Author: talk2shari

Posted in Christmas, Faith, Life Inspiration

The Greatest Christmas Gift Ever

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Greatest Christmas Gift Ever

I find myself more often than I should scrolling videos, one after the other, on social media. It’s no doubt one of Satan’s best tools to monopolize the time of Christians so they’ll be less and less productive for the cause of Christ. Can you identify? If you’re on social media any time at all you probably can. But perhaps you’re more disciplined than me. I pray you are. But as I scrolled, I came across a Christmas video of a Baptist Church in some other state, I don’t recall, but it was a huge church of thousands. The video was of their Christmas program filled with dancers, live animals, flying people across the massive roof span with drama and lights that rivaled any Hollywood production. Even Santa made an appearance at the end! I seen very little Jesus. I was frustrated for God. One of the comments below the posts was “Jesus should turn over a few tables in that place.” I agreed. It was bad enough when the world took Jesus out of Christmas, but a Baptist church? This is why it matters not what denomination is over the door, it’s what’s in the hearts of the people who attend.

This morning as I read John 14:1-6 I was so grateful for the greatest gift that I have ever received. The Spirit of Christ.

John 14:1-6

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 ¶ Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 ¶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Medicine for a Troubled Heart

On my night stand lies all my medicines for my heart. It’s the only way that I can remember to take them is if they’re laying in a place that I see them when I wake up and when I lie down. That medicine keeps me a live. But the Word of God keeps me living. Keeps me desiring to go on.

Jesus told His disciples, “You believe in God, believe also in me.” The men who watched Him perform miracles, who walked with Him daily and heard Him speak needed those words to comfort their weary hearts. It’s human nature to get discouraged. You don’t have to work at that at all! But boy oh boy do we have to work at keeping uplifted and desiring to go on in this troubled world.

Do you have any troubles right now? The answer is likely yes. The level of our troubles vary, and if we compared them to the problems in other countries ours would seem as minuscule as a drop of water in the ocean. But in our world they fill our thoughts with worry and concern and again monopolize our time, keeping us from serving God.

A Mansion for Tomorrow

Waiting for us in heaven when that eternal tomorrow comes is a mansion. One of the many, many reasons I like the King James Version of scripture. The other versions say house, or rooms. But I’m believing in that mansion! One with a huge pickin’ porch that all our friends can gather and play music and fellowship without the burdens of life. Won’t that be amazing? Perhaps thats not your idea of Heaven. Maybe it’s art, or any number of things that people enjoy, but the point is, we’ll enjoy it! There will been no troubles, no heart aches or arguments. No worries about making the ends meet, there will be no end. No worries about family and friends. Just an endless time of worship and serving God in a perfect land. There is no more perfect gift than a free heart and mind from worldly anxieties.

The Master is Waiting

My friend Gloria used to sing a song in choir titled “Then I Met the Master.” Ohhhh, all of Heaven came down when she sang that song. Jesus is the Master, but is He the Master of our lives? In my own frustration He is not most of the time. I allow the world to captivate my thoughts and as Jesus stands waiting to take every burden of the day away from me, I continue in it.

But then there are mornings like today, when the gift that keeps on giving, gives me a touch of that endless peace that comes from knowing Jesus and from the Holy Spirit that lives within the child of God.

Then I Met the Master

By Mosie Lister

Like a baby when it cries for its mother
Like a child, I was helpless alone
Then I met the Master
Now I am one of His own

For all things were changed
When He found me
A new day broke through
All around me
For I met the Master
Now I belong to Him

Like a blind man who walks in the darkness
I had longed, I had searched for the light
Then I met the Master
No, I walk no more in the night

For all things were changed
When He found me
A new day broke through
All around me
For I met the Master
Now I belong to Him

I met the Master
Now I belong to Him

For all things were changed
When He found me
A new day broke through
All around me
For I met the Master
The Master
Now I belong to Him

I met the Master
Now I belong to Him
I met the Master
Now I belong to Him
I belong to him

Posted in Faith, Life Inspiration

Are You Living in Hope or Circumstance?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Are You Living in Hope or Circumstance?

The Apostle Peter was known for his quick (sometimes without thought) actions, and most importantly his willingness to follow and teach Christ, until his death found him crucified upside down on a cross. I’m sure like most church folk, there were people who found and noted the imperfections in Peter’s life. But when the end of his life came, nobody would have questioned his loyalty to the Savior and to the Word of God.

It wasn’t Happenstance that found Peter, it was Jesus.

Matthew 4:18-20 KJV
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. [19] And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [20] And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Peter walked off his job and away from his livelihood for a life of following Christ. Are we ready to do that? Are we ready for that level of commitment in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ? This is where living for Jesus is not for the faint of heart. Like Peter, I just didn’t happen to find Jesus in 1996. Jesus found me in a most miraculous way. I wasn’t looking for Him that February 18th Sunday when I went to hear Mike Worf preach, at my husband’s request. But Jesus was waiting for me at the church and by His Spirit, through the preaching of the word of God, He spoke to my heart in a most profound way. Shortly thereafter I left the life I knew of following the world and became a follower of Jesus Christ. I didn’t leave my job, but I most assuredly left the worldly things that had captivated my attention and drew my thoughts into a mentally un unhealthy place filled with depression, anxiety and false expectations of people. For more than a quarter of a century I have served the Lord as a teacher, singer, speaker and soul seeking (seeking souls I can encourage for Christ.) But it has not been without distractions and lesser levels of commitment.

It Wasn’t Coincidence that found us, it was Christ’s Intention

1 Peter 1:1-9 KJV
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, [2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

It could just as well add, Grantsville, Mt. Zion, Arnoldsburg, Chloe… wherever you are, Peter is speaking to us, in this day and age. When it says the elect, it’s meaning a child of God where the only vote needed was His. If you have made that decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, you are among those that Peter is speaking to and it was God’s design (as it is for everyone) that you be saved. But just like the election we just came through, you have to through your hat in the ring. “Here I am Christ, ready for service!” The election was swift, you accepted what Christ did on the cross as payment for your sin, your name was written n glory, you are now in the army of God! How exciting is that? You were elected to be a child of the Most High! But If it is so exciting why are Christians so negative?

Christ’s intentions for His children upon their salvation was not to allow us to continue in the world, being frustrated with what others are doing, pouring our time and money into material things or working ourselves to death so we can have more. But to captivate our minds with His Spirit and fill us with His desires of service and purpose, knowing that we will find true happiness and contentment in those things. So how is it that our focus gets so eschewed?

Paul told the people of Corinth in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 that they should be “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

There is a constant war in our minds with a disobedient fleshly spirit that would desire to stay in the world’s control. Exalting those things above the Lord, because that is Satan’s desire. He knows that he can no longer have the soul of a child of God, but he can have our thoughts, or encourage our focus on world endeavors or distresses to the point that Jesus and His purpose for us is no longer evident and we are miserable.

We have life priorities. Family, jobs, responsibilities, etc that Christ does not expect us to ignore. Nor does He expect those things to have first priority. When Peter left the boat, he didn’t leave his wife and community. But rather he focused on those people through Christ’s purpose! That’s good stuff right there! Are we focused on our priorities through Christ? When we’re stressing our family and friends, is it through Christ’s concerns for them? When we go to work, are we looking at our career as a door that Christ has opened to serve Him in that place? It’s not coincidence that you are anywhere in particular today… God has purpose in it!

But where is the excitement that caused Peter to jump out of the boat not once but twice. First to follow Christ in the ministry, and the second to follow Him onto the rough waters. We are not living (or at least I’m not) in His lively hope!

It’s Not our Circumstances that should Control our thoughts, But Our Lively Hope!

[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Jesus had said to his disciple Thomas, who came to believe after seeing the resurrected Christ, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:29). Peter, having heard those words, echoes them here: “You love him even though you have never seen him.” Faith brings both salvation and the promise of a day when pain will end and perfect justice will begin. Faith will be rewarded and evil will be punished. But what should we do until then? The Bible gives us a simple but difficult answer: Because we know the future, we must faithfully serve God here and now. If today that means resolving a conflict, mending a hurt, working a dull job, confronting a belligerent child, rebuilding a marriage, or just waiting for guidance—do it all with the joy of God, in His lively hope, who will return with the reward he has promised!

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Election is Over… Now What?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Election is Over… Now What?

America is still far, far from a perfect nation. But following the election, which found many of the woke ideologies and those who support it cast aside for the more conservative views once again, my heart was grateful. Not so naive as to think that there’s still not scoundrels in the government, but I do believe that there were many praying to God for mercy and help and He provided it. When President Trump had that near miss on his life, I felt then that God was merciful to us as a Nation and that President Trump became a humbler man; understanding the magnitude of God’s providence and control. And then this morning as I read Ezekiel 36, I felt as if God said to me, “I didn’t do this for you Shari, or for America, I did it so the world would know once again Who’s in control, and Who should get the glory.”

How could He have done it for us? Look how bad things got before even a few people stood up against an absolute evil in every community.

Ezekiel 36:32-38 KJV
Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. [33] Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. [34] And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. [35] And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. [36] Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it. [37] Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. [38] As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Commentary says that this chapter is a prophecy concerning the desolations of the land of Israel, and the causes of them; of the return of the people to it, and the fruitfulness of it; and of spiritual blessings bestowed upon them in the end times. And first, for the comfort of the people of Israel, it is observed that their enemies will suffer the vengeance of God’s wrath, particularly the Edomites, Ezekiel 36:1, that the land of Israel should again become fruitful, its cities rebuilt, men and beasts be multiplied upon it, and be no more liable to destruction, nor bear any more the reproach of the Heathen, Ezekiel 36:8, the causes of its desolation and destruction, the sins of its inhabitants, especially bloodshed, idolatry, and profanation of the name of God, Ezekiel 36:16, nevertheless the Lord promises to have mercy on them, and return them to their own land, not for their sakes, but for his own name’s sake, Ezekiel 36:21, then follow promises of spiritual blessings to them: as purification from all sin by the blood of Christ.

The Repentance

America is not the chosen nation. We’re a nation of chosen people (some of them, those that are saved). But God won’t stand by and allow the disgusting wickedness that has gone on in the Whitehouse with the mockery of all things Holy. Promoting lifestyles and behaviors that go against the Word of God, the murder, mutilation and molestation of children with a presidential seal. Nor will He take kindly to those in America who prayed for deliverance to allow this nonsense to continue. There has got to be an earnest repentance, beginning with the Church.

I have struggled being involved in politics. It’s not a pretty world on any side. But when I read Ezekiel’s words, “be ashamed and confounded for your own ways“ I felt the conviction in my own heart for having been more silent than I should have been.

The Rebuilding

There will come a day when God will rebuild and restore Israel. As for rebuilding America, it has nothing to do with the physical realm and everything to do with the Spiritual. For there to be any hope it has to be on a personal level. If we want to see our family and friends rescued from the evil of this world, we have to get them to the foot of the cross. We have to rebuild families, take control of our children and stop allowing the world’s influence to be the greater. This rebuilding will be with words, not bricks. The Word of God must be spoken over our families with time spent on our knees crying out to God to help us get them saved and under the blood of Jesus. That’s the only hope for Israel, God’s chosen. And it’s the only hope for us.

The Rescue

In verse 36, Ezekiel prophesied that God would let the heathen know that He had rescued Israel from themselves.

Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.

Call me crazy, but I fully believe that God rescued us with purpose. I had personally lost hope in the cause of America. Every time I witnessed someone mock the ways of God my heart felt as if it were being ripped from my chest. As I watched modern churches compromise themselves to cater to a fickle world that wouldn’t stand for anything, I wanted to storm the doors of their churches and turn over the tables as Christ did in the temple when they made His church a den of thieves. Even locally our people have been forced from their church buildings by the hierarchy of a denomination demanding that they accept a sinful lifestyle in the name of Jesus. It breaks my heart, but I’m glad there were a few who would stand up on the Lord’s behalf.

It is not the denomination over the door of a church that will get you into Heaven, it’s the contents of the heart. God alone will judge those church leaders. But all of us can do better at defending what Christ died for. He is worthy!

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Heaven, Life Inspiration

Some Scary Words from Sunday School Class

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Some Scary Words from Sunday School Class

I love Bible conversations. And Sunday School class is the perfect time (if your church program is designed as such) to share thoughts on how the scriptures apply to our everyday lives. At First Baptist Church of Grantsville, one of the adult classes, (taught by Rick Godfrey) is working our way through the book of Ephesians. It was during this week’s study that the Lord really dinged my bell with Paul’s words in chapter 2, verse 20. But for reference sake, I’ll provide Ephesians 2:19-22

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

It was the word foundation that caused a little anxiety in my heart, which I’m sure sounds like an odd word to scare someone with. But hear me out…

In chapter 2, much of the text is Paul discussing the Jew and Gentile connections in the word of God and perhaps the prejudices of the day. A popular topic in America even today! (That’s not the scary word for which I’m blogging about today, by the way) but helps us to understand the relevance of God’s word. God adopting the Gentiles into the Kingdom was a new concept for the children of Israel. They’d been the star of this show since time began, and will be again in end times. But for then and now, Jew and Gentiles were on an even playing ground with the Lord.

But as Paul continues his Sunday School class with the community of Ephesus he tells them how the Jew and Gentile connection became the modern church of today. No denomination, just the believers in Christ Jesus which were built upon the foundation (the scary word) of the apostles and prophets. Apostles of the New Testament and the Prophets of the Old Testament. One book, two stories, now connecting all the people of God.

But when Rick Godfrey read the words of Ephesians 2:20, my mind focused on my own accountability to the Lord Jesus Christ on making sure I didn’t mess up the foundation for which my children and grandchildren and the people who are kind enough to follow “The Jesus Chick” blog stand on. That’s a scary thought.

When a stone structure is beginning to be built, the first block has to be laid in a manner that keeps every one to follow in line. In the church it’s called the Corner Stone, which is Christ. He is the foundation stone of our church. Perfect in every way. The apostles were the first to follow with their preaching of the Gospel of Christ. (Which God insured His word was perfect in every way. As the church began to grow, they understood the importance of making sure those who followed them understood and taught the word of God correctly. Those laying the spiritual blocks in the church continue today building upon what Christ began.

That’s our job folks. To keep building this structure of the living church, where each block represents a child of God, privileged to be a part of the Kingdom. But it appears the vast majority of the church think they’re a single stone and have no responsibility for keeping the building erected and moving toward Heaven. They’re stones mortared into the family of God, but they’re sitting there cockeyed or even outside the building and thinking that the structure is safe and sound.

THAT’S A SCARY THOUGHT!

How can the foundation of the building be safe when some of the stones are cockeyed or missing? And how do we think our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are going to make it to Heaven on the foundation that we are now in charge of, if we’re not in our place, studying and teaching them the word of God, or for Pete’s sake, we’re not even in the building.

I watch as families struggle, morals fail and respect is gone and realize it’s because the foundation of the church is on very shaky ground. But then I look at myself, who goes to church, takes part in leadership, loves reading the Bible and studying the word of God and yet my own failures are messing with the foundation. We all have a responsibility in building the Kingdom. It’s not just the Pastor’s job or the Deacons. Unfortunately in many churches they don’t even think it’s their job! The worldly church is too busy powdering the butts of the congregation and keeping them happy with coffee and donuts before service to concern themselves with laying a right mix of mortar to glue them together.

I know that’s a lot of metaphors and I hope I’m clear with what I’m saying and why this scared me.

This is why Sunday School Class is important. Having your family in church is important. Living the word of God, not just having it sit on the shelf is important. It’s the reason that families are falling a part. Not the only one, but one of the main foundational pieces of keeping the parents and children in line. If you’re in church that’s so wonderful! But what are you doing, what am I doing, to get the rest of my people mortared in?

Churches across the nation are sitting empty, children have their eyes glued to a computer or phone screen filled with both good and evil, but I’m pretty sure which one has the greater influence and it’s not the good. If we want our families saved and in the Kingdom with us for eternity there has got to be some conversing going on between us and them about the Word of God. And if not, they’ll likely not be there. Are you ready to do Heaven without them? I’m not.

That’s reality and that’s scary.

Life is not a game to be played, it’s a war to be won. I pray for us all, that today we’ll talk to someone we love about Jesus.

SHARI JOHNSON, THE JESUS CHICK

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Seducing of the American Church

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Seducing of the American Church

Now that the election is over, perhaps my mind will settle down a little, probably very little, but for at least this morning, I’m not thinking about politics. Nope. That’s a lie. This morning I’m thinking about the politics of the American Church, although it has been since the ancient of age in one form or another. Paul dealt with it in his day, and we continue.

Colossians 2:1-5 KJV
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; [2] That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; [3] In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [5] For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

The Seductive Lie

The problem that Paul was combating (struggling) in the Colossian church was likely the heresy known as Gnosticism (from the Greek word for knowledge). Gnosticism undermined the foundational Christian teaching that Paul had taught the church. The Gnostics insisted important, secret knowledge was hidden from most believers. But Paul taught, and we believe today, that Christ provides all the knowledge we need.

When I got saved, I had been around the Bible all my life. My Dad sat daily in his chair with the Bible across his lap, studying the word of God. But for me, prior to salvation, I could pick up the Bible and it might as well have been a geometry text book, because I understood it about that well. But February 18th, 1996, something happened. When I read the Bible, it was as if God read it back to me defined. The Spirit revealed the meaning of that scripture and from that point forward, I knew it was alive! I was speaking to God and He was speaking to me.

Paul taught that communication with Christ and one another was vital to church growth. The Gnostics thought and loved that they were in possession of a secret. That’s a problem. In John 18:20 it says “Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.”

The arrogance of anyone telling you that God tells them things that He doesn’t tell others, is a lie. Everything we need to know is in the Word of God. False teachers love it when everyone hangs on every word they say, because it gives them job security and makes those who follow them feel they can’t do without them. That is the seducing lie. Paul warned them not to be beguiled (deceived) by their enticing (seducing) words.

The Spiritual Snare

Gnostics believed that humans were divine beings trapped in the material world. Okay, so now I have the Madonna song stuck in my head, “Material Girl.” Nothing divinely spiritual about that. They also thought that the world was created by an imperfect spirit. They believed that to escape the material world, humans needed to gain gnosis, or special knowledge, from outside the material because spiritual reality was good, but physical reality was evil, including our physical bodies. Well, I did think of the Madonna song.

I can assure you the only divine thing about me, is Christ living in me! And to think that every physical thing is evil is ingratitude of the creation of God. Certainly we can put more value on the material things in the world than we should, but the things are not evil, it’s the heart of man that’s evil. Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

It’s a snare of any preacher or teacher who does not look at the entire word of God, rather than picking and choosing what portions of it fits into their theories and agendas. That kind of thinking traps the believer into not relying on the Spirit for discernment. Never believe anything that cannot be backed up by the Word of God.

The Savior’s Humanity

The third gnostic deception was that because the physical bodies were evil, Christ couldn’t have possibly been human. While our very human minds find it hard to grasp God being fully God and fully human, this is God we’re talking about. He can do anything… except of course sin. But that didn’t stop Him from feeling the temptation of it. When Satan and Christ were in the wilderness for 40 days, surely Christ’s hunger was physical. Satan’s temptation with food would have been felt, but it wasn’t acted on. Rather Christ told him in Luke 4:4 “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

It’s important that a child of God understands that God understands. He experienced the same temptation that we do. But He was God. He did not succumb to the flesh, but rather relied on the God factor within Him to fight the temptation. The same God factor that is within us after salvation. We need to deepen our relationship with Christ, not depend on the preacher to be our only source of information. Gnosticism became fashionable in the second century AD. Even in Paul’s day, these ideas sounded attractive to many, and exposure to such teachings could easily seduce a church that didn’t know Christian doctrine well. Similar teachings still pose significant problems for many in the church today. We combat heresy by becoming thoroughly acquainted with God’s Word through personal study and sound Bible teaching.

Gnostic belief is an example of how false teaching and dependence upon man rather than God can seduce a believer away from reading the Word and hearing the Spirit speak. We need the preacher. But we need God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit more.

Read the Word!!!!

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration

There’s a Difference Between Arrogance and Confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on There’s a Difference Between Arrogance and Confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ

2 Corinthians 3:1 KJV
[1] Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

One of the many advantages of being in the Ministry is, that I have had the privilege of meeting many, many, preachers and teachers of the word of God. From the time of my salvation in 1996, I count it an honor of God that He placed ministers in my life – to the point that I felt as if I had instructors in the faith walking by my side daily for probably the first five years of my ministry. I had breakfast multiple times a week with ministry people who discipled me and allowed me to ask question after question, pouring into me the Word of God and its application to life. I had lunch once a week with brother Doyle Ballengee who taught me the way of the soul winner. I attended Bible College with instructors whose depth of knowledge was so vast I never ever grew weary of hearing them speak. I said all that to say this, their level of humility was every bit as deep as their knowledge. They knew from whence their wisdom came and they bore no credit, but gave the glory to God.

When Paul asked the question in verse one of 2nd Corinthians 3, saying (to Shari quote it), “We’re not patting ourselves on the back, nor do we need you to do it,” to anyone who didn’t know him it may have seemed arrogant. Paul was anything but arrogant. He may or may not have been arrogant when he was a Pharisee. But following his conversion to Christ, he never claimed glory for himself.

In Galatians 1:11-20, Paul tells of his humble beginnings as a minister of the Gospel which was not devised by human wisdom, nor had he received it from the other apostles; rather, he was taught directly by Jesus Christ Himself. He continues by reminding them that he had been trained in and was fanatically devoted to the traditions of Judaism. When God called Paul on the Damascus road, he was commissioned to preach the Gospel of Christ. He didn’t go to bible college or go to Jerusalem to receive instruction from the apostles. Rather, he went into Arabia for a time, and not until three years later did he go to Jerusalem. Can you imagine devoting yourself to the word of God in such a manner? I can’t, because I haven’t. I’ve been a minister of the gospel for 15 of my 28 years of Salvation. When I say minister, I mean that in the sense of speaking and teaching the Word of God. I do not have the confidence of Paul. Nor the reputation. I have too much Shari sometimes to keep my mouth shut. Which brought me to this study today. I have been accused of being judgmental, (due to my job as the Ridgeview News Publisher). The world loves the verse, in Matthew 7:1 that states simply, “Judge not that ye be not judged.” It’s not that simple. John 7:24 also says “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” We cannot judge someone’s heart (as Matthew 7:2 says) but we can for certain discern their actions whether they are right or wrong.

What’s Our Testimony?

Paul continues his chat with the Corinthians saying that their testimony preceded them.

[2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: [3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. [4] And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

The reason was given as to why they didn’t need letters of commendation, to or from the church at Corinth, because that church was their living epistle, and which was much preferable to any written one. Paul was proclaiming the word of God that had been burned into his heart by the Spirit of God. The same Spirit that dwells in all children of God. But, it’s the communication with the Spirit that makes the difference. It’s the understanding of Who it is that the Spirit is.

[5] Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; [6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. [7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: [8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

When the children of Israel saw Moses after he had physically been in the presence of God, (Exodus 34:29) the Shekinah glory was so bright that they couldn’t bear to look at him for fear of blindness. That’s how amazing God is. So Paul asked, “Is not the Spirit that is within us, the same God?” Yes it is!!! Should there not be evidence that He is within you coming to the outside of us? Would it not build confidence in us, the closer we got to God in conversation, and understanding of what it was He wants us to do. Would it not also humble you to be in the presence of His greatness.

If any of us had a true knowledge of how great the Spirit of God is within us. It would either scare us to death, or it would cause us to never want to leave communing with Him.

Paul understood the seriousness of the fact that he was speaking for God on earth. The words that the Holy Spirit gave to Paul are still being read two thousand plus years later. What about what we say? Will it have that kind of staying power? I doubt it. But the words we speak may have eternal ramifications.

When I was ministering in New Mexico a few years ago, I spoke at a church where, following the service, a man came up to me and prophesied something. For the record, it was a Baptist church, but this man was not Baptist. He had come to the service to hear me speak and sing. I felt very uncomfortable with the words he spoke. I don’t even remember what they were. But he spoke as though God had given him insight into my life and the direction I should go. That’s dangerous ground.

Just as I don’t know the intents of someone’s heart, nor do I know the intents of God’s heart for them. God does the calling, not man.

For certain it was a different era in Paul’s day. The church was new, and the members of it were willing to die, and many did, for the cause of Christ. It’s said of the church today that the members won’t even live for Christ, forget asking them to die.

To another group of believers Pauls words of wisdom were clear as to the expectations of the life of a Christian.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-28 KJV

19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

It would be arrogance on my part if I said I lived Paul’s words out every day in my life. And it would be a lie. Every Christian fails. The difference is, the attitude of the heart. Paul was not a perfect man either, but he was confident in what he knew to be the word of God.

Posted in Life Inspiration

A Word for the Weary

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on A Word for the Weary

This is a message to myself, but come along as I talk to God about my own life, and the weariness of my soul and body. My mind is already tired when I get up from the things I lie in bed and ponder. This world’s a mess!

What is it about 2024 that is so much different than 1996. That was the year of my salvation. To this day I have not lost my zeal for the word of God. Oh how it stirs my soul. But my zeal isn’t always translated to my time in the Word of God, which is a sad indictment against myself and a huge part of the problem with my weary, exhausted self. So you may wonder how the Word of God could physically and mentally encourage you? I assure you it does.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

It’s Quick!

The word “quick” means that the word of God is alive! It speaks in return to the person reading the words on the page. It has the power to lift a burdened soul from the pit of depression, frustration or heartache. I’ve suffered all three for several years. When I changed churches 14 months ago, I thought that would fix it. My spiritual needs were being satisfied, I was active again in the ministry, but the prior years of struggling spiritually had set a pathway that I walked every day that was hard to break free from. Perhaps you too can identify with the feeling that the world has taken over life to the point that your days seem to accomplish little more than tasks for getting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., rest a few hours, go to bed, repeat.

Lord… I am weary.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

I can quote the scripture. I know it’s true. Why hasn’t it helped? When I say the world has taken over my life, it’s not a metaphor. It feels as though the world has a to do list laid out for me from the time my feet hit the floor. I’m almost robotic in how I live life, and yet I get very little worthwhile things accomplished leaving me in that state of depression, despair and frustration. The only thing that changes my direction and thought process is the Word of God. But I am hit and miss to say the least.

It’s Sharp!

It’ll cut you! Slice your heart wide open and expose every evil thought within in it. But that’s not all it does. When I say it’s sharp, I also mean like a sharp dressed man. The word of God makes me feel like I’m sitting in the presence of the King!!! Oh yeah, I am! I’m awestruck by the depth of God’s wisdom that pours into my soul like an oil from my essential oil boxes and anoints my heart with this soothing balm that flows into the broken cracks and crevices created by the world.

So why am I still so broken?

Because I haven’t sit still long enough to allow the oil of gladness to seep into me.

Psalm 45:6-8 KJV
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. [7] Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. [8] All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

It’s ironic that God has given me so many gifts in my life both physically and spiritually. I know how to right this wrong that I have been suffering through. Satan cannot control the child of God. He has given us the power to overcome the world.

1 John 4:4 KJV
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

The issue isn’t with the word of God, it’s the fact that the word of God has not been center in my life. This word is how God speaks. Not the only way…. He speaks to my heart. He speaks when I pray. But when I read the word of God, it’s as if He and I had just sat down at the table with a cup of coffee and piece of cake and He poured into me something so very sweet that I left the cake on the table. And I love cake! That sweetness is a new to do list. He shut the world off and suddenly my vision and purpose was as clear as crystal. The oil of gladness filled the cracks and crevices created by the world and its to do list. The to do list that kept me away from the word of God.

This morning I’m still struggling. I’m still the Jesus Chick. The woman God called with a purpose to speak and share the Word of God with others. But I felt as though my betrayal of God’s word was an unpardonable sin. It wasn’t. But it separated me from Him and did not allow the oil of holiness to do what it does.

It’s Healing

Isaiah 61:2-3 KJV
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; [3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

There is an oil of gladness and an oil of joy. Joy comes regardless of circumstance. Happiness is often fleeting. But joy is that oil that not only flows into the broken and cracked surface but heals what’s broken… that’s what I felt this morning as I studied His word. I felt the oil of joy softening my heart. Restoring it and comforting me where the world’s sword had sliced me open and left me to die. Dramatic? No. That does not even begin to describe the depth of heart ache I’ve been experiencing.

Are you there too? If my words encouraged you, please encourage me in return by letting me know. This is where I need to be every day, all day, experiencing the oil of joy.

In His love and for His glory, your sister in Christ Jesus, Shari Johnson. The Jesus Chick.

Posted in Christian, Word of God

How to Make God Happy

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 1 Comment on How to Make God Happy

Philippians 2:1-7 KJV
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, [2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

We live in such a selfish generation. It cracks me up (and not in a good way) when I hear people say that the young people of today are an entitled and spoiled generation. I’ve been guilty of saying it. And then I think, “Really, just the young people? What about the old people? Like us.” Those who get angry if all the pieces of their daily puzzle doesn’t fall into place. If their hamburger was missing a pickle or their fries were too soft. Let’s get real for a minute about our own attitudes and expectations in life. Let’s talk about our priorities and lack of commitment to the things of God.

When Paul wrote to the Philippians he was in prison. Not even the prison of today, but a crude cell, no personal potty, there were not three hots and a cot. But his priorities and thoughts were on the people of the church. Is ours? Do we encourage one another?

Comfort one Another

How do you do that? In another letter Paul answered that question when he told the church to comfort one another by reminding each other that Jesus is coming back!

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This has got to be a top priority in our life to keep our minds and attitudes in check about what’s important. Forget about the missing pickle, what about the missing soul that will be in Heaven because we didn’t take the time to tell our friends and family about Jesus?

Have Fellowship with the Spirit

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 to Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This wasn’t to make him a scholar. This was to help him understand the importance of staying connected with God every day. This world sucks the life out of you. There are some serious things that occur in the course of a day. It’s not always just about the pickle. Sometimes there are issues that need our attention but further more need God’s guidance. In two days I had two such incidents. Two grandchildren in what could have been a life altering incident. But praise God, they were both fine. But in those moments, I didn’t give one iota about a pickle or anything else. I knew I had to turn both of the boys over to God and deal with He decided. One of those issues is still ongoing. My grandson needs the Lord’s intervention. But I want to back up to the drive through and reorder. And God says no… you get what I give you.

Bowels of Mercy

That feeling in the pit of your stomach when something breaks your heart and makes you want to do something for someone. We expect God to have a limitless supply for us, but our level of mercy is not quite as deep. But we know when God is working in us and through us, and causes us to care at a new level, but it i’s at that time that we have to determine “what am I going to do with this mercy?” Will you act on it, or just give them a quick word and move on.

God said it is the three points of this message that fulfill His joy! This is how we make God happy.

  • We comfort one another – that means Christians should be together.
  • We fellowship with the Spirit – that means we should be with God.
  • We have bowels of mercy – Which means to act when God calls.

Are you there. Or like me, could you use a little more work in making God happy? When you think about all you have to be grateful for, it should cause us to talk to God about what to do with it. Life can get serious in a heartbeat.

Don’t worry about the pickle.🥒

Posted in Life Inspiration

But the tongue of the wise is health

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on But the tongue of the wise is health

In the land of social media the warriors are brave. There is no bloodshed, right? Everyone has the right to throw their opinion into the arena, whether or not it’s truth, lie, or unknown. We all know the adage we were told as children, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” And even though we also know that the adage was a lie (words do hurt) it was a different era in time. There was no social media, and most children were taught the proper behaviors and acceptable manner in treating people. There was always the bully, but they were never applauded by the majority, just a few weak followers who thought they were in the “in crowd” by being a friend of the bully and not the victim.

We’ve read the news stories of the worst end of a critical spirit. It’s the end of a life because the hope was criticized out of a heart until nothing was left but despair and a life was ended by suicide. Is it any wonder our kids don’t understand that bullying is wrong when adults have yet to figure it out?

Proverbs 12:18 KJV
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Solomon… such a wise man. (Except when it came to women, not so much on that side of his life). But the words from Proverbs 12:18 stirred my soul this morning as I became burdened for the critical spirit I witness daily throughout social media. Nobody uses constructive criticism, where you build something, but rather destructive criticism where they can tear people down with an end goal of making them feel less. Putting them in their place… a place that is beneath the one in charge of the criticism. They feel it’s their obligation to line this person out. Never thinking of the soul and the end result. The nights with tears on their pillow or the pain of a broken heart. God help this entitled nation. I wonder if the people down south, who have lost everything, care one iota about the opinions of any entitled neighbor. I’ll bet there’s not an entitled neighbor because that playing field was leveled by hurricane Helene that put everyone in that area in the same mess. Praise God for those who were spared, and pray for God’s mercy on those in the middle of that tragedy. It puts life in perspective quickly for those experiencing it. But those of us high on a hill, looking down on the souls of others from our safe haven continue to think our opinions matter.

  • Opinions can’t stop a storm.
  • Opinions can’t stop a disease.
  • Opinions can’t stop tragedy.

I am of the opinion that my opinion only matters when it’s got God’s stamp of approval on it. Solomon said our words either injure or heal. But God’s word is more powerful than a twoedged sword! If a soul reads it, and just takes it for what it is, leaving mans opinion out of it, the word of God will reveal everything we need to know about life.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

I shared a video on the Ridgeview News Facebook page of a friend preaching at a 1982 Foundation Event. The post got several positive responses. But one reader felt the necessity to post his negative opinion again and again. Another reader suggested I had an agenda. Well duh. I’ve never denied it and have tried to make it known that my agenda is to glorify God with the truth. Which includes the gospel truth. I do not deny the secular world their say, God gave everyone free will, so will I. But I am the one who spends many, many dollars to pay for the publishings of the Ridgeview News and The Jesus Chick sites. I do that so that I may share the gospel of Jesus Christ and share the truth about the goings on in my community. That’s my agenda. Truth.

And to tell you the truth, I’ve been struggling again. Frustrations have overwhelmed me, and some of those frustrations have come in the form of opinions. I watch as my mother ages at a rapid pace from dementia, and all that matters to her is her family. Who will stop by. Who can I tell her about so she can remember a happier time. She cares nothing about my opinion. We talk about Heaven and we talk about family. That’s it. I don’t share negative stories with her. What purpose would that serve.

And there is where I’ll land today. What purpose are our words serving?

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

Posted in Faith, Family, Fear, Heaven, Life Inspiration, Peace, Word of God

Sounding the Alarm on What’s Happening in the World

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Sounding the Alarm on What’s Happening in the World

In these strange political times, it’s hard not to think about the end of time as Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 24. As a new convert in 1996, the very first serious, and in-depth bible study I did was on the book of Revelation. For a new baby Christian, it was perhaps not the side of the book for which to begin, but it was not the only Word I was receiving at the time. I was listening to preaching at every opportunity from throughout the Word of God, but this study certainly planted my feet firm in the foundation that I had better be ready when Jesus returned.

Are you ready?

I sat in church yesterday morning in a Sunday School class of more than a few but not near enough. I knew that during the worship service the sanctuary would have many people in it. Many who didn’t believe there was a need for them to be in the Sunday School hour. I was frustrated and burdened. My eyes filled with tears knowing what they did not, or chose to ignore. Jesus wasn’t sugar coating the end times in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24:1-8 KJV
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. [2] And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [3] And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows.

During the Roman period, in AD 70, the Second Temple was destroyed, along with Jerusalem, by Titus’ army. It was also during this period that Jesus was in Jerusalem. He was crucified about 40 years before the destruction of the city. Jesus sat there, in the flesh of a human, telling the disciples what was going to soon happen. They were warned. It happened, and yet man still sits ignoring what Jesus said would transpire in times to come.

As I understand the setting for Matthew 24, the church will have been raptured from the earth, meaning caught up in the air. And by church I speak of those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. This will be the time when the Jewish Nation of Israel will once again be center stage in God’s plan. Currently, God has them setting on the back burner. The Muslim mosque and dome are built on top of the site where the first and second temples stood, and is known as Temple Mount. I have no idea how the destruction of that mosque will occur, but the Scripture says they’ll be a third temple built. The Bible never makes a connection between the timing of the resurrection (rapture) and the start of the third Jerusalem Temple being built, except that the resurrection must occur before the start of tribulation because scripture states that by the mid-point of tribulation the temple will be built and defiled by the Antichrist.  

Additionally, tribulation begins with a deceitful peace treaty between the Antichrist and the Jewish people which could possibly initiate the building of the third temple. However, this is mere speculation. Marking the mid-point of tribulation the Antichrist will compromise the peace agreement, taking a seat in the temple himself and calling himself God, which in effect defiles the temple as described in the book of 2 Thessalonians. That my dear friends is pretty heavy thoughts for my brain. But when you look at the world today, is it hard to believe of any of that being far off?

And yet, God’s house sets empty of many souls that are going to be left behind when God returns for His church. It’s the most heart wrenching thought that stays in my mind because I have so many family and friends that I do to know the condition of their souls. Many tell me they’re fine. But how do they know? Were I not in church at every opportunity, in the Word of God myself, reading these scriptures and receiving the great peace that comes from the gift of the Holy Spirit, I would be terrified. I know because prior to salvation I was terrified.

God started dealing with my heart at the age of nine. Why that age, I have no idea. But I had been in church enough to know this prophecy… the end would come and it was bad. I don’t think it was by chance that God started my journey in the scripture in the book of Revelation. And I don’t think it is perchance that you’re reading my blog today. Below are the words to Matthew 24 and the link to a video of the song. I love you, whomever you are. Please, if you don’t know Jesus, message me today. If you don’t attend church, find you a good one and begin. It’s the sweetest experience in life.

Matthew 24

Words and music by Lonnie Glosson

I [D] believe the time is coming
For the [G] Lord to come a-[D] gain
I believe the end is nearing ev’ry [A7] door
I be-[D] lieve the good old Bible
From [G] beginning to the [D] end
Just compare today with [A7] Matthew twenty-[D] four[D]

We are living, surely living
In the [G] days He speaks a-[D] bout
All of these we now are having every [A7] day
Let’s be [D] ready for His coming
Let us [G] meet Him with a [D] shout
For He tells us in His [A7] word to watch and [D] pray

While upon the Mount of Olives
His disciples came to Him
Saying: “Tell us when these things are going to be”
Jesus answered: “Be ye watching;
Let ev’ryone be free from sin
And take heed no man shall ever ye deceive”[D]

We are living, surely living
In the [G] days He speaks a-[D] bout
All of these we now are having every [A7] day
Let’s be [D] ready for His coming
Let us [G] meet Him with a [D] shout
For He tells us in His [A7] word to watch and [D] pray