Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined One Gift, Wisdom This week we will examine The Powerful Gift of Light.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

PROMISE: John 1:5 Amplified Bible

⁵ The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

There is no darkness that Jesus, the Powerful Gift of Light, the Light of the World cannot extinguish. Where do you need the light of Jesus to shine?

PSALM: O Come, O Come Emmanuel  (The Latin metrical form composed by John Mason Neale 1818-1866) Additional verse H.S. Coffin 1916

PARABLE: Even as an adult, I enjoy the sparkle in bushes, the icicle lights draped from the garage, the white twinkle lights in a window, and the multi-colored bulbs on the distant Christmas tree, and the light projectors in the driveways that brighten up the celebration of CHRISTmas. A few days before CHRISTmas, after binge-watching our favorite Christmas movies, getting belly aches from cookies, and scorched tongues from hot chocolate, Troy and I wait until dark and then set out on a light capturing adventure. I am always excited at the diverse light displays. The most breathtaking sceneries are those located on streets without street lights where the festive lights brighten up the street and shine through the darkness. 

Jesus, the child born, the Son Given, the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the Bright and Morning Star came as the Light of the World. The Wonderful Counselor came to comfort us in the grief of COVID-19, depression, unemployment, divorce, addiction, sickness, and death. The Everlasting Father came as Jehovah Nissi to fight our battles. The Prince of Peace came to still the war raging in our mind, body, and soul. The Bright and Morning Star came to shine through our experiences of darkness. Thank God for the coming of Emmanuel!

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: In what area of your life are you seeking the light of Jesus?
Soul care training exercise:  During this celebration of the birth of CHRIST, I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

• What do I need to know from Emmanuel, God who is with me about the shadow of the trials in my life?
  • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you in what area of your life you need the Bright Light of Jesus to shine His truth.

• Where in my life have I allowed the glimpses of shadows and circumstances to be brighter than the Light of Truth?
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into those thoughts and ask Him to shine bright and dispel the shadows.
• How am I to move, go, boldly walk forward through the darkness?
  • Focus on the words of Jesus our Wonderful Counselor and let Him empower you with the truth that Jesus, our powerful light is with you and will guide you.

PRAYER: Emmanuel, there is not a place in my life, a situation that I face, or a concern that I have that the GLORIOUS light of your Presence cannot outshine. Shine bright around, before, behind, and within me. Let me focus on you Jesus, the Savior, and light in this dark world. Thank you for the gift of your light. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in the light of Emmanuel’s Presence and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post The Powerful Gift of Light appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose take five minutes, click below, and listen to the Light in the Darkness guided meditation.

Image attributions:   

Light in the darkness: Google prophetic art with text added

Comfort us: Propheticartgallery.com Led by the Spirit with text added

Jesus the gift of light: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/christmas-decoration-holiday-xmas-3009949/ with added text 

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined a Enduring Peace, Confident Hope This week we will examine One Gift: Wisdom.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

PROMISE: Proverbs 2:6 Amplified Bible

For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding

What wisdom, knowledge, and understanding do you need from God? Let Him know for He promises to give it to you just for the asking.

PSALM: O Come, O Come Emmanuel  (The Latin metrical form composed by John Mason Neale 1818-1866) Additional verse H.S. Coffin 1916

PARABLE: I was introduced to Lady Wisdom as a young child through a vacation bible school lesson where she was personified and became my friend.  I’ve been teased about having extra brain cells, being too educated, and too smart for my own good. I couldn’t always explain how I knew that I knew. All I know is that I asked for it, and I received wisdom from God. When adversity was like sneakers glued to my feet as I walked through life, I beckoned Lady Wisdom and she came. When darts of trials were piercing me as though I was a dartboard, I asked for wisdom and she came.  And when she came, I responded with certainty and confidence that was labeled haughty and arrogant.

Perhaps you’ve experienced ridicule for your wisdom from those who don’t know that God promises all Believers His Wisdom. It is one of the gifts that He gives freely when we ask Him. This Christmas, like the songwriter, I am asking Emmanuel–God with us–for one gift: His wisdom. Wisdom to make order of the chaos around me. To show me through His lens of knowledge and understanding His purposed path for all of the world’s trauma. To cause me to wisely Go His way. It won’t be wrapped under a tree. I’ll find it tucked throughout the Book of Life. I’ll find it in the quiet moments of morning when only God and I are snuggled in the chair. I’ll hear Emmanuel, God with me, share His truth. Like the refreshing fragrance of pine, I’ll breathe in His loving, gracious, kindness and I’ll exhale His purposed path as He shows me the next part of my journey. 

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: In what area of your life are you seeking God’s Gift of Wisdom?
Soul care training exercise:  As life continues to happen and baffle us with unending chaos, I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

• What do I need to know from Emmanuel, God who is with me?
  • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you in what area of your life you need further knowledge and understanding.

• Where in my life have I allowed my own limited thinking to interrupt me from doing what God is leading me to?
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into those thoughts and ask Him to transform your doubts and fears.
• How am I to move, go, boldly walk forward toward my chosen path?
  • Focus on the words of Jesus our Wonderful Counselor and let Him empower you with the tools to wisely apply His knowledge and understanding to your NEXT steps.

PRAYER: Dear Father, You promised that if I lacked the wisdom to guide me through a decision or circumstance, that I could ask and that you would grant it generously without rebuke. Please grant me ONE gift, your Wisdom. Fill me with your KNOWing. Send me in the direction of transformational DOing. In the healing name of Jesus, I pray. Amen 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in Emmanuel’s Presence and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post One Gift: Wisdom appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose click below and listen to the Tribute to Lady Wisdom by Angie Winans. After the monologue consider what would like to say to Lady Wisdom?

Image attributions:   

Come lady wisdom: unidentified photographer on Facebook with text added

Come Emmanuel: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/christmas-decoration-holiday-xmas-3009949/ with added text 

One gift: https://pixabay.com/photos/christmas-present-box-celebration-83119/ with added text

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined a Heart’s Treasure. This week we will examine Enduring Peace, Confident Hope.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

PROMISE:  Isaiah 26:3 Amplified Bible

You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].

What does it mean to be kept in constant peace and hope with a confident expectation?

 

PSALM: Great is Thy Faithfulness written by Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960) with music composed by William M. Runyan (1870–1957)

PARABLE: Have you ever watched the choppy and untamed ripples of the water when there is a storm brewing?  The storm captures everything in its way and diverts attention to its destruction. Yet, a person acquainted with the water is able to patiently ride out the storm without panic. They allow the waves to propel the boat towards the shore. Sometimes they don’t even waste the strength of the motor. They turn it off and just allow nature to be the compass and guide. 

The year 2020 seems as though it has been one storm after another. Just as we finally made our way towards opening up the country, just as the election ended, just as social injustices appeared to have reduced, along came more strong winds.  The tsunami continues as COVID-19 is surging and there is still political and racial unrest. I know that you may be fatigued from the storms of this season.  I realize that some occurrences in your life have hurt you to the very core of your soul. I recognize that the umbrella of your faith may have inverted and the wind of circumstances feels as though it is about to blow it away. Yet, I encourage you to hold firm to the umbrella and point it towards the rainbow of God’strenght for today and hope for tomorrow.

Be assured that even now, God is your Refuge and Shield.  So…like the sailor acquainted with the rift tides, turn off the motor of your mind that is riding the waves of emotional upheaval. Shift down the gears of your emotions that are overwhelming you with anxiety. Place your mind on the truths of God’s promises and let them guide you to the peaceful shore of His presence.

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: How will I take my eye off the storms and place my focus on giving thanks for the peaceful mind I have in Christ?
Soul care training exercise:  In the midst of the sprinkles, showers, or storms that are raining on you this week,  invite the Holy Spirit to quiet your mind, search your soul, and reveal to you the enduring patience and confident hope you have in Jesus. I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

• What sprinkle (slight), shower (medium), or storm (heavy) circumstance has taken your focus away from God’s gifts of peace and hope?
  • Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you what wave of circumstances in your life has your attention.

• What does it mean to be kept in constant peace and hope with a confident expectation?
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into the sprinkle, shower, or storm of circumstance. Ask Him to keep your mind in perfect peace in spite of the circumstance.
• What promise do I need to reminded of that will refocus my mind on the hope of tomorrow?
  • Focus on Jesus and let Him empower you with enduring peace and confident hope.

PRAYER: Father, thank you that even in a pandemic and chaotic world,our mind is on your promise. We believe that your peace will endure beyond what we see. We believe that in you we can have hope for a brighter tomorrow. We believe your promise that ALL things are working together for our good. Help us give thanks today for the enduring peace and confident hope we have in you.  In the healing name of Jesus, I pray. Amen 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in the hope for tomorrow and patiently let the work of your wandering fill you with peace.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Enduring Peace, Confident Hope appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose click below and take five minutes to experience the guided Waves meditation.

Image attributions:   

Hope for tomorrow: https://pixabay.com/images/search/covid%2019/with text added

My refuge keep my mind: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-child-black-african-486950/ with added text

Hold firm: https://pixabay.com/photos/parasol-screen-rainbow-color-714185/ with added text

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Consistent change and constant compassion. This week we will examine a Heart’s Treasure.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

PROMISE:  Matthew 6:21 Amplified Bible

PARABLE: Israel Houghton captures the essence of what happens when Jesus becomes your heart’s treasure. In the lyrics of his song entitled You’ve Won my Affection he states, “You’ve won my affection. You’ve captured my heart. You have my devotion, My worship is yours.   I recall the very day I devoted my life to Jesus, accepted my heart’s desire, and responded to Jesus’ love for me. I was five years old and my Sunday School teacher Mrs. Freeman asked, “Do you know how much Jesus loves you? It was so much that He died just for you.” I felt so special and seen. Jesus called me His beloved–His treasure. This had significant meaning to me because my name, Sherri means Beloved.

I could not wait to tell the church that I loved Jesus. On that same Sunday, as the choir sang Come to Jesus Pastor Richardson extended the invitation to join the church and accept Christ as your personal Savior. I marched down the aisle in my mint green dress with a lace collar and arms, my white sweater with pearl buttons, ivory patent leather shoes, and white laced socks to join the Lord’s army. When the deacon asked “Do you believe that Jesus loves you so much that He died for you, He rose from the dead, and is now in Heaven, and is coming back again?” I shouted “YES!” When he asked, “Do you accept Jesus as your Savior?” I shouted “YES!” I felt a tingle in my tummy, ease in my chest, and a snaggletooth smile erupted. Jesus had captured my heart.

The Lord is beckoning me to return to that day. I realize that somewhere in this season of grief and loss, I forgot to give Jesus ALL of my affection. I slowly abandoned the morning whispers and cuddles in His arms. I deserted the spontaneous songs of deliverance that He sings over me when we meet. I buried my treasure. Not completely, but enough that I had to dig up the sensation of treasured love fluttering in my tummy. Nevertheless, because His GREAT love is faithful and consistent, I only have to desire Him and He reignites the fire of love within my heart to burn for Him.

There is no aisle to march down today so I’ll use this blog as my platform. May I please announce that Jesus is my treasure? I surrender back my whole heart. 

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: What do I treasure? Does Jesus have my whole heart?
Soul care training exercise:  If you need reminded of God’s loving-kindness, invite the Holy Spirit to quiet your mind, search your soul, and reveal to you the faithful love of your Father. I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

• What is consuming my heart?
  • Search your mind and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you the matters of your heart.

• What wishes or desires have taken my life center?
  • Express to God the desires and wishes that are at the center of your life.
• Where do I need to make an adjustment so I treat Jesus as my biggest treasure?
  • Focus on Jesus and how He considers you His treasure while He brings you into His loving arms.

PRAYER: Daddy Jesus, your love is unending. You never stop desiring to commune with me. I am your heart’s treasure. Help me to keep you at the center of my life. Bring back the butterflies of when my heart first desired you. Brush off whatever is interfering until I feel you capturing my heart and winning my attention. Let me respond by giving you my worship. In your faithful and loving name I pray. Amen.

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in the love of Christ and let the work of your wandering fill you with your heart’s treasure.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Heart’s Treasure appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose click below and take five minutes to experience the guided Heart’s Treasure meditation.

Image attributions:   

You’ve won my affection: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-black-afroamerican-model-1868930/with text added

Where your heart is: https://pixabay.com/photos/rose-red-flower-blossom-bloom-557692/w/text

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined The Fire of Love. This week we will examine Consistent change and constant compassion.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

PROMISE:  Lametations 3:23 Amplified Bible

It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,
Because His [tender] compassions never fail. ²³  They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.

Great is Thy faithfulness

O God my Father

There is no shadow

Of turning with Thee

Thou changest not

Thy compassions they fail not

As Thou hast been

Thou forever wilt be 

PARABLE: India Aire on her soundtrack Acoustic Soul begins with a prelude entitled Growth where she sings, “The only thing constant in the world is change.” If there were one word to describe 2020 I would select the word change.  The culture of the world has changed. Kindness, respect, and peace seem to be foreign vocabulary words. The political arena is more intense and treating others with basic respect seems to be unique. The safety of individuals has changed. We are being exposed to physical, emotional, social, and spiritual threats to our well-being. The educational system has changed. The education system as we know it has changed. The classroom can range from a school classroom half-filled with shields and students in masks to a student sitting at a collapsable table in the corner in the dining room across from a mother or father at the dining table on a Zoom meeting.  The count of deaths is now a regular part of our vocabulary. We can’t believe what we hear or see in the media. Fact checking has become an expected occurrence. Every day we awake to another change and nothing seems to be the same. EXCEPT the faithfulness of God. God is ALWAYS true to the facts of His promises. His loyalty, steadfastness, and compassion will not permit the changes of life to consume us.  GREAT–significant, substantial, and sizeable is His faithfulness.  Change is constant but God’s compassion is consistent. We can be certain of God’s lovingkindness, mercy, love, compassion, and peace forever.

PONDER and WANDER:  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: What do I need to remember about God’s faithfulness?
Soul care training exercise:  If you are experiencing doubt and need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness,  Invite the Holy Spirit to quiet your mind, search your soul, and reveal to you the faithfulness of your Father. I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

• What circumstance appears to be consuming my thoughts?
  • Search your mind and let the Holy Spirit replace these negative thoughts with the truth of God’s faithfulness.
• Where in my life am I doubting God’s faithfulness?
  • Express to God where in your life you need to have His faithfulness magnified.
• What do I need to remember about His faithfulness -beyond measure – to me in the past?
  • Focus on how this memory can encourage you today.

PRAYER: Abba, you are faithful. When I reflect on my life, even in the trials and temptations, I can trace your hand. During this season of constant change, help me to remember that though change may be constant, your compassion is consistent. You are unchanging. Restore my confidence today that you will be my Faithful Father forever. In the unchanging name of Jesus I pray, amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in the constant compassion of Christ and let the work of your wandering fill you with hope.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Constant Change Consistent Compassion appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image attributions:    Beyond Measure Google image with text added. Faithful Father taken by Renee Morgan and text added. Seasons change taken by Sherri Woods and text added.   

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose click below and take five minutes to experience the guided Faithfulness meditation.