Author: talk2shari

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, testimony, Word of God

Why I Jumped Ship

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Read Psalm 55 and it reads like King David was living in Wisconsin, DC or Washington State. He was so frustrated that he was hated without cause. 

Psalm 55:2-3 KJV

[2] Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; [3] Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

My current focus has been on the rioting and trends of the United States. I can’t stop thinking about it. So as I read David’s words this morning I felt his angst. I personally am not persecuted and attacked like David or many, many others in our country right now. I’ve not experienced the personal loss of my home being vandalized, but that doesn’t stop the heartache in my life from seeing it happen to others. I lay my anxiety at the feet of Jesus, but I occasionally pick it back up just to make sure it still scares me. I know… crazy right? 

According to commentary, David penned this Psalm at the time of the betrayal of his son, Absalom, and Ahithophel’s council against him. It has also been interpreted as a type of Judas betraying Christ Jesus. Can we not see that in todays chaos. The betrayal of our Lord by our Nation (as a whole) is unbelievable. Anyone on the side of the Lord is considered by the left to be an enemy of the state. I want to scream “We’re the good guys!” We’re not destroying our nation, we’re praying for it. We’re not disrespecting authority, we’re wearing our stupid masks that I believe are a farce because we’ve been ordered to, and we’re trying our best not to go the wrong way down the Walmart aisle. Give me a break! 

By comparison to David’s trials of the day, it seems almost petty. But it’s not petty, people are dying. Not in Calhoun County, West Virginia, but in my country. We have a nation of brats out of control and they need judgement now.

David prays as much:

Psalm 55:9-11 KJV

[9] Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. [10] Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. [11] Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

When I see someone up in someone’s face, screaming BLM rhetoric to the top of their lungs, I’m tempted to pray as David did. “Kill’em Lord!” But that’s not a prayer for this era of time. We’re to pray for the lost. Lord, give me strength… I know I’m to offer grace, but deed it’s difficult.

I did something over the weekend that I’ve not spoken of a great deal. But this morning it seemed to line up with my current writing. I changed my voter registration. An an 18 year old I registered Democrat, my dad was a Democrat, however he was one with morals. In my county of 7500 (ish) people, the bulk of which are registered Democrat, there is seldom anyone on the Republican ticket to vote for. Many of my friends are on the Democratic ticket and I want to support them. But come the next primary election, that won’t be possible. And I’m not sad about it. My beliefs are the enemy of the Democratic Party (as a whole) and I wanted no part of it. Yes, there’s still some good people in it, I have family in it. But for me personally, I will not have my name attached to any organization that defies God. And they do.

For David it was much the same. His current enemy was people he had once been in church with: 

Psalm 55:12-14 KJV

[12] For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it : neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: [13] But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. [14] We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

How sad… and how very much 2020. 

I know that my friends are not the ones rioting in the streets or speaking out against God. But it is unfortunate that they are not standing up for Him either. They’ve not fallen in line with the leftest rebels, but they’ve scooted over from the right so far, you’d not know it. I worry about them. I love them. But I’ll not stand with them. There may not be one Republican on our local ballot, or maybe there will be… either way, I’ll not be affiliated with a party that stands for:

  • Abortion
  • Taking God out of the Pledge of Allegiance
  • Calls Murder, vandalism and tyranny a “non-violent protest.”
  • Refuses to call sin out
  • The removal of the 2nd Amendment
  • Calls for the defunding of police
  • Fails to support our troops
  • Indoctrinates public school children with BLM (Black Lives Matters) philosophy to include the destruction of the “family unit.” (Blaze special on this tonight with Glen Beck at 9 p.m.)

Yes, I know many of you that are democrats don’t believe in that… but that is the open and proud agenda of the National Democratic Party. And your name is on their roster. Like it or not, you’re listed among’em. I have no ill will toward you or lack of respect for you. But for me, I wanted no part of it. 

David’s conclusion is why I changed to the Republican Party. While I had originally determined I would file as an Independent, and I have no qualms with that; I determined I wanted to be apart of the committee that endorsed my President, Donald Trump. I wanted to stand beside him. 

In the latter verses of Psalm 55, David says this: 

Psalm 55:22 KJV

[22] Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

I’m by no means saying the Republicans are righteous. Oh, I know they have issues. In this fallen world, there’s nothing created by man that doesn’t have issues. But when it comes to the biblical principles, they’re far “more” right than the Dems. And the Dems have just about crossed over to demonism. If the Republicans move to the left, I’ll jump their ship too; but as far as my faith, my trust that the word of God is truth from Genesis to Revelation, that God has not changed His mind on any sin, on that I shall not be moved. Amen! God has no political affiliation. But He has standards, and He expects His people to stand on them. 

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Life Inspiration, Word of God, worship

Sounding the Sirens of the Antichrist

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There is much conversation in these current times about the antichrist. I guess there always has been. But for me, living in this time, and you, it is certainly more relevant. While there’s been much speculation on who the antichrist is or will be, I found it more interesting a topic this morning that John said there are many antichrists. Woah…. many? 

The title of antichrist is found only four times in the scripture. All four are in the little Johns, 1 and 2. And are not in the context of the way we think of the antichrist. At least not how I think of the antichrist. I think of the antichrist as the person who comes to deceive the world during the last and final years of earth. As Paul speaks about in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 KJV

[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Though not called “the antichrist” in that text, we see the man who will come to deceive the world in the last days. 

But John is speaking of antichrists of having been present in his day, and that they will be present in the future days, because the antichrist as John refers to it in these texts, are not so much a man, but a type of man; and I have no problem seeing his presence in modern times.

1 John 2:18-29 KJV

[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. [19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 

Antichrists in the church

John warns that we’d know them because they went out of the church and made it known that they were not all of us. This is heartbreaking to me, because I’ve known them, some of them I’ve met after they’d left a church and now deny that God is God. They fool people for a while, playing church, but then their true colors are manifest, made known, that they did not truly know the Lord as their Savior. I don’t believe this speaks of people who are in and out of church, saying their saved, but are not. I believe these that John speaks of comes into the church with an agenda, even if they’re not aware of it. People who Satan uses to draw people away from God by worldly deception. There are those that fall away from the church and then there are those that are drawn away into a dangerous territory. They’re often put into a position of power where they can garner a great following and in so doing draw people to them. I won’t say the names that are inside of my head, maybe you have some too, but there are self proclaimed evangelists that draw people out of the local church and into a cyber church where they are feeding the leaders with high dollar salaries and false promises. They preach Christ, but they have a spirit of antichrist. When I think of the almost worshipful allegiance their followers have, its not hard to see how the Antichrist who comes in the end could use them as little shepherds of his evil. And everyone that followed them, would fall right in line to following the antichrist. 

Scary times…

Christ in Us!

[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. [21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

How awesome to have the Spirit of Christ living within the heart of a child of God. It is that Spirit that will protect us from falling under the trap and guile of the greatest deceiver of all times, Satan. But just as Satan positions himself for deception, we must position ourself for reception. In the local church to receive the edification of the word of God that will keep us in check agains the wiles of the Devil. 

As Gloria and I traveled the roads yesterday, we spoke as usual about our beloved Victory Baptist Church and how much the people of that church mean to us. The people are our brothers and sisters in Christ, but Christ and His teaching through the Pastoral leadership are why we’re there.  We have both been in places in our lives that were away from God, so when we found where the Spirit abounds and grows, we’re not leaving. But many have…

I used to get very upset when people would leave. Until I began to notice that sometimes (not always) but sometimes God opened the door. The people were sewing division, or false teaching, or other things that would confuse new believers. So God moved them out! 

But what scares me now is that we have many people out of the church because of COVID19 and I’m not sure of where they’re getting fed, and what (if anything) they’re eating. While ours and many other good churches are on line, the internet is not always cooperative. And while online is better than nothing, its not the same as fellowshipping with believers and hearing the word of God uninterrupted. 

I understand the fear in the hearts of the people who have underlying health conditions that put them at risk. You have to do what’s right for you. But please guard your heart from believing every word that spoken to the church about the disease. I have a feeling they’re are some antichrists in the medical industry. And I feel it’s my task today to sound the siren on false teaching in and out of the church.

Posted in Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

The DNC ain’t the Boss of Me

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This morning I awoke to bits and piece of the Democratic National Convention being covered and shared by Fox and Blaze News. While I’m fully aware that their perspective will be on the conservative side and not in favor of Democrats (nor is mine), that fact didn’t undo what the Democratic Party said. It was slanderous and negative as always, bold face lies and shockingly an attempt to be patriotic, although we know them to be anything but. The icing on the cake was when they had the brother of George Floyd as a guest speaker as if Floyd was a national hero. He was a felon. He did not deserve the treatment he received but he was not a hero or a martyr. Unless drug abuse and robbery is your cause, then perhaps he could be called a martyr. 

While politics are always dirty, the fact that they spent such effort focusing on the negative of the republicans, rather than anything positive on their side, leads me to believe they have nothing to bring to the table. It also causes me to hope that the republicans will focus on the positive and not on tearing apart the man with no mind, and the woman with no morals who are running on the leftist losers. State the facts and move on. Tell me what you have for our country, and tell me how you love it. I need to know somebody in this country has pride in our nation and they’re willing to fight for it. 

I guess Asaph the writer of Psalm 73 felt much the same. 

Discouragement produces Depression

Psalm 73:1-28 KJV

[1] Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. [2] But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. [3] For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. [5] They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. [6] Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. [7] Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. [8] They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. [9] They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. [10] Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. [11] And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? [12] Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. [13] Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. [14] For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. [15] If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. [16] When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

Asaph acknowledges that God has been good to Israel. Has God not been good to America? And yet, when Asaph said his feet had well nigh slipped, I get it. The fueling of division, the spewing of hatred and lies, and the justification of violence and the anti God attitude is more than my heart can withstand. I love my country, but I do not like what it has become. I want no part of any of this nonsense. I’m glad I’m not God. I would have already cleaned the swamp with a call to the principalities of the air to wipe the smile off their face and their soul from the earth. And that’s wicked I know, but I just told you my feet have well nigh slipped. 

Encouragement produces Enlightenment

 [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. [18] Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. [19] How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. [20] As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. [21] Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. [22] So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. [23] Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. [24] Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. [26] My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. [27] For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. [28] But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Please join with me to take Asaph’s words to heart. Pray for the left and leave them to God. He is far better at cleaning the swamp than we are. Regardless of their ignorance and arrogance, we win in the end. They cannot have our victory for it was paid for by the blood of Christ. They can deny God, despise the truth and defend the wicked. But those decisions will lead to destruction. We on the other hand can “declare His works” and do our part, knowing that our end is Glorious!

Amen! 

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Uncategorized

The Measure & the Mockers of God

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 John, the writer of the little Johns, was one of the original 12 Disciples,  having witnessed, walked and withstood the trials of faith in ways I cannot imagine and because of that his words bear weight with me. As does every other word in the scripture being divinely inspired by God Himself and surviving all these centuries with the evil that would have loved to have snuffed it out. While I have felt the Holy Spirit rise up within me, I have never physically touched the Lord, yet I know I am “one who Jesus loves.” I did not sit with Him at the last supper and lay my head on His chest, nor see Him perform miracles in person, but I’ve witnessed it through the Holy Spirit in the lives of people I’ve seen Him work in and through, including myself being a first hand witness of that fact. 

This morning I begin a study for myself of the little Johns. I need focus, so here it is I’ve decided. 

This letter was written between 85-90 A.D., before John was exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. Jerusalem had been destroyed and Christians were scattered with a declining commitment according to commentary. John’s goal was to encourage the believers to stand strong and true even in the face of extreme persecution and the inability to gather publicly. Hmmm…  sounds vaguely familiar to our modern day issues. Although I won’t say that persecution is the reason for the churches decline. More aptly the reason would be non committed saints, or people who call themselves saints, but they ain’t. 

The Manifestation of God

1 John 1:1-10 KJV

[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; [2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 

How absolutely awesome is it to know God?! He Who was “from the beginning.” I don’t think the church as a whole, or most of us individually have any concept of how great that is. I talk a good game, and yet, I forget. Until I read a text like this and then I am reminded, “Oh yeah, God spoke the world outside my window into existence. What! I’m pleased as punch when I create art that remotely looks like it’s supposed to, but God created the originals from nothing. 

Woah…

And then He created mankind to live in this world, and among us He placed

The Ministers of God

Folks like John. And folks like me (unworthy as I am) to share the gospel and remind us all that in this wicked, sin filled world, God has given us joy!

[3] That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. [4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 

John is reminding us that God created us for each other and that in that fellowship with God and each other, it is there that our joy would be full! 

Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights can’t come soon enough for me. I need my people. Those who are absent because of the virus have no idea how very much they are missed. I’m always running around like a chicken 🐓 with my head cut off, and I fail to let them know. My heart aches as I go down the list of people missing from their normal seat in the church. I’m still there, left side, front row, center isle chair. That’s my spot and it has been for 24 years. But the friends behind me are not. And the friends to the right of me across the isle are not. And so today I write to my friends who read this blog and are not in their seats to say, “I miss you. I love you.” I’m hoping that they’re joy may be full in that wisdom. 

The Measure and the Mockers of God

[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

The friends that I speak of know the measure of God. I’ve witnessed the light in their lives. They too have been ministers of the gospel, but for now they’re sidelined and it’s breaking their hearts and mine. The measure of child of God is how brightly the Light of Christ shines in their life. It’s not that they’re perfect; as John said if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. But there is evidence that the cracked vessel for which their soul resides has the Light of God beaming out of it. I’ve witnessed it, they’ve encouraged my soul many times!

And then there are the mockers. Those who walk in darkness pretending to have the Light, but their light is a dim bulb of deception. What’s so very sad about it is they not only deceive themselves into thinking they’re saved, but they deceive the lost into thinking that’s what salvation is. We will all stand accountable before God for what we’ve done in His name. And there will be those who hear “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

So the question for us all today is “What is the Measure of God in us?” If someone were to pour out of us all the God that is evidenced through our lives would it fill a thimble? A cup? A book? Would to God that when I get to Heaven He will show me the pages that the testimony of my faith has been written on. I pray the same is true for you. War on Christian Soldiers! I love you, but more importantly God loves you and He see you where you are.

Posted in Church attendance, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration

There’s a Cause for this Curse

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It’s my birthday and I’ll rant if I want to. We’re in the sixth month of the COVID19 crisis, and it is a crisis, but the crisis has nothing to do with the virus. Although the virus is very real, and very sad for a great many people. But what I have on my heart today is not the loss of life, but rather the loss of living. I haven’t taught Sunday School in 6 months, and while that may not seem important in the scope of things, its important to me. I had three teens who have graduated high school and gone out into the world, and this world is a wicked place right now, and getting more and more wicked by the day. 

So yesterday I’m listening to the news and heard a report of a teacher in the public school system (not in our state) but that’s irrelevant, the fact that it’s in our country terrifies me. The teacher was upset because the virtual schooling that they were going to have to do would 

“Unfortunately” allow parents to hear them teach, and allow parents to know what they were indoctrinating their children with. And it wasn’t good. While we know that the world embraces homosexuality and other lifestyles contrary to the Bible, that’s only the tip of the iceberg with what our children are being told is acceptable, and what ideology is not acceptable, which happens to be bible principles. How do I know this… because I’m watching it lived out on social media by people that I’ve known to be brought up in godly homes. And I’ve watched as that teaching was sucked out of their brains and replaced by liberalistic jargon that’s meant to divide them from the life they were meant to live in Christ Jesus. Oh my heart breaks! 

So for now, the government is telling me that I can’t teach Sunday School because we’re in too close of quarters, but the liberal media is in their face every day exposing them to far worse than a virus. Oh yeah… I’m on a rant. But I need to speak it and speak it loud. GUARD YOUR CHILDREN!

I heard Glen Beck of BlazeTV yesterday speak of his children going to secular college. He informed them that he’d fund their way, until the ideology of the world  took over their thought process and they’re values changed from what they were raised to believe and then his funding stopped and they would be withdrawn. God bless him! Now, I realize that that’s not always possible. But it’s why the foundation of our children is so important and right now it’s being threatened by the closing of society. Not that I am the all in all of a child’s choices in life for which I reach for 45 minutes on Sunday morning. But we need every opportunity to speak the gospel into our children. And if your children are not in church, you are missing out on giving them the survival skills for this world. They need it. We all need it.

Galatians 5:2-9 KJV

[2] Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. [3] For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. [4] Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Real Church isn’t Religion

It’s relationship. When Paul told the Galatians that their circumcision would profit them nothing, he spoke of an Old Testament law that was done away with through the grace of Jesus Christ. Nothing that man physically does can gain the forgiveness of God. That comes only from the acceptance that Christ’s death on the cross paid the final price for all. If they were trying to do a work for their salvation then they were saying that the death of Christ was of none effect. God forbid! But that’s what the world is teaching our children today. That the Bible is an antiquated book that does not apply in the world for which we live in. 

Real Church isn’t Our Righteousness it’s His Righteousness

[5] For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

We live in a fallen world. If you don’t believe me, turn on the news. We’re a mess! Even the saved are a mess. Less of a mess than the lost, but still a mess. If you can make it through the day without an evil thought you are so much better than I. I don’t know that I can make it 15 minutes. It’s why I’m not shocked that our youth fall into the trap that Satan lays when they buy into socialism, liberalism, pantheism and all the other isms out there. They are inundated with it from kindergarten. 

Am I advocating home school? No, I realize that that is not always a possibility, and with some parents, not even a good idea. What I’m recommending is if you have children in your life, speak Jesus!

Deuteronomy 11:19-20 KJV

[19] And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. [20] And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

Yesterday as I traveled the mile and 1/2 to and from the middle high school with my grandson Luke for football practice, we talked about the second coming of Jesus Christ. The importance of having a relationship with Christ. The fact that none of us, even children are promised tomorrow. Yes, it was a short drive, but I packed a much Jesus as I could into the conversation because I knew that as he begins his journey into public school reopening, the greater influence on his life is not going to be me. Speaking Jesus to our kids is teaching them that our faith proves they are loved. Who but God would die for us?

Real Church is the Rejection of Rebellion

[7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? [8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. [9] A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

The world right now is encouraging rebellion on every front. When I read “who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” I could very well put names to it across society. I’ve seen great teachers in the public schools and I’ve seen wicked ones as well, I see political leaders right now embracing the notion that vandalism, heretic behaviors, anti-American and anti-God beliefs are not only the rights of people in our nation but encouraged. When I say I have evil thoughts, part of them are wanting to slap the face off a few politicians. Now I know that’s not godly and not what Jesus would do. But I struggle when I see the cause and effect on children.

Proverbs 26:2 reads

As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

We will reap what we sow. There is a cause for this current curse our nation is facing.  And if we allow our children to be infused with the evil ideas of the society we’re living in, and we do not at least try to fill them with as much gospel as we can, we’re failing our nation and we’re failing our God. 

Okay, I’m done ranting for now. Happy Birthday to me 😀


Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, worship

Where’s Your Faith?

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Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.

I make no profession of having all things “faith” figured out. As a matter of fact there are days when my level of faith makes me feel like an absolute babe in salvation. And then this morning as I’m sitting here with the door open, listening to creation outside with an almost zoo atmosphere going on inside the house with critters, I watch as they each just do what they do without regard for the other and I thank God that most of the world is at least a step above that. Or are we? 

This week we’re grand kitten sittin’ my daughter Whitney’s cat. Her name is Gypsy, and while she came from a litter our cat Callie gave birth to, she’s not the least bit thankful for the momma who gave her life. Or for the fact that her very food depends upon my provision of it. This is not her house, yet she has decided that she is the boss. And the normal boss, Who is Izadora the Chihuahua has relented to allowing it. Gypsy stays guard in the kitchen over the food bowl, and doesn’t allow anyone else to eat. So each of the critters wait, until she is elsewhere and then takes their turn. This seems oddly similar to the current news cycle. 

Those who once believed that they were given authority by the God of Creation have suddenly given way to non-believing, American hating, liberal thugs that have moved in and said, “we’re the boss of you.” And spineless leaders have said, “Okay, we’ll stand back here ‘til you’re done.” 

What? Where’s your faith?

These are the same leaders that when they were running for election, said they were “Christian” leaders. We voted for them on that stance. Well, someone did. And then there’s the American people, who are watching in bewilderment that this is happening and have no idea what we’re to do to make the madness stop. This is where Sunday morning comes into play, and why it’s been so important for the liberals to stop church attendance by controlling how many, if any can attend. A fundamental right of the American people and we’re standing back and saying, “Okay, we’ll wait until it’s our turn to live our life again.” No. That’s not at all how that should work!

I could step outside my door right now and scream to the top of my voice “shut up creation!!!!!”  And guess what… they wouldn’t. It’s who they are created to be, and I can’t stop them. Hello? Are you hearing what I am this morning? God is saying, “I created you to praise, they can’t stop you. Where is your faith?”

Luke 8:25 KJV

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

I have a confession to make. I have been judging some folks. Not folks that are protecting themselves from illness because of underlying health circumstances. I get it. But what about those who go shopping, who go to the beach for cryin’ out loud, but avoid church because of the virus. This doesn’t have anything to do with faith, this is flat out inadmissible into the court of Jesus excuses. Am I saying I’m Jesus. Heavens to Betsy no. But I’m saying that I don’t buy for two seconds that Jesus buys your excuse. 

You’re refusing to do what’s God created you to do.

I have some friends that are truly “stuck” at home. It breaks my heart because they would rather be in church than anywhere in the world. They are faithful to watch on line, they study the word of God on their own, they read this silly blog, and they love God and He knows! But what about the rest of the world, who tomorrow morning will sit at home and say it is because of the virus, when that it is because they’ve bought the leftist lies. 

I found this verse this week that kind of cracked me up. 

Ecclesiastes 10:2 KJV

A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.

Speaks volumes to me, how about you? Now I know why I’m not siding with the left. 

Today’s post may or may not have been a rant. But tomorrow is Sunday. And I need my people. I miss them. But whether or not they care if I miss them is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, God misses them. 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Eternity, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, Purpose, Uncategorized

Don’t Flip Your Lid for just Anyone

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on Don’t Flip Your Lid for just Anyone

To be honest with you, I don’t feel much like a dispenser of the gospel this week. I’ve struggled spiritually, as is usually the case coming off tent meeting. I get exhausted from full days of rising early, working all day, late nights in the tent and topped off with the joy of house housework and laundry. Which I truly am grateful for the ability to do, but it frankly just wears me out. Add to that mix, six beautiful grand babies that I adore, and who adore me (and my high speed internet) and I’m ready for a nap before the day gets started. 

Now that I have you feeling sorry for me, let me add a little more truth to the mix about the fleshly side of Shari that loves BlazeTV and social media. Those two things require little to no effort on my part so I can just allow them to consume my mind and take me on all kinds of trips around the world. So… time that I could be putting into the study of the word of God is spent catching up on the  commentary of todays news and  what’s happening in Natties world on Instagram, who I have a love hate relationship with because she’s a sinner like me. Except she says bad words out loud and I just occasionally say them inside my head, and talks about things she shouldn’t and calls her self a child of God pretty regularly just after she justifies her behavior. She and I are both train wrecks. I think that’s why I love her and why I have a burden for her. 

From Sunday night’s sermon with brother Paul Lucas I got many thoughts to think on, but the crazy one that stuck is the Pez dispenser. Every day this week that thought has been here inside my head, making me smile and waiting for me to write about it. And so today is the day. 

I’m pretty sure my head on a Pez dispenser would not be a marketable product, but I’m telling you, in Heaven it’s priceless! Just as it is with any other minister of the gospel of Christ. Can you imagine what a hot ticket item it would with the Apostle Paul. It makes me wonder if they have trading cards in Heaven? Would there be a card game like “Old Maid”, but rather with an “Ol’ Satan” card that if you got stuck with him you lost he game? I know, I know… weird thoughts, right? Welcome to my world. But in this crazy world we live in, dispensing the gospel is a lot like marketing. Except, I don’t have sell it, the Holy Spirit does that work. All I have to do is be the vessel that presents it and then let the Holy Spirit take over with the power of conviction. But just like marketing in todays world, there needs to be some testimony about what that “Product” has mean to you and your life. 

The text today is  Colossians 1:23-29 KJV

[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; [24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: [25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 

So there it is! The Pez scripture. Let’s break it down into a marketing strategy as suggested in Local Client Takeover: Mastermind and Coaching Experience Exclusive page:

An Established Company

Who but the church can say they’ve been established from before Creation? What does that say about Product reliability. Who doesn’t want something that was, and is and will be. Nothing on this earth can tout that success. But we who have been saved by the glorious gospel of Christ know that before we were in the womb, God knew us (Jeremiah 1:5) And that where we are God is, and He is a “very present help in trouble”. (Psalm 46:1b) Nobody else’s God can send a legion of angels to rescue us, and most assuredly none of them promise us forever! 

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

Wowzer, I just wrote myself happy again. 

That wisdom is an easy speak. Who doesn’t love sharing good news? That’s marketing at its finest and we are part of the a company, “the church,” that’s been an established part of God’s plan from the beginning of time. 

An Enduring Company

Most successful businesses didn’t rise to the top without some struggles along the way. And those who were willing to endure the heartache did so for the payoff in the end. Is Heaven any different? I had to do some studying on verse 24. It just didn’t read in a way that obvious as to what it meant. 

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

After mentioning his ministry of the gospel, Paul goes on to include more details about what that ministry involves which is suffering, and that suffering is for the people of the church, so that they can see God glorified in his ministry.

I don’t know of anyone in my life that hasn’t had some sufferings at times. But the question is, what eternal purpose did that suffering fulfill? My sufferings have all been with purpose. When I struggled in marriage as a young person, it had purpose to tell others of God’s victory in my life to begin praying for my husband and seeing those prayers answered. When I faced the heart attack and open heart surgery, it was for God’s glory that I faced death with peace.  When I fail God, and humbly come before Him and He restores my relationship with Him in this broken world, that is a testimony to those who long to be loved. My struggles pale in comparison to Paul’s but I’m not Paul. I’m Shari, the Jesus Chick, and this was God’s plan for me. 

The world needs to see us endure!

And Enlightened Company

How wonderful it is to have the wisdom of Almighty God within us! 

[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: [29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Anyone with an ounce of sense should want what we have, but there’s a few reasons they don’t. The first is the same reason I struggle with being faithful to study the word of God: because the world captures my attention. I’m somewhat in shock at the condition of this world at this present time. I truly didn’t see it happening so quick, even thought the Lord warned, and warned, and I read, and read, but didn’t take heed that it would happen. It never became any clearer to me than when I read a school teachers comment the other day when someone posed the question “Who would vote for a man with Alzheimer’s just to get rid of Trump.” And this school teacher proudly proclaimed. “I would!” My stomach rolled. This mindset is what’s teaching our children. Oh…. my… stars…. 

While this teacher has told me before that they are saved, I’m hard pressed (not to judge) but to be concerned that they’re deceived. While Trump isn’t an overwhelming example of Christianity… he is still placed into power by God and has done so much that is good. And has been attacked from every side by evil. Which makes me believe even more he is a vessel being used of God. 

While I detest politics, I can’t allow myself to ignore it. Because it is a tool of Satan to distract and discourage this world and to draw the people into Hell like the pied piper while they just blindly follow along. But those of us who are saved have the Spirit guiding us so that we are “enlightened” by the wisdom of Almighty God! What an amazing thing. And what an amazing thought to think we’ll be held accountable for what we do with that wisdom and how we handle it. Paul said that he was making perfect people. We know there is none perfect but God, but we who know Him as Lord and Savior will stand before Him perfect one day. And that happened because someone enlightened us about the gospel and what it meant to be saved. 

So how about you? Do you have your real estate laid up in Heaven? Are you sending out invitations to others so they can be apart of the family? If you’re saved, that’s your job. Dispense the gospel!!!!! Don’t flip your lid for the world, flip it for Christ! 

Posted in Evangelism, Faith, Fear, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Purpose, salvation

A Certain Place of Rest for Stupid Sheep

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on A Certain Place of Rest for Stupid Sheep

I for certain need rest. I never realize that anymore than I do during tent meeting week. I wish I was spiritually prepared going into the week. But that has seldom, if ever, been the case. I’m always worn out. Physically, spiritually and emotionally. Which may say more about the condition of my heart than I like to admit. But as I awoke this morning and went straight to the kitchen, started my coffee, unloaded the dishwasher, cleaned the counters, bagged the garbage and then back to make the bed, I realized that I already needed rest and the day hadn’t even reached 6 a.m. yet. Welcome to the world of the Jesus Chick. It’s so glamorous! 😄 

So I went in on my freshly made made, piled up the pillows, climbed in the middle and got out the word of God. 

Ahhhh rest.

Oh Lord Jesus, I love how you speak rest to my weary soul…

THE BEGINNING OF THAT PLACE

Hebrews 4

[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. [2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. [3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. [4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 

That “certain place” was in the book of Genesis. At the beginning, the foundation of the world; when God created it and then sat down and enjoyed it. I do that usually after I create something too, be it art, writing, music… I sit back and rest in what the Lord has done through me. Because for certain without Him, nothing could happen. Although God really didn’t need the rest, because He is God; imagine Him seeing the earth in its purest, undefiled form of beauty. No wonder He just rested on that seventh day and took it in! And in this place again He says we shall enter into His rest. 

There are days that I’m ready. Lord take me home! And then I think of what’s left undone, and my heart goes into overdrive, because I realize that there isn’t much time left. And there are many who do not understand, because they have no faith. They’re not going to enter in to that final rest with me. And it breaks my heart. When God created the earth in the beginning, He knew there would be a day when He and the people He created would rest in that place. But not all and not until it would be recreated in the final days. The ones we’re heading into. 

[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. [6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: [7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. [8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 

God spoke through King David on a “certain day.” One of my favorite people, and someone I have a hard time wrapping my mind around meeting. In that future rest, I’ll meet the man that penned those words in Psalm 95 when he wrote:

THE MIDDLE OF THAT PLACE

Psalm 95:7-11 KJV

[7] For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, [8] Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: [9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. [10] Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: [11] Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

Those are the days that I fear for my people. The ones who have yet to come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. They’ll never know true rest if not for Him. I know this as a fact, because I have experienced it and God has given me opportunity to share it. But times have not changed so much since the day the scripture was written, because the people are still hardening their hearts. Refusing to accept the price paid for the rest, or the purpose He has in our creation. We are His sheep. Stupid sheep. Who will stray off the path away from the Shepherd in a heart beat because of the distractions of this world. 

We are in the middle of that place. Somewhere between creation and eternity, wandering around. We have purpose, but deed, I struggle with living in it. It’s why I’m always tired. Even though God has given me a spiritual rest through His Holy Spirit, I still refuse to get into that certain place, until I collapse in it like this morning. And I’m reading God’s word in awe. Perhaps it’s not even making any sense to you, but for me I see God’s purpose in the writer of Hebrews, and David and myself (not that I compare to them) but the fact that God chooses to use me in the middle of this place. For He is God and we are His people! Oh my ✨ stars, how awesome that is. I don’t want to aggravate God like the children of Israel did, but I feel like I too have done my share of wandering. 

Stupid Sheep.

Back to Hebrews:

THAT PLACE

I know I’m only unpacking a smidge of this scripture. There is so much in here. But its like the cheesecake I’m having for breakfast, too much of it’s goodness is overwhelming. So I only eat a slice… or two. 😋 Which, if I don’t quit, is going to get me to “that” place sooner than later. And I really have more to do!

[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. [10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. [11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. [12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. [14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

What would Jesus do? Well, He wouldn’t have ate the second piece of cheesecake. 🍰 Or would He? It’s irrelevant in the scope of eternity, but not so much in the place we’re in. What is relevant is this word for me this morning… His word indeed pierced my soul and He discerned my thoughts and intents. He knew I was tired, overwhelmed and in need of rest. That is why He is in Heaven, my High Priest, Who has been where I am, but He didn’t eat the cake. He is without sin. Praise God, I can come boldly to the throne of grace and get the help I need for such a times as this. In this world with a whole lot of other stupid sheep. I am not alone. 

Posted in Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Fear

God is not Random

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on God is not Random

In my lifetime, and likely yours too there has never been such an ever changing time. Minute to minute the news updates with the latest news, the latest the trend, the latest and the greatest of everything, and many in the world are riding that rollercoaster of information with their sanity hanging on the hinges of the next open door. I’m forever grateful that God created the fabric of who I am, which is to live in the moment. Now, if I’m honest that same character trait gets me into trouble, because by living int he moment I often times don’t plan for the coming days, months, years. That’s a very abbreviated version of my messed up life. But unlike this changing world, God is not random. 

In the first chapter of the book of James we find this word that I’m clinging too this morning:

James 1:17 KJV

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

No variableness… no changing. Nothing just happens. 

The Pastor last night introduced me to a new word. “Plandemic.” Does that not crack you up? Maybe your sense of humor isn’t as warped as mine. But this pandemic that we’re going through is an irritation to me. The virus is real, and so is the panic surrounding it. But I have believed from the beginning that the current leftist, anarchy against capitalism, are capitalizing on America’s paranoia and our nation has fallen into the rabbit hole of some kind of wonderland. Where is people’s logic? 

God’s Wisdom is not Random

There is nothing that He does not know.

James 1:5 KJV

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Call me crazy. But I just believe God will tell me what I need to know.  Because of the fallen world in which I live, I certainly don’t always get it right, but when I ask, listen and follow His guidance I do. The problem has always been, I ask, listen, and then ask myself, and take my own advice. That is what gets me into trouble!  Scripture says that if I ask God, He’ll give me wisdom liberally. That doesn’t mean God is a liberal democrat… Hahaha, I cracked myself up. Liberally means “generously.” All the wisdom I need is mine for the asking. At least all my pea brain can handle. And he’s not going to upbraid, (scold) me for asking. I am free in Christ Jesus to approach the throne and speak to the Lord and Creator of the universe. And so I do. And He points me to the words this morning in this ever changing world. 

God’s Promises are not Random

God gave promises to the nation of Israel, and He gives promises to the Gentile nations, which is the world we live in in America. (Not America only, but anyone other than Israel) We may be one nation under God, but we are not God’s chosen nation. He has allowed us to belong. We weren’t stray cats that showed up on His door step that He allowed to stay. We, those of us who accept His Son Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross receive the promise of eternal life as well as many others because God had a plan before He ever spoke this world into existence.

James 1:12 KJV

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

My theory, and it is seriously my own, is that God created man to prove to Satan there are those who regardless of life’s circumstance, will choose Him over this world. Pastor also touched on this last night when he said that God created man, a creature He could enter into and redeem. He did so after part of His own angelic nation walked out on Him and followed after Satan’s rebellion. God knew it all and planned it all. Nothing just happens. Unlike the promises of man, God’s promises in the word of God will, beyond a shadow of a doubt come to fruition. And that included the destruction of this world.

God’s Goodness is not Random

Now back to the key verse of today, James 1:17 KJV

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

There is much in life I make no claims of understanding. One such thing is why God doesn’t just kill some people outright and rid the earth of their evil. Oh, yeah…. if that’s how God worked, I’d have likely been gone long ago. I’m sometimes shocked of the evil thoughts that can come into my mind. Praise God for grace and mercy. It didn’t catch Him off guard that I have evil in me, but because of my decision to accept His Son’s payment for my wickedness, God has chosen to have mercy on me, and give me many “good gifts” because of that. Gifts to be used for His purpose and glory. It wasn’t random, He specifically chose me to be the Jesus Chick. This is my ministry, given by God for His glory and to further the gospel.

So why does the evil seem to prosper as well? Satan is an imitation of everything God is for real. Satan too has power in this world to give seemingly good things to bad people. Those good things are many times their undoing. They feel they have no need of God when their barns are full.  But God gave that warning in Luke 12:18-20 KJV in a conversation with a rich man:

[18] And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. [20] But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Many are lulled by their gifts into thinking judgment day will never come. But it will. And those who God has chosen to redeem: those born again believers by the blood of Jesus Christ, will receive the goodness of God by being removed from this world before it’s destroyed. 

That is why I can live in the moment. Because in the moment in the twinkling of an eye, I can be standing in the presence of God and this wicked earth will be in its final days.

1 Corinthians 15:52 KJV

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

How about you? Are you ready? If not check out this page and then let me know! I love to rejoice in a new brother or sister in Christ.

Posted in Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, Uncategorized, Word of God

Is Christ Divided?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on Is Christ Divided?

Woah. That’s quite a question. And it certainly deserves an answer.

I was at a family event this week, when the topic of politics came up. Dangerous ground for any family at this time. While my immediate blood line is non-confrontational, I was raised by very passive parents, so I and my siblings have been somewhat the same, although it seems that we did learn to express ourselves a little louder. Add to us an expanding family of in-laws and children and another dynamic was added into the mix. Now a conversation can get much louder and much more passionate than that of my childhood. But we have still managed to keep the peace. A fact that I don’t take for granted. I see so many families divided by multiple reasons and the worst of it is the family of God. My family has agreed to disagree, but mostly we avoid talk about politics at the dinner table. 

But a problem is, I was born to talk. And so God gave me a blog. Else my head would explode. It’s here I air my feelings and share my thoughts because I pay for the page. So my family is not the boss of the me. 😀 I said that in humor, but what is not funny is the world for which we currently live where we cannot share our thoughts aloud in most venues for fear of an outright war. And many of those warriors are from the church and I’m not sure Jesus is any where in the battle because of the question I found in 1 Corinthians 1:

“Is Christ Divided?” 

Paul asks that question of the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 KJV

[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. [12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. [13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Their divisions were over who was lead to Christ by who, or baptized by who. Ours are not near so spiritual. And our founding father of these United States were wise enough to see that when they placed a separation of church and state in the constitution. Not to keep Christ out of government but to rather keep politics out of the church. Government and politics are not the same thing. We have one Government. The government of the United States. We have many forms of politics for which everyone has a right to believe. But when it come to the church, politics should never enter in. Whether you are democrat, republican, independent, from a blue state or a red state, the scripture is still black and white. So we are not to ask “Would Christ be a Republican, Democrat or other party?” We’re to ask, does what we believe line up with scripture? The only division that should be in the life of a Christian is “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Speak the Same Thing

2 Peter 1:20

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

I praise God that I am too limited to read more into scripture than is there. Scripture was meant to read, believe and apply. If God says “thou shalt not”, don’t. If God says “thou shall,” then it’s okay. If He says nothing about it, then don’t tell people it’s in there. God did not say every Baptist preacher had to have a white shirt and a black suit. They didn’t wear britches in the Bible. As a matter of fact, they wore dresses, robes and sandals, and they looked like men and women. I said that to say, speak of what matters. And it ain’t britches. Paul wasn’t concerned about the outward man, he was concerned about the inward man. If we get that right, then the outside will match. And it still may not look like you expect it to. But it’s between them and God.

Paul’s goal was to refocus the Corinthian church on the word of God for the purpose of leading people to Christ. They’d gotten off task. It was not about how they got saved, it was what they were doing for Christ after they got saved. So I ask of you who are reading this today these questions: “If everyone in your church spoke as you do all day, what would the conversation be mostly about? And would it line up with the Bible?”

God doesn’t expect you to never talk about things in the world, but if you are talking about those things, would you talk as you do if He was there in person? He would probably like a NASCAR race, but what would He have said about the noose in the locker room? He may have said something like “Will you all shut up, people are going to Hell, and you’re worried about a garage pull. Eyes on the prize people.” I would like to be there if He did.

Have the Same Mind

Perfectly joined together in the same mind? What would that look like? Well it wouldn’t look like my mother’s dinner table I assure you. Because there are people there with a wide array of opinions and they ain’t even close the same. 

So rather than being upset with people I love, I go to the word of God.

Proverbs 29:11 says “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”

While I love that that gives me the right to say “I told you so.” When things turn out poorly, I won’t, and that’s not the intention of God’s advice. But rather keeping your mouth shut in the midst of political passion is better than arguing with someone who’s not going to change their mind in the midst of anger. But if later I can go back to that person, or write about my beliefs and why, then maybe we will one day have the same mind. It also means that I might not always be right either. If I read and study God’s word, and I do, He just might change mine. But for certain, our minds have got to align with God’s word. And what I see in most all liberal arguments is that God’s word has no where entered into the process. If they occasionally quote scripture, it’s almost always out of context. But truthfully I don’t hear many liberals quoting scripture to back up their agenda. 

The same mind that matters is only the mind of Christ. 

In the Same Judgement

Are we a judgmental society or what?! And what is the favorite go to judgy scripture?

Matthew 7:1 – Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Oh that’s a good one! But when people use it, they’re usually saying under their breath, “You are not the boss of me.” Nor is Christ usually their authority. 

While God gives us a freedom of mind, He does not give us the freedom to choose His judgment, and His is the only one that will truly matter. So when judgment day comes, and you stand before the Lord, what will your conversation be then? 

I’ll bet Chloe was not a very popular person in the church of that day, because it was they who told Paul that the church folk were fussin’ about who was better because of how they came to Christ.  And that’s when Paul brings up the subject of judgement. A subject also brought up by Jude who tells of why we should be more concerned about the word of God than about the word of men, which seems to be where we have our focus now:

Jude 1:14-25 KJV

[14] And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, [15] To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. [16] These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. [17] But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; [18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. [19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. [20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, [21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [22] And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. [24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Christ isn’t about division. Nor should the church be. Make sure you’re on His side. It’s the only one.