“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everylasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”  ~Psalm 100:4-5

Do You Have A Heart Condition?

 Do you ever talk when you should be listening?  Or speak when you should be silent?  Most of us do – sometimes only on occasion, others….well, you get the picture.

Mathew 12:34-37 says this

“…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks….for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

Did you catch that?  By OUR words we will be justified, and by OUR words we will be condemned!  Now let that sink in for a moment.  If what is in our hearts eventually comes out of our mouths – and what comes out of our mouths determines justification or condemnation – doesn’t it make sense that we should continuously check the condition of our hearts?

In her devotional book, “Jesus Calling”, Sarah Young writes, “A thankful attitude opens windows of heaven.  Spiritual blessings fall freely onto you through those openings into eternity.  Moreover, as you look up with a grateful heart, you get glimpses of Glory through those windows….Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me [God]. A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems.  Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations….”

Thankfulness brings peace.  Peace brings joy.  Joy brings victory!

If you’ve been feeling defeated lately, check to see if you have a heart condition.  When you’re done with that, check your words and see if they line up with the Word of God or if they’re in direct conflict with His Word.  Then, decide to “walk in” an attitude of thankfulness and praise.  Maybe you don’t feel like you have much to be thankful for right now.  Don’t be deceived!  Let me help you get started with your list of “heavenly thank you’s”….

• You’re breathing!
• You’re unique!
• You’re loved (even if you don’t think you are……you are!)
• You can see (If not, you wouldn’t be reading this right now!)
• You can read

• You can move your fingers, hands, and arms

• You’re not alone! (God is always with you, even when you don’t “feel” His presence!)

Friend, let me encourage you today….Begin to speak forth praise and thankfulness to your Heavenly Father for all that He does in your life – things you know about…and things you’ll never know!  It will change your life!

Dear Friends:

I’m excited to announce that my teaching on “Got Kids, Now What?” is now available for a donation of $30.00.  This six-CD series covers topics which include the power of our words, setting boundaries, fun activities for creating memories, and much more.

To order, go to http://www.brigettewagner.com and click on the CD listed under “Products”.

Blessings,

Brigette

Simple Faith

 “…for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day,” ~2 Timothy 1:12   

Searching for Answers?

In 40 years of life and 20 years of ministry, I’ve walked through many struggles and many victories.  Some struggles were greater than others, which meant some victories were sweeter than others.  But being the “overcomer” is a choice and one that I choose on a continual basis – not by my own power, of course, but by the power and authority of the mighty Name of Jesus!

Of all the battles we fight, one of the most difficult is that of doubt and unbelief.  As Christians, we are taught to have faith.  The Word says in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”.  We spend our lives, trying to “muster up” faith.  The problem is that we don’t always HAVE faith and feel guilty when we allow doubt to creep into our lives. 

So how do you overcome doubt and unbelief? 

Make a list!  That’s right, make a list!  List all the things you DO believe!  Focus on and trust God for those things!  PRAISE God for the things you CAN believe in, REPENT for the doubt and unbelief that you’ve allowed into your life, and COMMIT the things you can’t believe for into His Hands. 

He’s a big God, and very capable of handling your belief AND your unbelief. 

I’ll help you get started with your list:

• I believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (John 1:1)

• I believe in my salvation (John 3:17)

• I believe in God’s love and mercy (John 3:16)

• I believe in God’s peace (Psalm 91:1-2)

• I believe that I can trust God – even when I don’t understand (Psalm 56:3-4)

• I believe that I am uniquely made with special destiny (Psalm 139:13-16)

• I believe that God wants good for me, not evil (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

• I believe in angels (Psalm 91:11)

• I believe in the power of the spoken word (Proverbs 18:21)

• I believe in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)

I BELIEVE!  Help me, Lord, with my unbelief! 

As I began writing this devotional, my mind and spirit began being flooded with words from some of the old hymns that I grew up singing…..

“Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms.  Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms”….”Learning to lean, learning to lean, learning to lean on Jesus.  Finding more power than I’ve ever dreamed, I’m learning to lean on Jesus”….”Only believe.  Only believe.  All things are possible, only believe.  Only believe.  Only believe.  All things are possible, only believe”….”Only trust Him.  Only trust Him.  Only trust Him now.  He will save you.  He will save you.  He will save you now”….”On Christ the Solid Rock I stand.  All other ground is sinking sand.  All other ground is sinking sand”….

There are so many wonderful old hymns which were birthed out of personal struggles and victories.  But today, we don’t sing them very often.  I understand the awesomeness of the praise and worship songs that we now sing.  I love how they usher in the presence of God; and I often lead them whenever I minister in music.  However, if you’re like me and grew up singing those old hymns, you can understand the foundational faith that rises up within us when we begin singing those words of affirmation.

Friend, if you’ve been struggling with doubt, unbelief, or guilt, let me encourage you today.  Don’t allow the enemy to get your focus on the things you don’t believe or struggle to believe.  Let go of those things and keep your focus on God and all the things you can believe for.  For all the rest, meditate on and speak forth Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”  OR as I like to paraphase it:

I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony!

  “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.  He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”  ~Psalm 37:5-6

Have you ever been misjudged by a friend? 

It’s difficult, isn’t it?  It can leave you feeling hurt, disappointed, and frustrated as you search for answers and solutions.  But the Word says that if we are careful to “commit our ways to the Lord” and “trust also in Him”, He is faithful to bring forth truth and light into every situation or circumstance in our lives.

 I have found, in my personal relationships, that true friendship takes work!  And yes, you will sometimes be misjudged and misunderstood.  It’s during those times when we have to re-commit our relationships to the Lord and trust that He will bring forth truth and understanding.  However, let me caution you…. When a problem arises in a relationship that you know for certain is true friendship, we should always begin with a little self-reflection. 

In my relationships, if a friend seems “distant” or “detached”, I always examine myself first and ask these questions: 

1. When did I notice my friend “distancing herself/himself from me?  

2. Can I “pinpoint” anything – intentional or unintentional – that may have caused my friend hurt or disappointment? 

3. What should my response be? 

I NEVER automatically assume that the “issue” is hers alone.  Instead, I open myself completely to God to be examined by His eye and ask that He give me divine revelation into what’s going on.  Most of the time, God will show me exactly when the problem began and I am able to pray about my response.  

When I’ve been hurt or misjudged by a friend, I usually find myself “pulling back” to create a little space until I can either “pray through to victory” or talk to my friend without being ”the victim”.  When I feel that a friend is distancing herself from me, I usually go to that person and ask if I’ve done anything to cause the “rift”.  

I believe in “taking the high road”. Most offenses – especially between friends – are completely unintentional.   

However, there are times when it’s absolutely necessary to talk to your friend – with a right spirit – in order to work out the misunderstanding. 

No matter the situation or the offense, it is vitally important that we, as Christian brothers and sisters, work out our misunderstandings and differences so that we can move forward in the awesome things God has planned for our lives.  So I encourage you today, if you’ve been struggling in any of the relationships in your life,  self-evaluate first.  Then, be open to hear God’s voice for the path you need to take in order to bring healing and restoration.

If you keep your heart right, commit your ways to the Lord, and trust in Him, He is faithful to shine His light into every situation in your life. 

Go to Him with your burdens;  give Him permission to show you truth; and be willing to obey whatever He tells you to do.  He’ll ”bring forth your righteousness as the light” and pour His healing out in your frienships! 

**Photo above taken from www.freefoto.com  

**”Got Kids: Now What?” CD series is scheduled to be released on or before June 10th**

“Laughter does good like a medicine….” Proverbs 17:22

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy” Psalm 126:2 (NIV)

One of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard is the sound of a child giggling. I absolutely love to hear our children when they “get tickled” and can’t stop laughing. There’s something so pure, so inocent, and so beautiful in that sound!

Take just a moment to close your eyes, block out all sounds, and think about the last time you heard a child laugh and giggle……Just thinking about it made you smile, didn’t it?

In our every day lives, we can easily get too busy to savor those special little moments that are so simple, yet leave us with so much joy. We’re too busy doing laundry, cleaning house, cooking meals, or racing from one activity to another and often miss some of the most beautiful gifts God gives us on a daily basis – one very important one being the laughter of a child.

Maybe you don’t have children or your children are now adults. You can still enjoy this beautiful God-gift, along with the many others God gives you each day. Go the park and sit quietly. You’ll hear the laughter of children. Visit your grandkids. Their laughter will bring you joy. Or volunteer to babysit for a mother who desparately needs some help. She’ll appreciate your kindness, and you’ll be given special moments that will bless you and impact a child’s life.

Someone once said, “Great opportunities may come once in a lifetime; but small opportunities surround us everyday!”.

I would like to change that around a little to read like this:

“Great gifts may come once in a lifetime; but small God-gifts surround us everyday!”.

Maybe you’ve been too busy lately to enjoy the small God-gifts in your life. Be encouraged today: Take a deep breath, prioritize your responsibilities, and learn to recognize and savor your every day God-gifts, especially the ones experienced through your children.

You’ll always have errands to run, messes to clean, and meals to cook; but children grow up. Always remember: The time spent with a child can never be replaced!

“If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.” ~1 Corinthians 13:3 (The Message Bible)

Take a moment to reflect upon your life. Look at your relationships with your parents, your siblings, your children, and your friends. Many have good memories of your childhood, where love was not only a spoken word, but was a way of life. Others seldom remember hearing the words “I love you”, but always knew you were loved. Some have never heard the words “I love you” or ever felt true love.

My husband, David, and I determined early in our marriage that we wanted to have great communication with each other and our children. We wanted to have a spirit of peace and unity in our home that would radiate with love, respect, consideration, obedience, submission, and trust.

Throughout the years, we’ve been diligent to keep that a priority in our marriage, our home, and our relationship with our children. We don’t argue or bicker with one another, nor do we allow our children to. Instead, we strive to be unselfish, undemanding, and uncontrolling and have learned to wait until the “right moment” to discuss any disagreements.

As I was studying 1 Corinthians 13, in preparation for some parenting classes I was teaching, the Lord began to speak to my heart and bring new revelation for this passage of Scripture. I want to share that revelation with you. So think for a moment and then answer these questions: What is true, unconditional, godly love? And how do I show godly love to others, especially my children?

LOVE….

• Responds instead of reacts

• Actively does good

• Is not possessive or competitive

• Is humble – not arrogant, harsh, or rude

• Is unselfish

• Is not irritable, touchy, or hostile but is graceful under pressure

• Does not keep an account of wrong-doings or mistakes

• Does not find joy in the disappointments of others

• Does not speak evil words over or about others

• Enjoys operating in truth

• Listens

It’s important to SAY “I love you”! It’s even more important to SHOW “I love you”!

No matter what our past looks like, each one of us has the same choice: “Will I be a victim or a victor?” If we choose to be victors, we can create healthy relationships with others and shape our children’s lives for God’s glory.

So let me encourage you today: If you’re not walking in victory in your life and relationships – and especially your relationship with your children -, choose right now to begin making changes. It won’t happen instantaneously. But daily choices with “right thinking” will take you to places and build relationships in ways you never thought were possible!

“Got Kids: Now What? Growing Kids God’s Way” ALMOST READY FOR RELEASE!

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him.” ~1 Samuel 1:27

Have you ever prayed for something for a very long time and wondered when or if God was going to answer your prayer? Have you finally received your answer, only to find out that it was different than what you expected?

In 1985, my cousin, Marcia, received an answer to her prayer…..She became pregnant. She was (and still is) so thin and “Barbie-dollish”. To see her “tiny tummy” was fun and exciting, as we watched the baby inside of her grow.

All was well until 5 months into her pregnancy when she found out that the baby she was carrying had an unexpected and unforeseen health issue……”Occipital Encephaloceles” (a form of Spina-bifida). The doctor’s report was that the baby had a large hole at the base of her skull (about the size of a baseball) and the chances of her surving the pregancy were almost non-existant. They recommended abortion.

BUT GOD! God whispered into Marcia’s ear and told her to name the baby and call forth her healing. She and her husband named the baby “Dana”. Unceasing, fervent prayers began going forth on Dana’s behalf. We all called her by name and lifted her up to throne room of heaven.

The day she was born, God was there. A miracle took place that day! Dana was born with a hole still at the base of her skull. But instead of the hole being the size of a baseball, it was the size of a quarter. No, God didn’t totally take away all of the health issues Dana had. He used them to bring honor and glory to His Name.

For 8 years, Dana brought tremendous blessings to everyone she came in contact with! Her smile would light up a room. Her giggles would fill your heart with joy. Her eyes sparkled like stars. And her determination gave you strength.

When she was 8 years old, the shunt at the base of Dana’s skull malfunctioned. The ER doctors missed it. They thought she had the flu. Dana left this earth to be with Jesus, but left behind memories that will never be forgotten.

Dana is still touching lives today. Even as I’ve been writing this article, I’ve smiled, laughed, and cried as I’ve remembered her sweet little life.

Friend, you may be going through a difficult time today. Maybe you or someone you know is pregnant and been given a devastating report. Maybe you’re faced with difficult health issues or a situation that seems hopeless.

Let me encourage you today: The Word says God takes everything we go through and works it out for our good and His glory. Don’t lose hope! Don’t give up! NAME YOUR MIRACLE and begin calling it forth.

To read more about Dana’s story, click on the link on my homepage or go to www.marciaramsey.com. You can also order the book “Elephants & Angels” through the website – for yourself or someone you know who is faced with a difficult report about their pregancy or child’s health.

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. ~Proverbs 18:24 (The Message Bible)

Finding “forever friends” is a rare treasure but not an impossible mission. One of the most important things in building forever friendships is learning to create healthy boundaries for yourself.

Take an honest look at your relationships, then divide them into three categories: (1) Inner Circle; (2) Middle Circle; (3) Outer Circle.

The first category of relationships is your “Inner Circle”. These relationships will be very few (usually 3 or less). These are the people with whom you can be “the real you”. They know you, understand you, and accept EVERYTHING about you. They laugh with you, cry with you, celebrate with you, and stand by you through difficult times. They always expect the best out of you, never judge you or condemn you, and are always willing to work out disagreements. THESE ARE YOUR FOREVER FRIENDS!

The second category of relationships is your “Middle Circle”. This group of people is made up of those you enjoy socializing with, but are guarded with. You can have fun with them, work on projects together, etc…, but understand that you can only share a limited amount of personal information with them. You usually enjoy the company of the people in this group; but “being yourself” many times causes problems in the relationship.

Finally, your “Outer Circle” is the group of people deemed “aquaintances”. These are people you work with, maybe go to church with, or socialize with on an occasional basis; but you NEVER share personal information with them.

By realizing where each person in your life “fits into” your “circle of relationships”, you will be able to properly assess each relationship and create healthy boundaries for yourself.

I’m not sure where this teaching originated. But since I implemented this concept into my life a few years ago, I have been able to sort through my relationships and create healthy boundaries for myself. I must admit: I sometimes try to allow people into my “inner circle” who haven’t yet proven themselves to be trustworthy enough to be there. Whenever I allow someone into my “inner circle” too soon, I always regret it!

In a “nut shell”, don’t move relationships from your “outer circle” to your “inner circle” too quickly. Allow time and prayer to help you understand which relationships are trustworthy and which ones aren’t.

Let me encourage you today: If you’ve been struggling with relationships, take a few moments to place each relationship into one of these categories. You might find you’ve overlooked someone faithful and “worthy” of being in your inner circle. Or you may need to move people out of your inner circle and trust God to place some “forever friendships” into your life!

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” ~Prov. 18:24

Have you ever felt alone, forsaken, or “friendless”? Most of us have at one time or another, longing to have friendships that would last forever. Well I have good news! You can create forever friendships, if you’re careful to create healthy boundaries.

My friend, Tracy, and I have been the best of friends for almost 20 years. We’ve celebrated together, cried together, and supported each other through difficult times. We’ve been willing to accept each other’s successes and failures, agree to disagree (at times), and see each other’s hearts.

A true friend has these qualities:

• Loves you and accepts you as you are
• Never betrays confidence
• Does not gossip
• Speaks positively to and about you
• Encourages you
• Celebrates your successes
• Is honest and trustworthy
• Is not jealous
• Has integrity
• Stands by you and defends you

Forever friendships are a blessing from God. Joyce Meyer often says that if you have one true friend throughout your life, consider yourself blessed. Friendship should never be taken for granted. Just remember, you must take an honest look at yourself and evaluate what kind of friend you are.

As the old saying goes, “In order to have a friend, you must be a friend!”

Be encouraged today: God has some special relationships in-store for you. Trust Him and wait on His perfect timing. He loves you!

Part 2 of this series will help you learn how to create healthy boundaries by showing you how to realize and understand all the relationships in your life and which “catagory” each relationship falls into.

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven’. ~Matthew 19:13-14

For years, people have complimented Dave and me on the way we parent our children. Many have asked our “secret”; others have simply “bragged” about how obedient they are, how respectful they are, and how it’s obvious that they love the Lord.

So recently, as I began preparing to teach some parenting classes at our church, one of the topics that came to mind was “Creating Forever Memories“. As I prepared for this particular class, my mind began to think back to my own childhood. I remembered going fishing at the pond down by our house, sitting in front of the fireplace in our huge, green bean-bag, family gatherings, going to the beach, and my step-dad singing, “Good-bye Jo” everytime he left to go on a trip.

In my reflections, one thing that we’ve believed and taught since our children were born became increasingly clear:

Creating memories that last forever is NOT about how much MONEY you spend, how many toys you buy, or how many extravagant trips you go on.

Instead, creating memories that last forever is all about how much TIME you spend and how UNSELFISH you are!

We all have time! It’s what we do with that time that really counts!

In my new CD series, “Got Kids: Now What? Growing Kids God’s Way” (soon to be released), I give 50 ideas that will cost you little or no money but will build lifetime memories. I thought I’d share a few of those with you now:

1. Pray with your kids

2. Go on Pic-Nic’s (either at the park or in your own yard)

3. Fly Kites together

4. Have a family Candle-light Dinner together

5. Have Weekly or Monthly Game Night

6. Back-Yard Sports (i.e. throw football, play basketball, hit golf balls, etc.)

7. Go Fishing

8. Go to the Beach or Lake

Words cannot express the importance of our role as parents. It is not only our responsibility, but our calling to impact our children’s lives in such a positive way that they learn to hear God’s voice, seek His face, obey His will, and follow His call!

Be encouraged today: Your children are your first and most important ministry! All other responsibilities, desires, ministries, and goals should be kept in perspective and should never overshadow the precious Call of being a godly parent!