talk2shari – Page 116 – The Jesus Chick

Posted in Church Unity, Life Inspiration, salvation

Sticks and Stones

Written by talk2shari Published February 7, 2014February 7, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

We’ve quoted it since childhood. For many of us it was our first experience with sarcasm and even though you’ve yet to read it, when you read the title of today’s blog, the words were likely running through your mind… “Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words will never harm me.” What a farce! What crazed mind thought up that saying and why do we teach it to our children? The person who had the original thought, and those of us who say it are likely trying to convince themselves that the person who said the hurtful words doesn’t matter; and they do, else it wouldn’t hurt so deep. I’ve been both the recipient and the thrower of stones. I’m shocked at how quickly words are a game changer for me. The Jesus Chick, who’s supposed to be spiritually mature and within seconds I revert back to that child on the playground who just wants to go home where people won’t be mean to me. I want to take off my Jesus Chick hat pretend that God didn’t call me for such a time as this. Maybe time will wait.

Time waits for no man.

That quote is true, but the other is untrue and unbiblical. Jesus said in Matthew 5:22 “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”

Apparently Jewish law had rules against the specific insult raca, (meaning vain, empty or worthless) but Jesus shows that any verbal abuse makes one liable to eternal damnation. Praise God for salvation through faith and the grace of God, for certain I’d be guilty. It is obvious from this scripture that Jesus takes words serious, but do we? We believe that our pain and anguish is justification enough to warrant lashing out at someone, after all they’ll get over it. Do we know that for sure? Our flippant word spoken in frustration might not have been “so bad” but it may not have been the first word spoken to that person and could just end up as the fatal blow to their soul. The one that takes them out of the game.

Ninety-nine percent of the time an ill spoken word will roll off of me like water on a duck’s back…. And then one won’t. It just sticks and Satan drives it into my brain with a hammer and I find myself out of the game and warming the bench. But this morning I met with the Coach who drew me into Matthew 5:22, and showed me clearly that because of salvation I was not in danger of hell fire, but if I allowed words to take me out of the game, someone else might be in danger. And if I used words as a weapon this too could cause someone to fall into Hell, because rather than seeing Jesus they’d see the harshness of life and give up looking for hope.

Words can build up, or tear down. I pray that mine always build on the foundation that Christ laid for me. Christians, we have a job to do… time waits for no man. You, who are unsaved…God has allowed you another day to get it right before it’s ever lasting too late. What is “it.” The game changer! Salvation. It is what will allow you to see that though the words of man may hurt, the Word of Christ will heal. Get in the game.

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

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

A Message from the Keeper – What He gives back, He’ll be in

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

Matthew 3:1-3 ~ In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

John the Baptist came out of the wilderness eatin’ bugs and wearing leather britches; he was the toughest hombre of the day. He’d known Christ from prebirth (having lept in his mama’s womb when Mary came to visit after the Lord had revealed His plan to her). He was excited then and he’s excited now but he doesn’t deliver his message in blazes and bling; it’s simplistic, rugged and humble. It’s straight forward. The salvation of the Lord had begun in the wilderness when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, the law we could not keep; and its completion began in the wilderness when God gave John the Baptist the message of the Keeper, “Repent!”

Turn away from Sin to Sanctification

The Holy, Creator of all the universe, Who created this earth in perfection only to have it marred by the fallen angel Lucifer needed a sacrificial way to restore His relationship with mankind. Throughout the Old Testament the blood of slain lambs was a temporary fix for sin, but at this point God was about to reveal the final sacrifice. And the initial announcement didn’t come from where they’d have expected it… the church. They were waiting for a King in a splendor greater than King Solomon to arrive on the scene, but instead God sends a cowboy preaching on sin. And it works! Because deep in the core of God’s creation lies a seed waiting to take root, and when it hears the Word of God it’s a fertilizer on the soul that makes that seed grow the sinner know that it is God who speaks, and a desire to know Him springs forth. Every Word of the gospel spoken after that is water on the dry thirsty ground making them grow in the grace and wisdom of God’s design. It’s seldom traditional… there’s still a wild side about it. It’s as if we’re still blazing new ground, although it’s not new. But because sin has taken root in the world it is what is considered the norm. So when a child of God begins to see sin as it is (to be fled from) the world doesn’t understand why we’re so against what’s normal.

Turn away from Religion to Relationship

In John the Baptist’s day and in ours religion is a part of the problem. Religion doesn’t like leather. Unless it’s on the embossed seats of their pews. Religion likes tradition, things that don’t change… but when God’s involved things change. Religion doesn’t want a relationship with God, it wants rules. Everybody doing the same thing, the same way, every day, day in and day out and what occurs is legalistic ritualism. So, when God does speak it scares them to death, it’s not the norm.

John the Baptist had spent time away from the world and the message he received and still delivers is “Repent!” There’s no works involved in a relationship with Christ, it’s simply turning away from what the world offers, and turning to what Christ offers. The work comes when we build relationships with people so that we can introduce them to Christ. That’s work! Because religion has convinced them that God is a sharped dressed, Rolex wearing, untouchable man that flies around in a jet looking down on the people. When in reality God is common clothed, barefoot Lord that will stand toe to toe and eye to eye with His creation to prove that He loves them and wants to be a part of their lives in non-traditional ways.

Non-traditional is not about what we wear, or eat, or any man created ideas. Before you think that what you are, is what God’s about… you need to ask Him about it. Turn away from everything in your life and give it to God… what He gives back, He’ll be in.

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation, Uncategorized

Narrow Escape!

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

Okay… maybe not so narrow for me, I had gone through a few hours before the massive pile of rock came down into Route 5 East of Grantsville, West Virginia, but my brother in law missed it by only minutes. I praise my Lord for my self and every other soul that did not get crushed by this rock today. I have another day to tell someone about Jesus, to tell my husband and children I love them. I spent the evening with the greatest kids in the country… my youth department at church, and all because God chose to spare me .

If the big rock had gotten me, I’d have been with the Rock of my Salvation Jesus Christ without regret or worry! What about you? I pray you know Him today!

The Road to Salvation

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

David: The Pizza Boy with the Heart of a Warrior

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

I have no idea how many times I’ve read the story of David and Goliath, but long before I had read it for myself I had heard the tale. Even most unchurched people can give you a generalization of the story having never read one Word from the Bible. The greatest story of underdog to victor known to man, beyond a shadow of a doubt in my mind. And as I was drawn into the story this morning I found myself self standing on the hill above the valley of Elah with my pom-poms cheering David on as he fearlessly went to battle Goliath alone. I knew the story… I knew how it would end… but it didn’t stop the excitement that bubbled up in my soul as I read it again. Because going into the battle David wasn’t the warrior, he was a disrespected, part-time pizza delivery boy who kept a few sheep. But inside him beat the heart of warrior.

For background I recommend you read 1 Samuel 17, don’t take my word for any of it.

Only a chapter before teenager David had been anointed the new King of Israel and returned to the fields to tend sheep. But this day his father Jesse had sent out the would be king to deliver bread and cheese (Israeli Pizza) and a few other supplies to his brothers on the battlefield with King Saul. I have to wonder if there wasn’t a little bit of animosity among his brothers over David’s prognosticated career from the way that his older brother Eliab belittled him on the battlefield.

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Even this doesn’t discourage David when he responds, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Lessons I learned from the Pizza guy…

#1 – they have good taste in food, but that’s not really a very spiritual lesson, so here’s my life application today.

There’s no glamour in the prep work

Long before I was given the opportunity to be coordinator of the teen department I was a ruddy shepherd. I felt a calling to work with youth, but having teens of my own, I warned the Pastor that there were days I didn’t even like kids. So he put me in the nursery. Ha! That’ll teach me for being honest. But that’s where I was and so I prepared my lessons as if I was teaching a future Charles Spurgeon, and in truth I may have been. But I took my job serious, and I fell in love with it! Year after year of serving Christ I was graduated up through the youth department, K-2^nd grade, 3^rd -5^th Grade, Junior high and then finally to my current position with the teens, Sunday School Superintendent and speaking to women. I needed that time of preparation for what the future had in store.

David’s defense of the sheep prepared him for the defense of Israel. My simplistic bible studies for babies eased me into teaching and gave me a primary understanding necessary to explain the gospel to a “baby Christian” who may be 57 years old. If you’re in the toddler ministry it may be your calling, or it may be the Lord doing prep work. Work it well!

There’s no glory in grunt work

I doubt David was too excited to hear he was carrying “pizza” to his brothers, but it got him near the battle, and for that he was likely glad. His brother’s words were filled with indignation but rather than allowing his temper to get the best of him David used those words to fuel his passion for the purpose. “Is there not a cause?” I’m using creative license here, but I can hear David’s passion that’s been squelched on more than one occasion by a naysaying adult rising up in him. If you’re a passionate person, you get it when the naysayers don’t. You see the vision when everyone else is seeing defeat. Don’t let their doubt discourage you! Is there not a cause? Did God not put that purpose down in your heart for a reason? Carry the pizza, mop the floors, change the diapers, do whatever it is that needs done but watch for the open door.

There’s a Glitch in their team work

Saul and his army of men were facing Goliath alone, they had left God out of the equation. But not David… in verse 36 he tells Saul “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

Can you hear Davd, “God’s prepared me for this, and God’s still on the throne… He’ll take care of me.”

So… what does Satan have in front of you that’s too big to hit… remember it’s also too big to miss. All those years of delivering Pizza may just be ready to pay off!

Posted in Uncategorized

Canaries and Crows: Natalie Grant and the Media

Written by talk2shari Published January 29, 2014January 29, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

“We left the Grammy’s early. I’ve many thoughts, most of which are probably better left inside my head. But I’ll say this: I’ve never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I’ve never been more sure of the path I’ve chosen.”

Natalie Grant tweeted those words and then the media sang… only not like canaries, more like the obnoxious sound a crow makes. (Cawl, cawl, cawl)… so I’m going to take their advice and “call” it like I see it. American media (for the most part) is a biased, one sided, self-promoting group of people in the hands of Satan. Harsh? Yea, I guess. But I’ve had it up to my eyeballs with Christians being bashed for taking a stand on the side of morality. In the nineteenth century, leading newspapers reported from a Christian perspective. Today, however, journalists increasingly take an anti-Christian stance while claiming to be neutral. I’m wondering how colleges and universities now define the word neutral. According to Merriam Webster it is defined as – : not engaged on either side; specifically : not aligned with a political or ideological grouping <a neutral nation>:

This doesn’t sound like any of the media I’ve heard recently. More arguably the new definition of neutral is Liberal neutrality, which is the idea that the liberal state should not promote any particular ‘conception of the good’. Meaning I assume in my simplistic mind that “everyone’s idea of good is right.”

Oh yea… that’ll work.

As a music lover, and believing that the origin of music was designed by God and for God, what many call music today I call noise. But I don’t begrudge them their right to listen to it, I just don’t get it. And I don’t have to, it’s their life. So when the Grammy’s decide to dole out awards for varying music styles, I expect there to be music that I don’t particularly like recognized. And that’s okay. I didn’t watch the Grammy’s by the way, but I was interested in a particular group who were in the running, Dailey and Vincent, so I got up Monday morning looking for results, only to find article after article bashing Natalie Grant for having the audacity to stand for what she believed in.

If you didn’t watch the Grammy’s and don’t know the controversy it included a gay wedding on stage officiated by Queen Latifah and performances deemed “risqué” that were not “child appropriate” by Beyonce and her husband. So as a Christian artist, Natalie Grant walked out because she was offended. But according to our “neutral” media she’s not entitled to her opinion, only theirs. And the question music lovers on both sides of the argument should be asking the Grammy Association is “What did any of that nonsense have to do with the artistry of music?” All it served to do was take the attention away from what the Grammy’s are supposed to recognize which is talent. So please don’t try to tell anyone that someone there wasn’t promoting their own agenda, not music.

So… what does God think of all this?

Romans 1:22-32 ~ Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Stand on Miss Natalie. God is watching.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Something Beautiful & Good: You!

Written by talk2shari Published January 28, 2014January 28, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

I have about as much of a clue on why God tolerates my antics as I do on figuring out what makes the world tick. My attention span is that of a two year old (I kid you not). I’ll apologize ahead of time or behind time for a conversation in which my eyes glaze over. It’s not you, it’s that ol’ ADD, which can stand for Attention Deficit Disorder, or Adult Defiance Disorder which I have no medical diagnosis of either, but I’m pretty sure I have both; and they could be treated with a big stick.

I’ve been working on a guitar piece that was humming softly in my brain when I got up this morning. It’s a chorus by Bill Gaither titled “Something Beautiful.”

The lyrics are:

Something beautiful,

Something good;

All my confusion

He understood;

All I had to offer Him was

Brokenness and strife,

But He made something beautiful

Of my life.

I “get” that song, or better yet God “got” me when He inspired Bill Gaither to write it. My world has been filled with confusion since day one, it’s what makes me, me. And it’s what frustrates anyone who has to deal with me. Even in reading what I just wrote I can imagine your eyes glazing over! But please bear with me as I let you in on something God shared with me this morning in my confusion…

Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:11 ~ He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

In His Time

So, you’re not feeling beautiful today? Me either, inside or out. But God said He made every thing beautiful in His time… not mine. In Heaven when God created Shari, He created me just the way I am. His time is eternity past, present and future – and because I know (because scripture tells me) that He knew me before I was born I can be rest assured that my ADD behavior did not catch God off guard. ~

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.

Somehow, someway, God has a plan for me. Not a new and improved version, this version. And in God’s time, where He is, where He can see yesterday, today and tomorrow He sees and loves me as He created me, as I am. In His time, age, size, hair color nor any other human elements matter. He sees us as He created us… beautiful. Who are we to argue?

In our Heart

God has set the world in their heart. He has placed within us a design, and inner working that allows us to know we are a part of His creation, but we must wait with patience (again… not my strong suit) to discover what that complex plan is from beginning to end. If we made a delectable baked dessert and took it out of the oven half way through it wouldn’t be eatable. But, wait until it’s done and it’s the delight the creator intended. I don’t know what God’s plan is for me… and that frustrates me to no end that He didn’t discuss it with me, but in truth He may have discussed it with me prior to my appearance on earth. The desires in my heart may have come from a conversation in eternity past, that’s why they’re my desires today. Interesting thought… But another truth is, that confusion comes from the fact that there is no good in me, except the goodness of God through the Holy Spirit. I have this old nature that continually battles with the new nature that came from Salvation. But in spite of it God gave me a job to do and it’s a gift. Listen to verses 12-13 ~ I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

The desires of my heart, the person God created me to be is a gift meant for enjoyment. So rather than living in discouragement we should remember that we came with a purpose instilled in our heart.

The Bible is your user manual… crack it open and get some direction for the day!

Posted in Life Inspiration

Consent to be Happy: Permission Required

Written by talk2shari Published January 27, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

If I asked if you had a desire to be blessed, I’m sure you’d say yes! I’d be concerned if you didn’t, but then if I followed that by asking what you’d be willing to do for the blessings of God, would you answer me? After all, we’ve listened to enough sermons to know that’s a trick question! It’s likely going to be followed by some “fun sucking, life altering, righteous living advice that requires way too much effort.” Or so Satan has told you.

I don’t believe that God places desires down in your heart without purpose. That is not to say that every desire is from the Lord. But…There is purpose in passion! Psalm 37 is a psalm of prophetic instruction. It does not say if you do this or that, you will live a life without sorrow or frustration; those who preach that have a lot of explaining to do to folks like David, Abraham, Paul and others who served the Lord with great sacrifice. But what it does promise is that there is a threefold provision to the Saints of God that is well worth every second you put in to service.

Promise 1: The Desires of your heart!

Psalm 37:4 ~ Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Who doesn’t want that? I have desires that I have yet to see fulfilled, but I believe they will be because they’re passions with purpose. They’re not fed by vanity or pride, thus they would be of the flesh and God’s not in that; they are instead fueled by a passion for people and to make a difference in lives. But even those could fail to come to fruition if I put even good intentions before God, which I’ve done many times in my life. But as I’ve grown spiritually I’ve realized that it’s all in God’s timing. Verse 7 instructsRest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:

Waiting… not something I’m very good at, but it’s a prerequisite to faith. Faith is the evidence of things unseen; that’s waiting! And it’s not waiting begrudgingly, but instead like a child on Christmas morning, who knows those packages they’ve been staring at for 24 days have within them the desires of their heart! Woohoo!!!! That’s the kind of God I serve. He knows what I want, and for His glory He’ll provide it, in His time.

Promise 2: An abundance of peace!

Psalm 37:11 ~ But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

I will never be convinced that the unsaved have peace. They may have a false peace or sense of security from earthly wealth, but deep within them their soul is unsettled with God and there can be no peace. But to us who are saved – oh goodness and glory, we are given an abundance of peace! Even in the worst of times, when the world is crashing down around you and debt is around your neck trying to choke the life out of you, there is peace to the saint of God that is more valuable than the gold in Fort Knox. How? From meekness; the submission and humility in the life of Christian that does not show themselves arrogant in their nobility as a child of the King, but humbled that they’ve been given such a great position.

This takes an understanding of who you are in Christ. He preached it Himself in His sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:5 ~ Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. He spoke it of Himself in Matthew 11:29 ~ Take my yoke upon and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. There is rest to your souls by allowing the God of the universe to handle the affairs of your life. It does indeed require humility to let loose of something you’re passionately concerned about, but it’s the only way to know if it’s a part of God’s plan.

Promise 3: Direction

Psalm 37:23 ~ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

The providence of God is a wonderful thing, if we allow it. Matthew Henry said it well when he said “By his grace and Holy Spirit he directs the thoughts, affections, and designs of good men. He has all hearts in his hand, but theirs by their own consent.” The Direction’s there, but only when we allow God to provide it. I won’t say it’s easy. I’ve had more battles with the flesh than I care to admit. But the truth is, and I know it to be, God’s ways are so much better than ours.

Are you struggling with something today? It fits in the bounds of Psalm 37… Give it to God, He’s way better at handling it than you are.

Posted in Church attendance, Life Inspiration, salvation

A Millisecond Between Redemption and Rejection

Written by talk2shari Published January 26, 2014January 26, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

So this morning’s worship service attendance is two; myself and Sammy the Jack Russell. I opened up with a song (that is the Baptist way you know) on my guitar singing “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” I’m glad no one was here trying to sing with me as I stumbled through the chord changes, but I believe God appreciated my effort. On my mind not long after my eyes opened this morning was the scripture in Luke 21:28 ~ And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

I think a lot about the return of Jesus, mostly out of concern for family and friends who do not know Him and live each day as if they’re guaranteed another and we’re just not. The reality is there will be a millisecond of time between redemption and rejection. That sobering thought makes my stomach roll over.

When I gathered myself for worship this morning I asked God if the Holy Spirit would be my preacher today. I just wanted to hear from Him… not my thoughts. Being out of church on Sunday always messes with my day, it’s like skipping class in front of the teacher… it ain’t right, God knows where you’re at! And indeed He did know, and He’s teaching me well. Prior to this verse Jesus was teaching a few other people in the temple, mainly some smug religious folks that weren’t paying attention. There was a widow who came to church and as she put her two mites into the offering, Jesus pointed out to those in attendance that she had given her entire income, but they took no notice of her. Instead they began to discuss how good God was to give them such a great and awesome building made of beautiful stones. Jesus’ response to that was “As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

They began to question Him as to when that time would come and how would they know and His answer (as it still is today) wasn’t one they likely wanted to hear. They’ll be false teachers, wars, and rumors of wars, nation shall rise against nation, persecution of Christians and the weather will be crazy! (all of that of course is paraphrased Shari style); but if you read the entire chapter it sounds like today’s headlines. And then He caps it off with that statement “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

The religious people were so impressed with the building God had provided that they had forgotten the Builder, but not the widow. She gave all she had in faith believing that the God Who provided the temple, could certainly provide her dinner. What faith! That’s the faith that’s needed to make it through hard times. The world’s a scary place but God’s warnings were not to instill fear but to allow us to be prepared.

Luke 21:34-36 ~ And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, (indulgence or gluttony) and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Don’t be afraid, be ready. And share the word of God with friends and family.

Have someone you’re concerned about, I’m concerned about them too, share my page and hopefully they’ll follow this link and be saved!

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

Posted in Humor, Life Inspiration, salvation

Does religion cloud your relationships?

Written by talk2shari Published January 25, 2014 Discussion 2 Comments

There was once a man named Ralph who had gotten saved one day before his death. Upon arrival in Heaven one of the angels was assigned to give him the grand tour, and Ralph was in awe at the sights, they were indeed beyond words. As they entered the City the mansions were so very unique, obviously made exclusively to the tastes of the one who dwelled there. But there seemed to be a similarity to groups of mansions so Ralph questioned the angel about it. To which the angel explained, “That group of mansions over there belongs to the Pentecostals, they’re loud and we had to put a little distance between them and the others. Now, this group over here is the Catholics, they insisted on all the gold trim, and when Jesus shows up it just about puts your eyes out. Now the group in the middle are Methodists, they wanted their lawns to butt up against everyone else’s; that way they could cross over to their side if they thought they weren’t right about something. Ralph noticed a group of mansions a great, great distance apart from the others, “Who are they,” he ask? The angel shushed him and said they’d talk about it later, but for now they had to be very quiet when they passed by, and they by no means could stop and visit on the way to Ralph’s place. They tiptoed past the mansions and made it to a large gate, once inside the angel told Ralph he was free to speak. “Why did we have to be so quiet,” asked Ralph? The angel rolled his eyes and said, “Because those were the Baptists, and they still believe they’re the only one’s here.”

Ralph smiled, he’d met several of them before getting saved. He understood. Now Ralph looked really confused. “What’s wrong,” the angel asked? Ralph said, “I just got saved yesterday, I hadn’t had a chance to join any church. Where am I going to live?!”

Don’t panic, nobody’s homeless in Heaven; and your mansion… well, because you haven’t had religion to cloud your relationships, you’ll be living right next door to Jesus.

Yes, I’m a Baptist, and praise God I’m a Baptist with a sense of humor. I don’t think we’ll be the only ones in Heaven. I do stand solid on the doctrine of my church, else I’d have no foundation or assurance that I’ll be in Heaven. I’m grateful for that. But because other denominations don’t believe like I do, doesn’t stop me from fellowshipping with them. I believe that was a lesson Peter learned in Acts 10:44-48 ~

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

There’s a few key points we all have to agree on

1. Salvation in Jesus only – we are redeemed, bought back, by the blood of Jesus.

2. Virgin Birth – Not up for debate, else He would not have been fully God.

3. We serve a crucified, risen on the third day Lord, Who has victory over life and death.

4. The Holy Spirit dwells “in” the believer. If you’re saved He’s in there, and there should be evidence.

5. Baptism is key, not to salvation, but to Spiritual growth. There are no secret service Christians, if you’ve been saved you have the desire within you to outwardly prove that. You may squelch it, but it’s in there. I know because I fought that battle and won.

You may want to add more to the list, and that’s okay. I just awoke this morning with it heavy on my heart that we are so busy being Baptist’s or Methodists or whatever denomination you claim, that we forget we’re supposed to be telling people about Jesus. Don’t let religion cloud your relationships.

That was my first attempt at joke writing, or actually rewriting an original thought. So, how’d I do?

Posted in Humor, Life Inspiration

Me and my $4 Faith

Written by talk2shari Published January 24, 2014January 24, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Postmaster Bob, in charge of undeliverable mail, received an envelope addressed to “God,” written in very shaky penmanship. Bob curiously opened the letter and read: “Dear God, its Ruth. As I’m sure you know I’m 84 years old and I recently lost my purse and any money that I had. Mother’s day is in a few weeks and I had already invited a few friends over for dinner after church on that Sunday. Without a miracle from you, I’m going to have to cancel. If it’s not too much to ask, could you please replace the $100.00 that I lost so that we can have our Mother’s day gathering as planned?”

Bob was so touched by the letter that he shared it with his coworkers and together they dug in their wallets and came up with $96.00 to send to Ruth. That entire day Bob’s heart overflowed, knowing God had used him to help Ruth out.

A few weeks passed by and another letter to “God” arrived. Bob now recognized Ruth’s shaking scribe and quickly opened it up. Bob read… “Dear God. Thank you so much for Your help with our Mother’s day party, it was a huge success! However… it was $4.00 short. Mostly likely those thieves that work in the post office have Your money.

God didn’t answer quite the way Ruth had intended. I’m sure her party lacked nothing, and if only she’d recognized the miracle that had taken place on her behalf, her celebration would have been that much greater!

A recent miracle of my own had me feeling a tad like Ruth. God answered my prayer, but I didn’t feel that I was “fully delivered” from my woes. I was in a “Thank You Jesus, but…” kind of mode. God had delivered me! If only I could get in the flesh without chastisement, I’d tell you. Please just take my word for it. But… because life wasn’t perfect, I was feeling a little short changed. I needed my $4.00. Oh… I feel nauseous to even say it. I mean God was soooooooooooooooooooooo Good to me. But I want to be honest, because perhaps you’ve been where I am, or you will be one day. And then today God spoke to me through His Word and I’m so grateful.

Isaiah 55:8-9 ~ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

God’s vantage point on my life is incomprehensive to me. His ways are not my ways, and His ways are never $4.00 short. I don’t know why Ruth received a $96.00 miracle instead of a $100.00 one. I have a feeling the $4.00 came along, right on time because God is not a 96% God, is a 100% God!

All I can say is “I’m human.”Sometimes I get in the flesh and it’s never good. I’m so grateful for His forgiveness of my abundance of shortfalls including $4.00 faith. Amen.