May 2014 – Page 2 – The Jesus Chick

Posted in Life Inspiration

If King David were on Facebook?

Written by talk2shari Published May 6, 2014May 6, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

What if King David were on Facebook? That’s the warped question I asked this morning as I read Psalm 55. David is angry at some guy in Church who’s forsaken him, and he’s extremely vocal about it.

Psalm 55 reads in verses 13-16

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.

I thought to myself… “Boy, it’s a good thing their synagogue didn’t have a Facebook page or that status update would have been ugly!”

It may have read:

Actually David was pretty creative in the writing department; his would have likely been a lot more flowery. But it’s probably a good thing there was no social media back in the day. As a matter of fact it might be good if there wasn’t any today. It’s gotten so out of hand it defies logic. I heard a statement that said “Before you write that post you should ask yourself ‘is this something I want to explain on a future job interview?” I thought that was a great question! Well my question is “Is this something I want to explain to God face to face?”

When He and I are standing before “The Book”, you know the one, the “Book of Life” that outlines all I’ve ever said and done, what’s my status update going to be then?

Think before you type people! I don’t want to make light of David’s situation or yours. After all David’s enemies wanted him dead. Yours just likely wants you humiliated and wishing you were dead, but it’s still pretty traumatic. I get that, I really do. I too have been on the edge of my keys wanting to lash out at some idiot who made my life miserable. Last night as a matter of fact. And then it occurred to me that I really have enough to answer to God for, ruining my testimony on Facebook doesn’t need to be another one.

Social media has made it possible for people to seem unaccountable for hurting people. Facebook is faceless for the most part. Other than a profile pic (which can stir up the fire within you more if it’s a smug looking pic). But it makes it very easy to say things you wouldn’t dare say in person. Or to write innuendos, knowing full well the person for whom they’re intended will likely figure them out… oh you’re so good!

But there will be a day of accountability. A face to Face book meeting. Think about it. I doubt you’ll be LOL-ing.

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

8 Words that Describe Life

Written by talk2shari Published May 5, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

If you were to describe life in just 8 words what would the words be? That was the question I posed to my teen class yesterday morning in Sunday School. Would those words change if circumstances changed and what might some of the words look like to describe God in the bad times? It was a great conversation starters! Word’s stir us. If I mention a word, like “fear” and ask you to think on it, it usually calls to remembrance a time in your life when you were afraid. The Word of God is greater than any word I could use, and has the power to stir your soul with ever jot and tittle. That’s God.

So when it comes to the Bible, why do you think we hesitate to read it? … not enough time, lack of understanding, conviction, you just don’t want too? I think that’s called rebellion. God created each of us in His image and for the purpose of having a relationship with Him. For me it’s an overwhelming thought sometimes to think that the Creator of the all the universe created me for Him. To have a relationship with Him in the manner that I have a relationship with my children. Parent/Child. But that’s how it is, and His word is the greatest and most easily understand way of communicating with Him and yet we take if for granted.

The beginning of our relationship with God began in Genesis

Genesis 1:26a

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:

It was as if God was saying – They’re going to look like Us, and they’re going to like the things We like. What kind of things do you and God have in common? Did you ever think about that? It’s amazing when someone who wasn’t raised by their parent discovers that there is commonness that can’t be denied; looks, mannerisms, likes and dislikes. It was amazing to think that God placed certain things in me that He too likes, it was like He had a purpose for them…

Genesis 2:15

And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

I’m pretty sure the garden didn’t have to have Adam’s attention. It was self-sustaining and no doubt glorious. So why would Adam have needed to “dress” it? When we get dressed we put on things. What could Adam “put on” the earth to make it better? God had made Adam in His likeness, to take care of things. That was Adam’s purpose, He couldn’t improve upon what God had given him, but He could take care of it. It’s true with us as well. We cannot improve upon the things God has given us to work with, but we can use them for His glory.

Romans 13:14 says “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” We’re not going to make the world better with man’s ideas. God put within us His ideas, but we often choose to ignore the very thing that would make us happy.

Remember my question to the kids “What eight words would you use to describe life, well I’d use the first eight in Psalm 100:3

Psalm 100:3 says – Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

He is the Creator of life.

Much of the trouble we have in life comes from the fact that we’re always searching for “something” or “something better.” We’re never satisfied with what we have. God gave Adam and Eve everything they needed in the garden, and yet still they chose to search for the one thing they could not have. Satan has a way of distorting what we think we want. People question why God gave man the free will to make a choice of sinning or not. It was the gift of free will that made love possible, otherwise it wouldn’t have been love; it would have been an order.

If I were to ask you what one thing would bring happiness to your life what would that be? Have you forgot the things you once liked? Have you talked to the One who created you? He has a way of reminding us.

Posted in Church attendance, Life Inspiration

Too Stressed for Rest?

Written by talk2shari Published May 3, 2014October 23, 2023 Discussion Leave a Comment

This morning found me taking a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time in my life when all the cares and weight of the world laid upon the backs of my parents who were more than capable of handling the load. My Dad went to work and my stay at home Mom labored to keep heart and home in check throughout the week. Saturday’s came, and for me it meant cartoons on the couch or an occasional chore, but for my mother it meant preparing as much as possible ahead for Sunday. The Lord’s Day. Not just any day but a day of rest. Saturday was preparation day so that after church, even Mom could rest a minute.

Today Saturday’s are filled with housework, yard work, trips to the store or weekend getaways and preparation for Sunday begins at 9 a.m. Sunday morning for most families as they rush to get ready for church, if they’re even going. I’m not throwing stones, just stating a fact (one for which I lived out for many years prior to salvation.) Sunday for me was the day of guilt. I was raised better than to stay at home on Sunday, yet the freedom of adulthood allowed me that privilege and I took advantage of it at every possible opportunity. After all, I was in the workforce now, I needed the rest; and well, Sunday was better than Saturday, because Saturday I had things I wanted to do – like play. Ahem…. I’m preachin’ now!

I’m not a preacher, but King Solomon was when he penned the words in Ecclesiastes 12:10 ~ ”The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.”

Solomon searched to find words that would be both acceptable in the ears of man and right in ears of God that would encourage the congregation of the Lord. Words of truth. I seek those same words this morning as I write in hopes of encouraging a believer (or non-believer) to reconsider the purpose of the weekend.

I know lives are busy… hello… look at my own! I have something practically every day and evening of the week. So I get why someone, especially a young parent says, I need the rest. But the problems come when they miss the rest. The rest is Sunday, in the Lord’s house. The rest is what comes from hearing the preaching of the Word of God which puts balance into our lives. Even the babies as they go to Sunday School class and interact with other families of faith realize that there’s a purpose in Sunday. And bit by bit seeds are sown into the entire family that makes life better Monday through Saturday.

It’s my prayer as you read this, that it stirs your heart for Sunday morning and today you’ll begin preparing and determining that there will be a difference in Sunday. It will be set aside for rest for the body and soul. Perhaps you’ll even share it with someone else that you know has been to stressed for rest.

In the whirlwind of modern life, the constant hustle and bustle often leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It’s in these moments of anxiety that we yearn for solace and relief. While rediscovering the sanctity of Sundays and the rest it offers can provide a spiritual and mental reprieve, individuals grappling with anxiety might seek additional support.

Embracing holistic approaches to managing anxiety, such as incorporating mindfulness practices and natural remedies like Organic CBD Nugs, can create a profound difference. Organic CBD, known for its potential to promote relaxation and ease anxiety, can serve as a gentle companion on the journey to finding inner peace. Just as Sundays are a sanctuary for the soul, exploring these natural remedies might be the sanctuary for the mind, providing a pathway to tranquility in the face of life’s challenges.

Here it is, you likely knew it was coming if you’ve ever heard the verse… Hebrews 10:25 ~ “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Exhortation! Encouragement! Who doesn’t need it? Hope to see you in church tomorrow!

Posted in Life Inspiration

Sin Runs That Deep

Written by talk2shari Published May 2, 2014May 2, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Ephesians 2:3

King James Version (KJV)

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

The roots of sin run deep. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has issues in life. Whose old nature pulls back so hard at times I think my arm is going to disconnect from my body. Nothing would make Satan happier than to see me back slide in a very public way. There’s more bang for his buck if the unsaved can see a saint fall and then with glee straight from the pits of Hell say, “I knew it wasn’t real.” You don’t even have to fall far. Say the wrong thing, be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or get caught in a weakened condition and have someone rub you the wrong way and watch the old nature of man rear its ugly head.

When I seen this tree picture this morning on the web my first thought was “that’s sin, those roots grow deep.” Somehow or another we’ll find ourselves staring the old nature in the face, Satan will make sure of it… or so he does with me. Maybe you’ve moved past that point.

So what’s the answer?

Romans 6:19

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness

This is why I’m crazy about Christ. This is why I talk about Him all the time. Why I awake in the morning desiring a day of fellowship with Him. Because as deep as the roots of sin ran in my life before salvation, I have to run the new roots of salvation even deeper into the things of God, else the old nature will take over.

It was the nature of that tree to seek out dirt beneath the surface, but above the ground it reaches toward God and grows strong in the sun and rain. It’s metaphorical for certain, but we all know there’s truth in it. Beneath the surface there’s that sin nature that could go back to looking for dirt in a heartbeat. It’s important to be very conscious that it’s there, else you get caught off guard.

I don’t want to give Satan anything to cheer about…

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

Is it well?

Written by talk2shari Published May 1, 2014May 1, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

2 Kings 4:26

Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well:

If you read the story in 2 Kings chapter 4, you realize that at the time she said “it is well,” her child was dead. Over the past couple of days I’ve watched multiple posts come and go on Facebook. Some of a greater magnitude of devastation than others. But I’m not making light of any, heartache is heartache, and it hurts. But one common thread in so many is that “come what may” – God is good, and it well. If you do not know Him you likely do not understand how someone could speak those words and “mean it” during some of the hardest days of their lives. It’s because they know that there is a day we’re all looking forward to. That day when heartache and sorrow will not exist. And all those trials we went through and glorified God, will be crowns that we can give back to our Savior. He will robe us in Glory and say “Well done my child, welcome home!”

That’s when eternity starts.

No more separation. No more pain or heartache. Just peace and happiness! Satan and his minions will be cast into a pit and will never again have access to our lives.

Do you know our Jesus? The one Who created this world, and will restore it to its perfected state one day. He loves you. He wants you to know “God is good, and it is well.” He’ll put that in your soul if you’ll give it to Him. There is something within you that lets you know there’s something missing in your life. It’s the hole where the Holy Spirit desires to reside. Once you’ve ask Jesus to be Lord of your life, with faith believing that your life is in His hands, it’s then that He’ll begin guiding you to the rest of the knowledge that you need to walk in faith.

Below is a link to what Christians call “The Road to Salvation.” Please read it and pray the prayer, not because it will save you, but because the God of Whom it speaks of will. What it will do is give you the Word of God to tuck down in your heart and marker that this is the day you trusted Jesus. This is the day that you made the decision to believe “Come what may—God is good, and it well!”

https://thejesuschick.com/the-road-to-salvation/

Posted in Uncategorized

The Miracle in the Mirror

Written by talk2shari Published May 1, 2014May 1, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Easton Zayde born 4.28.14

I arrived at the hospital a few nights ago about an hour and a half after the birth of my great-nephew Easton Zayde. I’d have made it before the birth, had I not stopped at Walmart to get Easton his very first birthday present, and my husband his 53^rd. They now share a birthday! I had stopped to pick up some fishing gear for David and was asking the assistance of a man who happened to meander into my aisle (not a clerk.) A few words into the conversation about which “Ugly Stick” I should buy, he mentioned the Lord. For those who don’t know such as myself, an Ugly Stick is a brand of fishin’ pole. But on with the story… thirty minutes later, after a bible study on end time events, I left the sporting goods department with an Ugly Stick and a high tech reel that has flashing lights and sounds, just what every Fireman needs I figured, and a new found friend in the faith who understood the miracle.

I finally made it to the hospital and was holding that beautiful little boy and I couldn’t help but think how much I already loved him. I’d just known him a few minutes and he’d done nothing other than arrive by the same means every other child does, through the miracle of birth, but he had my heart. I don’t want to make light of his experience, I could tell by his misshapen head (which will correct itself) and his desire to sleep, he’d had a pretty rough day. It wasn’t easy coming into this world; he’ll soon find out it’s not easy living in it either. Easton Zayde had no clue what a miracle he was. He was just glad to be in his mommy’s arms with a full tummy and a warm fuzzy blanket.

As Christians we sometimes live our lives forgetting that feeling of the miracle of salvation. We want to tie the word miracle to some event or happenstance that we’ve seen occur when everyday there’s a miracle in the mirror.

I looked at the joy on my niece’s face as she looked over every inch of that little boy. She was so proud! As well she should have been. It was then that I thought, “That’s how God looked at me the day of my salvation!”

“That’s my girl! He looked at me anew; always before I’d been covered by sin and unapproachable. But now I was His child, made new by the blood of His Son. And since that day He’s held me in His arms. I don’t understand why everyone cannot see the miracle of God at work in their lives; although I should because I was one of them until the age of 34 when I got saved. But even in Jesus’ day, when they witnessed in person miracle upon miracle there were those who chose to deny it was of God.

John 11:47

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

What they didn’t understand was they themselves were one of the miracles! The harshness of the world had taken away their reality of knowing Who God was.

Don’t let the harshness of the world deprive you of calling to remembrance that glorious day when Jesus saved your soul. And if you have a minute or two today, post in the little comment box at the top of the page what great thing God has done in your life. You never know how someone could be touched by you!