Wanda Mann | Worship Leader, Songwriter, Life Coach
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Confession ... a beautiful thing???

9/6/2022

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I've often recalled moments in church meetings - whether large or small - where people regularly prayed together for needs or even confessing struggles or, dare I say... sins. These were some of the most impactful and impressionable moments in my life and continue to be today...
Praying for each other.
Photo by Rosie Sun on Unsplash
"...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful & effective."

OH WAIT... I forgot the first part of the verse:
"Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed..."

​James 5:16
There is great strength & health in heartfelt confession to others when we have sinned. If you remember anything from this little note, remember that.

When we acknowledge our sin to each other (when we humble ourselves and trust our family and friends in Christ) we open a powerful, relational door, full of humility and practical encouragement and support. Yes, this can be risky, but with wisdom there are incredible perks and advantages.

God is faithful when we come to him privately, but He has made us family. We are a community that is meant to do life together.
I remember the churches that our family was a part of when I was growing up. (Yes, there were a few as my dad's jobs had us moving a lot. :)

They were communities who had regular times at the end of Sunday meetings where we were invited to come for prayer if we wanting support. Others, then, would come and buddy up with each person, respectfully ask what they would like prayer for and... pray.

Sounds simple, but in hindsight, they were some of the most memorable moments in church gatherings for me personally. Sometimes I was the one needing prayer and other times I was the one listening and praying for. We became family in these sacred spaces. They were personal, earned trust, and grew humility. We realized, just as James goes on to say in verse 17, that we were all humans on a challenging journey with a supernatural God. We needed Jesus and each other.
Woman Praying
Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay.com
Confession is a beautiful, risky, powerful thing that gives great gifts in return. Healing, wholeness, support, and a bond in trusted community, to name a few. I think the greatest gift that it brings though, is humility. For where humility is, judgement is not.

We are the family of God. Should we not be able to come to each other with our struggles to pray, encourage, cheer or cry with one another?
I believe in a church like that... the family of Jesus, full of mercy and patience as we bring our struggles to the Lord, supporting each other in love.

We can be that church for each other.
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PEACE. Where does it come from?

16/4/2021

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PEACE. Where does it come from? Is it a state of being or a being itself?

I have only found one sustaining answer to these questions.

I've experienced peace in it's several forms - at the side of a lake, in a breathtaking sunset, rocking a baby to sleep, sleeping... But what happens when I wake up, or the baby cries or the sun sets?

I've also known the presence of peace in the most awful times in ways that are beyond explanation, defying the circumstances surrounding it. But where does peace come from?
Peace comes from knowing that my feet are on a solid floor and that my destiny is not flippant.

Peace is the calm under the the top side of a lake that is being battered in a storm, or the warm fire in a house while a storm is wrecking everything outside.

Peace is knowing that I am being held up by someone bigger, wiser and stronger than myself, when I feel like all hell is crashing down.

Peace is surety that isn't always felt. It's a trust. A knowing that we are somehow being taken care of by someone who is larger, yet more present in the details then we could ever be; someone who is greater than the sum of all trouble.

My only answer to this question is outside of myself. I have experienced and continue to know true peace regardless of what is swirling inside or around me. From the most minute disturbance to the deepest cut, peace has come to me when I have asked. Yes, peace has a name and this name could sleep in the middle of a storm.

Jehovah Shalom.

God is peace. He is stable footing in any situation. He is there in the small, irritating times and in the 'monstrous, I feel like I'm suffocating and can't go on' times. He is here by his spirit, through his son, Jesus. Yes, this is why Jesus came so many years ago to live on earth...

He is peace. He is here for us. All we have to do is ask.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
​In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

~ Jesus
​
(John 16:33, NIV)
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Joy Comes in the Morning.

10/1/2020

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I woke up this morning thinking about ...

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JOY!

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So many phrases were flying through my mind, like:
  • count it all joy
  • for the joy set before him
  • fullness of joy
  • pure joy
  • shout for joy
  • sing for joy
  • joy comes in the morning...

I thought of one of the big reasons that I love to hang out with children in that joy never seems to be far from the surface!
I then thought of our recent trip to Sierra Leone. Even though I have never seen such poverty physically, it seemed that joy was just waiting around every corner of our trip! I was stunned. People of all ages would gather, pull out instruments, and song, smiles and dance would erupt as people took great pleasure praising Jesus!
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My mind then flew over the past years and I started to wonder if I am still a person of joy. Have I become a bit complacent in my everyday @ home zone? Do I live joy? Am I fun to be around? Do I make others smile? How often do I come to Jesus in my day and just worship Him with the passion inside of me? Oh, such good questions to ponder! These are healthy ones.
I know that I find joy when I am with God, when I allow everything else in my world to be still and I turn the eyes of my heart and mind toward Him... and worship. Oh, such love and joy in those moments.
Wanda in Sierra Leone.Ladies in Sierra Leone trying to teach me how to cut potato stems. I gave them great joy!
Joy is found in something other than myself. Joy is in community and in knowing the pleasure shared in relationship. Bruce and I have moments of great joy and, in essence, have a joy-full life together. Joy is a heart full of love spilling out its immense warmth and pleasure toward someone else.

In fact, it occurred to me that this is all about others! For example, look at all the fruit of the Spirit an you'll see that community is required. What good is kindness without someone to be kind toward or patience if you never have to wait for anything from someone else? Think of it, gentleness, faithfulness, love, all rely on someone or something other than ourselves. What a gift from the Father, that He would give us resources and fruit from and for community!

That is why we need, I need, to come and be with God in the secret place for it is there that joy is fully experienced. The bonus is that we can come and never worry about offending God with our volume, style, repetitiveness, skill level, or lyrical ingenuity. We will find Him entertained by our heart. His joy will be known.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Click for more scriptures on **JOY**
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who  for the joy that was set before him endured  the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
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New Song Coming December 1st!  ARISE

22/10/2019

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​About this Track

This is a passionate cry that originated from an extremely disturbing dream I had a couple of years ago.  I literally saw someone choose death over life. I watched a beautiful soul shrivel up and die. It was horrible! I was a mess...

I started asking myself what I was doing to help bring Jesus to those around me.

I could hear the words from Romans, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

And  Isaiah 60, "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
And that's when I started writing my heart in this song.

I hate to admit this, but it's been too easy for me to focus on the negative, to see the darkness encroaching on our world. I've had to constantly give my discerning and compassionate heart to Jesus to turn toward hope and light. I did that again on this day and peace settled in along with a call to step into His mission of love. Maybe this song is just for me. Or, maybe you find yourself in a similar spot that needs encouraging.

God has already come in the form of Jesus Christ to bring His light, hope and salvation to those who would choose Him. This song is a call to His church. A call to have hope and remember that Jesus has come and given His light to the world.
 This song is a call to revisit and engage with the compassionate heart of God and to take the gospel of His kingdom to a hurting world. 

Will you allow your heart to stir for those who are lost, your neighbours, co-workers, classmates, family? 
"Go out, go out creation waits
In brokenness and heavy night
Let healing light break every chain
By the power of Christ"

>> PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

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ARISE

15/10/2019

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It's raining outside this morning. 

​Fall is definitely upon us, not necessarily because it is raining but because the temperature has dropped to 0° Celsius and it is still dark at 7:30 am!
As I grab my morning coffee and settle into my secret spot to meet with God, I recall what I felt He showed me the day before. I was excited because I sensed Him leading me to meditate on what the purpose of music had been throughout Biblical history. I was particularly excited as I hoped for insight that would inspire me today as I stepped into my own spheres of influence.

I settled and opened the Bible app to start the adventure. My eyes caught the verse for today...
"The light shines in the darkness,
​and the darkness has not overcome it."
John 1:5
I stopped. I read it again... "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

​This didn't have anything to do with the subject of music, but I felt instantly refreshed! I took another deep breath, read it again, and peace settled in.

​Will you come down the side trail that happened as a result of this?

Read More
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Family - Status or Privilege?

14/3/2019

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I was thinking today, family isn’t a status.
Family is a privilege and gift.

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Recently, we were away for the weekend with our kids and their kids. It was so much fun! Not excessive amounts of sleep, but tons of food & fun!

As I observed the interactions and conversations, a wondering thought crossed my mind... have I placed too much weight on the successes and failures that we have experienced together? Have I allowed the status of having a 'successful family' to become part of my identity?

I am not discounting any of the positive or negative experiences as they have served to only enrich our lives, but I think that the Holy Spirit was challenging me with these questions.  Had too much of my identity, sense of accomplishment and well being been swayed by the plus' and minus' of family life?

I realize that I am possibly only speaking to myself here, but I'll continue so I can learn something...

Kids are a gift. They've been entrusted to us by our Father, God. They’re not ours to claim credit for or place a feather in our cap about. We had no more input into their design and natures than we did in our own. The truth is, that we could only control certain elements of their lives. Make no mistake, they do reflect us and the home of their upbringing, the steering, nurturing, and guidance that we as parents have given them, but they are still Gods, ingrained with His DNA, entrusted to us.

As a mom and nana, I must not forgo or take lightly the responsibility that I’ve been given ... the stewarding of several children. But, I should not take ownership nor credit for what is Gods. I must release them, daily if necessary, to His plan, looking to Him on how to encourage these kids, truly assisting them to become all that God has designed them to be.

I don't think parenting really ends, it just changes.

All of our children are now adults, raising their own crews. When they were babies, my husband & I did everything for them. Now we serve and try to interact from a different position — much more like the sidelines of a grand race, cheering them on. It doesn’t mean though that I don’t have occasional meltdowns, forget my position, and jump down on the track to help!  Sigh... I’d still try and win the race for them if I could! But that is just dumb and quite frankly, selfish.

This is their race, not mine. If they ask for help, I’m right there to give them support and love, to coach, but I must send them on. Is it hard to do that? You bet it is! My momma heart wants to be involved in every aspect of their lives... I don't like the separation, but I do love to see them grow and become confident adults and leaders in their home and surroundings.

They are God’s kids, and I have to trust that He is showing them the next steps. I must believe that their hearts are trained well and they only want what we, as earthly parents, have wanted for them... to know, love and serve the heart of God. If I don’t believe that, then I fail them in all the messages of faith that I have shared and lived for them over the years.

So, I humbly return to my seat in the stands and start cheering (and praying) all over again.
Parents, be encouraged and know that you are in an honourable position before God. He believes in you and has blessed you with your children... His kids. He trusts you with them. Whatever stage of parenting you are in, learn to look often for the face of Jesus. Listen to His prompting and wise counsel. Read and meditate on His word. He will guide you into all wisdom as you walk humbly and closely with Him. Don’t be slow in apologizing when you get things wrong - both to God and the kids. They will grow as they observe your authenticity and want what you have. They will want Jesus.
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I HAVE A VOICE

30/8/2018

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"But Daniel purposed in his heart..."
(Daniel 1:8)


These questions were ringing in my head as I hovered over the above verse:
  • What drives me?
  • What motivates and compels me?
  • What values and convictions do I live and stand by?
  • What is my purpose?

Daniel & his three friends, all from Israeli nobility & royal line, were exiled to Babylon and commanded to be brought for training so they could serve in the Babylonian king's court. It would be 3 years of language and custom training, learning the culture of the land and eating the king's food. This is where I stumbled over the verse... "Daniel resolved (purposed) not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way."
Read the story from daniel
“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.”

At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1:1-13, 15-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
http://bible.com/111/dan.1.1-13,15-21.niv
But Daniel purposed in his heart... My heart cried out to God. What purpose was driving me? I needed clarity & conviction to have the stamina and motivation to move forward... to find my voice... to fulfill my destiny.

Why? Because I am a visual person. I typically respond to what I see and feel both internally and externally. My internal driver is the biggest motivator and often the place where creativity, compassion, and serving comes out of. Not everyone is influenced in this manner.  My husband, Bruce, is totally different! BUT, there is great benefit when we work together because we compliment and affirm one another... that is a topic for another day.

The purpose of this writing is to share what I discovered through meeting with a life coach. In doing so, I hope to encourage someone today who may find themselves in a similar spot. We met over the phone to discuss some of the business endeavors that Bruce & I were pursuing. What ended up happening though was more like a God-inspired, heart-aha moment. Here's the gist of that day's conversation...
I explained to my coach how I'd been doing a lot of prep for our business, such as rejigging our current website and building collaborating ones, creating promotional material, educating myself in marketing, etc. Basically, spending many hours to do what I could in moving things forward. The more I pressed in though, the more I was realizing that a sense of fear was mounting up inside of me. I was feeling overwhelmed with the unknowns ahead of us. I explained that for me to move forward with confidence, I needed to know the why behind my what, the purpose that was compelling me forward. A purpose so strong that it would be like a brand on my heart, an emotional cause written with indelible ink. This may sound crazy to some, might even sound like a lack of faith, but God knows how I tick. He knows what motivates me and that I needed this emotional anchor to propel me past or even through obstacles such as fear. I then heard my coach ask a great question...

She asked me to try and identify what risk, if any, was in this new venture?

I responded with, "Risk? Well there's always risk in anything we do. You know, relational, financial, personal."

"So, why would you do this?" she asked. Why would you keep moving down this path?

I heard myself say, "Because it's who God has made me to be and I need to honour Him."

...and this was the aha moment that I needed to hear!
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Makes me think of a scene from the movie, 'The King's Speech' where Lionel is preparing the duke for his inauguration and provokes him into blurting out his conviction:

King George VI: [Sees Logue is sitting on the coronation throne] What are you doing? Get up! You can't sit there! GET UP!
Lionel Logue: Why not? It's a chair.
King George VI: No, it... That is not a chair. That is... that is Saint Edward's chair.
Lionel Logue: People have carved their names on it.
King George VI: [Simultaneously] That... chair... is the seat on which every king and queen...
Lionel Logue: [Simultaneously] It's held in place by a large rock.
King George VI: That is the Stone of Scone. You ah-are trivializing everything. You trivialize...
Lionel Logue: I don't care about how many royal ...
King George VI: Listen to me.
Lionel Logue: ...have sat in this chair.
King George VI: Listen to me. *Listen to me!*
Lionel Logue: Listen to you? By what right?
King George VI: By divine right, if you must. I am your king.
Lionel Logue: No, you're not. You told me so yourself. You said you didn't want it. Why should I waste my time listening...?
King George VI: Because I have a right to be heard! I have a voice!
Lionel Logue: [pauses] Yes, you do.
[Longer pause]
Lionel Logue: You have such perseverance, Bertie. You're the bravest man I know. You'll make a bloody good king.

Back to my coaching conversation...
I heard myself declare the call of God on me for this season of my life. And, in that moment everything changed inside! Self-doubt was minimized to where it was supposed to be (non-existent!) and fear of others opinions lost its authoritative spot in my brain. I felt excited, energized and purposed -- compelled by the direction of the Holy Spirit! I FELT my purpose! I knew instinctively who I was made to be and that all of these opportunities facing Bruce & I were God's way of using the gifts and personality traits he had made both of us with.


I was also astutely aware (again!) that the fear I was experiencing prior to this was none other than a lie of the devil, trying to take advantage of my compassionate heart. Trying to derail me with his habitual accusations. The enemy is a liar and does not want any of us to walk freely in the purpose God has made us for. He does not want us to be happy or to help others to be so. I felt a tenacious resolve rise up in my spirit, not unlike the fur rising on the back of a dog! I said NO!

My purpose was and will continue to be the motivator behind the various projects and tools that I invest my life in.  It is behind the voice and the message. It is the God-given conviction that I am designed to house.

What's your purpose?
What compels you to say & do what you do?
And... What is the risk if you move forward with what you perceive God leading you into?


It is my prayer that you will find your purpose... your voice. It's in you to give.

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Nothing is Lost

6/7/2018

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This is the will of the Father who sent me, that of all he has given me I should lose nothing...
John 6:39
The day before Jesus made the above statement was the day he fed 5,000 men along with all of their families. (see John 6:1-14) It's a fairly well known story and not the only time that Jesus performed this type of miracle along with his disciple team. (see Mark 8:1-10)
The gist of the story was that crowds came out of the city and surrounding area to listen, see, and experience the power of God through Jesus. His fame was rapidly spreading and people wanted to be near him. Unlike today, there were no off-highway, fast-food services for people to stock up on meals so they were out there lacking necessities.
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Jesus saw them. Jesus had compassion on them. He asked if anyone had food and found that a boy had a lunch that could be shared... with 5,000+ people. Jesus got the disciples to organize the crowd into groups of 50, took the boy's lunch, thanked him and thanked God for it and then started handing it out via his team. The crowd ate until they were full! A guess-timation would be that 8-10,000 adults plus another few 1,000 children would have been there and been fed. Amazing!!!

"So, when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost." (vs. 12)

Stop!

When I was reading this today, this verse literally stopped me! I had to ask God what He was wanting me to see. I've read this story so many times but not hung my hat on this particular verse before. What was God wanting me to realize?

The word for 'lost' in the greek is 'apollymi'. It is also used in several other verses in the New Testament meaning destroyed, perish and wasted.

...nothing is lost.
As I pondered, I saw a park being cleaned -- not unlike what the church in Brantford did after Canada Day at Lions Park. I thought, Jesus is exhibiting good stewardship, honour of the land that was probably left a mess by the crowd. But then I thought, the birds could have cleaned this one up.

Hmmmm... Then I thought, this is yet another visual for the crowd and his disciples showing God's power and generosity. This was not a new idea for me though. So, I kept pondering... I still could not articulate what was in my spirit. I continued to read on in John 6 and that's when I saw it! Look again at verse 39:
This is the will of the Father who sent me, that of all he has given me I should lose nothing...
John 6:39
When God does something, everything about it is sacred. Nothing is lost. Nothing is wasted. Everything given by Him is intentional with full potential to be effective, revealing Jesus and the way to everlasting life. Nothing is meant to be lost!
Everything done in obedience to the Holy Spirit of God, whether in public or private or private or private (yes, I know I repeated myself) will not be lost. Every moment, act of faith, dollar spent, deed done, seed planted, prayer cried, neighbour served, will not be wasted for this is the will of our Father.
Even the unused fragments picked up off the ground were a testimony that indeed the crowd was miraculously fed to the max. We don't know what Jesus did with the leftovers, but I'm sure they weren't wasted!
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My mind ... enemy or asset?

17/4/2018

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As I was reading my Bible one morning I was constantly having to refocus.  My mind was not listening and instead was in full throttle worry over things that I knew I should not be concerning myself with.  That's when I stopped and said (out-loud)... My mind is my worst enemy!
It dwells on things it shouldn't.  It fast forwards and then rewinds.  It seems to have its own will.
Sigh.
And then I heard Paul saying (not out-loud :), "O wretched person that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death?"
But wait, he then says...
"So then, with my mind I myself serve the law of God... (Romans 7:24,25)

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 7:25; 8:5)

With my mind?  When I am muddling over things that have already taken place, I am concerning myself with what I have no power over.  When I am rehearsing the future, I am concerning myself with things that do not belong to me.  I am serving my appetites, desires and fears -- not God.  When my mind is serving the Spirit of God it is not strategizing on how to fix someone or something else that was not given to me to fix.  It is alert and at rest and becomes an asset for God's kingdom, full of the thoughts and ways of Christ.  It sees clearly, discerns rightly, listens well, responds obediently, and sleeps well at night.  It loves and believes the impossible.  It believes the best and is ready for God's direction & wisdom.

Does this resonate with you? Has your mind gone off track?
If so, why don't you pray what I did:

Forgive me, Lord for forgetting.
Forgive me for taking ownership - for taking Your spot.
I set my mind on You and Your ways.
I set my mind on the things of the Spirit.


Have a peaceful & effective day!

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)

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Moments

30/3/2018

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This morning I woke up way too early (4:30am!) and my mind was bombarded with several failures of my past. I had flashbacks of many moments that I wished could be erased or at least that I could go back and redo. Half asleep, I tried to rally my thoughts and gain proper footing. My heart was saddened with the memories. I think it will always be, for there was nothing good in these moments of selfishness and pride. But, and there is a but, these were not the end of the story!

Each moment of life can be separated out as a snapshot in time, an instagram post with no explanation of the why or the where of the image. Each moment though has another attached to it on either side and each of those do as well. If I were to take a few steps out I would find that the images connected like dominoes, creating a story board of motion and revealing a greater perspective than any one image could have on its own. That is the reality of life.
What I saw in my half comatose state, were up-close, snapshots without any context attached to them. They were flipping by so quickly, reminding me of the dark moments of much larger scenarios... reminding me of things that I could have done better!

Today is Good Friday. This has always been a sobering day for me, largely due to being raised in a home that was very careful to honour its memory of one of the most significant moments in history, the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. As a moment in time, it was beyond sad, it was wrong, it was cruel and, it was a dark stain of injustice on humankind. This innocent man was unjustly tried and murdered.
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These moments in time can give the great impression that somehow darkness had won and that the devil had gained prominent status. I suppose, as a snapshot, that is what seemed to be apparent in this case.

What one has to do though, is to stand back and observe the broader picture, the complete story as far as we have told us, viewing the history leading up to the event and the cascade of moments sprouting off of it. From that vantage point, even the darkest day can often find a greater purpose, even a victory. Think of all the sacrifices made over the years by valiant soldiers giving their lives to rid us of a pressing evil...

In this moment of history, Jesus Christ, the son of God, gave his life willingly as a sacrifice for humanity's selfish ways, gaining us eternal freedom. He was a sinless man who took on our sins, our moments of selfishness and pride and paid for them with his life. He was the perfect sacrifice, saving us from ourselves.
Now, I can soberly take my moments of sin (past or present) to this same Jesus and find that I am forgiven and released from the eternal offense of them. I can also find that my mind, though sad at memories of failure, does not feel guilty anymore. Jesus paid the price for them and there is nothing left for me to be condemned about.

Such news is good and brings my heart and head peace! Maybe that's why it wasn't long before I fell back to sleep again :)

This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.

They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
1 Peter 2:21-25 MSG
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