inspire – Speak True Life

The First Lie Ever Told

November 4, 2020November 4, 2020 Ms. Wanda5 Comments

“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” – Genesis 3:4

Look at where that got us. The God-created beings, Adam and Eve, were duped by the craftiness of one whom had fallen from great heights. [word to the wise: be careful around those who lose their lofty crowns… they can be venomous (full of malice & spite)]. Eve was drawn into the lie and Adam was enticed by the fruit the lie brought forth (sin).

Let’s be honest here. As much as many of us would say we hate liars, lying, and lies we, in fact, accept liars, lying, and lies because of the fruit it carries with it. We’ve even lied to ourselves to avoid facing the truth of our own character deficiencies.

So in 2020, amidst myriad lies and liars in a multitude of social, governmental, medical, and spiritual states, can we all face this truth:

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 5:12

We are ALL GOING TO DIE! And as fearful and harsh as that may seem to many, it is a truth that began over 6,000 years ago in a garden where a man and woman listened to the voice of a creation instead of the voice of their CREATOR.

God’s arms are STILL WIDE OPEN and ready to receive ALL who will accept the gift 🎁 of ETERNAL LIFE through His Son, Jesus Christ. And the beauty of it all is it requires the simplest act on our part:

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Romans 10:9-11

I have recovered from many of the lies told me and the ones I have told myself. Yet, I have grown wise enough to know there is one lie we can’t afford to leave unchecked…

Traveling on the Wings of Praise

[When You Need to Remind Yourself of God’s Faithfulness]

April 10, 2018 Ms. Wanda1 Comment

First Things First: I want to apologize to all of you who actually follow my blog, and those who actually take the time to read the words that come from my heart! I appreciate each of you! I love knowing you can identify with me by a like, a comment, or sharing a post. I look forward to connecting with you more. I hope to hear your personal thoughts and testimonies as they relate to the posts and/or things God is doing in your own lives.

Secondly, it’s been well over a month since my last post, and that is just not acceptable at all. As a writer and blogger, I know I must do better. Expecting readers to partake of an inspirational menu that isn’t regularly restocked with new words of encouragement makes little sense. There are no excuses because, if I consider myself a writer but don’t write – well, I’m sure many of you might agree that there is something wrong with that picture!

So, what’s new? I confess there are potholes I sometimes fall into on my personal, wonderful journey called “Life.” Like street potholes, these personal potholes rattle me, causing me to veer off the writing path! This I must say — sometimes, focusing too much on surviving life can throw a monkey wrench into living the life God set us free to live. I like John 10:10 as a spiritual reminder that there are two sides to my story & to my life — two warring principles – my flesh and God’s Spirit.

¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Without doubt the enemy takes many shapes and forms to accomplish his thievery, murder, and destruction. Hard lessons are especially difficult when I realize I failed to stay alert & became complacent in areas of my life. I never feel good when I view my failures alongside Christ’s sacrifice. I’ve been robbed in the physical, and it’s just as unnerving when it happens in the spiritual.

In those moments of insecurity, when I’m unsure of my path, are the times when I feel more alone than I care to admit. And for one accustomed to encouraging others, I’m not a good recipient when the shoe is on the other foot, even when I need to be encouraged. Some say it’s pride, but I beg to differ. I’m private about my personal issues.

“Why bother others,” I reason in my heart, when I know where my help comes from. Let your requests be made known unto God, Philippians 4:6 says. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God…Casting all your care upon him;” 1 Peter 5:6-7 says. So that’s what I do; not out of pride, but because I’ve learned to turn to the rock of my salvation like David in 2 Samuel 22.The old saying, on a wing and a prayer, fits this post. When my wings are clipped, and I find myself unable to soar about my circumstances emotionally and spiritually, I turn to God’s Word to encourage myself. A good bible study, like the 52 Weeks of Pursuit provides incredible insight given by Mark Trotter. Sobering is the knowledge that today’s Christians aren’t so different from the errant Nation of Israel in their shortcomings.Music is a balm of melodies for the issues of life. Through praise, overcoming obstacles seems less daunting as I am reminded of God’s love for me despite my failures. The fact that God already knew I’d fall short makes getting back up easier! I listen to a variety of Christian music but, Jonathan McReynolds and Tauren Wells are currently supplying my wings of praise.

When Tauren Wells speaks of being “Known,” you recognize that he’s uncovered the basic heart of man – the desire to be fully known and loved by someone. His words resonant as he sings:

It’s so like You to keep pursuing; It’s so like me to go astray – But You guard my heart with Your truth; A kind of love that’s bullet proof – I’m fully known and loved by You – You won’t let go no matter what I do

Then, there is Jonathan McReynolds, who sings of the Pressures that come with all he does while also staying true to his faith. He sings, “Help me,” continuing to say:

Jesus take from me – All the pressure, pressure, pressure – To be someone that you did not create – Help me be me – And only see you – Let me decrease – And glorify you!

The road of life can get rocky, but with the right travel companion (Jesus Christ), You will be able to soar above the obstacles in the road on the wings of praise!

Byers Speak Truth

Guest Post by Irene Byers, Kansas City – Used with Permission

January 30, 2018January 30, 2018 Ms. Wanda1 Comment

This past Friday, January 26, 2018, a dear friend and former coworker of mine made a post on her Facebook page that she has allowed me permission to share with you. I’ve titled it Byers Speak Life because the message she shares is representative of what my blog is grounded on. It’s also a much needed reminder to help God’s children to set 2018 on fire for Christ. May you read it, meditate on it, and let it take root in your heart and thoughts.

Good Morning, Good Friday, and GOD Bless All!!!

I am putting forth my best effort to be positive, uplifting, hopeful and faithful with the intention of encouraging myself.

James 3:5 says “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”

The tongue is strong and mighty; can speak life and unfortunately, can destroy life, friendships and relationships. Speak positively, speak encouragement, speak empowerment, speak love, speak justice, respect, and show human kindness, because our lives depend on it. Telling a child what they can’t do, what they’ll never be able to do, that they’re useless, worthless and will amount to nothing; how ignorant they are, how ugly they are, that they’re not loved or wanted, can be the murderous death of an innocent spirit.

Decide before you speak what will come out of your mouth, whether it will be healing or hurtful. Hopefully, our hearts reflect what we speak, and hopefully, we do (emphasis added) not speak from a bitter, self-righteous or angry heart. It’s a real task to speak positive and speak life when seemingly all around you is going wrong or is topsy-turvy, but when we speak from a positive place it turns life around and works in our favor.

Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.“

Blessings, love, and Speak Life, my friends, over yourself and others 😉

Sister Byers, I could not have said it better!! The words that proceed from your mouth expose the things you believe in your heart. It’s imperative that Christians take heed how they represent our Heavenly Father to this lost and dying world, for we will all one day give an account for it.

I’m Trippin!

For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. [Mark 13:34]

August 30, 2017 Ms. Wanda4 Comments

Life can be Harsh and I’ve been assaulted by it!

Life can be Unfair and I’ve been victimized by it!

Life can be Uncertain and I’ve been confused by it!

Life can be Painful and I’ve been scarred by it!

Life can be Overwhelming and I’ve been hijacked by it!

Life can be Ravaging and I’ve been devoured by it!

Life can be Terrorizing, and I’ve been paralyzed by it!

Yet …

Life can be Sweet, and I have savored its offerings!

Life can be Carefree, and I have soared upon its wings!

Life can be Deep, and I have explored its flowing depths!

Life can be Beautiful, and I have painted upon its canvas!

Life can be an Adventure, and I have found its treasures!

Life can be a Symphony, and I have hummed its Arias!

Life can be a Test, and I am its student, striving to graduate with honors!