Author: talk2shari

Posted in Life Inspiration, Life's Failures, Purpose

God is Always Good, But Good is not Always God?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on God is Always Good, But Good is not Always God?

It began as a conversation in our Sunday School Class this week, and it’s been on my mind ever Gsince. A comment was made “God is Always good, but good is not always God.” It’s caused me great ponderance. I am one that believes that God has placed every soul on this earth for a purpose. I believe that because of Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

That scripture was of course spoken to Jeremiah, not Shari. However, if God knew Jeremiah, He knew Shari too. And if God ordained Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations, God had a plan for me. That doesn’t mean I followed it. He gave me free will to do what ever it was that I determined to do. And I can tell you from the heart, I have not always followed God’s plan. Because God doesn’t make mistakes, and I’ve made plenty. Now let’s get back to the statement made.

“God is Always good, but good is not always God.”

I have never questioned that I had a good purpose on this earth. I still don’t question it. I believe that God intended for me to make a difference for Him. But the thought that, of the good I do, it may not always be of God, perplexed my heart. Perplexed from the definition of “at a loss for a way.” Much of my life is lived in a very worldly sense. I publish a secular newspaper, from a conservative Christian viewpoint, but I’m covering many things about the world. I serve as Secretary in the Republican party, I serve there because I believe that is where the Christians voice is heard, not that every Republican is Christian. I believe if we are not in those positions, there is wickedness waiting to fill the void. I volunteer in countless ways in the community, always with a heart of service and with the hope that someone will see my heart as the heart of Christ. I speak to my children often about the things they do and the direction they’re taking “how does it look with relation to eternity?” But now I’m asking myself, of the things that I do, what good are they in the eyes of Christ?

Romans 8:28 KJV says
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

No doubt one of the most popular verses quoted. Can it be twisted and used out of context? Of course, but let’s read it in context. Meaning, reading the words that lead into it.

Romans 8:26-29 KJVS
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [29] For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

The Spirit helps and God knows my infirmities. Especially right now when this ponderance has caused me to question my own motives. Which is a good thing, because I seek truth in the matter. Just as the scripture reads, I don’t even know how to pray right now. I feel the groaning. The frustration that this world has become so dark, it’s hard to find the light in it at all.

The Rationale of the Ridgeview

This is how I’m working out the rationale for how I live, you can apply the same to how you live. As I said, it’s a secular newspaper from a conservative viewpoint. Born from the necessity of only having liberal coverage of local news and from the standpoint that nobody was holding anybody accountable. My grandchildren had become victims of the school system’s self governance (which didn’t exist as far as I was concerned). Nor did it exist in the County Government. For too long they’d been allowed to treat people poorly and keep our county poor. Now… where does that bide in the scope of eternity? Will it matter?

In Luke 16 there is the story of a conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees.

Luke 16:14-15 KJVS
And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. [15] And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Jesus knew the heart of the Pharisees and the heart of His people now. They did what they did for show, and when it says that they derided Him it meant that they expressed contempt for Him. They hated that He called them out.

Luke 17:1-3 KJVS
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! [2] It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. [3] Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

John Gill’s commentary on those verses said “it is impossible but that offences will come; considering the decree of God, the malice of Satan, the wickedness of men, the corruption both of their principles and practices, that which will be trying to the faith of the saints, and a stumblingblock to weak minds, as reproach and persecution, errors, and heresies, and the evil lives of professors:”

There are people in the world who thrive on doing evil to people that they consider weak, or opposition in their lives. No matter if it’s children or adults. Jesus said if a brother (another Christian) trespass against thee, rebuke him but also forgive him if he turns from his ways. That’s easily enough understood, but what about if it’s in the secular sense? And they’re not turning from their wicked ways but rather wreaking havoc in our community.

Romans 16:17-19 KJVS
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. [19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Mark them. Make them known so that those who are weak, or uninformed don’t fall to the lies or deceit of others. Paul is speaking to the church, but the church is living in the world. I see it as Ridgeview’s job to warn people of the evil in our community. Paul said in Romans 12:9-11 KJV – “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. [10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; [11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”

Cleave (hold on!) to what is good, but take care of business. That was Paul’s advice. God knows that we have to make a living. And our “living” should line up with scripture. God doesn’t approve of prostitution as a living any more than he does a man or woman who makes money through other non reputable means. One of the issues that our community had was there was no checks and balance for how government operated. The government is suppose to answer to the people (the community); but the community had become apathetic to local government shenanigans. If the people of God stand by and allow the weak to be taken advantage of, how will God react? When He arrived at the temple and they were taking advantage of people through the selling of unworthy sacrifice, Christ turned over the tables and ran them out with whips. It doesn’t look to me that God takes it lightly. I don’t think we should either.

God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ (1 John 3:2-3).

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. [3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

As we become more and more like him, we discover our true selves, the persons we were created to be. How can we become like Christ”? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth through the Gospels, by studying Romans through Philemon for our doctrine, and by doing God’s work in the World. We are His hands and feet. If the tables need turned over…

The Revolt of the Republicans

Up until a few years ago I never really had anything to do with politics. Politics had left a bad taste in my mouth many years ago. But as I began to follow conservative news I realized that whom ever coined the phrase, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” was absolutely correct! That is how America became so evil. Good people did nothing. The church stayed on the sidelines and let somebody else play the game.

Politics for certain is a game. And many would say that Christians have no place in it. I can understand and respect that point of view, but I can’t live it myself. There are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents and maybe a few others, but mainly for arguments sake there are two parties making a difference. Republican and Democrat. And they are both filled with evil people on the National level. I’m not a fan. But where difference is made is on the local level. With the hopes that we can change some of what’s going on, on the National level. Yes I am a cockeyed optimist. But if we idly stand by and let wicked takeover from our National level to the local, what will that do to the world we must live in until Christ returns. Are we supposed to hand it over to evil without debate?

That is why I joined the Republican Party, and I began looking for their leader. They didn’t have one! For years the Republican Party had been all but non existent. Out County is predominately Democrat. Many democrats with their head stuck in the sand ignoring what their National Party stands for. If they are unsaved, they already serve the Devil, but there are Christians stand with National leaders who say that aborting a child is okay, even if the child is removed – alive – from the womb and has its brains sucked out. Because it’s not a child until they say so. Remember my verse Jeremiah 1:5 – God said He knew me before I was born. Those people just killed one of God’s own whether it was in the womb or out of the womb. They are murderers and anyone who allows it is an accomplice. I make no apologies for that statement. God will hold everyone of us accountable.

Now, let’s throw the Republicans under the bus. Shelly Moore Capito is pro abortion. She will not have my vote. I’ll either find a pro lifer or I’ll leave it blank but my vote will not be by her name. There are others in the Republican Party that are the same way. But the Republican platform is against abortion. It’s the only platform that is. If we are going to be involved in this Nation and have a voice, we need a party. For me that was the Republicans.

Now what does God say about politics? Good question.

Romans 13:1-5 KJVS
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

As a Christian we know there is no Higher Authority than God. But God ordained, created, the positions of having heads on earth to answer to. He began through the children of Israel. But the children of Israel wanted leaders like the world, so God gave them their desire by appointing Saul as the first King. Well, that didn’t go so well, as Saul determined he’d take on the role of the Priest too. So God removed him and anointed David as King over. David faced opposition right out of the gate but it didn’t change who God had put in charge. Today’s delegation and relegation looks far different than that of King David. But it still God’s plan that there be people in authority. Those people are elected by the people. Are they God’s. Maybe or maybe not. It seems the higher they go in position the more likely they are not. But again, it doesn’t change the plan or God’s intention to have His people make a difference in the world. For “conscience sake” we need to answer to the law where it does not violate God’s holiness. When it does violate God’s holiness, we need to stand on the side of right. That’s why we now have the issues we have in our nation, because very few fought for God, even though He died for everyone of us.

So back to the statement in question:

“God is Always good, but good is not always God.”

The Raised Eye Brow of Religion

Religion makes me want to puke. Religion is that hoity-toity bunch of people who may or may not be saved, but they have assumed that they are righteous and good because they’re a member in a very elite group. There are hoity-toity’s in every denomination. A relationship with Christ is usually on their terms, not His.

In Mark 10:18 KJV it says

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Jesus asked this question of a man that run to him and asked in Mark 10:17 KJVS – “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

So Jesus questioned him, why are you calling me good. This was spoken at a time that works were still in view for the Jewish people and to help the man to recognize who Jesus was. If religious people understood how Holy God is, and how very unholy they are, they wouldn’t be looking down their nose at anyone.

So when it comes to my statement in question. Good can’t always be God because it’s done by man. Nor can it be perfect. All I can do is live my life in a constant relationship with Christ with regard to everything in my life. I cannot separate the Ridgeview, my politics or anything else I do because Christ is in me and I represent Him. I am only as good as Christ’s evidence in my life. Nothing of myself. Only Him. I am so imperfect it’s ridiculous, but my Lord, Who saved my soul and stands before God interceding for me as His child says Shari is good, because she is mine.”

Posted in Uncategorized

How to win the Battle with the Winter Blues

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to win the Battle with the Winter Blues

Just about this time of year every year I begin to struggle. The dreary days from endless rain and mud, turning to ice and mud, wear on my nerves in the house with six grandchildren running in and out and the gloomy appearance of lifeless trees wears on my heart. I can so easily be in a pit of depression before 9 a.m. on any given day whether or not their are people running in an out.  I try to put things around me that make my heart happy such as the lemons in my kitchens or the pinks in my living room. But even those things cannot always fight the gloom in my spirit. This past week the fibromyalgia kicked my butt on way too many days and the pain levels were beyond what lemons and girly pink stuff could bring me out of. I know that attitude is half my battle. If I can make myself do something I can usually bring myself out of it, but there are times I just don’t have the strength. 

I was driving to town one day this week and I just began to weep to think of the many people in my life that are facing struggles. I started going down the rows of seats in our church and thinking about the people who were ill, or had someone ill in their family or a friend  that was sick, the many people in our community battling cancer, the people who went out into eternity that I did not know for certain the condition of their soul and my heart was breaking and overwhelmed and the tears flowed from my eyes. I didn’t want to have to explain that to people when i finally made it into town because a pokey driver was on my last nerve (arggggghhhhh) and then I was disappointed in myself for getting so far off task of where my thoughts were. Winter is rough. So I sought a lesson on winter.

1 Corinthians 16:6-9 KJVS

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. [7] For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. [8] But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. [9] For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Lesson 1: Don’t Abide Alone

Apostle Paul writes a letter to the Corinthians about a winter journey of his own. He tells them that he’s planning on abiding all winter with them. While winter in Corinth would not be as winter in West Virginia, it would still be cool and rainy. I’m not really sure how that would have effected Paul, or men in general. Winter does not seem to effect my husband David as it does me, I suppose for everyone it is different. But I’ll bet one thing is not different on any human. Being alone for too long isn’t healthy. 

I’ve always said that I am my own best friend. I love my own company. I can also be my own worst enemy. I can allow my surroundings (such as the grey sky) to dictate my thoughts. Thoughts of sadness, failures and frustrations are more apt to be my focus. I’m blessed with a very large family, and those six grandchildren, while they drive me crazy tracking mud in and   leaving popsicle sticks everywhere there is such joy in their presence. But at the top of my list of prescriptions for the winter blues is church. The fellowship with other believers who want what I want, which is a closer walk with God. They speak words of encouragement to my soul, the music lifts my Spirit and the word speaks directly to my heart with a message that starts my week on the right foot. Paul’s life was filled with far more struggles than mud and popsicle sticks. He was on a continual trek of death threats and poor health. So Paul had a plan to be with his people. So should we.

Lesson 2: Don’t Always Listen to Yourself

Paul’s days were not Paul’s decision.  In verse 7 he says “but I trust to tarry with you, if the Lord permit.

Paul’s concern was what mine should be, forget the weather Shari… focus on the work God has for your life and His will. Paul said “if the Lord permitted him” he would stay in Corinth. He wasn’t assuming anything. If God sent him else where he’d be ready to go. It causes me to question whether or not I’m listening closely to God’s desire for these winter days. I was so concerned about the people in our church, yet, I didn’t visit or check up on anyone of them. So, was I even concerned. Of course I was, but it didn’t do me or them any go good to sit in my car and weep. I should have put feet on that prayer, or a phone call, anything to let them know I was praying and concerned for them. God doesn’t lay things and people on our without purpose. 

Our lives are not our own, we were bought with a price and that price was the Lord’s own Son. Is it me or are there others who forget the sacrifice of Christ because of the distractions of this world. What a great tool of Satan to keep us spinning our tires literally and figuratively in the mud of our Christian walk. Just add a few struggles into my life and my focus is shifted from the Savior to Shari. I spend far more time listening to me than Him and it is so unhealthy for my mind. 

Lesson 3: Don’t Let the Adversaries In

Paul was going to tarry (if God allowed) for the Pentecost. He was not as concerned about a religious holiday, but he was rather excited for the door that was about to open because of all of God’s people on their way into the city. Think about the crowds that would have gathered and what an opportunity this would have been to evangelize for Paul and the church. But along with the opportunity was the opposition. Satan and his crew knew that Paul and the others were turning the world upside down for the the cause of Christ. Oh Glory to God if our church was today. But just just as it was in the days of Paul, that same crew is opposing the children of God to stop our ministry work. 

That time of brokenness in my car should have lead to a time of busyness when I arrived in town, where the people are. But I most likely got distracted. Another great tool of Satan. There are three tools that I think are some of his favorites to get our mind off the Lord’s work. Distraction. Discouragement. He checked both those boxes in my life this week. And the third “Disillusionment.” 

One of the worst for me is to get my mind in a place where I view this world and it’s achievements as my scorecard for success. In both the secular and the spiritual I generally give myself about a “D-”. And Satan jumps right on that bandwagon to beat that drum! Add a week like this one into it, where I missed Wednesday night church because of pain, didn’t follow through on encouraging my friends, didn’t study as I should and Satan has me just where he wants me. Down and out. 

But praise God for Sunday. Today I can receive the encouragement I need in the house of God and began anew another week. 

I’m praying for you and I’m praying for me this morning that we will shut down the chatter of the adversary this week. Continue on child of God! We have work to do!

Your Friend in the faith, Shari Johnson, The Jesus Chick

Posted in Church attendance, Grace, Life Inspiration

Why will the Church be Empty on Sunday Morning?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Why will the Church be Empty on Sunday Morning?

It’s a question I ask myself most every Sunday morning. As I pass by churches… in going to my own… in watching services on line, why are there so few people in “most” area churches. There are indeed big churches with big congregations, but they are few and far between and many times unbiblical. So let’s just keep the question to our town… where ever your town is. Are the church’s full or empty? Odd’s are against them being full, but I’m a Baptist and Baptist don’t bet, (Yeah, I know that’s not true) so we won’t put any money on it. So the question is…. “Why are they empty?”

Likely for the same reason Isaiah had this discussion back in 739 to 631 when the book was written

Isaiah 29:1-14 KJVS
Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices. [2] Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel. [3] And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee. [4] And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.

A Whisper out of the Dust

That’s a nauseating thought for me this morning. Ariel was another name for Jerusalem. How many times had God been frustrated with Israel? How many times has He been frustrated with us? With me? Far too many times to count no doubt. But Israel wasn’t under grace, praise God we are! God’s words about heaviness and sorrow, and that it was to Him as it is to them, breaks my heart. The people that God went to the cross for, brought them through trial after trial, gave them miracle after miracle continually rebelled until there were so few they were a “whisper out of the dust.”

Does that sound anything like the church to you? No more than a whisper. Christianity that once stood mighty in the United States and shone itself brightly to the nations around us, is barely a whisper in the world today. How could anyone view this nation as a Christian Nation? But it’s easy to look on it and say, “oh but that’s a national issue.” Is it? It started in a little church somewhere when somebody didn’t stand up for God. When people started reprioritizing Sunday morning, Pastors stopped preaching on sin, Daddy’s and Momma’s didn’t take their kids to church and the kids grew up to be heathens and their parents wondered why. And those who stayed in church wonder why nobody is there, and they have but to look in the mirror. Self included. We are nothing but a whisper to the world. They can’t hear us.

A Collapse in the Dirt

[5] Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly. [6] Thou shalt be visited of the Lord of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire. [7] And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision. [8] It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.

I’m sure Israel, like us, thought that God would deliver them once again. But then destruction came upon them suddenly. All those that fight against Christianity have that same arrogance thinking that they’re winning the battle against us. They are so blatantly proud (pride) over their ability to pollute the minds of children that they openly brag about their victories. And we watch America collapse in the dirt. But just as Isaiah described in the dreams, they’re going to wake up one day and see that what they filled their minds and bellies on was nothing but a dream, and God will deliver the nightmare. I love God’s justice until I think about those who are caught up in it because the church didn’t fight for them. While I don’t believe in ramming the gospel down anyone’s throat, I do believe we should at least spoon feed it to them through taking it out to where they are. And yet, I do so very little.

If by some chance we do get them into the church, what then? Will they find hope and victory? That’s what I found when I arrived in February of 1996. But if I’m honest I have to tell you that I grow weary in this battle. Not against the enemy, but the church. Those who are saved and I feel like I have to drag them to Heaven with me. They’re not serving or fighting, they’re just sitting on their posterior ends waiting for Jesus to come back and get them. Well, what about the one’s that Jesus won’t be taking with Him. Are we concerned about them? The fact that they will be damned to an eternity in Hell?

The Burial

[9] Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. [10] For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. [11] And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: [12] And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. [13] Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: [14] Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

That’s a dreadful title, but truth none the less. We have Christians who say they don’t understand the scriptures, we have those who just won’t read it. And those are the church goers. Those out of the church may not even know where their Bible is if they have one at all. I distinctly remember finding the one my Dad gave to me that was so dry and dusty the cover was coming off because I didn’t pick it up. I was so ashamed. When I did start reading it, it became like well of water for my thirsty soul, I couldn’t get enough. I wanted it in every shape and form, preaching, teaching, reading, studying to understand. The Word still excites me like that. But if I don’t share what I’ve learned it dies with me.

If you want to know why the church sits empty this morning you’ll have to see where it is that you’re sitting. Are you in or are you out. If you’re in, are you excited about it, and are you sharing that zeal. If you’re out, and you say you are a child of God, explain that to an unsaved person. Explain it without having to say, I should be in church. Explain to that unsaved person how they need God, and you do not.

I have family and friends who are not saved. That burial scares me for them… “God fill our churches this morning and fill our hearts with a burden for the lost.”

Have a blessed week! From Shari, the Jesus Chick.

Posted in Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration

EXPECTATION AND SANCTIFICATION OF A CHILD OF GOD

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on EXPECTATION AND SANCTIFICATION OF A CHILD OF GOD

There is a consistent struggle in my life that I know I was cut from the cloth of, but it doesn’t make it any easier to live in the garment.  The reason I land on this topic today is, because I stood before someone earlier this week and had to defend why the truth and transparency is important. Then I heard a pious air hole explain their “theories” of religion and I almost puked. The two have much in common for me and have created me to be who I am. You see, I changed garments in 1996. Believe me when I tell you that I still have pieces of the previous garment in my pockets, but the new garment that the Lord gave me reminds me somewhat of Joseph’s coat of many colors given to him by his earthly father. I’m not of Joseph’s caliber of person. Likely our only common thread is that our Father gave us a new coat and people don’t understand why.  

Genesis 37:3-11 KJVS

Not long after that his brothers throw him into a pit and sell him into slavery. They kill a critter and soak Joseph’s pretty new coat in the blood and convince his father that he’s been killed. But of course, God had a plan. This story is one of my favorites and for many reasons, not of the least which is the new coat. 

So let’s talk about this garment for a minute. 

It Caused Contention

[3] Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. [4] And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

I’m here to tell you, because I’ve witnessed it in multiple people; any time God does something new and exciting in someone’s life there are people who get upset. People didn’t get upset because I got saved, they got upset because I changed garments and it was very colorful! I made it a point to stand out because my Heavenly Father had given me a new garment and I was going to wear it proudly. And if you didn’t wear yours proudly, I wondered why? Unlike Joseph, I knew that all my heavenly siblings had been given the same coat. But they’d take it off. If they were with friends who perhaps didn’t have a coat (the unsaved) they’d take theirs off so they could fit it. I’d either wear it, or we wouldn’t hang out if it bothered people that bad. If they went to work, they’d leave their garment at the house and put on a work garment. Work and faith don’t mix for most people. Praise God, God blessed me with employers who understood and honored my new garment. I didn’t ram my new found faith down anyone’s throat, but I sure didn’t hide it. When I began Ridgeview News, I still wear my garment. I’m going to stand before the Lord one day, and He’s not going to put on a different hat to judge my secular life and then put back on His “spiritual” hat and judge my faith. Nope, they are one in the same in the eyes of the Lord. Have I made mistakes in the secular world. Oh yeah. And in my spiritual walk as well. That coat has gotten soiled on many occasion, God always had a stain remover handy when I came back home.  I know, metaphors can get confusing sometimes, but to put it in layman terms, God forgave my failures, wiped the slate clean and allowed me to begin and again. Many times. In those times of contention, do we forgive those who have sinned against us? Really? With a clean non judgmental slate never to be thought of again. Not likely. 

I know this because I’ve recently brought up things that people did years ago. I wasn’t harboring any anger or ill will about it,  I just liked remembering that people who didn’t like my new coat had issues. 

It Caused Comparison

[5] And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. [6] And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: [7] For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. [8] And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

His brothers wanted to know, “who died and left you in charge?” Like Joseph, I have upon a few (few too many) occasions, called people out. Right or wrong, I really don’t know, but I know it made me look as though I thought I was God’s favorite and they should straighten up because Dad and I had been discussing the situation. I didn’t for one second think I was better than them, but if they weren’t going to recognize their issues, perhaps I’d just enlighten them. Nobody like’s being called out. Me included, but for some reason I’ve always lived in a world where someone called me out on my stupidity. I’m pretty sure God set that into play too, to keep me humble. 

The point being, God did allow all of this to take place, so that He could show those who thought they were above judgement that they would be judged and God was in control. 

It Caused Controversy

[9] And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. [10] And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? [11] And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Even Joseph’s father, who gave him the coat and started the whole ball rolling didn’t really understand why Joseph was speaking this prophecy. But it does say that his father “observed” it. He took note of it. People don’t have to like what I say. I’m okay with that. I’ve not liked a lot of things, many preachers have said. But, I’m smart enough to look at someone who wears a garment of Christ and take note of what they say because I could be wrong. 

Joseph’s father was wrong. Joseph did indeed end up being over them as ruler. But that’s not the point of my focus today. The point I wanted to bring attention to was the fact that Joseph took every position he had in life serious. As son, as prisoner, as servant, as ruler. It didn’t matter, he lived every position he had as a child of God. 

Our garment is different than everyone else’s if we are a child of God. It’s a royal robe with expectation and sanctification. We are without excuse for not “observing” what God’s doing in our lives. 

Love and hugs from the Jesus Chick today. God bless ya!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Fear, Leadership, Life Inspiration

After a Great Storm, there is a Great Calm

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on After a Great Storm, there is a Great Calm

I, like I’m sure many of you, feel that I’m either coming out of a storm or going into one. There’s always turmoil somewhere in my life. But in between those times of torment there is this stillness that occurs where God seems to say, “Breathe Shari.” This morning is to that day, but I’m believing there’s one in the near future. It caused me to look to the scripture in Matthew 8 where Jesus calms the sea. But I noticed something new this morning as I read His words, “There came a great calm, after the great storm.” This caused me to have a few questions…

Am I Committed Enough to the Journey?

One of Jesus’ disciples had a storm on land. He’d lost his father. Most of us have been in a position where we’ve lost a family member. It’s a storm of the soul. If they’re saved, you know they’re in a better place, but the loss of them from our lives still isn’t easy. Many go through depression and depending upon who it is and what role they played in our lives there can even be anxiety. But what about life? It still goes on and so does the work of the ministry.

Matthew 8:21-29,31-34 KJVS
And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [22] But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Jesus tells the disciple, leave it behind, we have work to do. Am I that committed that when someone in my life dies I can just say, “I meet you in the boat Lord!” Being committed isn’t easy but it is worth it. The disciple would have no doubt been in a state of grief, but immediately Jesus puts him back to work. I’m pretty sure the end result of that was a busy mind doesn’t have time to be depressed. Hello? I know I needed to hear that this morning what about you? Commitment may not be easy but it has its rewards!

Am I Complaining About the Journey?

[23] And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. [24] And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. [25] And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

I have been lately. I’ve been telling the Lord on multiple occasions that I’m not real happy with the way things are going in my life. I’m pretty sure I’ve even told Him that I was going down with the ship! I’ve discussed jumping over board. But didn’t because I truly hate the water. And if I did jump ship, and the Lord was in the boat, who would catch me in the water? Is that a tad too metaphoric? Well, let me just say that even the Jesus Chick gets tired, hurt and frustrated with the state of the church.

Am I Compelled by the Journey?

[26] And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. [27] But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

How many times has God previously calmed my storm. Great storms. Huge Storms! Does that compel me to go through this one with the expectation that it’s going to end the same? Jesus asked, not the people sitting on their hands in the pew, He asked His workers in the boat, the one’s who had been in the thick of it time and time again, where – is – your – faith? Before I tell Jesus I’m jumping ship, maybe I should sit in the boat and remember the other storms He’s brought me through. They may have been on land, but I still feel like I’m drowning. It’s the weakness of the flesh. But by reading God’s word today I am compelled to get back in the boat, shut my mouth and let God handle the storm.

Are You Comfortable in the Journey?

I had to ask you because I am certainly NOT comfortable in this journey. I am not content to sit and read my Bible when there are people struggling. It’s not enough to read the Word of God there has got to be some action behind it. Yes read it. Of course read it. But then act on it.

When Jesus got to the other side they weren’t met with coffee and cookies for a time of fellowship. They were met by two possessed men who needed help. And so He helped them. He helped the devil right out of the men and into the sea. That’s who belongs overboard, not me! Throw the devil out of this ship. And then His opposition came from the people, because He actually took action. I could stop there awhile, but I won’t. Let me just say that there is opposition in the boat and on land. And if you’re comfortable, it could be because you’re not throwing any devils out.

[28] And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. [29] And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? [31] So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. [32] And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. [33] And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. [34] And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

Posted in Christian Service, Faith

Life’s Hard, but the Soup is Good on Tuesday

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Life’s Hard, but the Soup is Good on Tuesday

Let’s put the rubber on the road and squeal the tires a little bit for the Lord Jesus. Every week I have good intentions that go by the way side because of a bad attention span. Today I’ve struggled as well to stay focused on the Lord. I just want to run as far away as I can and as fast as I can from the things that take my attention away from Him. I want to turn my eyes upon Jesus and praise Him for where He placed me in this world. I asked the Lord…

Who Am I?

That’s the question that King David asked the Lord in 1 Chronicles 17:16

1 Chronicles 17:16-22 KJVS
And David the king came and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

I noted his position. He sat before the Lord. Not a stance of worship, not bowed, just a casual conversation, or perhaps a business meeting. That’s kind of the relationship I’ve always placed myself in with the Lord. I’m a member of His ministry team. Jesus said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” If I’m honest right now, He probably should call me on the carpet for not doing my job. I can’t believe I am eleven days into the New Year and have yet to focus on my spiritual path for 2023. Let’s put the rubber on the road and squeal about that for a second. I’m spinning my tires spiritually. Stuck in a place of idleness when there is so much that needs done. I have ministry thoughts every day, but I have few actions. Although I know who God called me to be and what He called me to do, I asked of Him the question David did, “Who am I?” David spoke to the position that God had placed him in. A position of high degree.

[17] And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Lord God.

I Am Blessed

I cannot think of myself any different. Of course I’m not in the realm of King David, but, as a Gentile, I’m in a pretty amazing place. Born into a Country with the freedom to worship (at least for now.) Born into a family that loves me, purchased of God to live a life with that the freedom of forgiveness affords. I have to stand in awe at that! I am Blessed far more than I deserve. My excitement for the Lord is not however always the level it should be.

I Am Beleaguered

Lately I’ve been somewhat beleaguered spiritually. Beleaguered… that is not a word I’m comfortable using but it came to my mind as I wrote. It’s defined as a very difficult situation. Did you know you can be in the perfect will of God and yet be in a very difficult situation? I heard a preacher say the other day that we need to be reminded that Paul wrote many of his encouraging words from a prison cell. He said for him that meant you can always find the good in a situation, even in prison you could possibly say, “Life’s hard, but the soup is good on Tuesday.”

That cracked me up! I want that to be my new phrase for 2023. Life’s Hard, but The soup is good on Tuesday. I hope it serves to remind me that I have always got something to be thankful for, even when I’m beleaguered.

I Am Believing

Paul said in Romans 15:13 KJV6
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The God of Hope! Glory to His Name. Were it not for Him there wouldn’t even be any hope that the soup is good on Tuesday! But the wonderful thing about having been a child of God for 26 years is, there has been many beleaguered moments in my life. I have failed at many things that left me feeling less, but God made me more. I have been hurt by people in and out of the church, but God always reminded me that they hurt Him far worse and He loves them anyway. I have faced illness, brokenness and pain and not one time did God let me down. But every time He lifted me up, and like He did King David, reminded me that I’m a gal of high degree, (well, David wasn’t a gal) but no matter what the world may think. I am seated in Heavenly places, I am promised a life where there is no beleaguerment, only blessing. Yes I believe that. It’s the only reason that I can continue on, on days like today. Life is hard, but the soup is good on Tuesday. And the Word is good every day.

God bless ya! I love ya! Shari Johnson, the Jesus Chick

Posted in Faith, Praise, worship

Does God Think I’m Weird?

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I find myself in a quandary tonight. Questioning who I am in the spirit to the Spirit. Does God think I’m weird? I know He created me to be who I am, but did I take the good senses He placed within me and stir them up with some bad mojo from the world? In reality I don’t think that’s the case, but I believe in searching for the truth until I’ve brushed off the dust and glitter known as Shari. The dust being the old Shari, with notions from my past. And the glitter, which is all things sparkly that can capture my attention. I like shiny stuff, I’ll just tell you. God knows I do. But on the matter of worship, I’m about to get out my broom and dust pan and do my very best to knock the dust and fake glitter off the truth. Because the truth on it’s own will shine.

I’ll start in in Philippians 3:1-5 KJV

There is Security in Rejoicing

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 

Paul is speaking to the church of Philippi. He’s just discussed the fact that he was sending Epaphroditus, who had been sick, so that they could seem for themselves that the Lord had healed him. And in so doing he tells them to rejoice. It’s like David when he went to his brothers at the battlefield and asked them “Is there not a cause,” a reason to battle. The same is true in good times, is there not a cause, a reason to rejoice? Of course there is. We all have our reasons. Sometimes they’re in abundance, other times they are so few when a reason happens it’s that much sweeter but there is a reason to rejoice as a child of God. Paul it was not grievous for him to part company with Epaphroditus but it was for their safety (or for a security) for them. That they could see with their own eyes, God’s work and it would strengthen their souls.  

When I stepped back in at Victory Baptist Church less than 10 days after having open heart surgery, with the ability to sing and rejoice, it not only brought joy to me but to my friends at Victory. Joy to see what God had done in my life. Paul wasn’t without struggles. Good grief he was writing from prison. But even in that place he found joy in seeing God’s work continue in his absence. If Paul could rejoice in prison, can we not in our hardest days?

There is Separation from Religion

[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

A dog could have been referring to a man of impure thoughts. There were those who were attempting to cause division in the church because they refused to come out of religion and into a relationship with Christ. Insisting that the the Gentiles had need of being circumcised for salvation which was the Old Testament Law. Paul criticized the Judaizers because they looked at Christianity backward, thinking that what they did (circumcision) made them true believers rather than the acceptance of the gift of grace given by Christ. I’ve never experienced that depth of religion, but I have experienced religion. The act of participation in something as a means to salvation. The thought that if you just went to church, sang the songs, prayed the prayer and participated in the events, that was salvation. No relationship, but participation. Just like the Jews they were missing the whole point of Christ’s death on the cross. It wasn’t so we’d get a participation award. It was so we’d get a crown! And in the process have something to celebrate.  

2 Timothy 4:8 KJVS

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

There is Self-Denial in a Relationship

What believers do to serve God is a result of faith, not a prerequisite to faith. Because of what Christ did for me I have a desire to serve Him. To set Shari aside and turn to Christ to say thank You. What can I do for You? Paul said in verse 3

[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Praise God I don’t have to depend on myself for any part of salvation, because I know what a hot mess I am on any given day. And praise God that I don’t have to fit my praise style into a check list made by man because the place for which my praise comes from doesn’t come from me ether. It comes from the Spirit in me. 

When people see me, they look at me as a confident figure. What I am is so insecure I have to exhale any bravery that I can find from so deep within my spirit that it blasts out like a trumpet. The same is true when it comes to praising God. I’m not comfortable standing on a platform singing or speaking for the Lord. So when I do it comes across loud! When I speak even in a testimony it’s not spoken in confidence but rather it is the Spirit bubbling out of me uncontrolled. It is me denying myself silence. The flesh tells me to stay quiet. The Spirit tells me Praise Him Shari. 

I hate religion. It takes the sparkle out of a service. So as I write these words tonight. I feel a sparkle in my soul. It’s not the world’s glitter, but it is gold of the purest sense that will survive being tried by fire. It’s a raise your hand, sing glorrrraaaaay to the Lord kind of Worship.

The dust is gone. The sparkle is real.

Posted in Christmas, Purpose, Word of God, worship

Wisemen of the Word Trust the Source

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Wisemen of the Word Trust the Source

Twice this weekend I heard sermons on the Wise Men who visited the young Savior. Twice my heart was stirred to hear the old, old story. I grew up with so many traditional theories of the Wise Men. I grew up seeing the typical, Caucasian, Black and Asian version of the three wise guys and their treasures standing before a typically very pale skinned baby Jesus, often with light hair and eyes. Funny how we envision things so far from truth.

It is said that the Wise Men were probably from an area which is now in either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, or an area in what’s now southern Turkey, northern Syria. Although they are often called the ‘Three Kings’, the Bible does not say how many there were, nor that they were kings. One Bible Scholar said there could have been hundreds. But three is the accepted number because there were three gifts. And possibly because three porcelain wise men figures are easier to sell than 200. That’s just a Jesus Chick theory.

With a mind that is focused on worship this week as we go into the days of celebration of the Lord’s birth, I find it interesting that these “wise men” worshipped. That was their purpose. It wasn’t to get selfies taken with the latest trending figures or to study the logistics of a star used as the first GPS. But it was to acknowledge the greatness of this tiny little boy (likely of the age of almost two years).

The Trusted Source

Matthew 2:1-12 – Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

As an infant they knew He was the Ruler of God’s people. They were not in His presence when they discovered that bit of news. But through their studies of the word of God, their astrology wisdom and studies, and the current event in the sky they knew it was God! They trusted their Source. Can I tell you that much like the wise men, this not so wise girl can figure out the same thing. I make no professions of being a deep bible scholar, but I am a lover of the Word, and God has spoken to me through His word too many times to count. How is it that people struggle to believe in a book that has withstood attempted destruction, not only decades or centuries, but thousands of years. The same evil spirit that attempted to kill the Baby Jesus, is the same one that longs to annihilate His Word. By the way He is called the Word in John 1:14. Their is power in the Word is Because He is the Word. Glory to God that makes my heart happy to know that I have the very Word of God in my hand and in my heart.

The Timely Star

³ When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. ⁵ And they said unto him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ⁶ ‘And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel.’” ⁷ Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child, and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.”

And whole other study right now would be the fact that Herod and “all” of Jerusalem were troubled. Can I tell you today that the world is still troubled. Nobody wants anyone to rule over them. They want to rule their own lives.

In the book of Numbers 24:17 a Messianic prophecy is spoken of Jesus “I shall see Him, but not now; I shall behold Him, but not nigh. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab and destroy all the children of Sheth.”

The prophesied became the proven! Satan hates when that happens. The wisemen were not wise in spiritual matters, they were scientist, worldly astrologers who based what they knew on evidence. They had no doubt seen other evidence in the Word of God that was proven. Even in the oldest book of the Bible, which is Job, astrology was spoken of. One of my favorite verses that I’ve spoke of often is Job 38:31 KJV which says “Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?” As I just said about the world not wanting control, this was God asking Job, just what kind of power do you have? Can you control the stars? I can. Earlier in that chapter God said to Job in Job 38:1-3 KJV “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, [2] Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? [3] Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.” I don’t know why but that just cracks me up! Put on your big boy pants Job I’ve got a few questions for you about the stars. Those wisemen knew there was a star to be on the watch for. They knew what was there was fact. They had read of that star, and were waiting for it to appear because they trusted in the Word of God and in His timing. Just as real scientist do today. Not the ones who are on the world’s agenda to prove a point not a fact.

The Thought of Significance

Perhaps there was some significance to the star coming out of the east, I don’t think anything “just happens.”

  • The Garden of Eden was planted eastward
    • Genesis 2:8 KJV – ⁸ And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
    • The man God formed, He put him in the east. The same man that Christ came to redeem.
  • He placed the cherubims at the east of the garden to protect it.
    • Genesis 3:24 KJVS – So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
    • Man wasn’t getting back into the garden, and at the east entrance God made sure. God still controls who’s getting in.
  • The tabernacles entrance faced east
    • Numbers 3:38 KJVS – But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
    • Those who God had placed in charge of His tabernacle, His place of worship were placed at the entrance in the east. And who got in was pretty serious business. You’d be dead if you went in without His permission and for His purpose.
  • Ezekiel’s vision of the Glory of God came from the east
    • Ezekiel 43:1-5 KJVS – Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: [2] And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. [3] And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. [4] And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. [5] So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house.

And then His star being in the East. The Glory of God’s own Son being found in the east… I just found that very interesting. And as I delved into Israel and the significance of the east I kept thinking about the “Eastern Gate” song that I sang at the nursing home on Monday, it just kept stirring me more!

The Gate that Was Shut

Ezekiel 44:1-3 KJVS
Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. [2] Then said the Lord unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. [3] It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord ; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

As I read it and as I understand it — that eastern gate is shut. The gate that was shut on Israel because of their continued rejection and rebellion of God, and is waiting to be opened when the Lord has called the Gentile Church home. When the tribulation is over, and the earth has been destroyed, and New Jerusalem comes down like a bride adorned for her Husband (Revelation 21:2) Then on that day that Eastern Gate will be opened and Israel will once again be with their God beyond the Eastern gate!

I have no idea if what I say is correct. As I said… I usually know just enough to be dangerous.

The Worship of the Savior

Back to Matthew 2:9-12

⁹ When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star which they saw in the East went before them until it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. ¹¹ And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned by God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

When they found the Savior there was joy. Glorrrraaaaaayyyyyy! Me too! And they fell down and worshipped Him. Those men of worldly wisdom knew Who was the wisest of all. And they fell down and worshipped Him. We need to fall down and worship Him. We need to be on our knees praising Him for who He is and the power that He has. And then we need to head to ”our country”, that country of Heaven another way. It’s not the world’s way. Their not going in the eastern gate. Only God’s children who come to Him by acknowledging who He is will get Home.

I pray we all find time to worship Him… I threw me a pillow in the floor to buffet my old knees and I just took some time in the wee hours of Wednesday morning to tell God how much I loved Him. It wasn’t near enough. I cannot ever worship Him “enough.”

Merry Christmas from Shari, the Jesus Chick. Called by God to be a servant. So grateful…

Posted in joy

Where’s my Joy?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Where’s my Joy?

If you’ve noticed an absence of the Jesus Chick on Social Media, and the Jesus Chick site, I can’t say that there is an excuse good enough for what the Lord has done in my life. That would be impossible. But I can say that there has been a reason … although it will have to wait until he end of this post as I work my way through that reason before it is clear to even me.

So let’s you and I begin as I journey through my conversation with the Lord this Sunday morning.

Things have changed in my life over the past few years. A few heart attacks, open heart surgery and starting an online newspaper will do that. But more than anything, my spiritual journey has not been one I’m proud of. While much of my focus this year has been on worldly news, the good news of the Gospel took a back seat. That’s so wrong it makes me want to puke just to see the words in print. But God knows my heart, and I want you to know it too. Because I figure if I’m struggling…. You know… the Jesus Chick… maybe there’s others who are struggling too.

A friend recently mentioned to me that their “joy” was missing. My first thought was, “yep… that’s a piece my puzzle too. I’m overall a generally happy go lucky gal. But there’s a difference between happy and joyous. I’m happy with life. Husband, kids, grandkids, home, career… all good. Health? Well, I’m my own worst enemy. But when it comes to joy, that’s a much deeper level of happiness.

In Deuteronomy 28:1-6 God tell Israel – And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth; ² and all these blessings shall come on thee and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God: ³ “Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. ⁴ Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy herds, the increase of thy cattle, and the flocks of thy sheep. ⁵ Blessed shall be thy basket and thy stores. ⁶ Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Obedience equals a good life. I love in verse seven when God tells them Deuteronomy 28:7 – The LORD shall cause thine enemies who rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face; they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

That’s my God!

But then in verse 14, God begins to a warning to His people, and not just a little warning, a list of curses a mile long; and in the midst of those curses He tells them the reason for the curses which is also the very first place we find the word “Joy” in scripture

Deuteronomy 28:47 KJ21
“Because thou served not the LORD thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things,

I have just one thing to say… Thank God for grace! When God spoke this to His children it was life under the law. And it was words that God spoke with good reason, because He knew of the future rebellion of His children. He also knew the power of the flesh to cause His people to fall. It still exists. That is why, as we scroll forward, God sent the ultimate joy maker, Jesus Christ. Who told us in Matthew 5:17 “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

The law still exists; but those penalties, the many, many curses mentioned in Deuteronomy for our failure to obey are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Glory!

It is not coincidence that the first place joy is mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 2:10 – When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

God takes no word in scripture lightly. When He told Israel that their curse came from their failure to serve God with joy, it was serious business. He’s still the same God. He still takes the service of His children every bit as serious. So much so that He gave His Son to pay the ultimate price that our joy could be there come Hell or High Water. No matter what came against us, the powers of Hell, or the power of earth, our joy would still be there.

So where did my joy go?

I love the Lord! Jiminy Cricket I love Him! So where on this map of life did I lay my joy down and fail to pick it back up? I’ve shared with three friends my loss of joy. And only because I trust those three friends and felt the Lord’s guidance in discussing it with them. We have to have a place to vent our life’s frustrations. Believe me… That much I learned when they literally opened my chest and let all the crap out of my heart that I had kept in and failed to tell anyone.

I was raised differently, I was raised to put my burdens upon no one else. God created us to share the load, I still have trouble with that one.

But back to the question, Where did my joy go?

It’s laying on the church seat. That’s what I determined. I left it there when I began to apply spiritually what I was taught as a child. Don’t put your burdens on anyone else. And in so doing I began to carry all my spiritual struggles on my own, and left the joy on the seat beside me in church, because the burden took up too much room in my life. It was not only my lack of joy, but the lack of joy from others around me. You see… as a child I also picked up another trick, I would not share my burdens with you because it would make you sad. Apostle Paul said the same in 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 when he said “But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorrowful, who is he then who maketh me glad, but the same who is made sorrowful by me?” But I would gladly take on your burdens. Even if you didn’t ask me too. It is why, when people accuse me of not caring about other people’s feelings when I print the news, it hurts so bad. They have no idea how many of those stories make my heart ache. But I long to tell the world the truth, both in the gospel and in modern life. We need it. It is the only way we can make good decisions. That is why I continued typing this… even though it hurt. The church has failed to heed God’s warning in Deuteronomy 28:47. We’re no longer serving joyfully… as a matter of fact few are serving at all and we have been given the abundance of things…

Ephesians 3:20 KJ21
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Where is the power? Did I leave it on the seat too? No, it’s within me. Nobody can take anything way from me that the Lord has given. I can willingly give it up… which I have basically done. Or I can acknowledge the Lord’s warning, tell Him I’m sorry for failing to have joy in His service and pick it back up refusing to give into the notion that my joy and my voice is offensive to God.

This is still a journey. I’m still looking at that map. But his morning I have a better grasp on my joy. I’m going back to church to pick it up.

Posted in Evangelism, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Praise

What if we believed the Extreme Possibilities of God?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What if we believed the Extreme Possibilities of God?

2 Chronicles 7:1-3 KJVS
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. [2] And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. [3] And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

I cannot imagine the spectacular site this would have been. Can you imagine sitting in a modern day church service where the power of God comes down in the form of fire, strikes the altar and the sparks fly! In this pyrotechnical world where every thing must be bells and whistles to get our attention, I have the feeling that when God does a fireworks display, it’s way more exciting! And for certain nobody is complaining at the end saying… I’ve seen better. Yet that’s what happens in many church services. People show up more concerned about the thermostat than the thermal power possibilities of the Lord. There’s nothing or nobody at the altar for God to send a fire upon.

What will bring the fire down?

When Solomon had made an end of praying the fire came down from heaven. What a prayer that must have been! I heard a preacher once say that most of our failures are prayer failures. Prayer is the conduit for which our relationship with God flows. But prayer for many (or perhaps I’m the only one) that has a prayer life consisting of more “Dear God I’m stupid” prayers than ones that start out with, “Oh, God….”

I’ve had those prayers. But I’m here to confess it’s been a while since God and I have had any conversations that caused me to step away from the altar with singe on my shoulder. A conversation where I was so touched by the moving of the Holy Spirit that I could physically feel His presence, that joy welled up in my soul because I had seen the sparks fly in the form of revival fires and I felt consumed by His love and power. Yes, it’s been too long.

I fully believe that the only way those moments happen is when there are people at the altar, standing there with a sacrificial heart, prepared to do something. Someone who just had a conversation with God that stirred Him when He seen the desire of His child’s heart was to worship and serve. Oh God, how I pray that’s me! Let my relationship be a consistent conversation where I am so focused on your desires that my petty thoughts have been burnt up.

What will bring the Glory of the Lord?

The priests didn’t enter the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the temple. There was nothing in the temple but God. What is in the churches across America this morning? I have a feeling it’s more than God. There are some that I’m not so sure God’s even in them at all. I’m not judging, I’m lining up what scripture says with what I see. If you go back to 2 Chronicles Chapter 6 and you read through Solomon’s prayer, this man who had it all, wisdom, wealth and all the delights of his heart, you will not see those things mentioned. But in four verses I felt that I witnessed some of what brought God’s glory down to that house of God.

2 Chronicles 6:30-33 KJV
Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) [31] That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers. [32] Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name’s sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house; [33] Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.

Solomon’s understanding of “Who” God was, his concern for not only Israel but the stranger, the Gentile that would have come into their country to worship “their” God, God honored the heart of Solomon by allowing Solomon and his people to experience His glory. I have to wonder, what would God do if the leadership of our nation, with a pure heart of concern for the people and for the desire to be in the will of God, would pray to God this morning? What would He do in our churches if today His altars were full of people concerned about more than the daily drudgeries of life? I believe we have to start with our own hearts and work our way up. Imagine if one church as a whole got fully committed to serving God and ministering to the people in their community. Then that community got saved and on fire for the Lord and took it to the State Capitol. We look at that as impossible task, but is it?

I know I’m a cockeyed optimist but I believe every word of God from Genesis to Revelation is there to teach us of the extreme possibilities of God. If for nothing else that we never lose sight of the hope of Heaven and how big the God of Heaven is.

Verse 3 of our original text in this post says that when ALL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL saw how the fire came down and the glory filled the temple they bowed on their faces and worshipped and praised God. ALL of Israel. What would it look like if ALL the church were at the altar this morning. Not out of obligation, not be cause the Pastor said, “Let’s gather at the altar and pray.” But because the conviction of almighty God drove God’s people there with a burden for our nation and our communities and they started praying as Solomon did in 2 Chronicles 6:4 KJV – Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake…

It was a different day when God spoke to the leadership. He now speaks to the heart of every child of God and we are privileged to be in a place that few were in the days of Solomon. And yet we’re not listening. That’s a really scary statement. We’re not listening to the God of the Universe Who keeps our earth together. I’m pretty sure our nation needs to pray “Dear God I’m stupid…” this morning.

But back to my optimistic ways. It’s Sunday. It’s a new day that we have the opportunity to go to church and worship and pray and meet with God in His house with His people and pray for His glory to come down. Let’s do it!

Love ya all, hope you find your way to church today. – Shari, The Jesus Chick.