Author: talk2shari

Isaiah 18:5 ~ For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches.

In Chapter 18 God warns the arrogant Assyrian army who are plotting against Israel, that their party is about to end and destruction draweth nigh.  I don’t hear God shouting in this verse, nor do I see Him pacing back and forth in Heaven  saying “let Me at’em, let Me at’em!” I see God’s calm, all knowing demeanor, standing quietly looking out the window of Heaven as He sees His children suffering, partly because of their own rebellion; but He says in finality, ”I allowed you to serve my purpose in instruction, but now, I’m gonna cut you down where you grow.”

I’m so glad that God is Omniscient; all knowing. Because if I were standing at the window of Heaven when I seen friends and family hurting or suffering at the hands of someone else, my godliness would likely go out the window.  Sour grapes are good for nothing, on either side of an argument, somebody got to keep their attitude in check. There are people in our lives that, deed, they look like sour grapes are all they feast on! Do you have any in your life? They get on your last nerve… (draw this out for effect) with their constant tearing down of your emotional state, or negativity and lack of vision for you.

I speak in generality, nothing specific in my own life, but I see so many Christians being beat down by the circumstances of the world and allowing it to stop their own spiritual growth. Oppression is a part of our society; it’s how some climb the ladder of success, it’s how other’s keep their family in control or it’s a means of keeping everything quid pro quo, in a non changing state because change bother’s people.

We cannot move forward in our lives with dying branches on the vine. It stops our growth. God said He would cut down the branches of sour grapes, because sour grapes can do nothing but set your teeth on edge. If something or someone in our lives is keeping us from having victory it’s time to get out the pruning hooks. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they can no longer be a part of your life; it means you prune away parts of it.

• Govern the conversation by keeping things on a positive note, talk about gumdrops and bubblegum flavors if you have too but stay away from conflict – snip!
• Encourage them in something they’re working on. You’d be amazed how far a little sugar can go – snip!
• Don’t spend time in their presence if all they want to do is discourage your dream, sometimes you have to walk away – snip!

God said “before the harvest.” Don’t let negative things take root in your life and bear fruit. – snip, snip!

I hope today finds you enjoying a bountiful harvest of the goodness of God! Got any sour grapes you need to get rid of?

Just as the members of the church of God work together (or should) to complete the work of Christ, so do the members of my own body work for the good of the Lord. Today a few of them wanted to say “Thank You Jesus!”

I hope that you enjoy this that I have written for you. It comes from a place of love. I had to work extra hard for it because I’m a little sick right now and it’s taking its time to go away. Not that you readers should worry, I already went to the doctor and he said I have to buy oxycodone with pay pal and take it every so often. In a few days, a bit over a week he’ll see me again and we’ll take it from there. So everything should be fine, maybe I’m telling you because I’m feeling a bit down and like I need a few of those good vibes messages you know? Now onto the show!

The head said – thank You for giving me things to ponder.

Proverbs 4:26 ~ Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

The eyes said – thank You, that as beautiful as it is here, in Heaven there is beauty I can’t  even imagine

Isaiah 64:4 ~ For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

The nose said – thank You, that the sweet aromas of life make me think of Your goodness

Philippians 4:18 ~ But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

The mouth said – thank You for allowing me to use Your words to encourage others and to praise You!

Hebrews 10:25 ~ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Psalm 109:30 ~ I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.

The neck said – thank You for those have stuck their necks on the line for me

Romans 16:4 ~  Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

The heart said – thank You for filling me with comassion

1 Peter 3:8 ~ Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

The back said – thank You that You made by bone strong in Christian values

Ephesians 6:10 ~ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

The arm said – thank You that I’ve been given the opportunity to use them in Praise

1 Peter 4:11

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The hand said – thank You that I’ve gotten to lend myself to another in need

Acts 20:34 ~ Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me

The fingers said – thank You that I may play a song that soothes my soul

1 Samuel 16:23 ~ And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

The stomach said – thank You, for giving me perception when things were not right

1 Corinthians 2:14 ~ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The legs said – thank You that I may walk with You.

3 John 1:4 ~ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

The feet said – thank You, that I may carry the gospel and experience the sweetness

Ephesians 6:15  ~ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

All I have and all I am comes for the Lord…

Genesis 13:14-15

And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Paradise seen to promises as far as the eye can see.

Lot, the atypical carnal man, nephew of the “Friend to God” Abraham, had just received the graciousness of his uncle being given half of Abraham’s inheritance. Not, was it just half, but the half he chose was paradise; well watered ground likely green and plush as far as he could see. Lot dealt with life in the flesh; he would fit in well with our “if it feels good, do it” society of today. But then there’s Abraham, who was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but he loved God and all along the journey you see him building altars to God, taking time and the effort to praise the Lord and acknowledge what God was doing in his life. Lot’s journey took him where the flesh lead and into a heap of trouble.

As I read this text this morning it stirred my soul when I read “after that Lot was separated from him.” Not until Abraham had separated himself from the worldliness of Lot did God begin to show Abraham what the future held. How often in life are people held back because they refuse to separate themselves from others in their lives whose carnal focus continually keeps them from receiving the blessing of God. Lot had no concern over Abraham’s success but rather his own lusts when he looked at the land that was before him and chose the best. Abraham’s concern was not only that his nephew was cared for, but that their relationship was unharmed: “for we be brethren.” (13:8)

What Lot did not know was that just beyond that beautiful land he chose was heart ache and sorrow. He would be surrounded by depravity and immoral attitudes that would turn his wife away from God ending in her destruction and corrupt his children. But the land that Abraham received, though it did not appear to be the greater acreage, had an unseen beauty. It had the blessing of God in every direction; north, south, east and west… after that Lot was separated from him.

Abraham had a tender heart for his nephew and likely would not have “separated himself” from him. I fully believe that there are times in our lives when God moves people out of our lives so that he can bless us, and for our own good we need to move forward without looking back. A lesson Lot’s wife learned too little, too late(19:26). I’m not saying that we cannot be friends with the unsaved (how else will they see God unless it’s through us); but when turmoil and strife continually abound in our lives because of the people we’re around it may be time to separate ourselves and move into God’s promises. It’s time to move on in faith that God has something wonderful in our future!

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What is it about the New Year that brings on a whole gamut of possibilities that a new day does not? I mean really, are they not one in the same. A new year is the completion of 365 individual days, followed by the beginning of 365 individual days. In the scope of eternity it’s not even a drop of water in all the oceans of the world, but it serves to remind us of that which we completed, that which we failed, and that which we now have opportunity again.  I joined with friends last night and we played bluegrass music and sang songs to celebrate the outgoing and the incoming years but out of the entire evening one moment stands out, because it was God moment.

I sat beside a fellow seeming considerably older than me; but maybe not. He was a man I barely knew. And as the groups of musicians took turns calling out songs, and some a little sillier than others it came to be my turn and I asked my new friend if he knew “Child of the King.” “Yep,” he replied,” but I don’t know it that well. You sing and I’ll play.” And so we did…

As I finished the final chorus with everyone now knowing the song and chiming in to sing along and my friend said, “That song ended all too soon.”

Hmm…. I have a feeling that’s what many may say at the end of time.  Each one of us may be 10 minutes from Eternity.  Sing loud! Make every moment of 2013 count for something and glorify God in the moment.  I know… sometimes that easier said than done when you’re in trying times. Look past the trying time! Be your own visionary, holding on to what God has promised to bring you through. We could have sang “Child of the King” over again. But I’ll bet the moment wouldn’t have been the same. We’re meant to go through the song of life only once. Make the best of it!

Psalm 144:9
I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

That’s the gospel bluegrass style right there in the middle of Psalms!

Romans 5:1-6
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

If I spent time this morning reflecting on who I’ve become I would have to spend some serious time looking at the journey that got me to where I am today. Christianity is not a title its an event. I guess I get so excited about talking about Christ because my experience with Him has been so exciting!

Justified by Jesus! “Just if I’d” never sinned. Oh my goodness. How wonderful is it that Christ takes guilt out of your life. I’m a self blamer, if you fall down, I probably could have prevented it, even if I’m in West Virginia and you’re in Texas. Is that nuts? yes, but it’s been a piece of the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. So… is it any wonder I get excited bout the justification of Jesus Christ and the peace I have in knowing that my faults and failures are covered. He took them upon Him so that I could be free from them. It was like having toted a huge piece of luggage with me, and then having Jesus show up one day, unpack it, put everything in His luggage, and then throw my bag in the dumpster so I couldn’t refill it. Yes, that excites me.

Access to grace! God’s riches at Christ’s Expense. Grace is receiving that which I am not entitled too because I didn’t buy it. Over the years friends and family have given me gifts of instruments; an upright bass, a fiddle, a mandolin and more. These are things that bring me great joy. I didn’t ask for them, they just one day appeared in my life through a conversation or a phone call and I was blessed. I didn’t do anything for the giver, they just gave. That’s grace. The only One who knew of my desire to be a musician was God. I hadn’t spoken to anyone about it. But when I began to serve
Christ through music, God began placing people in my life that would become instruments themselves. Instruments of grace. Used by God to give me that which I did not deserve. And you wonder why I want to tell people about my Lord!

My journey has not always been so pleasant. Even in the midst of experiencing the joys I just spoke of, I was also experiencing great trials. I lost people I love, I lost jobs, I lost joy, but I never lost Jesus or His peace. When I would finally make it through one of those horrific times, I could look back on the experience and understand that it truly did have purpose. I grew in those times spiritually and became stronger in my faith and testimony which allowed me to share that with someone else going through those same type trials. I have hope today because of what God has brought me through in the past.

This is why I talk about Jesus. Because your walk with Him should not be a point “A” to point “B” experience. It should be a journey with great stories to tell about what He did along the way. I pray you experience that today, and that you’ll share with me some of the gifts of grace you’ve received.