Kelly Wegner

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Our first military assignment was the National Training Center, located in the Mojave Desert of California. As a young and somewhat naive southern bride, new to both the military and marriage, the only thing I heard clearly was CALIFORNIA. My visions of palm trees and oceans were quickly replaced by the reality of tumbleweeds, roadrunners, venomous snakes, scorpions, Joshua trees, scorching heat and very little water as we traveled Route 66 daily. The desert can be harsh and unforgiving. The extremes are real and can even become life-threatening. 

I recently learned in the Hebrew Bible, the book of Numbers is referred to as, “In the Wilderness.” In this portion of the Torah, the LORD parted the sea, led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the desert/wilderness with the purpose of establishing the first monotheistic nation. Scripture tells us this took place in the spring. God’s kindness, compassion and goodness are on full display as spring would have been a much “easier” time in which to enter the desert. However, waters were at flood stage in spring, so God’s sovereignty over the natural laws of the universe…were also on full display as He led the Israelites into their desert. 

Due to difficult life circumstances, we can find ourselves in a metaphorical desert. The conditions are challenging and might seem somewhat unbearable at times. Take heart because the LORD is both powerful and good. He graciously provided daily manna, shade and water for His people in the wilderness and He will provide for your needs as well. 

Remember, eventually, God’s children will reach the Promised Land after enduring seasons in the desert on this side of Heaven. 

Cheering You On!

“Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. And Abraham lived as an alien in the land of the Philistines for many days.” Genesis 21:33-34

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree. This is not a detail that I had paid much attention to in the past, but it is truly remarkable!

Trees have had special significance throughout Scripture from the very beginning. I recently read that, “other than people, trees are the most mentioned living thing in the Bible.”

The tamarisk tree only grows approximately one inch per year. Abraham, by faith, planted an extremely slow growing tree in Beer-sheba, where he was living as an “alien”.  The Israelites did not yet possess the land at this point. He planted this tree to provide shade for future generations. Hebrews 11:8-10 speaks clearly, it was Abraham’s faith that pleased God.

There is a faith challenge for all believers when looking at the tamarisk tree. Do we act on and act out our faith in a way that will impact future generations? Will we be “shade” and provide help and refuge to those in need, just as the LORD graciously does for us?

Cheering you all on as you impact generations!

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

Recently, I had the privilege of learning about the “Shabbat” or Sabbath, as we more commonly know it. For the Jewish people, Shabbat began on Friday just before sunset and lasted until “the appearance of three stars in the sky” on Saturday evening. The command of Sabbath began by the lighting of two candles and the reciting of a blessing called the “Kiddish” (which means sanctification) by the father as he holds a cup of wine. 

“Blessed art Thou, Adonai our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and was pleased with us, and His holy Sabbath in love and in favor, He gave us a heritage, a memorial of the work of creation. For it is the day beginning for holy convocations, a memorial of the exodus from Egypt. For You chose us and sanctified us from all the nations. And Your holy Sabbath with love and favor you gave us a heritage. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who sanctifies the Sabbath.” [Respond: Amen.]

It is intriguing that the honor of lighting the candles is solely reserved for the mother. One rabbi stated the reason for this being, “the mother brings light and warmth into the home.” It is certainly an honor to bring both love and comfort to a family. 

Sabbath means “ceasing,” not merely “rest.” It is a time to cease our own work so we can ponder and stand in awe of the Living God’s hand at work. 

According to Scripture, Jesus healed 7 times on the Sabbath. This would have been considered absolutely scandalous in his day. However, as Lord of the Sabbath, the one who calls us to rest chose to RESTore. 

Mark 1:21-28     Man with wicked spirit

Matt. 8:14-15     Peter’s mother-in-law

Luke 6:6-11        Man with withered hand

John 5:1-17        Invalid at Bethesda

John 9:1-12        Blind man

Luke 13:10-17    Crippled woman

Luke 14:1-6        Man with dropsy

7 (the number representing “completion”) were healed, according to Scripture, on the Sabbath…2 women and 5 men. Of course, Jesus culturally would have observed Shabbat with his family and the disciples, but he also chose to demonstrate His goodness and Sovereignty at times…always prioritizing those in need. 

The Living God calls us to rest while He restores what is broken. Sweet sisters, I pray your hearts experience His light, warmth, comfort and rest in the fact that God is making ALL things new! 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3,4

One of our children went through a “Trust fall” phase. The crazy thing is, she was in college when she chose to initiate this challenge! 😉

Here’s how it went…upon walking into a room where we were all gathered and involved in tasks of some sort…she would shout, “Trust fall!” The closest family member would then hustle to catch her as she fell backwards with feet firmly planted on the ground.

I’m pleased to say, no one was injured during the process, although there were some very close calls! This team building exercise brought both laughter and lessons into our home.

As parents, we pray regularly for discernment and the ability to parent with love, grace and wisdom…knowing we will most definitely fall short at times.

I have good news! Our Heavenly Father will never fall short. We have access to God’s throne through Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. There is forgiveness, redemption and reconciliation because of the cross…this we can trust! So, whether you are tired, weak, exhausted, suffering, feeling down/feeling let down OR if this happens to be a season in which you are thriving…place your faith and trust in the strength of His love and fall into your Father’s arms today.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19

As a young girl, I remember my dad repeatedly using the phrase, “The good Lord gave you two ears and one mouth so you can listen twice as much as you talk.” Dad was a Marine, and a man of few words by nature. Having two daughters who spoke approximately 20,000 words daily resulted in us hearing the aforementioned phrase when dad needed a little peace and quiet.

The book of James offers such practical, life-giving advice. The ability to listen well is often times the key to understanding people and situations with a more compassionate posture. However, what I find most comforting and miraculous is not my ability (or inability) to listen well…but that the King of Kings and Creator of the entire cosmos chooses to listen to me and then He graciously allows me to hear His “voice” in return.

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice, he heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.”

Psalm 116:1-2

My mind struggles to comprehend the wonder of unrestricted access to God’s ear and throne, but my heart is forever filled with gratitude and praise that deeply flawed but beloved children are absorbed by a love and grace too wonderful for words, a love that listens.

Sweet sisters, I pray that God’s voice will be the loudest one in your life. There is tremendous joy to be experienced when we listen for His leading, use our words wisely and remember our Heavenly Father delights in His children. (Zephaniah 3:17)

“For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (HCSB)

I recently watched a documentary on Alexander the Great. Although he is somewhat controversial, his prowess as a military leader goes undisputed. After assuming a prominent role in his mid-twenties, Alexander proceeded to march his army 12,000 miles in 12 years’ time and conquer lands from Egypt to Palestine. It is said Alexander the Great wept when there were no more lands to conquer. A few days ago, I heard a new account concerning him. As the story goes…Alexander the Great learned of a cowardly foot soldier in his army who was his namesake. The general summoned the cowardly foot soldier and asked two questions.

Alexander the Great: “Is your name Alexander?”

Foot soldier: “Yes, General. My name is Alexander”

Alexander the Great: “Were you named after me?”

Foot soldier: “Yes, I am named after you.”

Alexander the Great: “Then be brave or change your name.”

Boom. Alexander fancied himself to be a god…as a narcissist, he believed his own name and reputation to be of profound importance.

In contrast, two men in the Old Testament were given a military mission. Joshua and Caleb, along with ten others, were instructed to spy and report on the land of Canaan. God had promised this land to the Israelites. Only Joshua and Caleb returned from their mission with faith in the Living God. These two men knew their faith and any fear could be remedied by the Name Above All Names.

“Choose this day whom you will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Bigger Boom.

Shakespeare once famously penned the phrase, “What’s in a name?” Well, it all depends which name is being referenced. The names players and fans wear on the back of athletic jerseys, names that are famous, noteworthy or newsworthy…even the most positive role-models among us…pale in comparison to the one and only Name worthy of our worship.

“For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (HCSB)

Obviously, God gets the “Biggest Boom” of all!

Today, if you do not know Jesus Christ as the Name Above All Names…please reach out to any member of the Sweet Monday staff or any board member. We would be honored to share some very good news with you!