Kimberly Wagner is married to LeRoy Wagner, the pastor of Dayspring Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They have two children, Rachel and Caleb. Kim has a BA in Biblical Studies, has served as a pastor's wife for over 26 years, has taught in Christian schools, is a women's Bible study teacher and conference speaker, and is a frequent panel guest on Revive Our Hearts.
When the vicious threats reach the King Hezekiah's ear, he knows just what to
do. He goes to prayer.
In childlike trust this mighty king takes the enemy’s pompous letter and literally spreads it out before God.
I am eternally grateful for meeting Christ at a very young tender
age; but I regret times I’ve wandered through the “ordinary” days,
grumbled and complained as I trudged through the difficult days, and
frivolously skipped carefree through seasons which could’ve been spent
with more forethought and purpose.
If you study the history of feminism, much of the rhetoric centers
around women's sense of powerlessness or the perception that they have
less "power" than men. But is that an accurate perception?
How many of you are ready for a peace retreat? You don’t have to head off to a cabin in the woods (that does sound nice, though!) or rent a private hotel suite for this escape.
As a teen determined to make a difference, I wanted to live all out for Christ, whether that meant heading to a third world country to spread the gospel or immersing myself in academic theological training. One aspect of “making a difference” really didn’t hit my radar screen, though . . .
Running frantically in the opposite direction, they attempted to push
their extremely large bodies through the small six-by-six opening of the
hog-wire fence bordering the property . . .
“We are called to fight the powers of darkness in the name, the power,
and the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, joining with God in a great
rescue operation for the sake of His great Kingdom."
My friend’s long walk through death’s shadows has ended this week. Kathy Helvey’s four-year battle with leukemia has given way to the victory of eternal life.
Recently I overheard a young man complain that he received plenty of pats on the back at work, but had to work really hard to ever hear any kind of compliment at home . . .
The Heart-Changer who holds the power of the Resurrection can apply its transforming power to your marriage as He did mine. Please don’t lose heart. He can redeem. He delights in taking the broken and making all things new!
Throughout history women have sought liberation through political means, financial resources, even by way of self-actualization and mystical spiritual enlightenment. But nothing else can bring true liberation—one can only find true freedom in Christ.
It's the sound of the gospel's transformational power at
work! Only Jesus can step into a life and produce the kind of change that
affects whole communities.
Struggling against God's design will leave you wounded and confused, wondering what went wrong. God had something much better in mind for women when He gave them life.
The True Woman Conferences are designed to serve a greater purpose than just a great weekend with friends (which we hope attendees will experience), but its purpose is to inspire, equip, and prepare women to live out God's calling on their lives in the midst of a culture that presents a very unbiblical picture of womanhood.
You don't have to chart your own course or manipulate your circumstances to fit your expertly designed "master plan." You can take courage and great comfort in the knowledge that your future has been planned by the One who knows you best, loves you most, and has no problem accomplishing His purposes!
Are you struggling in your Christian walk? Have you become discouraged by your lack of endurance? How much joy are you experiencing? Consider whether you've tasted deeply of Christ.
I was so encouraged by those of you who responded last week to let me know that you are joining with us in prayer. Are you eady to go shoulder-to-shoulder in prayer-battle with us with this week's requests?
When my friend suggested eating at a certain café specializing in gourmet breads, I hesitated only a moment before I agreed. I hate to remind people that I have Celiac disease and am unable to eat wheat products. But I was not prepared for my reaction. I was not prepared for this old familiar longing.
As we quickly approach the first True Woman ‘10 Conference, we are well aware that this is an endeavor of gigantic spiritual proportion, and as such we are calling on all prayer warriors to partner with us as we intercede for the details of the True Woman ‘10 Conferences.
Rodents in various sizes and stages of life, holes in the walls, the ceiling, and floors—all convinced me this was more than I could bear. But in the days to come I began to say, "Yes, Lord. I surrender to Your will."
Have you benefitted from the ministry of a pastor's wife who has faithfully served Christ? Have you demonstrated gratitude to her? You have the opportunity to get in on the "giving cycle of gratitude."
When I consider these men and women who smiled at a death that held no power over them, who longed for the Messiah from afar, who welcomed the opportunity to die as martyrs and lived as though this world had no grip on them—it humbles me.
According to a recent article I read, feminism allows individuals to redefine feminism and construct a personal feminist philosophy. So, for those who care to see it, here is my "personal feminist philosophy."
As a result of the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, we've lost over forty million babies as a nation. Four thousand pregnancies per day are ended through abortion. Did you get that? Please allow these numbers to sink in.
The miscarriage came in the early morning hours the day after the doctor’s visit. A womb emptied its treasure far too early, a daughter delved into pain deeper than she’s ever known, and questions fill the empty spaces.
The Christmas rush is over, the holiday meal is behind, and you “go-getters” have probably already relegated the lights and decorations to storage. Things should be slowing down a bit, so now is the perfect time to evaluate and plan.
As I’ve heard the regular chiming of my wall clock, the Holy Spirit keeps using the musical tones to remind me of the phrase found in Ephesians 5:16. I hear the clock chime, then “Redeem the time, redeem the time” runs through my heart and mind.
While the progressive instrumental version of "Joy to the World" blasted overhead, I observed grumbling store clerks, worn out children screaming with gusto, couples arguing, and pushy shoppers shoving. No, it was not Black Friday; this was just a typical shopping day during the holiday season. "Joy to the World" was lost in the Christmas crush. Out of desperation to bring Christ into the picture, a few years ago I started my own shopping tradition.
I have an oak wall clock from Germany which chimes every fifteen minutes between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. As I heard it chime recently, I was reminded of how quickly time is passing.
Our responsibility as True Women is to apply the truth of God's Word to our lives in order that others can see the transforming power of Christ at work.
As a young woman preparing for marriage, I kept wondering, Where are all the little old, godly women who can help me get ready for this? . . . That is when I really began to have a burden for training younger women.
Today's post is for those young moms who've had a really long day of laundry and dirty diapers, one too many spills, and no breaks from the world of "toddlerhood" for weeks!
It's easy to develop an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality toward those who are truly in need. But in the last few years I've been asking God to broaden my vision beyond those who are in my immediate periphery and allow me to have His perspective on the world's helpless.
The reality of the gospel compels us to tackle mercy ministries, but we must never replace sharing the gospel of the kingdom with the kingdom service of the gospel.
Americans are now living in the third largest mission field in the world. Current statistics indicate that less than twenty percent of Americans attend church on any given Sunday.
What is your reaction when your position is challenged? To fight back in self-defense? To return criticism with criticism? To set up your defense with unbeatable logic tinged with bitter jabs?
You may not be familiar with Life Action Ministries (the parent ministry of Revive Our Hearts) or even the term "revival," so today I'd like to share a little about both.
Although people have various reasons for where they come down on the issue of homosexuality, for me it is more about the nature of God than about sexual preference.
Once we marry, our perspective of our husbands can change from viewing him as the "man of my dreams" to the "man I'm stuck with!" How does that happen?
We must be careful that our role of helping is one that inspires our husband to be the man God created him to be, not one of domination and manipulation in an effort to produce changes we want.
When I was first married, I had some unrealistic expectations. Basically I went into our marriage thinking it was all about me, instead of realizing marriage is all about God.
Beautifying our homes conveys some of the more creative qualities of the God we serve. If we want homes that display His glory by reflecting His character, then it helps to become students of beauty and creativity.
Ephesians 2:14 states that Jesus Christ Himself is our peace. If this is true, why are so many homes brimming over with stress-filled activity, busy schedules without margins, chaotic bustle, and conflict?
As you read today's post, I just ask that you prayerfully consider what I've presented with a gracious heart ... AND please don't throw any tomatoes (or messy verbal jabs)!
Without hesitation, I would say Priscilla was a gifted, strong, and intelligent woman. But I want us to observe a few things as we consider this True Woman.
One of the most debated church issues is "women's roles." At the risk of invading seemingly "shark-infested waters," I'm going to wade in today to discuss women's role in the church. And let me say from the outset, I am NOT opposed to strong women.
As you read this post, set aside your preconceived ideas or prejudices about the Church. Ask God to allow you to see the Church from His perspective and fill you with hope for His purpose in this "Great Mystery!"
So, if we're all equal, why shouldn't I expect to be treated equally? Why should I “esteem someone better” than myself? Doesn't that seem a little like “inequality?”
There is much debate in the Christian community over the touchy subject of role distinctions. One camp argues that the wife's role of submission was the result of the fall. If this were the case, I would have an even greater struggle with submitting!
Do you cringe when you hear the "S" word? Do thoughts of wimpy women held captive under a domineering husband's authoritarian rule come to mind? Sadly, submission is greatly misunderstood and often misapplied.
True love is not an emotion, although true love carries with it the wonder and delight of pleasurable emotions. True love is not something we "fall in" and "out of." True love is simply the demonstration of God's character.
I had always confused the idea of meekness with weakness. I pictured a fragile-hearted, mouse-like woman when I heard this term—not appealing in the least! Then I came across 1 Peter 3:1-6 . . .
We can be performing some pretty spectacular looking, super-duper, spiritually impressive activities . . . but if our motives are impure, these activities are worthless.
As we sang we'd glare at the boys, while digging our heels into the ground, giving the impression of grinding them into powder. I doubt we understood the song's content, and although our little game may have been innocent, in actuality, we girls loved the feeling of power brought on by this early form of ‘male bashing.’
Today, let's consider how we express our femininity in more substantive ways than time spent in malls, dressing up for dates, collecting hundreds of lipstick colors, or the love of “Southern Living” décor.
Why not dress him in some of my old dresses, complete with a purse? We could let his hair grow long; no one would ever know the difference. We could call him . . . Erica!
I still have much to learn in the “school of prayer.” What I've found most helpful is studying the models and prayers of Scripture. When my prayers are shaped by Scripture, I am confident that they are in line with God's purposes and will.
My “act of surrender” was more like a little boy whose mother keeps insisting he sit down in his highchair. When he finally unlocks his knees and plops into the seat, his glare tells the real story, “I may be sitting down on the outside–but I'm still standing up on the inside!”
On this most bitter of nights, we watch Christ struggle . . . Three times He lifts the same request, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me." His agony is evident . . .
My husband, a pastor, eventually reached a crisis of faith brought on by his inability to reconcile the question of God’s power to transform. You see, he watched me begin every day on my knees in prayer and in diligent study of the Word, and yet I was a terror to live with.
Have you noticed how some people cringe when they hear the word “doctrine?” Recently, while sitting in a waiting room, an older gentlemen struck up a conversation with me about the book I was reading. After informing me that he was the pastor of a small country church, he boasted “I don't preach doctrine—I just preach Jesus!”
Have you ever seen a sponge fall into a sink full of water? Immediately it absorbs as much water as it can hold. Think of your mind as a dry sponge, and devise a plan for absorbing as much of the Word as it will hold!
I was riding in the car with my dad one day as a little girl, encouraging him to, “Go faster, Daddy, faster!” His response was puzzling, “I can't go faster, Kimmy, this car has a governor on it.”
Do you ever think about how you want others to remember you after you’re gone? Do you have a strong determination to finish well? Are you asking God to make you spiritually fruitful as long as you are alive?
The biblical model for learning the art of womanhood is this: those who have gone before gladly come alongside those who are following behind them. At almost any age, you are both older and younger than some of the women around you. So consider the women in your church body. If you are not currently investing in a woman who is younger in her faith, pray about who you should offer to disciple.
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Do you have a burden for the next generation of young women to know the truth, to live meaningful lives, to fulfill God’s purpose, to have healthy relationships, and to love their husbands and children well? Do you see it as your responsibility to pass on to them the wisdom you have gained from knowing God’s Word and learning to live it out in the laboratory of life?
How do we counteract our fears? How do we deal with life courageously? By being so familiar with God's character and His ways that His perfect love casts out all our fear. In other words, the key to overcoming fear is trust. It is not trust in a solution or a formula, but it is an abiding confidence in the character and faithfulness of God.
Rarely do we admit it, or are probably even aware of it, when we are attempting to play God or step into His position. But every time we choose to disobey Scripture, every time we take things into our own hands or decide to go our own way, we are dethroning God and stepping into that role ourselves.
We need to remind ourselves regularly, Although I may imagine that I am right and have all the answers, I didn’t cause the sun to rise this morning! He is God; I’m not!
Jeremiah called for the women in his day to mourn and grieve over the things that were grievous to God. Where are the “wailing women” in our day? May we be women who truly and deeply care about what concerns the heart of God.
What specific prayers are you praying for your family and closest friends? Do you know their deepest desires and longings? Are you interceding for them in prayer for specific areas of spiritual growth?
Courageous praying is done with a conscious awareness of who we are speaking to. It is praying that believes there really is a God who hears and answers prayer according to His good pleasure. It is prayer that seeks His glory supremely, above every other human desire.
God wants to reveal Himself to you; He wants to fill your heart with Himself; He wants to set you free from every unholy passion; He wants you to drink deeply of the joys found in His presence . . .
Use God’s Word to inform your thinking on the issue of womanhood. Commit yourself to reading at least one book that promotes biblical womanhood this year.
Living with an eternal perspective, focusing on God’s kingdom, knowing that earthly life is temporary and that He has called us to reflect His glory in our world—this perspective infuses us with strength and courage to persevere, even in the face of great darkness.
There is nothing—nothing—more important than spending time each day at the Master’s feet. Without the intimacy that this intentional devotion provides, our hearts will grow weary, we will spend our days without clear direction, and ultimately our hearts will become dry and barren.
Although Paul was a godly man, his ability to walk in contentment was not due to some superior saintliness or mystical endowment. He “learned” contentment, just as we must do. He cultivated a contented heart by viewing his circumstances through the lens of God’s sovereignty.
When we see God as He is—high and holy—and we see ourselves as we are—sinful and needy—we are compelled to bow before Him in humility and worship. We no longer demand our “rights,” but we humbly recognize our desperate need for God’s mercy and grace and we esteem all others as better than ourselves.
Imagine what God could do with and for and through and in a woman who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. Are you willing to be one such woman? Are you willing to say, Yes, Lord, to whatever He asks of you?
When the domineering woman surrenders her need to be “in charge” and begins to treat the men in her workplace with kindness and respect . . . then the world has living proof of God’s reality.
The feminine role of helper does not imply silent acquiescence toward a mate who is clearly making foolish choices, but it is a role that finds creative and supportive means to bring out the best in the men around us.
We must become discerning women—women who are trained to recognize error, who are so filled with the truth that when we are exposed to error the contrast is as jolting to us as ice-cold water thrown in the face.
A two-headed relationship, in which each individual is vying for power and control, is ineffective and will ultimately self-destruct. God turns this way of thinking upside down. He calls for the man to be a servant-leader and the woman to be a helper-partner.
You were not created by mistake or as an afterthought. Rather, God artistically and intelligently formed you distinctively as a woman for His great purpose.
It is natural to fear change, to be cautious of a “new” way of thinking. But are you willing to consider that there may be some things that need to be changed, not only in our nation, not only in your friends’ lives, but in your own heart? This could be the time that God wants to do a new work in your life!
