I remember as a child that deafening sound when the radio or television station would broadcast three loud sirene blasts, then announce “This is a test of the emergency broadcasting system”.  We would hear three more sirene blasts then a very long, very loud, continuous blast.  As a child, those few seconds of testing seemed like an eternity.

It’s much like that in our Christian walk.  So many times in our lives, we go through testing, which in reality is usually for a short period of time.  During the test, however, we often wonder if it will ever end!  We hear the continuous, deafening sound of the “sirene” blasting in our ears as we try to maintain our position in Christ and hold firm to His promises.

Now let me confess:  I do not enjoy going through tests! Testing means stretching, bending, changing, and yes, even crushing at times.  It means that our faith is tried and our dependence upon God is magnified so that we can see how truly vulnerable we are.  But it also means learning to “stay the course” and keep our eyes focused only upon God and His Word – not on our circumstances!

Think about the process by which juice is made.  In order for the juice to be it’s best, that fruit has to be squeezed, crushed, ground, and squeezed again in order to get all of the best of the fruit for the juice.  It’s no different for us!  God loves us so much and has such awesome plans for our lives that He has to “squeeze the juice” out of us in order to make us into what he created us to be. 

We cannot fulfill our destiny if we don’t rid ourselves of the “junk” in our lives, our personalities, and our habits.  He has to allow us to go through testing so that we can become “precious jewels for His glory”!

Romans 5:3-6 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perserverance [endurance]; and perserverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us”. (NKJV)

We’ve been tested many times over the years.  With each test, we mature and grow stronger in our faith.  We’ve learned to praise God and stand on His promises.  I believe it’s important to praise God, even when you’re in the midst of your trial.  In fact, I believe that your victory is directly connected to your praise.  You see, it doesn’t take faith to believe after your miracle has been revealed!  Faith is only present when you believe before your miracle is revealed!

Maybe you’ve been in the midst of a test.  You’ve heard the sirene blasting in your ears and have wanted to give up or get angry.  Let me encourage you:  Don’t give up!  And if you’re angry, make sure your anger is properly directed.  Don’t allow the enemy to plant anger towards God.  Praise Him for your revealed miracle – even before you see it happen!

*Photo above taken from www.freefoto.com

Wednesday Nights

Auburndale Life Church

Teaching Class

581 Berkley Rd., Auburndale, FL

Inviting women to join me on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm for “Takin’ It Back: Standing on the Authority of God’s Word”. This class will take you on a journey to victorious living, reclaiming ground the enemy has stolen, and releasing the Gifts of God in your life!

Class material taken from the books, “Breaking Intimidation” by John Bevere and “Reclaiming Surrendered Ground” by Jim Logan.

It’s a new year…2011 is here! 

Don’t set goals that you are unable to accomplish on your own….Allow Brigette to help you set reasonable goals, develop a plan of action, and partner with you to help you reach those goals!

To help set you on a path to success for 2011,

the first three people to email through the link below will receive a scholarship for 50% off all life coaching fees for the month of January!

Don’t miss out!  To schedule your session today, click here:  http://www.brigettewagner.com/contact.

  “But this I say:  He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully [with blessing] will also reap bountifully.  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity [against his will]; for God loves a cheerful giver”.  2 corinthians 9:6-7

A cheerful giver….What exactly does that mean?  And how does our attitude towards giving affect our every day lives?

Many times, we hear this scripture in connection with tithing – and appropriately so.  However, there’s so much more to be understood from this scripture than just simple tithing.  This scripture speaks to the very heart and nature of our being. 

Do you remember the story in the Bible about the good Samaritan who helped the man who had been beaten and left to die?  Or the woman who broke the flask of expensive oil over the feet of Jesus?  These people were “cheerful givers”.  They gave out of a willing, joyful heart – “a spirit of enjoyment in giving that sweeps away all restraints.” (Spirit Filled Life Bible)

The Word says that our giving – whether it be a financial gift, clothing, food, time, service, etc. – creates opportunity for God’s grace to “abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work”. (2 Cor. 9:8)

We should give every time there is an opportunity.  Now don’t misunderstand me….I’m not talking about being manipulated or coerced into giving.   That type of situation is not of God.  I’m talking about situations where opportunities are presented to us so that we can truly bless another person.  Give – even if it’s only “a little”.  God will multiply “the little” and make it something awesome for His glory!

God gave us the ultimate gift – His only begotten Son, Jesus!  Jesus, who came to this earth, gave of Himself through miracles, wonders, and the most awesome gift of love anyone could ever give – His life!

If you’ve not been a cheerful giver in the past, ask for forgiveness and allow God to give you “a spirit of enjoyment in giving that sweeps away all restraints”.  As you give, you will be blessed!

Merry Christmas!

 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him.”  ~Psalm 34:8

Have you ever eaten so much that you knew you couldn’t eat another bite; but just as you made the decision to stop eating, someone offered you the most delicious looking dessert you’ve ever laid eyes on?  Was your response, “Just give me a taste?”.  I’ve done that!  I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity of tasting that dessert pass me by!

Our English word “taste” (used in Psalm 34:8) is the word “tah-ahm” in Hebrew which means “the capacity to choose and delight in good things”.  Think about that for a moment in the context of this scripture….”Oh taste [with the capacity to choose and delight in good things] and see that the Lord is good” – or as The Message Bible says it, “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good God is”.

Many times in our lives we forget how good God is.  We focus on our circumstances, lost relationships, hurts, disappointments, and failures instead of focusing on all the “good things” God has done and continues to do in us and through us.  Maybe you’re thinking, “What has God done for me?”  Maybe you feel like your life is “falling apart” and nothing good can come out of your situation.

Friend, let me encourage you today….God has promised in His Word that He will never leave us nor forsake us – that He’ll stay closer than a brother to you.  He’s proven it to me over and over and over again.  Life is seldom perfect!  We face challenges.  We go through hurtful situations.  We go through times of loneliness.  We go through moments of loss or sadness.  BUT GOD….

God has created each one of us with a special purpose and destiny.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord.  Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”. 

Christ came to earth with a special destiny.  His destiny was to take my sins and your sins upon himself so that you and I could have forgiveness.  He chose to delight in the good things of God by walking in obedience.  You and I have the same choice:  We can walk in obedience to the plans of God – understanding that people will fail us, friends will hurt us, leaders will disappoint us;  but GOD will NEVER fail us, NEVER forsake us, NEVER hurt us, and NEVER disappoint us.

As we go into this Christmas season, take time to meditate on the goodness of God.  Refocus your thought patterns and allow Him to set you on the path to your destiny.  You can trust Him!  Just taste and see….

  “…I’ve set you up as light to all nations.   You’ll proclaim salvation to the four winds and seven seas!” ~Acts 13:47 (The Message)

What is it that you hold in your hand but are too afraid to use?  Do you have gifts, talents, visions, or resources that you’re not using for Kingdom purposes?  If so, it’s time to stop procrastinating and making excuses!

God created each one of us with a special plan and purpose.  Psalm 139:14 says that He knew us even BEFORE we were in our mother’s womb.  That – in and of itself – is an amazing thing!  Think about it…. He created you just like you are for His purpose.  What that means is this:

You don’t have to compare yourself to anyone else!

We are each given specific gifts that God expects us, in fact commands us, to use for Him.  Some have giftings which are more “public oriented” (musical, public speaking, evangelism, preaching, teaching, etc.); others have giftings which are more “background oriented” (organization, hospitality, administration, financial, etc.). 

In the body of Christ, no person is more important than another.  No gift, talent, vision, or resource is more significant than another.  We all make up the whole Body.  When one of us doesn’t flow in our Calling, the entire Body suffers.  So, I encourage you today to write down your gifts, talents, vision, and/or resources, then ask God to direct you on how you can begin walking in your destiny.

BEWARE:  It’s easy to gravitate towards people who seem to have “benefits” for our purposes.  It’s tempting to lay aside relationships that seem to have “less to offer” to pursue those who – on the surface – can help you get to your destiny easier and quicker than others.  These types of relationships seldom last.  True friends are like diamonds - rare, beautiful, and should be treasured. 

Pray for an accountability partner who can stand with you as you begin your journey, be teachable, take baby steps, and trust God to take you where He wants you to go.  When HE directs your path, HE will get the glory!  And remember…

God will never call you to a place that He hasn’t already provided for your success! 

So “go with whatcha got!”  Be a light to “your world”.  Take what God has given you and begin moving forward step-by-step.  You may fall…. If you do, get up, brush yourself off, and take another step.  You can do it!  With God, all things are possible!

  “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”  ~Psalm 140:3

I was talking to a friend on the phone, when her dog kept barking in the background.  The dog would bark, and my friend would tell him to “be quiet”.   This occurred several times before the dog finally quit barking and settled down.

Have you ever been around someone who was so abrasive that the sound of his/her voice was as offensive as a barking dog?  How does it make you feel to be in that type of situation?  Do you feel angry, grieved, or frustrated?

Have YOU ever been the one who was abrasive or offensive?

As I reflect back over my life, I know there have been times when I have been abrasive or offensive, especially in my younger years.  It grieves me to know that I have, at times, sounded like a “barking dog”. 

I think David was crying out to God in Psalm 140:3 because he knew he also needed help in this area of his life.  The Word says that he was “a man after God’s own heart”, so I believe David wanted desparately  to live his life in such a way that it brought honor to the Name of God.

Throughout scripture, we are told of the dangers associated with “the tongue”.   In fact, Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue”. 

Do you get that?  Our words have the power to breathe life, encouragement, healing, and love into others.  Our words also have the power to create discouragement, harm, hate, and even death to those around us.

 Friends, I encourage you to join with me and make it your prayer today that God will use us to be a light for His glory and that He will place a guard over our mouths so that we will bring healing and encouragement to those we come in contact with.

ATTENTION FRIENDS:

We are having a food drive Oct. 1st – Nov.  10th for our ANNUAL THANKSGIVING BASKET OUTREACH!

We are asking you to pray about donating money or any of the following items.  All donations will be used to help people who are in need.

Items needed:

Canned corn, green beans, yams, cranberry sauce

Boxed potatoes, mac n cheese

Cake mix & icing or browning mix

Frozen turkeys

Brigette Wagner, CCLC, has been helping people discover and step into their destiny for 20 years.

“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”. ~Jeremiah 29:11

Do you ever wonder what God’s purpose is for your life?  Do you have a passion for fulfilling the Call of God on your life but don’t know how to get from “Point A” to “Point B”?

YOU CAN KNOW…

Who you are, why you are here, and where you are going!

You were created with a special destiny that only YOU can fulfill!  Though the enemy strives to use fear, guilt, stress, financial struggles,  and insecurities to rob us of our destiny, Jesus assured us that we have not been given a “spirit of fear but of  power and of love and of a sound mind”.

You CAN fulfill your destiny! 

You CAN walk in victory! 

Philippians 1:6 says, “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” 

If you have a desire to move forward in your destiny, but don’t know where to start, I can help you discover your purpose, determine your direction, and dive into your destiny.

Visit my Life Coaching Page today at  http://www.brigettewagner.com.  Give your name, phone number, and email address on the Contact Page to set up your 20-minute complimentary get-aquainted session.

“…My cup runs over”  Psalm 23:5

Have you ever run out of gas?  If you have, then you know how horrible it feels.  I remember many years ago running out of gas on my way to school one day.  I was driving early in the morning on some back roads in SC.  ”Without warning”, my car car engine stopped.  I began to panic as I maneuvered my car to the side of the road.  In examining the dashboard for “clues” as to why the engine had stopped, I discovered that I had run out of gas.

In those days, cell phones were not as easily accessible as they are now.  So, I began walking to class.  Thankfully, a college professor gave me a ride to school and my mother helped me later in the day with my “empty tank” situation.

I love the gas feature on my current car.  It tells me how many miles I have left to drive before reaching “0″.   Trust me, I know that my car will make it to “0″.  But I don’t want to find out how far it will go on “0″ before it stops.

As children of God and workers in His Kingdom, we also run ourselves down to “0″ sometimes.   God wants us to use our giftings, anointings, talents, and skills for His glory.  His Word says that we are to be “salt” and touch people’s lives in many various ways.  However, we also have to use wisdom and keep a close check on our “gauges”. 

We may fool ourselves into thinking that we are making a difference for Him, but friends, if we are “running on empty” then we have absolutely nothing to give into the lives of others.

 As I sat at the piano this morning singing and worshipping, the Lord brought this old song back to my memory (written by Richard Blanchard).  It was a blessing to me.  I hope it blesses you, as well….

Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy;
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
“Draw from my well that never shall run dry”.

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more–
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

There are millions in this world who are craving
The pleasures earthly things afford;
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more–
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

So, my brother, if the things this world gave you
Leave hungers that won’t pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you,
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray:

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more–
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

He WILL fill your cup!  He WILL fill it to overflowing!  It simply takes a deliberate act of “lifting up your cup” to the Lord, being willing to remove the “unhealthy things” in your life, and allowing Him to pour out His Spirit over your daily decisions and activities.

*Photo above taken from www.photobucket.com