We are “gearing up” for our most active outreach season and would greatly appreciate your help!  Over the next few months, we will have the following outreaches:

• Baptist Children’s Home
• Thanksgiving Baskets for needy families
• Police Officers Thanksgiving Dinner
• Operation Christmas – where we “adopt” families and provide Christmas gifts for the children
• Christmas in Uganda – where we provide Christmas gifts for our “adopted children” in Uganda
• Firemen’s Christmas Eve Dinner

Though we are very frugal with our funds, plan wisely, and “stretch” every dollar, we cannot do these outreaches without your help.  Therefore, I’m asking you to pray about giving a donation of any amount (large or small) to help us bless others through the various outreaches we have planned.

All donations are tax deductible.

If you are able to help with any amount, please send your donation through one of the following options:

Mail donations to:  SBS, PO Box 2232, Winter Haven, FL  33883

Go to  http://www.brigettewagner.com/donate

You’re gifts help us help others!  Thank you for your willingness to be a part.

Blessings,

Brigette

Have you ever been offended?  Had your feelings hurt?  Felt wronged?  If you haven’t, don’t think you’re exempt from such situations.  Everyone experiences disappointments, hurts, betrayals, etc. at some point in life.  How we deal with those situations, however, determines whether we become “bitter” or “better”.  So, how do you react when you’ve been hurt or disappointed?  Do you “strike back”, attempting to inflict as much pain on your offender as he/she gave you?  Do you withdraw and simply allow the relationship to fade away?  Or do you “rise above” your feelings and reach out to ensure restoration to the relationship in jeopardy?

I laugh as I write this because so many times in my life when I’VE been offended, disappointed, hurt, or even betrayed, God has required ME to be the one who reaches out to those who’ve hurt me and be the peacemaker.  I must say, this doesn’t always seem “fair” or even “just”.  However, when God requires something of us, we must respond with obedience.  Recently, I was having a conversation with the Lord and – quite honestly – complaining about being the one who “always tries to fix things”.  I reminded Him that I also have feelings and that it would be really nice if “every now and then” someone came to ME to apologize or attempt to make peace where there may be misunderstanding.  I noted that I didn’t want to be disobedient but…..

As God always does with me, He quickly responded to my complaints with His Word, ”Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Sons [daughters] of God” (Matthew 5:9).  When God said that to me, I started laughing and said, “Thanks, Lord!  I still don’t like it, but I’ll be obedient!”.

You see, we don’t always have to like God’s instructions; but we should always obey them.

My question to you today is this:  “Are you a wavemaker or a peacemaker?”

Peacemakers are willing to reach out – even when they are the ones who have been wronged or offended.  Peacemakers understand that it’s not about them and their feelings, it’s about God and His commandments.  Wavemakers refuse to reach out, refuse to apologize, justify their actions, and walk in pride.

We cannot control how others behave.  We can, however, control our own emotions and responses to the Word of God.

I Thessalonians 5:15 says, “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”  Romans 12:18,21 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on YOU, live peaceably with all men….Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good”. (emphasis added)

I encourage you today to walk in peace, not pride.  Remember, a spirit of peace urges you to reach out and “right” relationships; but a spirit of pride demands that you justify your own actions and refuse to walk in obedience to the Word of God.

Trust me, you’ll feel better about YOU, if you seek peace – even if it’s not reciprocated.  SHALOM!

 *Photo above taken from www.freefoto.com

Several weeks ago, I begin feeling like I was under attack from the enemy.  Now, I’m not one to give Satan credit for every “uncomfortable” or “challenging” situation which occurs in my life.  However, there are times when I believe he has “waged war” against me and must be recognized for what he is in order to fight against the attack.

From personal attacks to physical illnesses, this “attack” continued.  It seemed as though I was losing the battle as one challenge after another showed itself.  BUT GOD….

Last Friday, I received a very concerning report from the doctor.  To be honest, I immediately felt fear when told of my situation; but after the initial feeling of fear, came a strange, underlying peace as I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to “praise, praise, praise, and praise again until my victory was revealed”.  In addition to taking authority through the blood of Jesus Christ and lifting my voice in praise, I sent out emails & texts asking people to pray on my behalf.

Interestingly, we’ve also been studying the Book of Ephesians in my class on Wednesday night.  As I read Ephesians 2, verses 19-22 “jumped” off the pages at me.  It reads (emphasis added):

What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion….And He put all things under His feet….”

So let’s look at that….Ephesians 5:12 tells us that our battle is against the powers of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 2:20 tells us that Christ is seated in the heavenly places far above the powers of wickedness.  At first glance, you might think that “heavenly places” is somewhere far away that cannot be reached.  But friends, the Greek actually identifies the “heavenly places” as the “invisible realm that surrounds our present daily situation.” WOW!  Our battle is against the powers of darkness which dwell in the realm that surrounds our present daily situation.  BUT MORE THAN THAT – Our Savior is seated in THAT realm ABOVE [or with authority over] every power in that realm!

I praise God for what He’s done in my situation throughout the past 10 days.  I am walking in victory, holding onto the prayers of those who are lifting me up, standing on the Word, speaking forth complete healing, and expecting total fulfillment of the promises of God.

If you’ve been facing challenging situations in your life, DON’T GIVE UP, DON’T GIVE IN!  Instead, stand on the authority of God’s Word, remind the enemy that he’s under Christ’s feet, ask others to stand with you in prayer, and believe God for completion.  He is faithful!

]]> http://brigettewagner.com/time-to-fight/feed/ 0 http://brigettewagner.com/taste-see-that-the-lord-is-good/ http://brigettewagner.com/taste-see-that-the-lord-is-good/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:26:11 +0000 bwagner http://brigettewagner.com/?p=1385  “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….

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!

“…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

Covenant.  What is covenant?  Where did the term come from?  How can it be explained?  Is it important in our lives?

There’s much to learn about covenant and the importance it has in our lives.  Covenant in the Old Testament was ”a set of promises with rules and conditions, whereby an agreeable or profitable relationship may exist between two parties. A covenant can be the express will and testament of one party, by which the other party, if compliant, gains an inheritance.” (taken from www.simplybible.com)

Covenant was made between God and man when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, thereby setting the “law” or “letter” in place for His people.

Covenant or “contract” was made between two people when they were doing business together and required each person to pierce their hand or wrist and mix their blood to “seal the deal”.

In the Old Testament, when one entered into covenant, he/she  basically promised to abide by a set of rules and regulations.  But God sent Jesus into this world to deliver us from the old covenant and bring life through the new covenant.

2 Cor 3:6-18  says, “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit, for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.”

The old covenant resulted in anger, punishment, and even death.  The new covenant extends peace, forgiveness, grace, and life.

You see, we enter into covenant with our spouses, children, friends, family members, etc.  But my friends, let me be very clear - our most important covenant relationship is the one we have with our Heavenly Father.   He ALWAYS gets our first, our best, our loyalty, our commitment, and our obedience – above all other relationships! 

It is through Him that we are saved, called, and destined for His purpose.  Galations 3:26-27 reminds us that “…by faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God.”  It’s the blood of Jesus that flows freely to you and me so that we can walk in covenant with the Most High God.

There have been times in my life where I’ve had to choose between my loyaly to a friend and my loyalty to the beliefs and convictions that God has embeded in my spirit.  It’s never easy to make that choice, especially when you love someone.  But it’s the ONLY choice if we want to walk in complete obedience to the will of God and His covenant with us.

NEVER should our covenant with another person come before our covenant with our Lord!

Hang in there, Friends!  Christ came to give us abundant life.  When you accepted Him as your personal Savior, you entered into the greatest covenant known to man.  You are covered by His blood, saved by His grace, and guided by His Almighty Hand!

~Picture above taken from www.freefoto.com

Life is funny, isn’t it?  With all it’s “twists and turns”…..We sometimes think we’ve got it “all figured out”.  But God…  God has a bigger plan!  While we see only in part, He sees the whole picture.

So many times in our lives, we are placed in relationships, positions, ministry, or situations that we think will last forever.  We plan things out in our own minds.  Then, we begin to feel the winds of change begin to blow and know that God is about to do a “new thing” in our lives.

For some, change is difficult.  For others, change is welcomed.  But no matter how we feel, change is often necessary.  You see we hang on to the familiar because it’s comfortable, predictable, and easily seen.  But it’s in the “trusting the Lord with all of your heart” that we are able to step into the new seasons that God brings into our lives.

New seasons are not always accepted by others around you. 

Why?  Sometimes, our friends & relatives feel left out, rejected, hurt, or even angry about the decisions we make.  I have learned over the years that when people respond this way to simply lift them up in prayer.  Never do we intentionally hurt or reject; but our greatest desire should always be to walk in obedience to what God lays on our hearts to do.  

Maybe you’ve had that experience in the past.  Maybe you’ve been on the other side of things where you were the one who was hurt or disappointed in someone else’s decision.  I heard someone recently say that when we respond in anger to what someone else believes God has called them to do, it’s our “uncrucified flesh” rising up and ‘acting out’.

I certainly don’t want my “flesh” to rule my “spirit”.  How about you?  You see, true friends celebrate together (even if they don’t agree)!  True friends pray for each other, encourage each other, and maintain honesty with each other as each marches toward their destiny!  

Maybe you’ve been going through some seasons of change.  Friends, let me encourage you today:  Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart.  If He tells you to jump, ask Him how high.  Complete surrender to the will of God sets you up to be blessed.  Don’t be a people pleaser….Be a God pleaser!

All too often, we go through life making one decision after another without thought to the importance of the choices we make on a daily basis – how those choices affect others, our reputation, or more importantly God’s Kingdom.

Every day, we are faced with choices – some that are very important, others that are simply part of our everyday lives.   As I was talking with someone a few days ago, I was vividly reminded of the need to have confirmation from the Lord on my decisions.  Of course, I’m not talking about whether I should eat a hamburger or a piece of chicken for lunch….but those critical decisions that have the ability to alter our circumstances.

1 Corinthians 3:13 reminds us that there is coming a Day when all of our works will be tried by fire.  The fire that Paul is talking about in this passage is the purest fire of heaven.  It burns away every choice we’ve made, every deed we’ve done that wasn’t done for the right reason – even if it was a great success here on earth.

People cannot see the intent of our heart or the true motivation behind our decisions; but let us not forget…God sees it all!  

Selfishness, lack of integrity, lack of accountability, pride, envy, anger, rebellion, unforgiveness, lust….All accomplishments made through avenues that are lined with these things will be as dust in the eyes of our Father.

Selflessness, integrity, accountability, humility, love, care, patience, obedience, forgiveness, self-control….All accomplishments made through avenues lines with these things will receive a reward.

Let me encourage you today, make choices that bring honor to the Name of Jesus.  It may “cost” you something today, but the reward will be worth it!

I saw a homeless man walking down the street this week.  He was pushing a buggy that was over-stuffed with plastic bags of various items that I assume were important to him.  As I watched him push his cart down the sidewalk, my heart became overwhelmed with grief.  I began praying for him and crying out to God, asking Him to use this ministry more than ever before to touch people and change lives.

So many times, I don’t feel like I do enough to reach into the lives of people and touch them for His glory.  It is so vital that we keep our minds set on the ultimate goal of bringing people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ,then discipling them and empowering them to reach their destiny in Him.

As I cried out to God in regards to this matter, He reminded me of the various ways our ministry has touched people throughout the past few months.  Many of you participated in these outreaches either by donating money, donating items for the garage sale, interceding,  or volunteering your time and “muscle power”.

I want to take this opportunity to say “Thank You!”  You have “planted seed” in “fertile ground”.  Your seed is not taken for granted!

We pray for you, believe with you, and expect God to multiply every “seed” you plant!  We set our faith with yours and speak blessings over each of your lives!

Below is a list of outreaches that you have helped make happen over the past few months:

• Garage Sale -  To raise funds for Outreach to the Homeless Community in our area
• Outreach to the Homeless Community – Where food, blankets, and Bibles were provided to each person who came
• Thanksgiving Baskets – Baskets filled with fresh turkey, vegetables, bread, dessert, and all the “sides” for a complete Thanksgiving dinner
• Operation Christmas Family – Where 3 families were chosen to receive Christmas gifts
• Firemen’s Outreach – Where our volunteers supplied “a meal fit for a king” to the local Firemen who were working on Christmas Eve
• Child Sponsorship – Every month we sponsor two children, James & Stella, from Kampala, Uganda
• Christmas for Sponsored Children – Every year we send Christmas presents to James & Stella in Uganda
• Single Mom Assistance – Assisted a single mom in our area with getting documentation needed for the “Back To Work” program
• Prayer Vigil in D.C. - Where we helped sponsor an intercessor to go to Washington D.C. and participate in a prayer vigil for our country
• “Married & Lovin’ It” – Marriage Conference where we were able to speak into the lives of couples
• Blanket Donation – Where we donated blankets to a community of migrant workers
• A.R.K. – Random Acts of Kindness – Where we purchased a tank of gas for someone’s car, purchased someone’s meal anonymously, given random small gifts  to strangers, purchased groceries for families in need, etc.

With your help, this ministry is able to “touch people and change lives”.  Together, we can change the world – one heart at a time!