Category: Uncategorized

Uncategorized

Never Out Of Sight

barbwangerinLeave a comment

Have you ever felt as if you were in a distant land and out of the reach of God?

Have you ever experienced an invisible wall stationed between your prayers and God’s ear?

Have you ever been aware of the darkness, when it stands over you like a bully?

Have you ever experienced the sensation of your feet buried in hardened cement leaving you vulnerable?

Have you ever existed on a deserted island in the midst of a thousand people?

Have you ever been in plain sight and yet unseen?

Have you ever been a falling tree, in a forest with no one to hear your fall?

Have you buried your heart so deep, so packed down, so covered in sorrow, even you couldn’t find it?

Have you ever suffered a loss that threatened to engulf your every thought and keep you captive indefinitely?

Have you ever equated yourself as an outcast and felt scattered?

In Deuteronomy 29:There is a conversation going on between Moses and the those who are left to enter the promised land.  Moses is conveying once again how incredible their lives will and can be in this new land God has prepared and will deliver into their hands.  Moses speaks of magnificent promises full of life, goodness, prosperity, and provision.  Moses speaks to the children of Israel of this great God who has brought them forth to this very point and only asks for their devotion, loyalty, love, worship, and reverence for Him only.  No other god has provided for or loved them before now.  There are “ifs” with this pouring out of promises.  If the people decide to walk away from and break covenant with God, His provisions go away too.

Now comes the first 4 verses in chapter 30, which I can’t help but camp on for a while. “Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God drives you,  and you return to the Lord your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul,  that the Lord your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you AGAIN from all the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you.  If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back.

When His people return to Him, heart, soul, and mind, not just lip service, then, He, God, will gather them from all the nations where God has scattered them.  The New American Standard version says “If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back.”

This brings me great assurance and hope.  No matter what becomes of me, here on earth, or what principalities threaten my known way of life, IF, I will continue to call out to God, our Father, in all things, with all sincerity, all heart, mind, and soul: no matter where I am, He will bring me home.  God knows His people are going to be scattered due to their disobedience and covenant breaking, but even before they turn their backs on Him, He gives them a promise of gathering, a promise of compassion, a promise of multiplying them even beyond their forefathers, and a promise of a dwelling place. 

We have ALL of this too!!  God is guiding them to see this is a spiritual gathering.  God said He is going to circumcise their hearts.  God is going to cut their hearts down to exactly what is needed to love Him and Him only with every fiber of their being.  Doesn’t He do this with us today? 

We are a blessed people!!!  We have, and serve, an Amazing and Awesome God who loves us enough to gather us from wherever we are and bring us back to Him, as long as we are seeking to be where He is.  God will never force your obedience, your loyalty, your devotion, or your love for Him.  He wants us to choose Him just like He invited the Israelites to choose Him.  God promises, not only will He “find” you, but I guarantee you He already knows where you are; even if you think you are out of reach, invisible, running from the darkness, shielding yourself, deaf to others, unseen, in captivity, or thrown in various random directions.  Nothing escapes His loving kindness or His watchful eye.

Uncategorized

One Gave All

barbwangerinLeave a comment

We’ve all met someone who exceeds the parameters of being a servant. Ms. Curtis was born in December of 1918, at home, during a blizzard, in the small panhandle town of Goldston, Texas. Twenty years later she met and married J.C. Scruggs of Shamrock, Texas in 1938 and raised their three children in Olton, Texas. Ms. Curtis worked all of her life, until in 1989, at the age of 70, she became a mother again to two of her young grandchildren, after the loss of their parents. Ms. Curtis was a widow, had no money, a run down house, and no family to assist her with the costs of raising her grandchildren. Ms. Curtis performed the role of both mother and father, attending sporting events, school functions, hosting birthday parties, and providing unconditional love. This alone is enough to make someone’s life remarkable, but such an act was not remarkable in Ms. Curtis’ life. She practiced kindness each and every day through simple acts such as listening without hurry, taking care of others, and offering words of strength when she had very little herself. She survived the dust bowl years, the Great Depression, her husband’s WWII deployment, the deaths of her husband, siblings and the death of all of her children, but one would never know it, to speak to her.

This memory came to me as I was reading about the widow in Mark 12 starting in verse 41.  Jesus is in the temple teaching and He plants Himself directly opposite of the treasury, which is a court in the temple for collection boxes.  He is watching the crowd cast their copper into the temple treasury.  Of all the by-passers and the donating patrons, one widow woman catches the eye of Jesus.  Jesus had no recognition for all those who came before her and offered their copper gifts from their surplus, but her two copper coins, of the least of all roman copper coins, caught His attention. 

Anyone else would see a beggar dressed elderly woman waiting in line to offer her copper coins to the temple treasury.  Jesus called her a widow, but saw so much more.  According to Paul, in I Timothy 5, he describes what a true widow looks like.  She must be desolate (no family), trust in God, earnestly and continually petitions and prays night and day, wife of one man, be of good works, well reported of by others, brought up children or cared for orphans, lodged strangers, humble enough to wash feet, and sees to the need of the sick, discouraged, and hungry.

This woman, this widow, is carrying out all of the ministries of the church before it was even established or Jesus would not have been able to know her as a widow.  The first attribute He sees in her is her heart.  Only a dedicated, trusting heart of God could so willingly and joyfully give her entire livelihood to the temple treasury.  This is not a tithing.  It is not required.  This is a free will offering.  I see a faithful servant of God who deems the workings of the temple more important than providing food and comfort for herself.  I see a trust in her God like no other.  She knows He is going to provide for her necessities.  She understands His promises.  I see a confident woman who does not hesitate to offer all she has when those before her are offering more copper than she will see in her lifetime, but she is not discouraged.  I see a woman who is thrilled and excited with the fact she has something to offer.  She has anticipated this trip to the temple treasury, she has prayed over her decision to give everything, and she does not hesitate to hand over all. 

God has always protected and provided for the desolate as recorded in Deuteronomy 10:18, 14:29, 24:17, Psalm 94:6, and Malachi 3:5.  This widow woman knew this about the God she served.  God invited her to bring Him her all.  God invites us to bring Him our all.  I can see why this widow woman caught the eye of Jesus.  It had nothing to do with the amount of copper she cast into the treasury; it was the ALL she gave before she got there.

Ms. Curtis handled all of life’s adversities with unmatched grace and an unwavering faith in God. To know her was inspiring. Her sweetness, sense of humor, and joy of life will be greatly missed.  Ms. Curtis gave freely to others without any thought of receiving in return and she never hesitated giving her all in serving Him.

Uncategorized

Making Up The Difference

barbwangerinLeave a comment

Countless times I can remember walking up to a retail counter as a preteen and wondering if I brought enough change to buy whatever it was, I couldn’t live without. It was embarrassing to check and recheck each pocket for what I truly believed was there. Unfortunately, the cashier wasn’t amused or helpful with my situation. Over the years, I’ve watched others, of all ages, frantically counting all the coins in their pockets and digging down deep one more time in hopes of coming up with a stray coin to make up the difference.

In 2 Kings 4:42-44 God’s Word records such an event. A faithful servant from Baal-sha-lishah brought his offering to God’s prophet Elisha. He brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha acknowledged his offering and told him to give to the people so that they may eat. Then Elisha’s attendant questioned Elisha because he knew it was not enough to feed a hundred men. Elisha assured him that not only will it feed them, but they would have some left over. Elisha also made sure he knew it was Jehovah who said this.
There are countless lessons and truths for us to gain from 3 short verses. I never cease to be amazed or surprised by our Gods generosity and blessings. In this incredible truth, God made up the difference when logic clearly dictates otherwise. Elisha knows the math does NOT add up and his attendant stated the obvious. What is beautiful, awesome, beyond, and above, is Elisha knows and is convicted to the fact of who can, and will, make up the difference!

The evil forces on this earth would have us believe we have nothing to offer God. That is a lie!! When we give whole heartedly, God can turn it into enough. Do not limit what God can do based on the “amount” you give. The amount is NOT the offering. The offering is, and will always be, the intention and purpose of your heart before your offering ever hits the plate. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 the Macedonians gave themselves first to the Lords church. From Genesis to Revelation, the entwining thread of God’s message is of the heart.

We can leave huge checks, we can buy elaborate buildings, we can profess our loyalty, our service, our “fill-in-the-blank”, but until we give ourselves first to God, we have given nothing that matters to Him. 1 Corinthians 13:3 “And if I dole out all my possessions to feed, and if I deliver up my body that I may be burned, but do not love, I profit nothing.”

We see numerous examples in God’s Word where He made up the difference when it didn’t seem logical to man to be enough. Matthew 14:14, Matthew 15:33, Matthew 16:9-10 and John 6:9 and so many more. We are blessed beyond measure. We need to understand and accept we will never give more than Jesus. We will never do enough to fill all the needs. We will never contribute an amount that will please God, unless the first contribution we offer to our Lord and Savior, is us. Think of it as writing a check only Jesus can cash.

God is not the impatient cashier who is only concerned with getting the right amount to cover your purchase. God is always willing to make up the difference for us and for others. God gives abundantly. Ephesians 3:20. What we deem as insignificant or even embarrassing to give, God makes it enough. He doesn’t even need to dig deep to make up the difference.

See the source image
Uncategorized

Following The Tracks

barbwangerinLeave a comment

I’ve been silent for a time now. During this time, my attention was literally entrenched in the Psalms. For weeks now, my focus has been on David’s prayers, psalms, and hymns.

We all have heroes we claim save us in dire times. Within my list of heroes, David is in the top five. David is so real to me. His adventures, his victories, his lamenting, his deep sorrow, his excitement, his commitment, his praise, his anger, his compassion, his defeats, his love, his faith in God, his confidence in God, his loyalty to God, his closeness to God and his desire to know God more, overwhelms me with direction in my steps, in my decisions, and in my prayers. David’s life guides me to my freedom in Christ, my deep desire to draw nearer to God and know Him more and yet I know I lack qualities I need to accomplish Gods will for me like David did.

Listening to David’s conversations with God and then listening, or even watching, God’s answers to David, shows me who God is, not only to David, but to me as well. I often ask God who I am to Him and many times He answers through the Psalms. I sometimes wonder how did David keep his attitude of serving, loyalty, and praise? In Psalm 17 I find answers to all of my questions. Often David begins a psalm asking God to hear him. Hear his cry, his sorrow, or his excitement. This psalm also expresses a call to be heard. David asks for God to hear his cry and his prayer. David’s confidence in his own righteousness before God allows him the ability to state that he speaks without deceit and he knows God has already examined his heart to find everything he is about to say is truth. Then, in the last sentence of verse 3 David’s says, “I have resolved that my mouth will not transgress.” What an intentional attitude to have for oneself.

In verse 5, David states another reason why he is able to remain as one with God. “My steps have held fast to Your tracks; my footsteps have not slipped.” David is very aware of the path he must travel and he is mindful and intentional about where he places his next step. David makes sure that his steps are walking in the tracks that His God has laid down before him. It reminds me of walking in deep snow as a child. I tried to stretch my stride long enough to step into the footprints of the one who paved the way in front of me. I see David looking for and seeking out God footsteps and His only. David expresses this again in Psalm 18:36. This time, God has created a broader footprint for David to fill and he is able to handle the path and not slip, because David followed God’s path. He waited on God to make visible tracks for David to step into. In Psalm 37:31 David is speaking as an old man who has had the privilege of being able to look back on his life and influence those who would follow and he states another reason he is able to stay on the right track and draw closer to God. David says, “The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.”

We resolve ourselves to many activities. We set daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly goals to accomplish. We sometimes make daily “to do” lists. Most times, we set out to put these goals into actions. I want to challenge you, as I challenge myself, to include adding the habits David practiced to your daily list. Let’s resolve to not transgress with our mouths, every day. Let’s be aware and intentional of the steps we take and the tracks we follow, every day. AND, let’s make sure the law that governs our hearts is Gods, every day.

It is easy to get off track and lose sight of the only One who can answer all of our questions, our needs, and our hearts desires. When we resolve ALL that is in us, to truly watch for and then follow the path that God will clearly pave for us, how could we not grow closer, reverence deeper, or praise higher to our God who prepares all things before us.

Psalm 119:101 “I have withheld my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your Word.”

Uncategorized

Give Me A Heart Attack

barbwangerin1 Comment

Many of us have had “extra” time on our hands over the past few months.  It has been an unprecedented experience to say the least.  This “time” is different for all of us.  It may have manifested in working from home for our employers, continuing to work at our places of employment, being confined to our homes, being separated from family, having our daily routines, scheduled appointments, and activities all come to a screeching halt.  In all of this, we’ve had “unallocated time”.  For many of us, this is unfamiliar territory. 

I’ve tried to sit back and listen, watch, and observe what people are doing with their “time”.  I’ve witnessed, as many of you have, gut wrenching events, sorrow on top of sorrow, and unfortunately, very limited scenes of joy filled moments.  These are examples of what others were filling their “time” with.

After several months, I too, fell into the negative “time” track.  My mind chased after the injustices, the blatant lies portrayed as truth, the horrific offenses from those who are not champions of the people, and the negative bantering being cast about without a care of who it judged, condemned, and sentenced.  It is with shame and embarrassment I admit to being vacuumed in and allowing it to influence my heart.  The shape of my heart was changing, shifting, and hardening through all the negative static blazing from every side and from within.

A few days ago, I was talking to God and I caught myself being angry in my words, angry in my attitude, and angry in my petitions.  Then a lightening bolt pierced me with such intensity; all I could do was hold my chest, cry and then wail.  I believe the Holy Spirit was calling me to attention, calling me out, and calling me back.  I was firmly reminded my heart was not hidden from God.  It never was or is.

In Hebrews 4:12-13 the writer clearly explains the transparency of our hearts and its contents. “12 For the word of God is living and operative/active, and sharper than/superior to/more than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and able to discern of the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 Neither is there creature that is not manifest/non-apparent from His sight/in the face of, but ALL things are naked and open/to seize by the throat or neck to the eyes of Him to whom we ARE our account.”

Many times, I believe way too many people, even followers of Christ, think they can hide the true person of themselves, of their heart, from God.  This is a huge lie!!  Not only from the one who believes it, but also from the one who encourages you to believe it.

The writer of Hebrews knows his audience is in grave danger of not remembering who Jesus is and who God is.  They are in danger of forgetting the REST that is promised to them and to us through faith.  He also informs them there are those who have already fallen from grace, because of their hearts.

After pouring out to God the true person of my heart, I realized I needed a heart attack.  I need to always remember the reflection in the mirror and to see it for its true reflection. (James 1:23)  I need not be fooled by false confidence, when I know my heart is angry. (1 John 3:21)  I need to remember not to judge, jury, or sentence those who really need to be rescued with compassion, mercy, and love. (Romans 2:1) I need to remember to forgive from the heart first and not just my lips.  (Matthew 18:35) I need to check and choose my words to see if they are edifying, uplifting, and encouraging.  (Ephesians 4:29 and Matthew 15:18) There is no place for any of these in my heart, our hearts, if we are who we say we are.

We all mess up, which should send us to our knees to fess up.  Allowing God to graciously remove the layers of negative vision, negative thoughts, negative words, and negative actions from the source, the frontline, and the nucleus of our souls, is to truly cleanse our hearts, so we don’t have to carry those burdens anymore.  We are not strong enough, but our Father is so willing, so ready, and so capable to carry whatever we are willing to give to Him. 

Time was not my friend and I needed a heart attack. Praise God, He obliged me. 

Uncategorized

Can I Get Any Closer?

barbwangerinLeave a comment

My current studies in God’s Word is taking me on a journey of great blessings and wonder. I never tire of being Amazed by God’s Word. Sometimes I feel so childlike when I “get it”. It’s an emotion that has no equal. Just about the time I think my desire to draw nearer to God, to know Him better, to understand His will for me more clearly, but mostly to KNOW WHO HE IS and who I am to Him, is at it’s highest peak, a euphoric emanation envelops me and increases my hunger and thirst for the soul food that only our Lord can provide. His source is pure, whole, and undiluted. There are no imitations in His Word.

Sometimes the events of God’s book jump off the page and entice me until I have read chapters, when shamefully, I didn’t think I had time for a few verses. God’s Word is exciting and exhilarating to me. Then, I get to share it!  

David gives me a small glimpse of how God’s Word influences him as he describes Gods Words as “sweeter than honey”. Psalm 19:10.  I totally identify with that sensation.  God’s Word takes the bitterness or sourness and covers all of it with the sweetness of His love, nurturing, and understanding.

The writer of Psalm 73:28 stated this perfectly “but as for me, drawing near to God is good for me; I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may delcare all Your works.” 

As the world around me is changing, transitioning, and erupting ever so quickly into what I’ve only read in novels, historic documentaries, and tales from secular perspectives, I need, desire, and long to draw closer, know better, and delight in the Words of my Lord and Savior.  His light is safe, His light is comfort, and His light is peaceful to me.  It allows me to KNOW ALL things, good, bad, or indifferent, are for my good and His glory.  This is good news!!  Drawing near to God is an action we exercise intentionally.  It doesn’t just happen.  It is not the granting of a wish.  It is decision we make every day.

Isaiah 45:22 “Turn to Me and be saved, All the ends of the earth, For I am God and there is no one else.”

Uncategorized

God Hears My Baby Cries

barbwangerinLeave a comment

Psalm 4

Some of my favorite sounds are my grandchildren calling my name, birds singing,  wind rustling through the trees, and  kittens playing. The melody that fills me with hope is that of a baby laughing,  talking,  giggling, and screeching with joy.

The opposite is the unsettled resonating of a baby crying, wailing, screaming in pain, and I can’t do anything about it. A sense of helplessness overcomes my thoughts, because the child cannot talk to me and explain what is hurting them, what will bring comfort, and what will calm their souls.

I believe our gracious and loving heavenly Father feels the same way about His children.  He delights in our joy filled hearts.  He smiles when we accomplish our ‘impossible” tasks. He laughs when we laugh and He celebrates in our victories. I also believe our loving Father aches when we cry, wail, and scream. Just like a baby’s mother,  He looks to comfort us, hold us, fill us with His presence so we know we are not alone.

Our compassionate Father in heaven knows exactly what we need and want, because unlike the babe, we are able to talk to our Lord and ask for the attention we need to soothe our broken hearts, our pains, calm our spirits,  renew  our strength,  and refresh our minds. Even if our mouths never uttered one word in prayer, our hearts speak, sob, moan, and sometimes lament louder than our audible voices.  God is a God of hearts.

With our babies, it may seem like guess work, but with our Father,  He already knows.  I’ve experienced times when I realize I need to ask to receive the comfort I seek and other times I am encased, sheltered, and drenched in His assurance.  He gently reminds me I am loved.  Isn’t that what every child yearns to know and hear from their parents?  Will you comfort me, will you have compassion on me, will you value me, will you show me you love me, will you set boundaries for me, will you guard me against the evil, will you protect my heart, will you nurture me in love, will you see my pain,  will you feel my heart break, will you discipline me with love, will you…

In Psalm 4, David describes such a God who is waiting for our voice,  our petitions,  and our praise. God the Father KNOWS what we need.  Ask Him to fill all of your voids. Ask Him to take His character and patch up the cracks in your soul. Ask Him to lavish an abundance of confidence in your heart, mind, and soul of Whose we are. Ask Him to heal, forgive, and let go of the obstacles that prevent you from moving forward.  Ask Him to join you in your joy, your victories, and your accomplishments. Ask Him to guide you every day as you intentionally glorify Him with your life. Ask Him.

I still need my heavenly Father to answer all of those questions.  Sometimes, on a daily basis. 

I am His child.
Teacups, Saucers, and Teapots
Uncategorized

Teacups, Saucers, and Teapots

barbwangerinLeave a comment

I have a collection of teacups, saucers, and a few teapots.  They have come from all over. Each one has a different look, style, color, design, and value. I have considered the creator of each cup and sometimes marvel at the completeness, simplicity, and elegant lines that fashion the delicate vessel.  Sometimes, I think God can look at us as teacups. 

Our cups were purposefully planned long before we acquired them. God used perfect porcelain, perfect colors, perfect designs, perfect firing times, and the perfect cooling times to create the uniqueness each of us represent.  We each have limitations of what we can handle, what we can pour out, and how much pressure we can withstand.  God knows every nuance of our physical and spiritual capabilities. He put them there.

Sometimes we try to alter our design and take on tasks we were not created for or built to withstand.  Sometimes we allow brackish to reside in our cups to stagnate and corrupt our vessels.  Sometimes we put our cups on the shelf where dust collects and stifles our breathing.  Sometimes we hide our cups and rob God of the talent He gave us to serve. We allow carefully constructed imperfections to keep us from receiving what the Lord awaits to fill in us.  God uses the imperfections He blessed us with to accomplish His perfect plan.

Our cups sustain chips from trials, cracks from pressure, and stains from experience.  No matter what condition we find ourselves,  our merciful Jehovah repairs chips, fills cracks, and cleanses our stains. God instilled limitations, boundaries, and capacities in our cups to remind us of our humanity, but He also enmeshed us with a measure of strength, knowledge, and fortitude to follow Him into battle, follow Him in His Word, and follow Him with perseverance. 

He knows our cups must be empty, in order to be filled. God knows what our cups should and should not hold.   He knows the indispensable virtues needed to keep our cups pure and holy.  He knows the elements of our cups must have immeasurable compassion, endless mercy, unceasing forgiveness, and unconditional love for others. 

We should keep our cups clean, but not white washed, barren of self, but not void of righteous worthiness , ready for repairs, but not idle in service , and held out to be filled by God.

God orchestrated the perfect tea to brew in our cups.  All of His ingredients are written in His book so that we welcome the attributes of His Son into our cups. God also provided warnings of the false leaves that come in enticing bags, the cup stirrers who allow strange blends into their cups, and overbearing condiments that cover up the truth.

Sometimes, we need a well fitted saucer to help hold us up, to reveal when our cups are overflowing with anxieties, and to catch the spills when we tilt away from our Creator.  Sometimes we need teapots to refill the needs and desires of our earthly hearts.   

We were all created to serve.  Our many stains, cracks, and chips are what gives us our integrity, wisdom, and strength.  Whatever cup God has called us to be, we must desire to fill our cups with the things from above, which is first true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous,  and praiseworthy. God instilled limitations, boundaries, capacities in our cups, but also enmeshed us with a measure of strength while designing us. 

 Philippians 2:1-5 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like minded,  having the same love, being one in spirit and in purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests,  but also to the interests of others.  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. “

Teacups for God.

Uncategorized

I Know, I Know

barbwangerinLeave a comment

There is a song sung by Nicole C. Mullen called My Redeemer Lives.  The lyrics bring to life the words of Genesis, Isaiah, Psalms, and so many other passages that describe Who God is.  I connect so intensely with the words, it swells within me causing me to exhale slowly so I can focus on the One Who is being exalted, magnified, and praised.  This song is a reminder of the God, the One and Only God, I live for and serve.

No matter what the day brings, how dark the night becomes, how deep the pit is, or how high the mountain we face, knowing that our Redeemer lives should change how we face the moment. In the end, victory is ours. It is finished, assured, and guaranteed by God Himself.  Jesus defeated death, crushed sin, and broke the stranglehold of satan.  The empty tomb proclaims again and again that He has the power, the love, and the faithfulness to hold me safely by His side.

The songs all state “I Know”, but do we? We NEED to be “This I Know” women.  More than having the knowledge, I want us to learn how to live as an ‘I Know” person.  The world will do its best to poke holes in this one single truth.  The question constantly being asked of you, by the world is, “Do you really know and what is it that you believe you know?”  Our lives lived before them answers the question without words.  Yet knowing, really knowing, that Jesus truly loves you, is the one thing that will help us stand up against anything life throws our way.  I want Christ’s love to be so real, so defining, and so foundational in our lives that it radiates out for everyone to see.  I want people to look at me and know, that I KNOW Jesus.  I John 5:13 John starts in the first 4 verses explaining the power of our faith.  John then explains why what others see in us is SO VERY IMPORTANT.  I didn’t say what they think about us, but what they SEE in us, is the direct testimony of who God is. Then John wraps it up in a perfect bow in verse 13.  Please read this slowly.  “I have written these things to you that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, to you who believe INTO the name of the Son of God.”  This is not a call on the name of Jesus passage.  To believe INTO is an action.  How do we do this?  Through immersion, where we come INTO the blood of Jesus the Christ.  This word KNOW, in the original Greek language, is a “settled conviction”.  We were not created to walk around like a bunch of question marks.  We were designed to be exclamation points!! 

Let us never forget His greatness, His majesty, His sovereignty, His mighty power, His all knowing, His infinite wisdom, in THE perfect God we worship and live for.  Let us never forget His greatest gift, Forgiveness.  If we do not have an “I Know” spirit, an “I Know” mind set, or an “I Know” settled conviction of His promises, then how can we expect to have or comprehend or even accept the peace that passes ALL understanding or the comfort and assurance of His healing arms and access to His blessings?  We must be “I Know” women of faith.

Uncategorized

What Will My Name Sound Like?

barbwangerinLeave a comment

Why is it, when your name is called, you cautiously wait to hear the context in which it is being delivered, before you accept ownership of your own name?

These questions make me laugh but, when I was young, I had a list of people who I would rather NEVER call my name. Within THIS list were those who rarely called out my name for positive reasons. I can still feel my shoulders shrinking up, my eyes squinting shut, and my mind becoming anxious with a small dose of fear. On the other hand, I also had a list of those who I wished would call my name.

When my grandmother called my name, it sounded so important, which infused me with warmth and comfort. She spoke my name with such love I could feel her emotions before I could physically see her. I did not hesitate to stop what I was doing and go to her wherever she was. When the captain of the kickball team called my name, I thought I won a trophy and eagerly joined my new teammates. I jumped up when the nurse called my name when waiting for my doctor’s appointment to hear my child’s heartbeat for the first time. When the teacher called my name at school and I had the right answer, my squeaks and shrills were too much for my little body to contain. Forever etched in my memory, heart, and soul is the first time my children called me Momma.

God’s Word records in the book of John, chapter 20, a scene that overwhelms my emotions every time I inhale it. Mary is in deep sorrow, weary with weeping, and panicked at not finding Jesus’ body. She went to the tomb to perform the last and only service she could to the One Who gave her life, joy, and purpose. Peter and John have already looked into the tomb and returned to their own, but Mary stays behind and looks into the tomb, where two (2) angels in white were sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had lain. They asked her why she crying and she told them she can’t find Jesus. Then she turned back and Jesus was standing there, but Mary did not recognize Him and thought He was the gardener and again pleaded for the body of the One Who freed her from the demons that possessed her. My favorite verse, 16, “Jesus said to her, Mary!…””

Jesus called her by name!!! Her name has been spoken. What did that sound like? Did her name sound different this time? Did she experience additional comfort, peace, or love upon hearing Jesus say her name. This Messiah was lost and now is alive!! Her hopes were dashed and now awakened! Her doubts were strong and now have faded: All because He called her name. Maybe she was afraid she would never hear her name spoken again by Jesus? But now she has!!! Mary heard Jesus’ voice call her name.  The transformation in her thoughts went from sorrow on top of sorrow, despair, and weeping to running to the disciples to deliver the good news.  Mary was the first person to proclaim the gospel.  Jesus has risen!! 

How many times in a person’s life span will their name be spoken to them?  If my name is never spoken with the same fervor of those, whose voices I can still hear in my heart, I will be fine. The voice I long to hear, the voice I am excited to anticipate, the voice I am tuning my heart to, the voice that will be familiar to me, and the voice Who will be like no other , will be Jesus’. I want to hear Jesus call my name. I want to know what my name sounds like falling from His lips.