Dr. James Wagner

Below are five talks that Dr. James Wagner gave on “The Art of Letting Go.”

Letting Go of Our Children (42:07)

Letting Go of Our Parents (33:26)

Letting Go of Our Younger Selves (31:13)

Letting Go of Our Illusions (32:14)

The Final Letting Go (39:52)

Here is a Sermon that Dr. Wagner preached at Graham Friends Church in Graham, NC, on December 11, 2011.

Advent Comfort (18:38)

Reflections on the Expository Lectionary, October 9-16, 2011

Monday Morning

Acts 8:14-25   Our journey through Acts has been dealing with Saul of Tarsus. We last encountered Peter in these verses. Peter had dealt with Simon the magician and his desire to pay for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He had a basic misunderstanding of the gospel. He thought that he could do something, pay something for God’s grace. But God’s grace in salvation and the sanctifying power that comes through his Holy Spirit is a free gift. (Rom 6:23)

Monday Evening

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Tuesday Morning

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Tuesday Evening

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Wednesday Morning

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Wednesday Evening

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Thursday Morning

Thursday Evening

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Friday Morning

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Friday Evening

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Saturday Morning

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Saturday Evening

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Sunday Morning

An audio reflection on my translation of Acts 9:32-43:

9:32 And then, as Peter traveled throughout the area, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 9:33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, laying on his bed for eight years who was paralyzed. 9:34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you: stand up and make your bed.” And immediately he stood up. 9:35 And all the residents at Lydda and at the Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 9:36 Now there was in Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which interpreted means Dorcas. She was was full of good works and acts of charity. 9:37 And in those days, she became sick and died. And when they had bathed her, they laid her in an upper room. 9:38 And as Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Come to us without delay.” 9:39 And Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they brought him into the upper room, and all the widows stood by him weeping and displaying clothing and garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 9:40 But Peter sent them all outside and knelt down and prayed. Then turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, live again!” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 9:41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 9:42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 9:43 And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.

Sunday Evening

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Sunday Morning

An audio reflection on my translation of Acts 9:23-31:

9:23 And when many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him. 9:24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they also guarded the gates day and night so that they might kill him. 9:25 But his followers took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket. 9:26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 9:27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and informed them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. 9:28 And then he was with them, moving about Jerusalem, 9:29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Grecian Jews, but they were trying to kill him. 9:30 And when the brothers found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 9:31 So the church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being strengthened. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it grew.

Hymn lyrics © Mark E. Ryman, 2004

Special Hymns

Another Year is Dawning (New Year)
Come Sing Praises to Our Mothers (Mothers’ Day)
Wyclyf (John Wycliffe, English Bible translator)

Matthew

Can We Pledge Our Lives Today?, Matthew 1:18-25
When Jesus had Been Born a King, Matthew 2:13-23
Heaven Comes Near for All Today, Matthew 3:1-12
When Jesus Came from Galilee, Matthew 3:3-17
The Sun Beat Down Upon His Head, Matthew 4:1-11
What Has Our God Required of Us?, Matthew 4:12-23
Leave Your Nets, Matthew 4:12-23
Rejoice, Friends! And Be Delighted, Matthew 5:1-12
Salt and Light Are Found in Me, Matthew 5:13-20
We Sing of Christ Our King, Matthew 11:2-11
The Lord Took His Disciples In, Matthew 17:1-9
Will You Heed the Signs of Advent?, Matthew 24:36-44
The Time is Near, Matthew 26:14-27:66

Mark

Kept in Quiet Wonder, Mark 13:24-37

Luke

When Mary Still was Pregnant, Luke 2:1-20
Do Not Forget Your God, Luke 6:20-31
Hear Me Knocking, Luke 7:36-8:3
Soil and Soul, Luke 10:1-11, Luke 10:16-20
Religious Façade, Luke 10:25-37
Father Knows Best, Luke 11:1-13
You Are Coming Sooner than Thought, Luke 12:13-21
Where Tempests Never Rage, Luke 12:49-56
Praising the Whole Week Through, Luke 13:10-17
The Best Seats, Luke 14:1,7-14
Our Greatest Psalms, Luke 14:25-33
Hide and Seek, Luke 15:1-10
Just When We’ve Sunk in Deep Despair, Luke 16:1-13
Where Saints Have Landed, Luke 16:19-31
Love Is All, Luke 17:5-10
When the Son of Man Comes Back, Luke 18:9-14
Climb Down from Your Tree, Luke 19:1-10
Our One True Love, Luke 20:27-38
By Their Endurance, Luke 21:5-19
Saving Me from Me, Luke 23:33-43

John

At the Start There was the Logos, John 1:1-18
The Lamb’s Embrace, John 1:29-42
How Can It Be?, John 3:1-17
He Lingers Still, John 4:5-42
Wash the Mud Out of Your Eyes, John 9:1-41
Trust in His Eternal Care, John 11:1-45
The Gospel Garden, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
We’ll Be with Him, John 14:1-14
If You Love Me, John 14:15-21
Lift High the Cross, John 18:1-19:42
On the Same Day He Arose, John 20:19-31

© 2004, Mark E. Ryman

Wow. So hard to find and then I find them by the box. And at half price!

This just fries their minds. In 40 years of doing this I have had two waiters not get confused or argumentative or indignant. How is it that it gets into the minds of people that one just has to drink with their meal? Are they afraid I’m going to choke to death? I chew thoroughly. It’ll be okay. Are they afraid that if I don’t drink three glasses of cola that I will have room for dessert.You’d think they’d want that to happen. Then again, I don’t order desserts either. An extra helping of vegetables would be nice for dessert.

I should try that sometime. “Would you care for some dessert?” Yes. Bring me a bowl of lima beans. Please. Now I’d really get the look.

But back to drinks with meals. Every now and then I will tell the waiter that I’d like to have a cup of coffee toward the end of the meal. They always forget. And that’s okay. I didn’t want anything to drink with my meal anyway.

Now that would not be so bad except I have to run it with these police officers who are in better shape than me—not to mention a lot younger. That evening, I asked the City Council to consider moving the city limits in one mile for one day next year. They just laughed. I was serious.

While trying to explain how I thought things had been set up the last time I called them, the “customer service” representative cut me off mid-sentence with, “No, uh-uh,” and then continued to not listen to me afterward.

That is unacceptable behavior from a woman who has worked for a Christian company for “8½ years.” Even that was said with an air of derision.

After yesterday’s rude treatment from “customer service,” we will not be renewing or purchasing additional resources. Who needs that kind of “service” or “ministry”? Not me. No, ma’am. Uh-uh.

Let me be the first to thank the legislature for driving the smokers out of the bars and onto the public sidewalks here in Graham, NC. While my wife and I were walking tonight, we turned the corner at the courthouse on Elm St. and headed up Maple St. Just around the corner there is a bar where nine patrons are clogging the sidewalk outside the door, smoking. So what do we have to walk through before we even realize what is happening? That’s right; the smoke the government wanted to protect us from. It wasn’t bothering me a bit when it was in the bar.

I don’t understand. Everybody in there is likely smoking anyway. And if they don’t want to be around smokers, they wouldn’t go in the bar to begin with. We, however, are outside on the public sidewalk, trying to be healthy. Who suffers? The cigarette smokers? No. Us.

Come on, North Carolina. I understand what were trying to do. But guess what? You failed.

When Mary was growing up, she was mobile. Her family moved a lot. After she married Laird Allender and moved into 218 East Madison Avenue, after quite awhile, she wanted to move again. But there she stayed for half a century. Some time after Laird died, she married Gene Cutshall and Mary finally got a new house. To be sure, a condo. But she moved. Since then she moved to Oakwood Village—another new home. Mary was finally getting her wish. Then she moved from Oakwood Village to…Oakwood Village. By now Mary was needing some skilled care. Then she needed some additional care and moved again within Oakwood Village. Three years ago, Mary decided to move to North Carolina and did so. For a woman who always wanted to move and never did, she sure seems to have moved a lot. In fact, she seemed a bit nomadic, pitching her tent first here and then there. Hers became a very different lifestyle than living in one house for 50 years.

In the course of these latter day moves, especially this past year, Mary has done a lot of sighing and moaning and groaning. Her 87-year-old house had become a burden to her. She hurt. She was immobile. She couldn’t do for herself. And sometimes she let you know about it. Mostly though, she remained content—after having several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a couple of great-great grandchildren—to wait on one more great-granddaughter…and to wait on one more new house.

When she lived with Laird, there were no guarantees they would ever move. Indeed, I suppose the opposite may have been true. She probably felt there was some guarantee that they would never move away from Madison Avenue. And really, why would you want to? I mean there are so many great things about that place and the people who made it a home for all of us. Some of the grandkids have been on Facebook… Did you ever think the word Facebook would show up at Mary’s funeral? Well, it has and I am happy to be able to share some of their memories of that house with you.

the alley right next to the house, the creepy basement, Aunt Susies 60’s posters, the player organ,….too much to write it all down. I’ll miss you MawMaw. You were always there for me. I love you.

Mama and Papa’s basement was the only basement that didn’t creep me out (the attic was a different story). I used to sit down there and talk to Mama while she ironed. I remember her ironing sheets and I couldn’t understand why anyone would iron sheets. She said it made them softer.

Jergens lotion in the “one” bathroom, plastic on the dining room chairs and plastic runner/rug on the hall carpet leading to the room with the “davenport” (wasn’t the davenport a hard leather?- it sounded like plastic when you sat on it Also loved the front porch and Loved the the upstairs- got to play with Aunt Susie’s barbies! Millions of collectable plates- playing the piano (which is now at my house) and the organ. And of course, the holiday staples…pineapple cream cheese on celery and grandma’s famous chocolate cake.
her class reunions every year, her pecan pie, her beautiful bows for presents, done with much love, her socks with the little balls, her lists to do for each day, washing on Monday…washing machine and hand washings….ironing underwear and sheets, rolly pies, her love of the Cincinnati Reds, her crummy decks of cards for solitaire

MTV(they had cable; we didn’t), Doctor Who (I only watched it there), lots of elephants, PawPaw’s pipes, the front porch, the davenport (what’s that again?), the air conditioned attic (where we slept while visiting), dad’s comic book collection (why it was there I still don’t know, it’s my moms mom), one bathroom

MawMaw passed away today. It’s hard when things like this happen. I decided to think about all of the good things that I associate whit my grandmother: Archway cookies, Pringles, sour cream cookies, pudding with the skin on top, double broiler frosting (that’s for you, mom), home made ice cream

No doubt, you have your own memories of that house and home. So did Mary. As great as these memories are though, they are as nothing compared to the mansion that has been guaranteed to her by God. These past many years, God has been preparing Mary for a new house. In this house, she needs no skilled care because she will hurt no more. She needs no aid, prosthetic, or wheelchair because she walks on glorified legs. She needs no counselor to assuage her fears and tears because she lives forever in the presence of a Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God.

What is mortal has been swallowed up by life. This life is real and eternal. It was guaranteed to Mary by him who never breaks his promises and I can assure you she never wants to move again. Mary has walked through this life pitching her tent by faith, not by sight. Now she walks by sight with God outside of time in a glorified body. She will never pull up stakes again. Here’s why: her resurrection body is glorious for no other reason really, than this: that spiritual body allows her to be in the immediate company of Jesus. And so, she will never, ever again want to move. She is happy, having gained the guarantee of God.

Some people would say that it is a sad thing that Mary and others have to suffer decline. The Corinthian Church was saying the same thing about the Apostle Paul. He said that while the outer nature is wasting away, the inner person is being transformed daily. The things that so many of us prize—youth, health, and happiness—will eventually be destroyed one way or the other. So all that truly matters is the inner person. This body is transient, even fleeting. The inner being is eternal. Those who are hidden with Christ in God will have their decrepit, decaying outer nature replaced with an eternal glory beyond imagination.

Mary was guaranteed this glory. God placed in her his Spirit as earnest of his pledge. Many people look upon the Spirit as only power or emotion. But here Paul thought of the Spirit of God in terms of that quiet confidence that is the Christian’s. It is the undeniable presence of God’s Spirit that produces slow, inner renewal and in the end, total, glorious transformation.

This is what your sister, your aunt, your mom, your mawmaw, great grand, and great-great now knows in eternal reality. Life in this fleshy tent involves suffering by faith. We must suffer with confident endurance, knowing that resurrection awaits us who believe. The aches and pains of this material existence try to conceal the inner transformation and make us give up hope. Mary did not give up hope. Here is how I know; it’s a personal story that you should know. During the last hours, Susan had been called in to the nursing home because they thought Mary was failing. We had been up there twice the night before and then again around five o’clock Monday morning. We sat with her a few more hours when, around eight o’clock, I needed to run home to say goodbye to my sister who was visiting from out of state. I had no sooner gotten down the interstate when Susan called to say Mary was gone. I turned around and came back and Susan reported this story of Mary’s last moments. Susan once again took her mom’s hand and said, “It’s okay, mom. Jesus said, ‘Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.’” At that very instant, Mary stopped breathing. I know Mary knew. Now you know, if you did not know before. She never gave up the inward hope, despite the outward decline.

Mary had something to look forward to because she had someone to look forward to. As much as she longed to see again her parents, her twin and other siblings, Laird, Gene, and others, the real yearning was to be with her God. She yearns no more. She aches no longer. She is with Jesus in glory, for to be with Jesus is glory.

Mary is all moved into her final, glorious house—one that Jesus has been preparing her whole life. If this is not true, he would never have told her so. It is finished. She is moved in. Mary’s moving days are over.

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