Author: Ms. Wanda

Just call me Ms. Wanda - I'm that easy going. I am first and foremost a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. My writings will reflect my faith and shine a light toward the Lord Jesus Christ and the way to salvation. I am an author with two books currently in print: My Soul Cries…Holy, Holy, Holy: Developing Christ-Life Faith Through Simple Inspirations (2011) and Emotionally Charged: A Poetic Journey in the Issues of Life (2016). I invite you to erect a mirror into your personal physical, emotional and spiritual life (for they are the 3-in-1 which makes the WHOLE PERSON). I write to encourage you to pursue sincere self-examination to foster spiritual growth and emotional maturity, creating a springboard for better decisions that bring forth victorious living. I believe that a strong bible-based foundation of biblical knowledge, personal application, and continual prayer are the tools necessary to break the yokes of sin and spiritual stagnation. I am excited about my future because of God’s unlimited power to make all things work together for my good. I write to inspire, to encourage and exhort readers to deepen their personal relationship with God; For the non-believer, to come into a knowledge of the triune God (Father, Son, Holy Ghost) and choose to start a relationship with Him. I am fully persuaded that the most satisfying work/accomplishment an individual will ever experience is to learn God's intention and design for their existence and spend their lifetime fulfilling it for God's Glory.

It’s a Lie If It’s Not My Present Truth!

Change is possible in those who have believed He is able…

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019 Ms. Wanda9 Comments

Change is possible in those who believe…

We were young and foolish once. We did things we shouldn’t have; involved ourselves with some we shouldn’t have; adopted some ways that we shouldn’t have. We picked up some bad habits we had to fight to get rid of; we ventured into situations that were harmful or left scars. At 18 years of age (if not before), we ran into the world with arms wide open, ready to explore and experience life on our terms. Some of us believed that our parents had been trying to hold us back from enjoying life.

But, after the dust had settled; after the tears and fears had been wiped away (or, in some cases buried), we realized a truth: our parents knew what we didn’t. They had experienced first hand or were in close proximity to the dangers of the world designed to destroy our hearts, our minds, and our soul. Because they were good parents, they wanted to shield us from the harsh realities that awaited us outside of their parental authority.

Truth is: we messed up; we choose our own way, being unable and sometimes completely unwilling to fully comprehend that every choice comes with a consequential effect:

Proverbs 29:23 (KJV)

A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

HOWEVER, regardless of those past mistakes and errors, those who have been delivered from seeking their own way and have chosen by profession of mouth and belief in heart to give the reigns of our lives to the One able to lead us into all righteousness – It’s a lie if you still see us and blame us for who we used to be. We are no longer that person of our past! Whether you can accept it or not, we were changed from the inside out – We Are New Creatures, indeed!

It’s also true that we still make mistakes, but, if God, the creator of all things in heaven and in the earth, can forgive us, then I beg to differ that you can judge us or hold us to who we might have been in our past. And, should you choose to do so, I gently and lovingly remind you of this:

2 Corinthians 13:1-6 (KJV)

13 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

[Eternal security is found “in Christ” and there is a plan already in place to guide you to that road: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:12, 10:9; 1 John 1:9]

Body Strengthening

Set your affection on things above – Colossians 3:2

February 1, 2019 Ms. Wanda5 Comments

A brother-in-Christ, Dedrick Abbott, posted the below comment on Facebook. It’s a topic that me and my boss talk about all the time!

Dedrick Abbott 1 hr Followers of Christ should be more interested in building each other up than tearing each other apart. It is easy to be critical, but when we bear with others we enter into their story and the little things that cause them to act the way that they do. This is an opportunity for the church to be counter-culture to the world around us. We should try to value others for who they are and not simply for what they can do.

It’s true … the body of the church has played a pretty good role in causing this growing lean toward disdain for “church” followers of Jesus Christ. It’s true … a lot of churches have to make a greater effort in drawing the hurt, abused, fearful, confused and lost into our bosom (a familiar source of protection, security or affection) in our bodies of worship.

It starts, however, with INDIVIDUALS who truly love the Lord and who purposely DEMONSTRATE that LOVE person-to-person. It requires both the church-goer and the Believer to come to understand that not everyone is mature enough to operate in the will of God’s command that we love each other. Loving others in spite of their faults is a learned heart attitude that can only be grasped by those who truly have allowed God full access to their heart.

In all the years I attended church from my youth up into my young adult years, it took me until I was around 37 yo to recognize that not everyone who says, Lord, Lord, does God’s will. I learned that not everyone who attends church is a “Believer” who practices godly living. At the end of the day, I had to make up my mind to put my focus on God and not people. I had to stop allowing people to be the deciding factor in how, why, when and where I worshipped the Lord of my salvation.

The lessons taught me to make a personal choice to walk with Christ and focus on Him instead:

I choose to learn more about Him for myself – not accept second-hand knowledge
I choose to know Him – not just accept someone else’s experiences of Him
I choose to seek Him – not through a preacher or teacher but through His Word
I choose to serve Him out of my heart belief of His deity – not look to flesh for His image

I learned early in life that man was a sinful creature, flawed, and in need of a savior. It was in my immature and infantile stage as a Believer that I allowed the fallacy of man to cripple my relationship commitment and dedicated service to Christ. God kept reminding me through situations and circumstances that I needed His umbrella of love and protection more than man’s. Because of God’s patience, I was able to grow into the Woman of God I am today, firmly committed and settled in heart, mind, and spirit to stand firm in Christ alone. Christ is the umbrella that keeps me from being overtaken by the desires of my flesh and the enemy’s destructive vices.

I can tell you I spiritually feel like a young 20-something in Christ! My faith continues to grow stronger every day; I see the world for what it is—a battlefield for a spiritual kingdom that has already has been designated as the inheritance to the One who sits at the right hand of His Father – Jesus Christ.

It is true, there is much work to be done within and without the church, and it’s sad that those who need to make their standing in Christ sure are still busy looking outward instead of inward. For those doing their part, I say God Bless You and Keep You Strong on the path of His righteousness. The greatest prayer the Body of Christ can utter continually is that God would help us individually examine ourselves:

How is my relationship with Christ?
Who am I sharing Christ with?
What is my service lane in the Body?
Where do I exercise my servanthood to Christ?
When has my light brought others near to Christ?

Attitude is a huge deal when it comes to operating in the world as ministers of reconciliation and Christ representatives. It’s crucial in these last days that the Body of Christ gives more focus to redeeming the lost from the hand of our enemy and incorporate more of sharing Christ into our areas of purpose. Remember, the most important call on every believer’s life is the call to witness – to share the gospel of Christ with a lost world and bring sinners into the saving grace of Salvation.

Let us gather the spiritual tools that enable us to strengthen the weak and draw the hurting. I was hurt in the church many times. It took finding one person in the Body to love on me. My need for Christ helped me consistently get back up and go back into the Body. I came to understand by-and-by that at the Judgment Seat of Christ there is no finger pointing. Each of us will stand alone before our sovereign God while a panoramic view of our life showing the good – the bad – the ugly, and the abominable flashes before the heavenly hosts. That should make you shiver.

Church Body, we definitely need to get our act together so we don’t do more damage to the Body of Christ and God’s name. It might be better for some to become or remain “uncover Christians” so we don’t scatter those with a real desirous need of the Savior. What my brother-in-Christ spoke today should give all of God’s children reason to pause—consider their ways—and GET RIGHT CHURCH, because we will soon be going home!!

To my weaker brothers/sisters-in-Christ, to the hurting, and to the lost who have judged the Body of Christ – I’d like to make this suggestion: Find one person in the Body who demonstrates God’s love and care and then draw near to them. Most of the time this is called Discipleship in churches. They’ll help you grow in your relationship with Christ. I’ve seen process in action and everyone benefits, including the Church Body. The only way you’ll learn to stand in Christ in the midst of the spiritually immature is for you to seek to know Christ intimately yourself. Doing this will help you stand by faith as an individual while operating in faith corporately.

[Eternal security is found “in Christ” and there is a plan already in place to guide you to that road: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:12, 10:9; 1 John 1:9]

Contradictions?

Pass or Fail, it’s all part of the sanctification process

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019 Ms. Wanda10 Comments

In preparing for work this morning, I thought these random thoughts worthy of sharing:

If I tell you to have faith but I walk by sight … contradiction
If I talk about victory and but live defeated … contradiction
If I say trust God but seek Man as my source … contradiction
If I sing praises unto God but am ungrateful … contradiction
If they need Jesus but I never share the gospel … contradiction
If I cry woe is me but never seek the Comforter … contradiction
If I write about joy but my attitude is wretched … contradiction
If Christ is head of my life but my flesh reigns … contradiction
If I love Jesus but hate any person for any reason … contradiction
If I have a church home but seldom attend & support … contradiction
If God’s Word is true but I agree with the world’s view … contradiction
If I’m God’s child but He has no authority in my life … contradiction
If I judge people’s sin and believe I’m righteous … contradiction
If I’m always giving advice but won’t take correction … contradiction
If I post this in all humility as my random thoughts on today and someone takes it personal and is offended … it’s a

[Eternal security is found “in Christ” and there is a plan already in place to guide you to that road: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:12, 10:9; 1 John 1:9]

War Cry

What battle cry echoes in your spirit?

January 25, 2019 Ms. Wanda2 Comments

We all need a war cry that makes us rise up, plant our feet, and STAND against whatever may be attacking us physical, or our faith, spiritually. Every battle differs one from the next, so adding (2 Peter 1:5-8) to our spiritual arsenal is necessary (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Today I added this song to my arsenal of praise and worship music. It resonates even stronger as I think on the story of Joseph who endured a lot before reaching the Vision State given in his youth by God. May this song echo in your heart to cast out every thought not of God.

Song: Your Promises Artist: Elevation Worship

The Way of Circumspection

Gaining the right view from the perfect source

January 18, 2019 Ms. Wanda2 Comments

Lord, I am grateful for your mercy in teaching me the same lessons over & over until I got it right…

You’ve taught me not to complain or point fingers for the choices were mine alone—willful, purposeful, determined…

You’ve taught me not to judge because I am as others are … wretched, sinful, unrighteous … deserving of death …

You’ve taught me to be merciful to all because you never wrote me off … nor made me a footstool … nor relegated me to the land of forgetfulness …

You’ve taught me to pray without ceasing … even when those prayers took 5-10-15-20 year to be fulfilled … because you are not slack …

You’ve taught me to never give up, no matter how hard, painful, unfair, or devastating a circumstance was/is … because you use it all to shape & mold me …

You’ve taught me to believe in myself no matter how others treated me or reacted to me because your thoughts toward me count the most …

You’ve taught me not to love this world … its designs, designers, celebrities, trends, or its prosperity because they are enmity that will all fade away …

You’ve taught me that your love for me is sure, secure, and always faithful … You are a Father who demonstrates His care for His children 100% …

LORD, I’m not always sure of some things, but I’m 1000 times sold out to this truth: You are for me … You Love Me … You’ll NEVER Leave me … and, without you I’d be lost forever without any hope.

Thank You, FATHER, for your commitment to me as a continual, patient, loving parent who shines His light to show me the way on the right and narrow road.

Your Parental Guidance is my covering and the map for my life!

[Eternal security is found “in Christ” and there is a plan already in place to guide you to that road: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:12, 10:9; 1 John 1:9]

Providential Reliance & Security

The only infallible Source for a secure life…

January 9, 2019 Ms. Wanda3 Comments

Last week I mentioned how God coaches us through His providence. I like the definition for providence found in Webster’s 1828 ⁽³⁾ dictionary that says it this way:

In theology, the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures. He that acknowledges a creation and denies a providence involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence.

This is comforting as a child of God because we need care with oversight that gives us direction, and who is better able to provide this than the One with omnipotent authority. Because of our human nature, we can easily to go astray and operate outside of God’s authority. We see this example demonstrated in the Old Testament continually.

Can you relate?
Is there a time that comes to mind where you know you strayed from God’s will?
Have you ever found yourself to be the inattentive one in your relationship with Christ?

Psalm 119:176 is profitable for memorization for those times when we realize that we are following our own ways more than God’s. It’s a nice little wake-up call that says:

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Without a doubt, and for this very reason, God’s children need to stick close to God, the great I Am. The reality check is that He alone is the source that:

Feeds us and causes us to grow: John 6:35 (KJV)

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Illuminates His truth and knowledge in this dark world: John 8:12 (KJV)

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Gave His life to lead, protect and govern us: John 10:11 (KJV)

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

He is the only source that will provide the resources necessary to perfect new beginnings and grow us in the truth and knowledge of Him.

[Eternal security is found “in Christ” and there is a plan already in place to guide you to there: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:12, 10:9; 1 John 1:9]

Perfecting New Beginnings – Starting Out on the Right Road

There is a way that seemeth right…

January 3, 2019 Ms. WandaLeave a comment

2019 is here, and since turning 56 in September “perfecting new beginnings” has been reverberating in my mind. This anticipation was heightened by my recent mission trip and tours of the ministries of The Passion Center for Children in Zomba, Malawi, Africa. That trip has impacted my life in ways still to be seen and experienced while warming my heart in ways I hope to convey in my upcoming book, Awakened From Slumber.

Philippians 1:6 coupled with the ever present reminder found in Colossians 3:1-2 will be staples of this year ahead:

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:1-2 – ¹If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ²Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

I want to be what God calls me to be, accomplishing what He wants to accomplish through me. For this to be accomplished I can’t self-direct my life – I need a life coach to follow who will keep me on the right road. Oh, how I thank God for providing us with his indwelling coach, the Holy Spirit, and those within the body of God who help facilitate our progression using the road maps of God’s Word.

God provided the road map that brought me into His family:

John 14:6 says,

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

God coaches us through His providence⁽³⁾ as “I am.” This list is extensive so I’m going to hold at eight and let these marinate for a few days:

I am –

the bread of life – John 6:35

the light of the world – John 8:12

the door of the sheep – John 10:7

the good shepherd – John 10:11

the resurrection, and the life: – John 11:25

the way, the truth and the life – John 14:6

the true vine – John 15:1

the first and the last – Revelation 1:17

2019 Road Map

Put God First in all things

Seek God First in all things

Follow God’s Leading in all things

Trust God’s Way in all things

Auto Pilot

Prepare for the unexpected

December 14, 2018 Ms. Wanda2 Comments

This morning I turned on the fan in my office as normal. The fan started but immediately slowed to a crawl that produced no air for dissipating the heat wave in my office. I tried switching the plug out, turning it off and on again, moving it, shaking it; but nothing worked. In semi-panic mode now, I immediately went on the hunt for another fan because not having a working fan in my office was not an option!

I found a fan in a vacant office and grabbed it with hopefulness. I came back into my office and … my fan was working … circulating as normal. I felt the difference in the atmosphere immediately.

Reflective Questions:

How often and how quickly do we get anxious or panic when things in our life don’t go as we plan, expect or anticipate?
What is our first knee-jerk reaction or response to delays or detours?
Being honest with yourself, how quickly do you recover and invite God into the situation?
Do you bother God at all and just roll with your emotions?

The truth is, when we practice a behavior long enough we don’t have to think about it – we’ve trained ourselves to act in an autopilot mode to that behavior. If anxiety has always been our first response to an unexpected event, then my automatic response to anything unexpected will be anxiety. Without putting into practice a more positive response, anxiety will rule my life.

One thing I’ve learned in my relationship with Christ is that his ways are not my ways. In the same manner, I have learned not to expect others to deal with life issues in the same way that I would. This has given me a greater appreciation for the beauty of our uniqueness as individuals. Acknowledging that God has perfect timing for the things He wants to accomplish in us and through us brings peace into our lives as nothing else will.

Don’t rush God’s processes; instead, practice waiting on the Lord, while reckoning yourself being seated in Christ in the heavenlies. This is the only way to perfect auto responses with godly love.

Dear Future Me

Dying daily that I might live …

November 21, 2018 Ms. WandaLeave a comment

Dear Future Me,

I am so glad that you awakened out of your slumber (Proverbs 6:9-11). The Father was so happy when you realized that you had fallen into the conversation of the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-17). Even now, you never cease to be amazed at how liberating it is to die daily and empty yourself of that old man – self. You never imagined the magnitude of the plans God wanted to work through you. Thank you for learning to set your affection on things above (Colossians 3:1-2) every day. Thank you for allowing the Father to transform you into the New Creature (2 Corinthians 5:17) He created at your spiritual birth. Stay humble as you continue to put on the New Man and put off that old dead flesh. Continue to pray daily, unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) so your walk in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23) grows stronger as your Love for God grows more intimate.

I Love you, but I praise God for maturing you in the knowledge that no one can ever love us as much as God Loves Us, a fact demonstrated in Christ – His Son!!

Take My Hand

October 16, 2018 Ms. Wanda1 Comment

Matthew 18:19-20
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Although it is a story of rebellion, the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) gives an example of what can be accomplished when people stand together to work toward a common goal. Likewise, in the book of Nehemiah we find the story of the citizens of Jerusalem banding together to rebuild the wall around the city (Nehemiah 4) while warding off the naysayers and enemies that taunted them.

These stories give credence to Jesus’ statement wherein he says, “He that is not with me is against me…” (Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23). This truth flows into every part of life, and is most likely at the heart of everything that is broken. When people are not joined together, touching and agreeing, there is division. A small breach left unattended in a structure, with enough pressure, becomes a gaping hole in that structure that eventually crumbles into a heap of nothingness.

We see this in companies. Staffs flourish in a company where management exhibits and demonstrates care for their well-being, praises them, and shows appreciation for their contributions. You find the opposite in a company where management has tyrants who micromanage, criticize, and show little respect for the employee or their work. These companies will usually have a high turnover rate.

affection board broken broken hearted — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

We see this in marriages. When a husband thrives at demonstrating and living the biblical command to love his wife as Christ loved the church, he lives with her according to knowledge. A wife under such authority willfully submits to his leadership authority, and you often find a couple who genuinely adore and respect each other … they have become “one.” But let the husband be an insensitive bully or the wife an odious (hateful) woman, and you may find a drifting apart that creates a gulf impassable, fostering outside alternatives that choke out the hope of reconciliation.

white concrete structure — Photo by Arantxa Treva on Pexels.com

We see this in churches. Where there is a stronger presence of believers who are solely focused on giving their all to the vision and work of the ministries of their church body, there will be little posturing for position or title. This church body is grounded and fortified for the service of God with servants able to withstand the attacks of the enemies. The flip side of this is a cluttered mess of individualized, spiritual separatists vying for dominance and recognition while the work of the ministry falls into stagnation and apostasy.

“What is your point,” you may ask? It’s simple … don’t aspire to join the Tower of Babel! Look to your left, look to your right, look in front of you and look behind you, then look within/without the body of Christ…

• Take A Hand–Walk beside each other so we can hold each other up in the times when the battle and weight of our trials are too much to bear…even for the strong.
• Take A Hand–She’s young and without knowledge of her virtuous treasures which have been soiled by the world; help her exchange the ashes of her life for beauty…and love.
• Take A Hand–He wants to be a man but all he knows about manhood has been derived from his dysfunctional environment absent of leadership; he’s silently afraid of the dying around him, but you can introduce him to a New Life.
• Take A Hand–Whether old or young, they have been striped of human dignity at a price of civil rights, abusive nights, or rejected by sight; rebuke them not, but in gentleness and respect teach them the ways of God’s holiness and sanctification.

Let us now agree as touching on that which is most needful for the expansion of the Kingdom of God — the gathering together in His name, the sharing of the gospel message, and the edifying of each soul through the power of the Word of God.

Take My Hand.