Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, made mistakes. So I guess I’m in good company. Not that I am remotely as wise as he, I’m more often than not like the subject he’s preaching to; but I found that to be an interesting thought none the less this morning. That even the wisest man to ever live had days of stupidity. Seriously, a thousand women in his life? What would every make him think that was a good idea? One is more than sufficient for any man to have to contend with. Speaking of course for my husband, but its truth.
It is so easy for me to look back on my. 58 years, nearing 59, with deep regret and remorse for having lived much of my life at the fleshes will. When I read Proverbs 23 this morning, verse nine stung as it read: Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
How many times I’ve despised wisdom. I’ve been down right resentful of people who gave me good solid advice, often times chocking it up to the notion that they felt themselves better than I. Always suffering from a lack of confidence or sometimes too much confidence in my own wisdom. That almost feels laughable this morning… but it’s not funny. Because it came with a price. There’s something about the book of Solomon that will cut to the very core of an individual. Oh yeah, that would be the Spirit of God.
He’s handier than a pocket on a shirt and every bit as close. I’m glad God does not grow tired, or I would wear Him out.
Along this 58 year path I’ve seen landmarks from other believers and nonbelievers alike who have walked a pathway much like mine.
[10] Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: [11] For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
Some of their landmarks were more like skid marks or a mound of dirt where they’d barely slid into home, narrowly escaping their own demise from poor decisions. Others had landmarks that were like pillars on the side of the road marking a successful mile. I’ve had several of both. And then there is the landmark where I’ve driven the stake deep into the ground to make sure it couldn’t be moved, like that of my faith in Jesus Christ. No matter how many times I’ve failed, or when I’ve had the rare success, my Lord and Savior has been there to give me what I stood in need of (a pat on the back or a swift kick in the seat of the pants), always and forever pleading my cause just like He does the fatherless.
Before salvation I had that as an excuse, no Spirit guiding me except the flesh. Now I am without excuse for failure, because I have the Holy Spirit with in me guiding me, I just often refuse to listen. But there is still God. Pleading my cause because I am redeemed by the blood of His Son.
I’d like to say that I have gotten wiser as these years have progressed, but I really can’t. Not when it comes to certain areas of my life. I’m still creating mounds of dirt on the side of the road where the Lord is dragging me forward. But where I have lived without regret has been in the role of “the Jesus Chick.” I love taking His word and applying it to my life in a way that it covers the scuff marks on my knees and allows me to walk with my head up high saying… “Yep, God told me that.”
[12] Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. [16] Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. [18] For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
What great joy it brought my soul this morning to understand that God understands. He was fully aware of my human errors before they were committed. It did not stop Him from loving me and from expecting better of me. God expects great things from me! Now, whether or not I deliver, I do not know. But I’m going to keep trying and so should you. I’ll look for landmarks today that other’s have set, and perhaps try to set a few of my own. I hope to see you along the path or perhaps hear how your journey is going. God bless! ~ Shari
If you follow me, you know that I’ve been off the cyber grid for a week or so. It wasn’t intentional, my time just seems to be extremely in demand by other folks. It’s not that I mind, it’s just extremely taxing on my spiritual self. It’s also usually followed by an attack on my health, which was yesterday and today. Nothing serious…. just an allergy mess!!! So this morning I’m trying to refocus myself on myself and my relationship with Almighty God. It’s a struggle.
I spoke a few hours ago to a young mother whose children have been pulled away by the world and the current approved lifestyles. Her heart was broken, she was frustrated for answers, I felt her agony, and agonized myself because we can’t fix the problems this world creates. They do not welcome what we absolutely know is the best thing in life. The peace of Jesus.
Last night I made myself a shirt with a self portrait being drawn by God’s hand. It stated “Unapologetic Child of God.” I am! Especially on days when I’m feeling less than healthy and I can be cranky if I want too… Don’t mess with me world. That’s where I’m at… how about you? Have you had enough of the world telling us we do not have the right to speak Jesus? I’ve been told that in many venues for many years. When I worked for the courts, I was told that I needed to keep quiet when broken people came into the office who had made poor decisions in life and needed to know that Jesus still loved them. When I worked for the school I was told not to tell children about Christ because there was a separation between church and state that didn’t allow it. When I spoke my mind in county office and it got me fired, because I called a Christian out who cussed like a sailor, I rejoiced when God got me out of that putrid environment. I really am an unapologetic child of God. I’m not going to say I’m invincible on the subject, but I do get riled up when people come against me. Maybe it’s just my mood today being that I’m not feeling well, but I just needed to tell the world to “back off.”
Coat Shakers
Acts 18:5-11 KJVS
[5] And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. [6] And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
When the Jews refused to listen and take heed to the word of God that Apostle Paul shared with them; he who was a fellow Jew, he shook his responsibility for them off and went on down the road as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
When someone denies again and again the word of God and refuses to listen to a lovingly spoke testimony it’s hurtful. I have never been an “in your face” Christian who lords the gospel over people. I do my best to present gospel with my life first, and with my words second. I have been accused of being prejudiced against other churches because I’m vocal about false doctrine and churches that have become social clubs. I don’t expect that I’ll change on that. I’m not rude, but please don’t ask for my opinion about any specific denomination or congregation that I have personal experience with and know the truth. Because I’ll kindly give it to you. As time grows shorter towards Christ’s return for the church, I’m not guaranteed another opportunity to share that wisdom. I don’t want someone laid to my charge.
I want to make a difference.
When the young mother told me this morning that her family said that her children just needed “love and acceptance.” I in tender mercy said to her, “No they need love. Not acceptance. We do not have the right to accept what God has forbidden. Tell your family to take that up with God.” Praise God she accepted my words in the compassion for which they were spoken.
I imagine that to be the way Paul handled things. And I’m sure there were times that he questioned his tactic. Why else would the Lord come to him in a dream.
[7] And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. [8] And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. [9] Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: [10] For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. [11] And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
If the Lord told Paul to “be not afraid” he had obviously had some fears arise when preaching and teaching the gospel. Even though “Many believed and were baptized,” Paul still had doubts. The amazing, yet fully human, apostle Paul. For a year and six months he continued in a place he wasn’t always appreciated.
I recently had an experience that caused me to question whether or not I should continue with one part of my ministry. I felt that I was under attack and making little difference. Because Satan wanted me to believe that. He wanted me to feel that I was rejected and defeated and nothing more to contribute int hat place. I was ripe for the pickin’. I told the Lord that day, maybe it’s time for me to step down. And then I heard “Who then will continue on?” In this particular place in the ministry there wasn’t anyone beating the door down to take my place. And so I stayed for another week, and it got better. Maybe I’m writing this today because that’s where you are. You don’t think you’re making a difference.
Self examination is always good, but makes sure it’s not self contamination. It’s much easier to tear something down than it is building something up. I don’t know what was going through Paul’s mind, but I know whats been going through mine lately, and it’s time I fight back against both the junk inside my head from allergies and the junk inside my head from this world.
This morning I sat at our kitchen table, frustrated with myself that for over an hour I had fallen into a cyber hole and had a terrible time digging my way out. Part of it was searching for the current news on Israel that was the truth. It’s more difficult than one would imagine in this left leaning world. Another portion of time was spent on absolute stupidity. Which I’m not against when I want to wind down from a long day, but I was trying to wind up for the start of this glorious Sunday morning. I just want to focus on God’s word, get a grasp on the reality of todays headlines and keep keep myself sane in this insane world.
One of the lead stories this morning was that the building that housed the Associated Press’ Gaza City bureau was destroyed by Israeli military forces on Saturday, prompting questions about why the media organization allegedly rented office space in the same building where Israeli officials said Hamas terrorists operated. Terrorists organizations are said to use press agencies as a shield assuming they will not be attacked . But conservative radio host Erick Erickson commented, “Will someone ask the @AP if they were paying rent to a designated terrorist organization or were they accepting a gift from a designated terrorist organization?”
Steve Guest, an adviser to Senator Ted Cruz, (R – Texas) asked the question “Are we just going to ignore the fact AP and Al Jazeera worked in the same building as Hamas terrorists?” Those are good questions; because in a world where the truth is getting to be less important than liberal feelings, and scripture is often used out of context and manipulated to fit agendas, our information sources that can be trusted are few and far between.
Paul wrote to warn Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-11 KJV
[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
What better way to “creep into houses” than through the guise of the news, social media or popular movies, shows and sports. You cannot watch any of those things without succumbing to the liberal rhetoric of people who believe they have the “right” to mislead people into their mindset for their own good. And while I love listening to conservative news I’m not so naive, or one of those “silly women” led away with different lusts… although I could be. It’s why scripture often refers to us as sheep. If we can’t hear the Shepherd, we’ll just follow anyone. Especially those
[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
These were not Jews, who rose up and opposed Moses, as Dathan and Abiram did, as some have thought; but Egyptian magicians, the chief of those that Pharaoh sent for, when Moses and Aaron came before him, and wrought miracles; and who did in like manner by their enchantments, (Exodus 7:11).
That word “enchantment” keeps coming into things I read and it dings a bell in my head every time. It means witchcraft, sorcery and feelings of great pleasure and delight. Sounds like our current new climate. How else could people watch a building being torched in the background of a new report and believe it when the reporter says its a “peaceful protest.” And I am to believe that the Associated Press wasn’t influenced by Hamas and others in their building when I hear news reports about the “poor Palestinians.” In the words of our senile President, “come on man.”
So what are we to do today as children of God who simply want the truth? Pray and seek wise reporting and counsel. For me that comes comes from Blaze Media and Online News such s FGGAM.org, but there are no doubt other outlets as well. But first and foremost, above all, read the word of God. Today’s current news is there too as well as how to live in this crazy world. Paul continues telling Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:
[10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Paul has preached the gospel of Christ. He ministered to churches who faced what we’re facing and possibly worse. (Although our current state of affairs is pretty pathetic.) But Paul told them that come what may, cling to the word of God. That’s why it’s important to stay in it. And it’s why I have to fight hard to dig my way out of a cyber pit. Lord deliver us… please.
The Israeli Air Force bombed Hamas’s underground tunnel network late Thursday night in the northern Gaza Strip in what military officials said was one of the most aggressive aerial assaults’ in recent years. Rockets continued to pound Israel as the Israel military pummeled Gaza in one of the largest bombardments of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad since the fighting started. In a 40-minute long air campaign which began around midnight, some 160 aircraft dropped over 450 missiles on 150 targets belonging to a network of tunnels dug by the terror group known as “the Metro” under Gaza city. This, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Matthew 24:4-6 KJVS
[4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
It’s hard not to be troubled when news such as this is on the internet, television and radio continually. Anytime Israel’s name is in the news to this magnitude, many begin to think and ponder the possibility of end times; religious leaders use the information for fodder to stir souls and then there are those of us who know just enough to be dangerous from multiple sermons over multiple decades when wars, and rumors of wars have existed. There have also been multiple explanations given over multiple texts in the scriptures that point to coming of Christ. And I will not profess to be an expert on the subject, but I can say this as a matter of fact: It’s closer today than ever before. Nobody with a belief in Christ Jesus will say any different. But in this current era, what should our reaction be and our main concern in these current times?
The Return of Christ in the Air
1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 KJVS
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Those words do indeed bring great comfort to my heart, because I’m on the wonderful receiving end of the rapture as a child of God. Rapture defined is “caught up.” But what about the lost, those who have never accepted Christ as Savior, during this time? For them the world is about to go into a tailspin and the many worldly explanations for the disappearance of the saved will abound. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we are currently seeing reports of UFO investigations by the Pentagon and other national agencies.
The Pentagon’s inspector general is looking into the actions the military has taken to address the spate of UFO sightings in recent years involving high performance aircraft that have violated military airspace.
The probe comes as Congress awaits a public report, due next month, from a host of national security agencies on the issue, and as advocates complain that some departments and agencies are not fully cooperating by sharing data. (Source: Politico)
What was once considered fiction involving a tractor and too much corn liquor in a field in Iowa is now being discussed by congress. Satan is no doubt pleased with all this attention to alien forces and will gladly jump the band wagon to promote it as the reason children and beloved family members disappear off the face of the earth without reasoning. But there is a reason. It’s been preached from the days of Christ and has never been more evident to those who understand scripture than now. We see it. Most are like myself and do not profess to be a scholar on the matter, but that’s not necessary to understand the logistics of what’s taking place in the world. Christ will return for His church, and chaos will no doubt ensue. The Holy Spirit will remove Himself and His people from off the earth and life will drastically change across the planet. It will be Israel’s turn to once again be God’s main focus. There is no doubt in my mind why there currently is a rise on anti-semitism. Satan has always hated the Jews. He knows that God’s plan for them is mighty and involves his eventual demise.
I have always been taught that Matthew 24 is the current time we’re living in. And there is no doubt similarities, but the question of context is “who is Christ speaking to in the gospel of Matthew?” He’s speaking to the nation of Israel. It will be the Apostle Paul who brings the gospel to the Gentiles and those who in this era accept Christ as Lord and Savior:
Romans 15:15-17 KJVS
[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, [16] That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. [17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
It is through the divine revelations of God given to Paul that he presents to us what will come through the rapture and end times for us. But when this era is done, and Christ has returned for His church, then will Matthew 24 come into play as well as the anti-Christ and the damnation of this earth. For certain, nobody should desire to be here to experience it.
I believe that I am here for such a time as this, to help present the gospel in layman’s terms as best I can. I want to see my people saved. I want to see your people saved!
Today we not only need to pray for Israel but for our family and friends who don’t know Christ. Because as horrific as it is across the seas in Israel, it will be far, far worse for all the earth, including the United States of America in those last days.
The level of frustration I have felt lately has been extreme. Liberal viewpoints abound, Corona numbers have soared in my county in recent weeks – a inciting fear, and the political accountability from a national and local level is is nil. I truly have just two desires that I struggle to keep in focus: to build strong people in the two houses of my life – my home and the church. But it seems every day there is a new frustration that comes along, preoccupying my mind and delaying the building of the house. I feel it’s my fault. I allow the distractions to come in and once they’re there I allow them to play house in my home. But they play for keeps. They’re doing everything they can to thwart my ministry efforts. I can feel it. Which frustrates me all the more.
As soon as my eyes opened this morning a message popped up on my phone from an African friend. “Pray for Israel.” I had heard bits and pieces on the news yesterday and knew there was unrest between Israel and the Palestinians.
Gal Gadot, an Israeli actress best known for portraying “Wonder Woman”, issued a statement calling for peace and pro-Palestinians critics melted down in response calling her an ugly Zionist. Seriously… every time I hear these people I want to give them a bottle and pacifier and put them to bed. They too are much of the frustration in my life. I don’t mind a differing opinion, I do mind a liberal, venom spewing attitudes that have no concern for how anyone in the world feels except the one in the mirror. And running a close second for my frustrator award is the uninformed liberal who defends them. Oh dear gussy, why did I go here this morning? 🤷🏻♀️
But I did go here because it’s effecting how I share Jesus.
It was a liberal rant that fueled the fire for my post on being an “unapologetic child of God.” I’ll be making me that shirt (literally) this weekend if God allows. It’s my way of fighting back against an enemy that is weakening my resolve to the point of reconsidering parts of my ministry. That is an unhealthy place to be.
Frustration by Hire
In an Old Testament story Israel is facing frustration that scripture says was hired against them. I have no doubt that there are hired liberal activists for the purpose of frustrating the conservative side. It’s true. When the Devil finds a plan that works, he doesn’t stop using it. He just finds new victims. So this morning as Israel troops are preparing for literal war on the border, I’m fighting a spiritual war in my life and using the word of God encourage my soul on both fronts.
Frustration by Hindering
Ezra 4:4-6 KJVS
[4] Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,
Perhaps by threatening them, or by dissuading the workmen from going on, by endeavouring to hinder their getting materials from the Tyrians and Zidonians, or money out of the king’s revenues to bear the expenses. I have to wonder if they raised the price of plywood? That’s what happened here! Again, Satan has no new weapons, just new victims. He finds out where there is a demand and stops the supply, whether that is for physical or spiritual material. So the question is, when we’re lacking what we need, and our bodies grow weak, how do we regain our strength to fight back?
We either need to find a new source or a new method, but above all, don’t stop working!
The book of Ezra spans many years; this wasn’t just a few days of frustration. I usually start complaining to the Lord about 20 minutes into a struggle. For certain I need to gain tenacity to withstand these attacks on my ministry. I’m not in need of plywood for building a church, I’m in need of patience and understanding, and a little extra wisdom would be wonderful to help me build the Kingdom of God. Often times my frustration comes from knowing just enough to be dangerous about the world we live in. I know many things about the agenda of leftists and their organizations. I do not know “who” exactly is involved with those organizations. So by only having subject matter and not names, I lose leverage in the debate with naysayers of the conservatives.
Israel had been away from Jerusalem for a long time. They’d been “out of church” for a long time. There relationship with God was being restored but it wasn’t strong enough to fight the enemy. I know I’m a broken record, but its the problem with the church. Our relationship with the Lord needs it’s subscription renewed!
Frustration by Halting
[5] And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. [6] And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
Their tactics continued until verse 24 of this chapter says “Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.”
So for two years the work on the house of God was halted.
There is a great danger in halting a labor of the Lord for any amount of time. We do not know who may have come to be saved during our absence from the ministry work. So many people step in and out of the work of the Lord as if it’s an optional service of little importance. In my frustration this week, when I was debating if this was a time for me to step away from some of the work that I have been called to do, I began to think about what that would mean. I know I’m not all that and a bag of chips, but I know I encourage some in everything that I do. So what would happen if I’m not there? Who would go un-encouraged and what effect would it have on their life? I don’t want to be guilty of that.
What about you? Are you on the verge of halting your work? Please don’t. There are souls in danger and we may just be their only hope of hearing the gospel of Christ and His saving grace.
Gas shortages, Covid spikes, cyber attacks on the pipeline, it’s just another day in America. But these are certainly trying times. However… I taught my a lesson on Sunday morning using my previous post. “Unapologetic child of God.” ` And I’ve since pondered it again. It was great class, with great response from the kids. But a response that struck me was that when I mentioned the sexual sins in the temple. The kids were a tad shocked that I mentioned it. But I wanted them to understand that immorality is not just an issue off today.
But the more I thought on this, the more I became like the children in my class and was more than a little shocked at the level of depravity of the people. And then I thought about the Old Testament behavior of Sodom and Gomorrah. Wow. We have been a wicked generation of people from the beginning. You’re probably not shocked with that information, but still yet, does it not boggle the mind sometimes? Why is it that we have become so accepting of sin, even in the church.
The men in Corinth are visiting prostitutes and they want the rest of the church to accept it. To which Paul asks them in 1 Corinthians 6:15 KJV “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.”
Know ye not? That seems like a no brainer to me, but Paul had to ask it. So it took me into a study of the other “know ye nots” of chapter 6.
Know ye not that we shall judge angels?
The members of the church fo Corinth were destroying there testimonies with a multitude of sins. One such sin was that of suing each other. Which is why he asked them in verses 2-3 of Chapter 6
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 KJVS
[2] Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? [3] Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
How lightly do church people take church squabbles, gossip and backbiting? I don’t suppose it to be an error when I say that it’s likely more of a plague than the corona virus. Rather than making brothers and sisters a matter of prayer, we make them a matter of gossip or ridicule. Ask me how I know. Go ahead. Ask. … Because I’ve been guilty of it. And its a sin that’s just looked over and ignored. And yet…. we expect God to make us judges over the world and angels? Ummmm. I’m thinking not everyone will be task with that.
I was extremely hurt by another child of God (not anyone in my church) last week. I’ve really struggled with forgiving them because it’s not me they were mean to, it was someone in my family. And when I say they were mean… I mean “mean😡.” And in a very public way. No… not social media. But in a meeting. As a person in high authority of a church, they did major damage to their testimony for Christ by spewing venomous speech. Yes it was that bad. I’m sure to them it was justified in their mind. But would it be justified in Heaven? And would much of my speech? As I said, we take our behavior very lightly with regard to sin.
Know ye not that sinners are watching?
Paul asks another question: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV
[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
The Corinthians poor behavior and lack of concern for one another has Paul asking them, “Do you remember who you were?” Whew! That’s a question that should have anyone of us dropping to our knees for forgiveness and gratitude to the Savior. And what is the reaction of the lost in the world who see the present day lack of concern for sinful behavior? I’ve heard it said on more than one occasion by a lost, non church attending person, “Why should I go to church when there is no difference in their behavior and mine?” Now we know that many of the lost are looking for an excuse, but it’s the truth none the less. We know that we are all sinners saved by the grace of God, there is none perfect, save Jesus! But there is a difference between being a repentant sinner and a blatant one that either denies their behavior or ignores it and either way it could be causing someone to have no desire to know God.
While we are free to behave anyway we want, Paul defines that behavior as this:
1 Corinthians 6:12 KJVS
[12] All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
I question my own self today when I ask, “What am I under the power of that may cause a lost person to stay lost?”
Know ye not that Christ is in you?
1 Corinthians 6:15-17 KJVS
[15] Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. [16] What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. [17] But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
I read once that there are three reasons people justify sexual sin:
It’s LEGAL
It’s NATURAL
It’s PERSONAL
I’m pretty sure that’s how most people in the church view any sin. If it’s okay with the world, it’s okay with God. And yet it’s the furthest thing from the truth. We’re not on this world’s morality scale. What the world thinks doesn’t mean one thing to God. But what God thinks better mean something to us.
I may finish up my Sunday School lesson tonight in the Teen Bible Study class, and I’ll be using my thoughts from today to finish it up. I want my kids to understand early on that the world’s opinions are messed up! Are we as perverted and immoral as the church of Corinth? Well, that depends on whose standards you’re looking at. We all better be praising God that we stand accountable for ourselves and not the actions of other people. But then again, I believe there will be a level of accountability for our role in the church we attend and what our leaderships view on sin was.
Accountability is not something the world has a grasp of when it comes to God. It’s only through reading and studying the scripture that you understand there are costs and rewards to our life on earth. And for certain the rewards far outweighs any earthly costs. But what about Heavenly costs? When we stand before God and answer for our life down here, and He places us in our Heavenly positions based upon how we served, and what we stood for? Hmmm. That’s a good thought for me today. Father… help me Lord to serve you better, love you better, understand you better. Amen.
So you think me a fool. That’s okay. It seems that I’m in good company.Â
That was my thought a few days ago when someone belabored my opinion and reaction of false religion. I bit my tongue, not wanting to create a scene and take away from the spiritual lesson I had hoped to achieve. For a second I questioned myself, which I think is good. It keeps you humble to understand that you yourself are not above mistakes. But like the Apostle Paul, I prayed my debater would tolerate what they considered my foolishness til I could further explain my reason of passion on the matter of false religion.
It wasn’t until the following day, when I held back tears in a store in town as I seen the evidence and damage of false religion in my own community. It made me nauseous, it made me angry, and if they’d have ask my opinion I’d have gladly told them, but they did not. I did not horn in on a conversation that I was not invited into, but rather once again bit my tongue. But I will not do that with those who have been laid to my charge to teach. I will encourage their zealousness for Christ, and gently correct their apathy toward false religion. And so began this brief study,
Bear with Me
The Apostle Paul speaks to the Corinthians when he says in 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 KJV:
[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. [2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
It is not in arrogance of wisdom that I get angry when someone defends the behavior of false religion. As I said previously, I have no great wisdom and education to boast of. Though I have some. But what I do have is the Spirit of God that causes me to understand Paul’s “godly jealousy.†I am not a jealous person by nature. I have always believed if I was not enough for someone, be it in a relationship or a friendship, then that person was free to move on, because in Christ I’m enough. It is because of His great love for me and ultimate sacrifice of His life for mine that I can defend the Christian faith and call out those who attempt to lead Christians astray, especially those young in the faith. I take my role as a teacher very serious. It is an absolute shame many who teach Sunday School or other church classes treat it with a lackadaisical attitude. As if what we do is somehow unimportant in the grand scope of life. I mean… “it’s just Sunday School.†Right?
Well, let me tell you a tale of “just Sunday School.†Prior to my salvation I was placed in the position of teaching youth Sunday School classes without ever the question, “are you saved.†I didn’t even know what salvation was. I had no concept of the Bible or the importance of the role I played in the eternal state of my students. So now, you’ll forgive me if I’m a tad jealous and zealous over the role I understand as life altering and the fact that I know I am a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth. Sunday School is serious business.
Fear with Me
[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Salvation is so simple. And yet… the depth of what happens to a soul that is saved is beyond what you could possibly understand when you say the words “I believe.†Satan loves to make it difficult. It’s why he’s so effective with false religion. And lest I be misunderstood about what I believe false religion is, I believe that false religion is anything or anyone that teaches salvation in anything or anyone other than the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ alone saves. “Not by works lest any man should boast†the scripture says. So tell me thou man of religion, what can you do to be saved? First of all, don’t be a man of religion, be a man of relationship.
What brought me to tears in town this week was a man that I stood behind in line at the pharmacy. I had been brought up in the same church he attended, I knew him and his wife and I loved them. Sweet, sweet people. My thought was “there will be lots of sweet people in Hell because someone dared not to offend them with the gospel.†There are fewer and fewer churches sharing the need of having a burden for the lost. Few churches preach conviction of sin and the power of the cross. I speak from the experience of having been in many churches across the nation, both physically and virtually. Are their churches my business? No. But when their churches have a profound effect on people I care about, that is my business.
Paul said he feared, lest by any means Satan would beguile (to charm or enchant) people as he did Eve. That’s a good description of what’s happening in many churches. They’re charming people with music and programs that attract people but do nothing to edify the soul with preaching and encourage believers to live right. The church of Corinth had issues, not the least of which were claims of spiritual superiority over one another, suing one another in public courts, abusing the communal meal, and sexual misbehavior. It was a community of wealth but Paul says in verse 8 of this chapter that he had “robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.†He was referring to the fact that many poor churches were supporting his mission work so that he could preach and try to correct the errors of the wealthy churches like that in Corinth. Paul called them out, he did not walk on by. He had too much invested in the people he cared about. And so do I.
I have felt fearful for many years that we, who were once known as a godly nation, would be the recipient of world missionaries coming to present the gospel to the godless nation of America. I could seriously see it happening now. Our current government is anti everything conservative, so where does all this fit in with false religion. It makes our people ripe for the picking because the nation is such a state of despair. There is no trust in the government, local or national. People are searching for a place to find hope, which would have once been the church, but now because of Corona, many churches are not open, or have limited services and outreach ministries have gone by the wayside for “virtual†meetings. Non- relationship meetings. Oh…. even writing it my stomach turns over. How can we be the hands and feet of Jesus from a phone or computer screen? We were created to be a relational people.
According to the Washington Post, even though suicide rates have fallen globally, they have climbed every year in the United States since 1999, increasing 35 percent in the past two decades. Another fear that I have is that these rates will continue to rise because hope is quarantined and not able to come out and play. But you better believe Satan and his minions have immunity and readily available to deceive people from where they are.
For many children Satan’s location of choice is in the public school system which has our children’s minds at their disposal from 8-3, and the parents are too busy and too tired from 4 to 9 to deal with them, so they’re left exposed to the internet on their own until the wee hours of the morning. In 2014 there were 4200 religions listed in the world; if Paul was “fearful†over what was happening in Corinth, imagine what fear he would have today at what his people are exposed to. Parents and children alike search the web for hope and for help and there is any number of organizations out there waiting for a way into their lives, and Satan will use them to manipulate them right into Hell.
Don’t Bear with Them
[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Paul was in fear that the people of Corinth would “listen too long.†Someone once said that if you say something long enough and loud enough the people will eventually believe it. I could add to that, if you start it early enough it will be a seed sown deep into the heart of a child. That’s why it’s so important to Satan to get his hooves in the door of a school house, and believe me, he has that door propped open wide.
While science was always his preferred route of invasion, calling Creationism into question; Satan has now used false religions to infiltrate the minds of youth by promoting that all beliefs are acceptable, but Christianity is too narrow minded and prejudiced to be considered. Unless of course it’s the Catholic religion, which is perfectly fine because Catholics are not encouraged to read their own bible, but rather have it read to them through their agents of God, the priest, who is their method of communication to God. It was this religion by a teacher who my grandson commented to in school. Unfortunately he knew just enough to be dangerous. But he spoke truth none the less. And it was likely my fuel that fired him up. For which I’ll not apologize.
Paul made no bones about the fact that he didn’t want the people of Corinth giving ear to people who preached another Jesus. Do the Catholics preach another Jesus? They preach that Jesus’ sacrifice alone wasn’t enough. They preach that the veil that was torn asunder on the day of the cross meant nothing for the “average man,†but only certain men could speak to God. They preach that a man has the power to forgive our sins. None of which is true, and is damnable doctrine.
So…. while I’ll not go on a hunt to try to correct people of Catholic religion, or any of the other 4200+ religions, if they come hunting for my people, or if their influence is felt in my community, I’ll not sit silent. Nor will I worry about offending them. I have family and friends who have been influenced by the false teaching of this world, or a more common issue, they’ve been influenced by churches who do not consider it their job to preach the gospel of conversion. If there is not change in the life of a person professing Christ, if sin doesn’t convict their soul, I dare say they’re not a child of God. But it is unfortunately not the teaching of many churches. I’m not judging. It is truly between them and the Almighty God for Whom I serve.
I am unapologetically a child of God, I am not about what’s over the door of a church. I am about what is within the pages of the Bible and that alone. But I am still, unapologetically Baptist, because it is the doctrine for which I agree with. What I teach the youth in my department is this. Know Christ. Know why you believe in Him. And when people call your faith into question, let it be unquestionable what you believe in because you and Jesus are that tight.
I am a woman of great compassion. I can be treated in the worst of ways and still pray for a person. Don’t nominate me for sainthood yet, I can also pray God kill them. Just saying. But for the most part, I pray that God save their souls and they become friends in the faith. I speak often and lay the blame at the feet of wonderful parents who raised us with kind hearted beliefs and in Christian faith. It is why I have honestly struggled throughout my life with the inability to have righteous anger and holy hostility. But I eventually got there. And the while the world tells me I must accept them, it’s simply not true; because under no circumstance will they accept me and would have me destroyed if it were within their scope of ability. And you as well, if you are a child of God. So here we are, stuck between the Rock and a hard place. The Rock, Jesus Christ Himself said: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” ~ Matthew 5:44 KJV
So what’s a girl to do. Hey, I told you I “prayed”… that God kill them. But all kidding aside. There is a non-contradictory plan in place for God’s children and the enemies of the cross. Apostle Paul dealt with it in Philippians 3:18-21:
[18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) [20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Paul said that he was telling them as he was weeping. Obviously even the great apostle Paul had compassion on them, even though before, when he was known as Paul, he showed no mercy as he killed Christians of the day. That’s what the heart of Christ will do to a person. It strengthens the power of your own mercy and grace toward others. Or at least it should. But back to the enemy.
The god of the Cyclops
That was the belly Paul referred to. Those people sacrificed to themselves indulging their own desires, making themselves voluptuous people and having more regard for that, rather than the service of God.
Tell me you can’t see that in our nation today. Food is such a massive part of our lives. People in third world countries couldn’t even possibly comprehend the waste of American food, not to mention the indulgence of American foods. Put me in the category of guilty. But at what point does the food become a god? I personally believe it can go in both directions of health. While our bodies are the temple of God and there is certainly an expectation by God to care for it (which I’m lousy at) I’ve also seen those who care a tad too much for their bodies. When it becomes far less about health and more about vanity. This will likely not ever be a problem for me. If I had my “perfect life of fitness,” it would be everything within moderation.
But how is this the enemy of the cross of Christ?
Anytime indulgences come between us and the Lord, it’s an enemy of the cross. The world is targeting us and bombarding us with media posts that draw our minds into vanity, or lusts of the heart and away from the good and wholesome things that God intended us to have. It’s apparent I’m not a health nut, but that doesn’t stop me from seeing my own failures in life. I have indulged in unhealthy foods that have taken my insulin level to a diabetic state. My health right now is not good, or is ability to do all the things I want to do for the Lord. This is a serious enemy of the cross, and I’ve allowed it to happen.
The gods of the Corinthians
From John Gill’s Commentary: Paul spoke of those whose glory was in their shame, in their evil practices committed in secret, of which it was a shame to speak; in their hidden things of dishonesty, crafty walking, and deceitful handling of the word of God, which were vile and scandalous, 2 Corinthians 4:2; in corrupting the Gospel, and the churches of Christ, with their false doctrine; in observing and urging the ceremonies of the law, which were dead, and ought to be buried; and particularly circumcision in the flesh, in that part of the body which causes shame, and in this was their glory, Galatians 6:13.
Anyone spouting false doctrine and taking away from the very sacrifice that Christ made so that all men might be saved is an enemy of the cross and of the greatest offense. Churches who put any works into the mix of salvation, organizations (such as lodges) who claim to have a high authority in the Kingdom and do “things in secret” which Christ never did, are enemies of the cross. I have never been real out spoken about the lodges and secret orders in our community, unless of course I was ask. But I will stand flat footed and eye to eye with anyone involved in them and say I fully believe they are of the devil. And if their honest, they’ll agree.
I had this conversation with an uncle once who informed me that the Bible laid perfectly even and honored on a table with the Quran and other religious books. What?! Was my response. My Bible lays even with no book. It is above all because it’s the word of God. That did it for me and the Masonic lodge, it was an enemy of the cross. There are no “secret orders of Christians.” Salvation is open to all. Wow… Not sure how I got there, but it’s truth none the less.
The god of Opinion
John Gill Commentary: (who mind earthly things.) the Arabic version renders it, “who entertain earthly opinions”; and some by, “earthly things” understand the ceremonies of the law, called the elements and rudiments of the world, which these false teachers were fond of.
Everyone has an opinion, but mans opinion has nothing to do with the word of God. As a matter of fact mans opinion can quickly become an enemy of the cross. When I said that I struggled with the inability to have righteous rage and holy hostility, it was true. Because I, like my kind hearted parents, would not offend people, even if we disagreed. My parents would tell you if you ask, but only then and never boldly. Maybe they never had cause. It was a different world when I grew up. But now… oh my stars… is this world bold and in your face and wrong! There are countless false doctrines being taught by churches, and then there are churches who teach absolutely nothing! But rather they have taken the blood and sacrifice out of the scripture and made it less likely to hurt anyone’s little feelings or make them feel bad about sin.
So I got bold. And now I speak out, because I have friends and family who are going to bust Hell wide open because they’re listening to man’s opinion and not the gospel of Christ as told by the Apostle Paul, loud and proud and unashamed. I’ll will not argue doctrine, I will simply repeat what God says and if you have a problem with it, take it up with Him. I’m not trying to be holy, I’m trying to keep the people I love out of hell
There are times that I have to take a break from all forms of media. It gets so overwhelming on my soul and leads me into a time of depression and frustration. But the problem with me is I shut down from everything. Including God. Add to that a life that is chaotic, ballgames, work woes, laundry piling up, dishes in the sink and the reality that I don’t have maid service, and I’ve dug myself quite a pit. So what’s a chick to do on a day like that? Get in God’s word and dig my way out!
One of the greatest culprits of my state of mind is the state of our Nation. I’m going to share some thoughts here that may rub some folks the wrong way, but as my old friend Doyle Ballengee used to say, “If that ruffled the cat’s fur, turn the cat around.†Oh he cracked me up! But our nation has gone mad. From the national to the local level; we’ve lost our ever lovin’ mind. And for those of us with an ounce of sense, (which comes from Heaven, nothing on our own) we know that the lies and hypocrisy are so deep they end in China. Which according to one of the youth in my teen class, if we dug our way to China the earth would whistle… total random thought. That too is where my mind is at right now.
But deep in the book of Isaiah, in a lesson for Israel, I found a lesson for me. There will come a day when God will shut up the lies and hypocrisy, but until then, just know
Truth Flows from Above
Isaiah 41:17-24 KJVS
[17] When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. [18] I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Rivers in high places? That’s kind of strange place to find a river isn’t it? But not for the children of God! Oh glory that thought makes me so happy. I’ve been feeling so dry and barren lately. This world just is just getting “hopeless-er.†I know… not a word. But when you look at the world from a human perspective, it’s worse than hopeless. What’s happening on a national level has made it’s way into the local level and the depth of it’s depravity has yet to be understood by most people. Sound dramatic? Our public schools have become a petri dish for the liberal left to test their theories of race, gender and misinformation on. And our “so called†educated people are the lab rats turned loose on our children by exposing them to anti-Christian rhetoric, sexual reorientation of elementary school children and panic porn medical officials creating fear in children and parents. Still sound like I’m being dramatic? It’s being taught at West Virginia University to their up and coming teachers on how to present the BLM curriculum. This image is a coloring page from it for elementary school. Is that close enough? And so, that is why my mind was in the low, dry place.
But God said He would make us rivers in the high place, not the valley. So get out of the valley Shari! God has heard my cry. Through His word He is pouring hope into this gal.
Wisdom is in the Fountains of the Deep
[19] I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: [20] That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.
A pine tree in the desert? Who but God could make that happen? I have to believe that in this spiritually dry and barren world we’re living in, it’s us who have been planted planted by rivers and fountains of life giving water that keep us sustained and give the lost hope, in a world that has gone absolutely mad. God has given us the ability to “Know, and consider, and understand together,†that we have the truth and He is providing us the wisdom to fight against this attack on the moral fibers that He has made us up of. “Together.†He planted a multitude of different trees in that dry land, and there is a multitude of churches planted on this earth. So long as their roots are grounded in the foundational truths of God, we can comfort this fearful people. I realize that I’m speaking in a lot of metaphors today, but it’s how the Lord spoke as well, so I’m going to run with it, hoping that it encourages your soul as it is mine.
Ignorance is in the minds of Men
[21] Produce your cause, saith the Lord ; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. [22] Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. [23] Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together. [24] Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.
I love it God calls someone out. I’m seldom brave enough to do it. I’ll speak my mind, but I generally leave stupid people to stupid ways. But not God! God tells them to put their money where their mouths are. If they believe their gods are so powerful, prove it. He did the same thing with Elijah and the Baal worshippers, Daniel in the Lion’s den, The three Hebrew boys, and now he tells these worshippers of the “little g†gods to prophesy in the name of their gods. They can’t. Nor can this tribe that’s on earth today that believe in nothing, give hope to a world looking for it. But we can. And that is why God has a remnant of us here to proclaim and prophesy that the Lord is returning. And when He does, they’ll have figured it out too late.
Satan is making yet another attempt to get at the children in our nation. The California Department of Education will soon vote on a new statewide ethnic studies curriculum that advocates for the “decolonization†of American society and elevates Aztec religious symbolism—all in the service of a left-wing political ideology. The new program, called the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, seeks to extend the Left’s cultural dominance of California’s public university system, 50 years in the making, to the state’s entire primary and secondary education system, which consists of 10,000 public schools serving a total of 6 million students.
In theoretical terms, the new ethnic studies curriculum is based on the “pedagogy of the oppressed,†developed by Marxist theoretician Paolo Freire, who argued that students must be educated about their oppression in order to attain “critical consciousness†and, consequently, develop the capacity to overthrow their oppressors.
What used to take ten years to make its way across the United States to West Virginia seems to take less than a year now.
The Black Lives Matters Curriculum that has made it’s way into West Virginia and every other state is going to mar our children’s minds in an unrepairable way if we don’t stop it. If you’d like to see more on the curriculum, follow this link.
Now is not the time to be lacks. Share this blog, share this information and make your voice known. In the words of King David, “Is there not a cause?â€
I knew a man of moderate wealth, not a millionaire but one of good means. I fully believe; and the proof was in his life that this man was given wisdom and opportunities because he returned the favor to God. He was born to nothing. His mother literally gave him away to his grandfather at the age of 5 to pay for a doctor bill that he had covered the cost of during his infancy when he had pneumonia. This is a true story. He and his Cherokee grandmother were the man’s slaves until he was grown and she was too old to be useful, at which time the grandfather had her placed in a mental institution. He grew up on beans and bread most every day, so he appreciated food and fellowship as an adult. He went to church, and as a teen was saved, and called into the ministry. He married and graduated from a bible college, and after working in the secular world he became the Pastor of one of the largest churches in Ohio. During that time, he invested any extra money he had into two places: future income for his family and God’s work. Both of which he prospered in. He gave 100’s of dollars away most every day. I was the beneficiary of his $100 ministry often. Most every time I seen him, he gave me money to make life easier, he knew I struggled. He knew because he took the time to get to know people, and when he did he acted on what he learned about them. Because of his kindness he is often a testimony in my life.
Think about the people in your life. Is there someone who has shown you that level of kindness, or someone who you have seen having issues with life? Was it something that you could have done something about? I have to wonder how many opportunities I pass by because I’m so doggone busy.
There was one such woman of generosity in scripture.
Positioned for Piety
It says in 2 Kings 4:8-37
[8] And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman;
From a commentary it says she was possibly a woman of great wealth and riches, of great benevolence and hospitality, and of great grace and piety; that feared sin, as the Targum paraphrases it; a woman of great credit and reputation on all accounts. The Jews say she was the sister of Abishag the Shunammite, and the mother of Iddo the prophet
Because she was of grate stature, and of such a wonderful mindset, scripture goes on to tell us that:
and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. [9] And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. [10] Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.
So she not only offered him a place to stay, but food to eat and created him a little hotel room in her home, just for him. She went to great length to make sure he was comfortable. She did so because she knew he was one of God’s men. That should be the mindset that we have over servants of God. We should want to go above and beyond the call of duty for them.
Positioned for Possibility
[11] And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. [12] And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. [13] And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
So I imagine that Elisha is just laying across the bed with his arms folded up thinking about how good this woman has been to him, and he wants to do something for her. He tells Gehazi his servant to call for her and ask her if he can speak to the King on her behalf. Perhaps giving her husband a position of authority. Or some other favor. But she was very satisfied where she was and didn’t want that favor, she politely declined.
[14] And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. [15] And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. [16] And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. [17] And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.
Obviously Gehazi had learned from Elisha. He had noticed that there was no children in the house, and perhaps seen evidence that this woman had truly desired to be a mother, but for what ever reason had never became pregnant. We see her desire when she tells Elisha not to even joke about it! But it’s not a joke. In their older years, it happens. What she had long given up on as even a possibility, God makes it happen and she is blessed with a son.
Positioned for Promise
Have you ever felt as though you’d been chosen by God for a certain purpose, but its either not happened, or not as you expected? Well, the Shunamite woman was experiencing just that in the time that followed. Great, great joy was felt over the son. But then tragedy struck, but she held on to the promise she had forgotten about.
[18] And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. [19] And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. [20] And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. [21] And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. [22] And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. [23] And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. [24] Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. [25] So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: [26] Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. [27] And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. [28] Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me? [29] Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. [30] And the mother of the child said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her. [31] And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked. [32] And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. [33] He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. [34] And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. [35] Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.[36] And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. [37] Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
She never stopped believing that God’s promise that she had long forgotten would be restored. She took the boy and laid him on the Prophets bed where she had gotten the promise, and where later Elisha restored the life back to her son.
But the struggle and the triumph doesn’t stop there! Can I tell you that life doesn’t always go as planned!
The Right Place at the Right Time
4 chapters later the story of the Shunamite woman continues.
Famine has come to the land and Elisha tells her that she’s going to have to leave the wonderful home she has created, and so she does. But when she does, the king takes possession of it! So now she has to go and ask for it back. But the day she does it just happens that Gehazi is there and the King wants to know what Elisha has been up to. Well it just happens that he can not only tell him, he can show him through the Shunamite woman’s testimony. This didn’t just happen. It put her in the right place at the right time for God to provide for her again.
Positioned for Provision
2 Kings 8:1-6 KJVS
[1] Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the Lord hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years. [2] And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. [3] And it came to pass at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. [4] And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. [5] And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. [6] And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.
She was not only given her home back, but a freezer full of meet and veggies! Okay… no frozen foods but plenty of goodness for which I have no doubt she once again began sharing. I know this was a lengthy blog. I’m usually at about 1000 words. Today at this point I’m at 2,174. But her testimony reminds me of the goodness of God throughout my life and God’s great provision. His word is so encouraging to my soul. I’ve been struggling for weeks to do His work, and today I feel like the Shunamite woman made me a bed and a loaf of bread and said, “rest here for a while. God’s got us covered.” Maybe you needed the rest too. Love ya! Mean it. Please share and encourage someone with God’s word!
