peace – Speak True Life

Sky View

a poem inspired by God’s artistry

August 9, 2020 Ms. WandaLeave a comment

WOW, What A View

Of God’s splendid hue

OH, How Amazing

Heavenly artistry blazing

Lord, you make me want to write

A love song that fills the night

You make me dream beyond trees

Into the universe I cannot see

The covering of your majestic shield

Free my emotions to wholly yield

Multiple grays in this cloudy sky

Begs the questions of the ultimate why

My Lord, how do you love so deep

From Mt. Zion’s hills that roll so steep

When I brought nothing valuable to wear

You gave everything divine covering to bear

Oh, what beautiful backdrops you give

Inviting your children to joyfully live

My, what majestic work you do

My dear God, I love your sky view

From the Rising of the Son

Jesus can relate to your feelings

August 5, 2020August 5, 2020 Ms. Wanda8 Comments

Psalm 50:1

The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

This morning as I walked the five blocks from my parking spot to my job, I was captivated by the skyline view of downtown Kansas City. It provoked thoughts of sitting on a balcony with coffee and toast, a cool breeze blowing across my skin, making me feel alive and refreshed. At that moment, I wished I was not on my way to work. I would much rather have been on a Hawaiian beach watching a vibrant sunrise dismantle the rain clouds with a bright and striking sun moving across the sky.

And what would I be doing at 6:30 in the morning under the conditions described above? I would be sitting in the early morning splendor ruminating about how life imitated nature. I would be thinking of the dark times in my life and remembering how the power of the Son evaporated my cloudy days. The beauty of the sentiment would, without doubt, cause tears to flow as I lifted my voice in praise for the rising of the Son in my heart.

Jesus does that, you know? He sees through our cloudy days, and just at the right moment, He illuminates His love to let us know He is with us in the dark. The Psalms give a divine image of this. David, the man after God’s own heart, records his emotions in the struggles he faces. Taking his complaints to God, he questions and accepts the sovereignty of the Creator. And through every up and down scenario, we see the mind of God toward David demonstrated in his faithfulness to help David. We are afforded a glimpse into the prophecies of the life and struggles the Son of God would endure on earth and his forthcoming emergence as the victorious, reigning King on earth.

Like David, we should bear our very heart and soul to God. No matter what the emotion, talk to him about it. Because of who he is, he will always bring us full circle to praise Him.

And therein lies the beauty of the Rising of the Son!

Psalm 113:3

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.

I Sing Because…

(The stories behind my Voisey melodies)

July 17, 2020July 18, 2020 Ms. Wanda6 Comments

*At His Word Lyrics – © Wanda J. Murry, March 22, 2020

Everything God said is true

Don’t forget he cares for you

Everything is in his hand

God has always had a plan

Don’t fear, no no no no

Don’t fret, no no no no

Just take him at his word

The pandemic hit American soil, and we ran for the safety and cover of the Stay-Home-Orders lockdown across America. Even the church had to close its doors, amid great protest. Fear entered hearts as working from home exposed the deficiencies in our picture-perfect existence. I marveled at how faith was, and continues, to be tested, especially in light of the part worshiping in a building became a defining factor for so many. The fight and lawsuits by “the church” demanding freedoms to assemble struck me as odd. Why? Because I was curious about the mindset behind the demand…

Did Jesus followers believe they needed to gather in a building to practice their religion?

Did Jesus followers believe there was a “vail” in their buildings that would protect them from the virus?

Did Jesus followers believe what scripture said about the times that would come, and that would precede Jesus’ return one day, to gather us to himself?

Had “worship” become something to be performed in a building, on certain days, in what is a Laodicean mindset?

*So Many Reasons Lyrics – © Wanda J. Murry, April 2020

Lord you give me so many reasons

To lift my hands to heaven in praise

Lord you give me so many reasons

To start each day just looking to pray

Lord you give me so many reasons

To open up my heart each day

All over the world, people were experiencing isolation and confinement to their living spaces. The world was attempting to slow the spread of the coronavirus. People were going stir-crazy. Parents realized teaching their kids wasn’t as easy as they assumed. Spouses realized their interrupted routines were now under a microscope that was revealing unpleasant things they had covered up by staying busy. Domestic abuse cases rose. Loneliness and self-identity issues hit hearts accustomed to camouflaging under the outer appearance no longer on open display. Other things were exposed as well. The need for changes. The need to reconnect. The opportunity to work on the bucket list buried in the back of desk drawers. The realization of how unprepared we are for a future with diminishing social, economic, and retirement resources and benefits. So many depressing things unless – we look on the bright side; the right side. That place from which our help comes!

*Stop Please Lyrics – © Wanda J. Murry, June 3, 2020

Stop please, They mean you no harm

Stop please, Face down, surrendered, unarmed

Stop please, No more blood splatters

Stop please, Because black lives matter

I felt the pain, horror, and hatred recorded live in the George Floyd murder. It was final ignition to the powder keg that has been brewing in America. A divide supported and seemingly provoked by authorities who are supposed to be leading our country across a multitude of fronts. A mish-mesh of solutions parading across the nation. A sad example for a land touted as being the land of the free; a land of equality.

*All lyrics referenced above are the express property of the writer.
All Rights Reserved.
© 2020 Wanda J. Murry

In A Relationship With God

The basis for all the others…

June 18, 2020 Ms. Wanda5 Comments

I was 11 years old when I first began to hear about the God I would later come to love. He was a mysterious stranger that intrigued me. I read the stories about him in my children’s bible. I listened intently to the lessons the teachers taught about all the things he did for me. My young mind was in awe of this invisible person who took on flesh like mine but was a Spirit-being.

It wasn’t long before I knew that I wanted what he was offering. This Jesus, who loved me so much that he died for me, drew me in. My mother loved me strongly, but I didn’t know of any man who lovely me this deeply. Plus, at 12 years old, I knew I didn’t like pain; I was sensitive to the hurts of others. So the option of not burning in hell for eternity because someone loved me like this, in my young mind, was a no-brainer.

Over the last 45 years of my life, I have been married to the Lord. I won’t lie: I haven’t been the best wife to him. But, because he has proven to me time and time again that his love for me is unwavering, my heart has desired to become a better wife. My trust in this husband has never been abused, misused, or hurtful. Every day this husband has proven himself faithful, longsuffering, and trustworthy.

Being in a relationship with God is awe-inspiring. I don’t mind sharing His love. He has an abundance of love to spread around to any and everyone who desires to join him in holy spiritual matrimony. I want everyone to experience the love I’ve found in my relationship with Christ, and it’s so simple, a child with understanding can do it.

Just repeat after me:

Lord,

I know that I am a sinner because sin was passed on to me through Adam, a fallen sinner, according to Romans 5:12, 3:23, and 6:23.

I know to become a child of God, I must be born again, according to John 3:3.

I believe that Jesus was God in the flesh and died, was buried, and rose again. I confess this belief with my mouth and ask you, Lord, to send your Holy Spirit to live within me, according to Romans 10:9-11.

I believe this in my heart, confess it with my mouth that I am now a child of God.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Welcome to the Family of Christ.

You are now in a relationship with God.

(Reach out to me if you accepted the Gift – I’d love to welcome you!)

Valentine’s Eyes

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020 Ms. Wanda3 Comments

I dreamed of you in the twilight of sleep;

I heard you call my name.

I felt no anxiety or fear;

I knew you would find me in time.

Covered in experiential bruises healed by divine love,

I walked with assurance toward the sound of your heartbeat.

Excited by the knowledge of you seeking Him to guide me into your path,

I move in contented pace knowing we’ll meet

in the process of time under His beautiful light.

For now, we’ll keep our eyes focused

on the source of our eternity together.

But Your Heart

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019 Ms. Wanda1 Comment

You are a wonder to watch day after day and night after night. How I long to hold you in my arms. You are so beautiful. You are so handsome. Your daily routine, impressive. Your goals are attainable. You demonstrate consistent willpower and keep your focus on the rainbows in your view. I marvel at your strength and tenacity in these times of ever-changing roles and lifestyles.

You are a feast for the eyes. You are always well-dressed. You model thrift store purchases as one endowed with riches. Your poise is full of humble confidence. Stylish by all standards. No one would deny you have earned it. Your climb up the corporate ladder is inspiring. Turning your business into a household name noteworthy. Every promotion deserved.

We find you remarkable. We know what you sacrifice to do what you do to give what you give. No one can attest to the time you obligate to others. Many miss how you extend your hand to serve others. Watching you willingly add to your already full plate exhausts me. You lend all of your talents to those around you. Your service in ministry is well-pleasing. You are faithful and so blessed.

I have spent lots of time and words expressing the debt of my love and appreciation for you. I know at the end of the day you returned my love the best way you knew how. It makes me love you even more. I know you have given me everything you feel you possess.

Everything … but your heart!

I Want You, Jesus!

A father of the fatherless … is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5)

May 24, 2019May 24, 2019 Ms. Wanda2 Comments

There are times when I want to revert back to childhood and run to the arms of my mother. That place of security, comfort, and reassurance that all will be right with the world again.

Today, I feel that way in my spirit. I just want to run into the arms of my Father. I woke up with the words from Cody Carnes – Nothing Else playing in my head.

My God, who is ever faithful, immediately began to minister to me in multiple ways. That’s just who He is. The relationship I have with Christ eliminates my need for anything or anyone else in my greatest times of need.

I just want JESUS!

Enjoy This Video. Cody Carnes – Nothing Else (Official Lyric Video) “Nothing Else” – Available Now: https://codycarnes.lnk.to/NothingElseYD

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]

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]

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.