asked everyone to pray for me to find my sheep and for direction as to what to feed them when I found them. The first sheep bleat came from a business associate asking me to mentor her. I didn’t have a clue what “mentoring” meant, so I read the late Lucibel Van Atta’s Women Encouraging Women [out of print] and learned it was simply sharing my life experiences—the good and the bad—and God’s faithfulness through it all. I wondered if perhaps feed My sheep might mean mentoring women?

Soon I was also mentoring a young woman from my stepdaughter’s small group, where I had become a mentor to the group. Seemed like enough “sheep.” But then a life-altering encounter. The Lord divinely placed the Pastor to Young Adults at our church, Saddleback, and me simultaneously at the gym. I worked out daily, but this was the only time I ever saw Pastor Brad there. As we chatted, he mentioned that many women in his young adults group were asking where they could find a mentor.

As if God was sitting on my shoulder, I suddenly poured out my “feed My sheep” story. Pastor Brad said he thought I should start a mentoring ministry at Saddleback Church, not just mentor two mentees. What!? I wasn’t equipped to start a mentoring ministry. I had to read a book to figure out how to mentor. I did meet with the Pastor to New Ministries, who agreed with Pastor Brad and he handed me a “12-Step Planning Guide to Developing a Ministry at Saddleback.” With both pastors’ encouragement, I began going through the process of starting the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry.

The Lord blessed our mentoring ministry and other churches started calling asking how they could start one. I couldn’t tell them everything over the phone, so I resigned from my insurance career, and wrote a Kit for churches to start a mentoring ministry. Today, God has taken the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry into churches around the world through the DVD Leader’s Kit, Woman to Woman Mentoring How to Start, Grow, and Maintain a Mentoring Ministry. I continue to have the opportunity to share Woman to Woman Mentoring through my speaking and writing ministry, About His Work Ministries. I had no idea “feeding sheep” would go beyond Saddleback Church—even to international sheep.

[Tweet “Today, God has taken the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry into churches around the world through the DVD Leader’s Kit, “]

Woman to Woman Mentoring is the Lord’s ministry following His mandate in Titus 2:1-8: one generation of Christian men and women must teach and train the next generations. When I let God guide, He allowed me to participate in something much bigger than I ever imagined. He changed my heart. He gave me a passion for the issues women deal with and wisdom in helping them turn to the Lord and to each other to navigate life’s seasons. Mentoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life’s Experiences and God’s Faithfulness, is a book for both mentors and mentees in every season of life from tweens to twilight years.

It’s been twenty-two years since I heard “Feed My sheep,” and I’m still feeding and mentoring them as the Lord leads.

Thank you for all your support and prayer, and for those who shared your stories, both as mentors and mentees, in this book. For those who have participated in church mentoring ministries or enjoyed mentoring in your personal lives, bless you for living out God’s direction for women in Titus 2:3-5.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Since the book released, there are so many stories already of women knowing other women who share their story in the book, and I encountered many while writing it. For example, I mentioned Lucibell Van Atta’s book was influential in helping me learn about mentoring only to discover that she was my friend Poppy Smith’s mentor! Poppy shares their story in the book along with 65 other mentors and mentees.

So it’s time to ask . . .

Who are you mentoring and who is mentoring you through a new life season?

[Tweet “Who are you mentoring and who is mentoring you through a new life season?”]

PS: If you lead a women’s ministry, mentoring ministry, and/or would like to share with your church, a special discount offer for Mentoring for All Seasons from the publisher, please contact me.

*Some parts of Feed My Sheep are excerpts from Mentoring for All Seasons, shared with permission of Leafwood Publishers. Pages 22-29 has more of that story and the birthing of the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry.

Mentoring for All Seasons: Sharing Life Experiences and God’s Faithfulness is now available at all online bookstores, Amazon, Christian bookstores, and signed by me at my website store.

Author Bio

Janet Thompson is an international speaker, freelance editor, and award-winning author of 19 books. She is also the author of Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter; Forsaken God?: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten; The Team That Jesus Built; Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby?; Dear God They Say It’s Cancer; Dear God, He’s Home!; Face-to-Face Bible study Series; and Woman to Woman Mentoring: How to Start, Grow, & Maintain a Mentoring Ministry Resources.

She is the founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring and About His Work Ministries. 

Visit Janet and sign up for her Monday Morning Blog and online newsletter at womantowomanmentoring.com

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September 18, 2017
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Who’s Your Boss?

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MRI registration form

Saturday, I woke up dreading the MRI I would be having later in the day. I’ve noticed that every time I have a problem lately, doctors want an MRI. I don’t like closed in places, so going into that MRI tube is one of my least favorite things. I have to take something to relax, put a washcloth over my eyes, and have Christian music playing in the earphones they put on you. And pray a lot and have many people praying.

So hubby and I showed up for my appointment at what was a new hospital to us. I’d usually had tests done through the other hospital in town. I walked up to the registration desk and the receptionist said, “Oh yes here is your paper work right here. We just need you to fill in where highlighted and sign the form.”

Expecting to have to fill out all the usual questions, I was delighted to see most things already typed in, and I just needed to put in a cell phone number and verify my address. And then  . . . I saw it . . . I can only say I took in a deep breath and for a moment just stared at the form.

[Tweet “Next to “Patient’s Employer” these words were typed in caps on the form “AUTHOR/SPEAKER FOR GOD.””]

Next to “Patient’s Employer” these words were typed in caps on the form “AUTHOR/SPEAKER FOR GOD.” I hadn’t previously filled out any paperwork for this facility online, over the phone, or in person; but there it was staring back at me on the hospital form!

Several things quickly crossed my mind as I had an instant flashback of my new book Forsaken God?: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten, and all the ways I talk about recognizing, remembering, and celebrating our amazing God. The thoughts came in this order, along with a quote from Forsaken God?

  1. I need to take a picture of this form. I never want to forget this!

“Pictures are a great way to remember the attributes of God and his goodness in performing miracles and blessed experiences.”

  1. This was a witness to whoever filled out this form! Where had they got this information? They could have so easily just put Author/Speaker, but they added “For God” and put it all in caps! How did this happen? I need to share this with everyone who asks how the MRI went.

“The God of past miracles is the same God of today’s miracles. His wondrous ways should still command our awe-inspiring respect. Look for miracles in your life and in the world around you. Remember them and tell the spectacular, miraculous stories of God’s goodness over and over!”

  1. Never think something like this is just a coincidence.

“God is perpetually at work in a believer’s life, whether or not we recognize him. I firmly believe there are no coincidences, only God-incidences and divine appointments. When I hear people speak of serendipity, I kindly reply that was God, not karma or chance.”

  1. God is making me aware of His presence. He wants me to know He will be with me and comfort me in that MRI tube.

“God shows his presence in memorable ways to us too, but how well do we recognize him? We’re always in his presence, “The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chron. 15:2).”

  1. You can be a bold witness for God in everything you do and say, even on a medical form!

“People say I’m bold about my faith and it surprises me that’s considered an unusual trait … because shouldn’t every Christian be bold? Our faith isn’t a secret to hide; it’s the answer to the world’s woes. Unfortunately, Christians often worry more about offending the world than offending God. Bold doesn’t mean obnoxious. It simply means not being afraid to speak the truth, even in the face of adversity: “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold” (2 Cor. 3:12).”

Who would do that? Who did that? Only God knows. I always fill out forms, or when asked, my occupation: “Christian author/speaker.” When asked the name of my business: “About His Work Ministries.” And when asked who is my employer I write, “The Lord” or “God.” Somewhere in the Boise medical system, I had used these terms on previous forms and this facility arrived at SPEAKER/AUTHOR FOR GOD. I’ve never phrased it that way, but I think I will now!

The receptionist told me to carry the form with me everywhere I went that day! You can be sure I did.

A Similar Experience

In Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer, I tell a similar story that happened when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. The Breast Care Center sent forms to fill out, and for occupation, I had started to write “self-employed,” but I heard the Lord nudge, “Janet, you aren’t actually self-employed. I AM your employer and Boss. After all, your ministry name is About His Work Ministries.” So I did put my employer was “The Lord.”

That form went with me everywhere during my surgery and treatment, and I had so many people letting me know they had the same “Boss” I did. It opened up so many doors of comfort and conversation, and I became best friends with the patient advocate, Grace, who said, “Interesting Employer.” I said, “Yes, is He yours too?” Grace said, “Absolutely,” and we became co-workers for Christ and breast cancer awareness.

Where Does God Want You to Acknowledge Him?

[Tweet “Believers, who have given our lives to Christ, should recognize that being a Christian is our identity that surpasses all other life roles.”]

We believers who have given our lives to Christ, should recognize that being a Christian is our identity that surpasses all other life roles.

What do I hope you will take away from this blog post?

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.—2 Timothy 2:15

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.—Romans 1:16

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.—Philippians 1:20

On a Side Note

[Tweet “If you have read Forsaken God?, I would love to hear how God is using it in your life. “]

If you have read Forsaken God?, I would love to hear how God is using it in your life. Two women from different generations, one a young brand new believer and one a seasoned elderly Christian approached me at church this morning. I share this with you for you to know that wherever you are in your faith, I think you will find this book relevant. Also, as we read more and more about the moral chaos in our culture, you can find peace and conviction in remember the God of the past is also the God of the future.

Here is a post from Facebook today, Sunday May 15:

God truly blessed me this morning. Before church started, a young new believer who is getting baptized this month, came up to me holding Forsaken God?: Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten and told me, “I can’t put it down!” Then she stood up and told the entire church what a good book it is. I had never met her before today.
After church, a sweet elderly, seasoned Christian woman gave me a hand-written note a portion of which reads: “I have appreciated so much your book “Forsaken God?”. It is full of truth and honor for our God…it is such a sweet savor….”
Thank you Lord that the message of Forsaken God? reaches all generations and for giving me the encouragement I needed today to press on writing the next book.
Forsaken God? speaks to Christians in today’s culture … I hope you will not only read it, but apply what you read…God had me write it for such a time as this! Here’s the link to check it out if God leads you to do so…

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May 16, 2016
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A Miracle Story of Love, Family, and Restoration

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Ricky praising

Most Sunday mornings, Ricky was in the front row of church, sitting next to his parents Jean and Don. Often Ricky would accompany the worship team by playing the drums, strategically placed for him next to his front-row seat. I’m told that at one time, he joined the praise band on stage.

Ricky and drums

When Dave and I moved to Garden Valley and started attending Crouch Community Church, we didn’t know the history of the Brown family. We did, however, immediately see the love this senior couple had for each other—always holding hands—and for their adult son, Ricky, who occasionally had to have his drumsticks quieted after the music had stopped playing.

You see Ricky was a very special son, and as the church overflowed with family and friends at Ricky’s memorial last week, we learned more about just how special he was. If you have a special person in your life who can’t communicate clearly, or at all, there’s probably a depth of spirit like Ricky displayed in unique ways. God has a way of gifting these special people with love, compassion, and spiritual insight.

[Tweet “If you have a special person in your life who can’t communicate clearly, or at all, there’s probably a depth of spirit”]

Enjoy Ricky’s miracle story, shared at his memorial service, and his family now shares with you:

 

Ricky Lee Brown born August 28, 1956, passed from the arms of his parents to the arms of Jesus on Saturday March 19, 2016, at the age of 59. Ricky left behind . . . for now . . . his parents, Don and Jean Brown, his sisters Sheri, Cindy, and Lindi, and countless family and friends.

Ricky’s life story is one of restoration, the strong bond of a loving family, and the unending miracles of God.

[Tweet “A miracle story of restoration, the strong bond of family, and the unending miracles of God.”]

Ricky is the firstborn, and only son, of Don and Jean Brown. At birth, he only weighed 4 lbs. 10 oz., and it took a month for him to gain enough weight to come home from the hospital. This was the beginning of nine and a half months in and out of hospitals.

During that time, doctors and family members suggested putting Ricky in Nampa State School. Doctors said with Ricky’s health and physical issues, he wouldn’t live past eleven or twelve and would never walk. With the overwhelming advice from doctors and family, Don and Jean went through the court system and made Ricky a ward of the state when he was 8 1/2 months old. It was the most painful thing that Don and Jean had ever done.

They visited Ricky regularly and introduced him to his three sisters Sheri, Cindy, and Lindi. Right from the beginning, Ricky was compassionate. Jean remembers one time when he was in the state home, a baby started to cry. Ricky pulled himself with his arms over to the crib and patted the baby, trying to comfort it.

To everyone’s amazement, Ricky miraculously started walking at age eleven—the age doctors had predicted he wouldn’t live past—and he finally stopped running a persistent high fever. His sister, Cindy, started working at the Nampa State School in her late teens so she could spend more time with Ricky.

In his twenties, the family moved Ricky to a group home in the Boise area as part of a new program to try to teach life and work skills to disabled individuals. After Ricky’s three sisters left home, the Browns were able to visit Ricky more frequently.

Ricky loved classic country music and liked listening to it loud!

He also loved to tear apart anything he could get his hands on—radios, bikes, and in later years, his clothes. He loved to gas up the car, even if it was only to top it off.

[Tweet “Ricky could only put five words together, at most, but he used those words “]

Ricky could only put five words together, at most, but he used those words to ask people: if they were going to work? If they had a payday? And if they were going to church? Ricky’s happy smile and his thumbs up were his trademarks!

smiling RickyRicky thumbs up

Another Miracle

When Ricky was thirty-seven, he became extremely ill while still living in the group home, so Don and Jean made the decision to bring him home. Doctors told the Browns they would just be taking him home to die, but they said, “So be it. He’s our son, and we want him with us.”

By the grace of God and the help of family, they discovered that the current health problems were yeast related. Jean found a book on how to treat yeast with diet, and she became vigilant with Ricky’s diet and nursed him back to health. This same son, who doctors said would not live past eleven or twelve, would never walk, and was sent home at thirty-seven to die, fully recovered from the “terminal” illness! That’s what God, love, and family can do!

Don and Jean couldn’t bear the thought of giving Ricky up again, so he continued to live with them and they started the parenting season all over again. The Lord redeemed the years they lost while Ricky was in group homes, and they had twenty-three glorious years living together as family.

Ricky and sisters

Ricky’s relationship with his sisters and other family members flourished as he became a part of family reunions, jam sessions, weddings, and birthday parties. As a trio, Don, Jean, and Ricky traveled the country playing music and enjoying countless adventures. One of Ricky’s greatest loves was the drums. He had a set in his room and spent hours listening to music and playing along. He also spent hours tearing his drum set apart. He loved smashing cans and taking them to the recycling center for a “payday,” which he promptly put in the offering box at church.

Family picture

Ricky and Don on horse

 

Ricky and Don camping

As Ricky got older, he enjoyed putting together puzzles and sorting coins or Legos. Amazingly, he was able to put puzzles together picture-side down on the table. For someone doctors said wouldn’t live past eleven, and would surely die at thirty-seven, Ricky enjoyed a long life of almost 60 years surrounded by his loving family, friends, and community.

[Tweet ” For someone doctors said wouldn’t live past eleven and would surely die at thirty-seven,”]

Ricky touched many lives with his joyful spirit and his love for Jesus. Just as Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” Ricky was a great example of childlike innocent faith. We know that right now he is enthusiastically enjoying heaven.

*********

The Brown family hopes that Ricky’s miracle story has been a blessing to you, and especially an encouragement to all who have a “Ricky” in their life. If you have a story to share with the Browns, or want to tell them how their sweet restoration story touched you, please leave a comment to encourage them and pray for them as they grieve the loss of their beloved son.

If you received this blog by email, you can comment here.

April 4, 2016
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Losing My Job for Living Out My Faith Was the Best Thing That Could Have Happened to Me!

8

Why call me LordDaily we hear of people fired or sued for standing up for their Christian beliefs in a culture that is no longer Christian-friendly or God-honoring. As I read about the case of the Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran, fired for publishing a men’s devotional book for a Baptist church group on his own time, God reminded me of how He changed the course of my life in a similar way.

In Cochran’s book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” he addressed issues of homosexuality, gay marriage and premarital sex from a biblical perspective.

Cochran has been a firefighter since 1981 and was appointed Atlanta’s fire chief in 2008. In 2009, President Obama appointed him as U.S. fire administrator for the United States Fire Administration in Washington, D.C. In 2010, he returned to serve as Atlanta’s fire chief.

The controversy with his book began in late 2014, when gay activist groups caught wind of the literature and demanded that Cochran be dismissed. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed then acted to suspend Cochran and ordered him to undergo “sensitivity training.”

[Tweet ““In the United States of America, Americans should not have to choose between keeping your job and living out your faith,””]

“In the United States of America, Americans should not have to choose between keeping your job and living out your faith,” Cochran told The Daily Signal in an exclusive interview. “And that’s the position the city of Atlanta actually has taken—that I have to have a choice to live out my faith or to keep my job.”

Cochran’s story took me back to December 14, 1995, when something very similar happened to me.

My Unjust Demotion Was A Divine Moment

Many of you know that the Lord called me into ministry when He told me to “Feed my Sheep.” You can read more of my story on my website. At the time, I was running a successful branch of a national insurance company and had been attending Fuller Theological Seminary at night and on the weekends for a year.

I joined the insurance company in 1987, while still in my worldly, backsliding, single days, and worked my way up from an insurance agent to a Division Manager. In the summer of 1992, I rededicated my life to the Lord at a Harvest Crusade with Pastor Greg Laurie, and that December I married my godly husband Dave. My life took a radical change and I no longer participated in many of the “social” activities of the business, and I was open about my faith and my rededication to Christ.

My boss heard about me attending seminary and on December 14, 1995, he called me into his office. For some reason, I sensed I might need a witness, so I asked one of my District Managers who worked for me if he would accompany me. This gentleman and his wife were fellow Christians and we had become friends as couples.

Neither of us could have imagined what would happen next. To this day, my friend says he witnessed a “divine moment” and he has told the story many times as a testimony

My boss started the conversation by saying he’d noticed a difference in me. Something to the effect that I wasn’t “all-about-the business anymore.”

[Tweet “I told him my priorities had shifted to putting God first, then my family, and my job in that order, “]

I told him my priorities had shifted to putting God first, then my family, and my job in that order, but I was still maintaining all my sales numbers and fulfilling my management responsibilities. I had a great team working for me and our sales remained high.

He responded: “In a perfect world, that might work; but in this world [he named the insurance company] must be your god and the company must come first in your life! So I’m demoting you from Division Manager and you’ll now work as an agent again out in the field under …” and he named a person leading a division an hour away from my home.

Division Manager had been a high-paying, high-profile job with lots of prestige, independence, and success. But now, it was as if Jesus was standing behind my boss’s chair asking me who I was going to serve: the company or Jesus?

[Tweet “At that moment, it was as if Jesus was standing behind my boss’s chair asking me who I was going to serve.”]

Easy decision. I prayerfully resigned and launched the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Saddleback Church, completed my Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary, and started About His Work Ministries, my writing and speaking ministry.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.—Matthew 6:24

I Could Have Sued

With today’s anti-God culture, I’m not sure I would have a legal case against my boss and the company, but 20 years ago I might have had one, and I had a witness who was more then ready to take an oath to all that he had witnessed.

This wasn’t the first time I’d been harassed by this same boss. While supposedly interviewing me for a training video, he first started asking questions about my sex life in front of the camera crew. When I quit the company, the camera crew came forward and said they would gladly testify to what they had witnessed.

I prayed about both situations and realized that I should thank this boss for helping me make a hard decision. When you’re comfortable and making a good living, even though you know it’s not where God wants you … it often takes something like this to plummet you into doing the right thing.

The Lord reminded me that vengeance was His and that I was not to waste my time, energy, or money on a lawsuit. God would take care of it…and He did. I later heard that this boss was fired from the company over similar misuses of his position.

[Tweet “The Lord reminded me that vengeance was His “]

Using My Talents and Gifts for God

[Tweet “What if you used your talents for God?”]

As a Division Manager in the insurance agency, I gave daily presentations to recruit new sales agents. I was often one of the top recruiters in the company, and I had been a successful agent too. I found that sales came easy to me. Over the years, I had given the same recruiting presentation so many times, I could think about other things simultaneously. So one day as I gave the rote presentation, I heard God’s voice saying to me, “What if you were as good at winning souls for me and doing something you believe in, as you are at winning recruits for a business you don’t believe in as much?”

God planted the seed, but I wasn’t ready to take such a huge risk and quit my job even though I knew I no longer belonged there. My husband and I were blending a family, we had a mortgage, car payments, lived in expensive Southern California… couldn’t I just go to seminary and then wait to see how God wanted to use me when I finished?

That would have been the safe, comfortable, easy way, but that day in my boss’s office, God was asking me pointedly, “Who will you follow … right this moment? Man or Me?”

Jesus“I Envy You!”

As I was packing up my office after I resigned, one of the other Division Managers who had recently become a Christian came over to take some of my supplies. He had a large family, lived an expensive lifestyle, and knew about our boss’s misuse of his position, but he felt trapped. He said, “I envy you. You’re getting out.”

My happy ending didn’t tie up neatly in a bow. I continued going to seminary and started the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry in my home in January 1997, but in March of that year, my husband was laid off from the job that was supporting us. Still God whispered, “Where I guide, I will provide.” And He did … our lifestyle changed drastically, but the mentoring ministry was spiritually maturing and winning women for Christ. You can’t put a dollar value on that!

[Tweet “Where God guides, He will provide!”]

And today, God has taken Woman to Woman Mentoring around the world and thousands of women have experienced the blessings of growing together in Christ through resources I wrote to help churches start their own mentoring ministries.

On my website, I tell the story of how this was the time where About His Work Ministries got its name.

Choose Today Who You Will Follow—Man or The Messiah

[Tweet “It’s not popular today to take a stand for God in a world turning away from God’s Words and His ways.”]

It’s not popular today to take a stand for God in a world turning away from God’s Words and His ways. You’ll be rebuked, unfriended, called names, maybe even spit on …just like Jesus was. It would be easier to remain silent or not voice the Truth that you know in your heart. The risk might be too high you say. What if I lose my job? My friends? My standing in the community?

But what is anything worth without your integrity and the peace of knowing that you did not deny Christ in your heart, your words, or your actions. God will honor your loyalty to Him … He guarantees it.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.—Matthew 16:25-27

What if I hadn’t quit that insurance agency? What if I had fought for my just rights in the company and in court? Woman to Woman Mentoring might never have been birthed.

God had a plan, and while I didn’t know what it was at the time, I knew it would be big because He was giving me a big testimony to share. My husband and I have never looked back from that defining moment in our lives, when God so clearly asked me, “Who will you follow: man or Me?”

  • Where do you need to take a risk for God today?
  • When have you been silent and you know you need to speak up?
  • Who is watching how you live out your faith?
  • What changes do you need to make to live out your faith more boldly?

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July 13, 2015
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