Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Faith, Leadership

Twelve 2019 A.D. Truths from 1044 B.C.

Every day I become more and more conscience of the scriptures playing out right before my eyes. It’s why I can “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” To the world that makes no sense. How can you rejoice in fear? To me it makes perfect sense. I know what a mess I am, and for certain what a mess this world would be in if I were in control, or any of the other knot heads that think they are. Why would anyone want that!?

Psalm 2 has 12 verses; one for each month of the year. Twelve 2019 A.D. Truths from 1044 B.C.

1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Have you ever seen a time when rage and vanity was as bad as it is now? You can’t turn on the news and not see it. Everyone’s angry because someone has an opinion that differs their own. And they’re not questioning whether their opinion is right, only that they’re entitled to it and nobody else is.

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

Not only are they entitled to their theories of morality, they’re also entitled to their people and God’s design doesn’t enter the equation.

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

We are raising a generation of children who define the rules rather than obey them. They also have a mighty fine example of that in Washington D.C.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

And God laughs. Only it’s not funny. The last thing anyone in this world really wants is to be mocked by God.  Because He alone holds our future in the balance, determining what direction we’re to go. America elected Donald Trump President, who has at least stood on the side of Israel, pro-life and conservative values. I didn’t say he was perfect. But he is our President. However, talk about derision!  Good grief. There’s a reason that word rhymes with division. We are a nation of disrespect for the very thing that has made us stand out among the world’s leaders. Freedom.

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Do you think we’re a vexed nation? Vex defined is annoyed or aggravated. America is an angry Nation. Myself included. I have to check my attitude on a pretty regular basis because I want to hurt people. Believe me when I tell you that I’m not always thinking about the soul of an unbeliever. Sometimes I’m thinking about their neck and how I’d like to wring it for stupidity, pride and arrogance.

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

But then I remember Who it is that is in control. And it’s then that I’m in awe that He hasn’t wrung my own neck. My Savior. He Who died as a meek Lamb, but will come again as a roaring Lion!

I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

We tend to put God into the perspective of man.

The God of John 3:16, long before the world knew Him face to face, He was. His plan was laid out before Him, and He stepped into it without regard for Himself, but for the sake of His people. He did so for an example to His children of how to put others before themselves. And there was a time that America did. It’s what made us a melting pot. People would come to our country for opportunity and they were accepted and loved not because of where they were from, but because of where they wanted to come. America! They loved our Nation and wanted to become a part of the dream. Now many have become a nightmare.

We are children of God because He chose to allow us to be. Not because He had to, or that we were deserving of it.

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

God has been highly tolerate of a rebellious generation. Our government preaches tolerance, yet they don’t understand the first thing about it. Getting your way isn’t tolerance. And God has been far more tolerant that anyone would have believed in 1950. Immorality has become the norm not because of tolerance but because of apathetic people who rather than stand up for the morals of a godly nation that was fought for, they chose to cower to people who wouldn’t defend them for love nor money. But God’s tolerance will most certain wane.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

As I said before, serving God with fear is easy. Especially when the result of serving man is being lived out on the evening news. I love the fact that I know that I know the Creator of all the universe. That the God Who named the stars, has a new name waiting for me in Glory, There’s a new song that even the angels cannot sing. What a privilege to know Him and commune with Him with just the speaking of His name. There is no disconnect for the child of God and if the kings of this world were wise, they’d be calling on Him to give them instruction. And He will!

If our leaders would call a prayer meeting, good night Irene!!!! I cannot imagine how this nation would turn around. Because I know He has that power is why I rejoice and tremble in His presence. He’s amazing.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

To “Kiss the Son,” is to choose Him above all else. It takes humility and faith. A very small price to pay for the gift of eternal life. For the gift of peace during this life!

Praise God He is in control 365 days and every second of every day! I’ll gladly serve Him and what an honor it is.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Faith

These be They, but Ye Be Loved

It seems like an eternity since I woke up this morning, and yet it’s 9:00 a.m. and I’ve got very little accomplished. It’s hard for me to stay focused today. My mind is in so many different places. It’s in New Mexico with Dewey, it’s in Minnesota with Lynn, it’s in Virginia with Whitney, Spencer with Tiffani, Marietta with Dr. Guiler and in the Word with my Lord. I told someone yesterday that I felt scattered. That’s the only way I can describe where I’m at. It’s exhausting to try to pick pieces from all corners of the earth, much like I need to pick up pieces throughout the corners of my house. My desk looks like something exploded on it.

And yet she is so remarkably calm. If only I could get inside her plastic brain and rest for a while. If only I could actually sit in that position and then stand up again without assistance! But life happens. So I continue on in my journaling exercise in the book of Jude, nearing the end of the book.

Jude vs. 19-20

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

My first question is an often ask one, “How do people survive without God?” I know I did it for 34 years, but the truth of that is, I at least was pretending to have Him in my life. In all my years I have never said there was no God. I knew there was, I just didn’t know how to connect to Him.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Thank You Jesus for preachers!

So this morning as I grieve with a family who lost a child, as I miss my children, and as I give thanks to God for friends who feel like they’re in the room with me, when actually they’re across the country; I’m ever so grateful that in my soul, within the very being of my body is the Holy Ghost. He who finds me “beloved.” He who calms my fears, soothes my stress points and sends laughter into my soul through nutty videos that wasted more of my time, but was oh so necessary.

He is Who builds my faith like a Lego house. Brick upon brick, day by day, bad and good. Never failing to remind me that He has all these things in control and we be loved.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Eternity, Evangelism, Leadership, Uncategorized, Word of God

How to Deal with Mainstream Mayhem

Many of the conversations I’ve had, both inside my head, and with other people, have recently been around the discussion of end times. It’s a topic not everyone desires to discuss. For me, from the standpoint of myself, I get excited! But then I begin to think of family and friends who aren’t prepared. It’s at this point that those who are not prepared, or those who are uncertain turn me off. And it’s when I begin to worry and stress about how much I’m doing for the cause of the Kingdom. I need to find ways to reach more people. I need to find a way to reach my people! You know… the family who “think” they’re okay, and those who just don’t think about it all, but would rather live in ignorance, not knowing that Jesus could be ready to step out on the cloud at any moment and call His church home.

Are you ready? Do you know that you know? I knew that I knew last year when I had open heart surgery. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can afford that peace. When I see that people don’t have an understanding of the end times, and really don’t care to know, I’m more than a little alarmed. But I guess that’s because I know. So in reading Jude, which by the way reads like a book specifically about 2019, I feel compelled to share the news I discovered about the news!

Jude vs. 16-18

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. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Wow. How accurate is that?

According to a poll from Axios last year, 72% of 4,000 Americans polled, believe “traditional major news sources report news they know to be fake, false or purposefully misleading.” Other polls say it’s less; but then again, how do we know if even those who do the polls are reporting honestly. It’s just a sad state of affairs that we live in. Jude didn’t need the internet, a poll, or the evening news to tell him what the prognosis was for mankind. He heard it straight from Heaven. He walked with the Creator of all, and his words give an outline of modern times.

How not to Mistake the Fake

Stop watching all mainstream television. There are none that truly don’t have an agenda. I fully believe that. And in so doing, they’ll do they’re very best to persuade you in to believing what they say, even if it’s only in part. And it’s not only the news outlets. You can’t watch a good comedy without an agenda in it! If there’s such a thing as a good comedy. The dark side is found in almost every show I’ve attempted to watch over the past years. Wholesome television is almost nonexistent. And if you think children’s television is any different, think again. I’ve had to ban complete children’s channels off my television with the grandkids because they promote homosexuality, violence, and disrespect. It’s insane! So what’s the answer? Are we going to stop watching entertainment? Probably not, but we need to take Jude’s advice to heart before turning it on.

Never Trust Their Lusts

I’m not just trying to rhyme. It was a fact I learned about myself in our Sunday sermon at Victory Baptist Church. I covet stuff. Shiny stuff. I have a serious issue of wanting things I don’t necessarily need, and much of it comes from all the time I spend on social media. There’s always something shiny and new waiting for me on the web. Just ask Amazon.com. They’ll show you your shiny desires too, because they follow your networking trends. But it’s not always your lusts that are the issue. Their lusts can be come your lusts if it’s entered into your information gatherer enough times. That’s why I can’t watch shows who push the liberal agenda. Because I know their design is to mess with my conservative brain.

Don’t Fluff up the Puffed Up

Meaning: don’t take their efforts lightly. They’ve got it down to a fine art on how to manipulate the American mind. They use people and things that appeal to us. It’s why the celebrities are pushing every product and agenda out there. Because if we love their shows, music and movies, we’ll be easy marks to love their mindsets too. Which if you’re not careful will lead you down a pathway far away from the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ll tell you where I stand. I’m a pro-Jesus, pro-life, Baptist conservative that makes no apologies for rolling my eyes at liberal brats who want my children and grandchildren to be corrupted by the notion that they are entitled to a world of shiny things that will take their minds to places God never intended His children to go. I hear it in their voices every time they get upset because life treats them unfairly or a commercial comes on with the latest and greatest and they want it, or a show or song plays that has garbage throughout it and they repeat it. And yet, when I praise God, or bow my head to pray I’m the one viewed as a fanatic.

It’s why Jude makes it clear that if you want the truth there is only one place to find it.

Take a look at the book!

So how do we deal with the Mainstream Mayhem? We measure everything we see and hear by the words of Jesus Christ. It is the only absolute truth in this world.

It’s why I love writing and working for FGGAM.org. Because Pastor Dewey Moede views the world through a biblical lens, and before he publishes it, it has to meet God’s standards. We know we’re accountable for what we say. The Bible is clear on that! We’ll stand before God and give an account of the words we speak and write. We’re not the only ones. That liberal bunch of liars that’s out there, they’ll have their day when they’re mockery comes to an end.

The book of Jude is one chapter from the end of the Book.

I feel like that’s where we are on the time line of eternity. And this chapter is coming to an end quickly…

Posted in Bible Journaling, Grace, Life Inspiration, Peace, Praise

The God I Know

For the past week, you may, or may not have notice my lack of presence on social media.

In the world of rural West Virginia, for lack of another terminology, crap happens. My niece-in-love Kaitlin was traveling the highway in front of our home, as well as a dump truck that had just unloaded his bed. In thinking that the bed was completely down he began moving on the road, when it turns out the bed was still partially up. He then clipped our phone and internet cables, which was bad, but; but also in the process it broke a bolt from the truck projecting it like a shotgun shell through Kaitlin’s truck windshield where it lodged. (see photo below) Which was a nightmare that I can’t even fathom. Accidents can happen at any time. You may get into an accident and your car may be wrecked while driving to work. In such cases, you can hire an attorney who can help you get compensation for the injuries or damages caused.

Without the providential hand of God, this story could have ended so much worse. I’m sure it’s a thought that ran through Kaitlin’s family’s mind on more than one occasion. I’m so grateful that she’s okay. I’m so thankful that I know that God!

Because of Kaitlin’s truck accidents in Beaufort, it caused me to spend far less time on social media. I was not entirely without service. If I walked around the house or yard, held my hand and my mouth just right, I could get enough service to get the occasion message or post through to my phone. I’m a sad and desperate social media junkie. I need help! (Insert smile here)

But I spent my time journaling the book of Jude, verse by verse. Which I’ve only made it to verse 13 of the 25. There’s just so much meat in the book! I could chew on one verse for days and not get all the flavor out of it. So I share with you today, Verses 9 and 10 and a few of my thoughts on religion and why I’m so glad I know the God of that bolt!

Yahweh-Shammah

The LORD is There

Satan loves religion! So we find him in verse 9 arguing with Michael the archangel; but Michael is refusing to argue back. I’m not that strong. I run my mouth to Satan on a pretty regular basis. But the scripture is clear that it wasn’t Michael’s fight. And I fear that I may have fought more than a few battles with Satan that weren’t mine to fight.

As I understand it from commentary, Satan wanted the body of Moses to be buried where the people would be able to set up a monument, which would become a shrine. Far be it from the children of Israel to worship something other than God, and their great respect for Moses (occasional) and reverence (with days of hypocrisy) would have likely caused them to take their eyes from their true deliverer, which was God!

El Shaddai

Lord God Almighty

He was the One with the power to deliver, not Moses. He may choose to use people, or like in the circumstances of Kaitlin, He may just stop a bolt bullet. None the less, He is God Almighty! And worthy of praise!

In verse 10, it is a continuation from verse 8, which speaks to the people of Jude’s day (which sound a lot like the people of our day). It says they were filthy dreamers, defiling the flesh, despising dominion and speaking evil of dignities. Sound like American politics to you? Politics and religion are close in relation. Satan loves when both make it into church house conversations because they are sure to cause division with “most” people. But not a church whose focus is the unity and leadership of God.

Jehovah Raah

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Michael the archangel had a relationship with God, not a religion. He knew the Lord well enough to know that he did not need to argue with Satan, but leave that conversation to God, Who will put the smack down on Satan in the end of our story! Glory to God! Even though Michael, a spiritual being, had the power to kill thousands, and would have no doubt been a worthy adversary of Satan, he was strong enough to shut up. I’m not that strong. I am more often than not in the natural. It is in that mindset that we corrupt our relationship with God. Because we don’t allow Him to have control of us.

I’m so, so very grateful that Kaitlin is safe and is the momma of three beautiful little girls and can continue raising them. And I’m grateful that through her safety, I learned many lessons from the book of Jude. Including the fact that I can rest in the knowledge that God has my world in His control.

Satan may be the little “g” god of this world. But he can only go so far as the Lord will allow! Glorrraaaaaay!

Jehovah Shalom

The Lord Is Peace

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Life Inspiration, Purpose, Uncategorized, Word of God

When Your Value Seems Less

23 For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

Nehemiah 11:23,35

I realize that those two scriptures may or may not mean much to you this morning, but for me as an artist, singer, creative person often less than extraordinaire they meant a great deal.

When I tell people that I struggle. That’s not a lie and it’s not said for pity or pride. It’s just reality. I get up way too often in the morning feeling like a failure and that what I do doesn’t amount to a hill of beans in the scope of eternity. So when I read in Nehemiah this morning, as I’ve read at other times (but too often forget), God truly cares about the creative.   That brought such joy to my heart.

While people enjoy music and art; unless you’re an honest to goodness “professional” your value is often viewed as less. It’s a hobby or a past time, not a career because it doesn’t come with a paycheck. And while I have people in my life that more than value me, I don’t value myself enough it seems.

So today I thought I’d post this short thought for those dealing with “feeling less.”

God made the moon the lesser light… and yet how many nights have we sat marveling at it. (Genesis 1:16)

The mustard seed is less than all the seeds on the earth… yet birds find rest and lodge there. (Mark 4:32)

There are parts of the body that we view as less important, and yet, we dare not want to live without them. (1 Corinthians 12:23)

Paul thought of himself less than all the saints (Ephesians 3:8) … but look at the difference he made in eternity.

David, King of Israel was the least of his brothers and not even considered by family in contention for the position, but God had other plans! (1 Samuel 16)

I reminded myself of these scriptures today, in hopes of encouraging my soul that lesser is often as it is, so that God can do the greater and receive the glory He deserves.

You and I are valuable members of the body of Christ. We are irreplaceable by anyone else.

He cared so much about me this happy Thursday morning that He showed me in His word and through friends how much the God of all creation, cares about the creative.

Glorraaaaay!

Posted in Bible Journaling, joy, Life Inspiration

Just for the Joy of It!

While there are numerous verses in the Bible for which folks can cling to and call their own for such a time as this in their lives; I may have found a new life verse for me. Insert smile here for the cupcake, but the verse does speak more to my heart than just that sweet treat! It speaks to my soul on a level that God knew I needed today.

I always say I have issues, but I really believe that I have my share and someone else’s too. I love to live life, I love to give joy, I always mean well even when it doesn’t end well, and I have the hardest time of receiving anything with joy. I’ll receive it with gratitude, and the consciousness that I am beyond unworthy, but joy doesn’t come easy.

So Nehemiah 8:10 pricked my heart this morning.

A friend had sent a message today that they were going to contribute to my ministry and I didn’t have words  (other than thank you) to tell them how I felt. It doesn’t come natural for me to receive things without guilt.

Why that is, I don’t know, because that’s never been the intent of the givers. They give with joy… so why can I not receive it with joy? Follow along with me in verse 10 and I think you and I will both discover why…

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Accept My Goodness

I don’t know why God is so good to me. I don’t say that in humility, I’m really clueless. I know my heart. I don’t deserve any of it. And yet, He pours His goodness down upon me and says, “Here it is Shari. Just take it and enjoy.

Share My Goodness

I don’t always have things to share. Not like people share with me. But when I do it does bring such great joy to me. It’s why I love sharing the art that I do and why I give so much of it away. Because it does bring great joy into my life. It’s also why selfish people are miserable. Because they don’t experience the joy God intended us to have.

Celebrate my Goodness

For this day is holy! That part of the verse got me. God intended this day to be used for His glory. That’s why He puts His blessing upon it and says, “I did this for you. I did this so you and I could celebrate the day together.”

Isn’t that a great thought? That God creates a party for no particular reason, just because He loves you. 

Now stop feeling guilty about it. You’re ruining His fun. That’s what I heard. God said I was a party pooper.

Draw Strength from my Goodness

Life is full of enough bad days. When we get a good one, we need to store up that goodness and remember it.

Much like me, the children of Israel were not always obedient. They were more often than not a rebellious nation. So there was plenty of guilt to go around and they were justifiable in the feeling. But God tells them to “stop living in defeat because of past mistakes.” It won’t fix them and it will mess up what He had planned next.

Glorrrrraaaaay! That’s a good word, right? Let’s celebrate with cake! Just for the joy of it!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Evangelism, Heaven, salvation

It Doesn’t Change the Book

I can tell by the look in their eyes when they’ve tuned me out and they’re wishing me off the planet. Even family. It’s not that they don’t love me, it’s not that they’ll not tolerate me. It’s that I make them very uncomfortable. Which is never my goal, but almost always the outcome. And such is the life as someone who loves to share Jesus and wants everyone regardless of heritage to become a part of my family. To share my Father. The Lord Jesus Christ.

And to ask most of them, they’d say they already do. But deed… “the proof ain’t in the puddin’,” as the saying goes.

It’s been the case as far back as Genesis. Someone always trying to get in by somebody else’s coattails, or by works, or just assuming God would never let them go to Hell. And so those of us who know the truth, continue to tell the truth and those who don’t want to know, shut us out. But that doesn’t change the book. –

In the book of Nehemiah, which happens to be where I’m reading, I was dreading chapter seven. It’s a chapter of name after name after name. And as I read I prayed, “God, please let me get something out of this besides a glaze over my eyes.” And as I traveled through the names, hoping someone’s would pop off the page and capture my attention, it didn’t. It wasn’t the name God wanted to capture my attention with. It was registration process.

In verses 64-65 my heart broke.

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Urim and Thummim were priestly devices found on their breastplate and used to determine God’s will. In my small mind, I imagine it to be as a priest flipping a coin. Don’t believe everything I tell you, I might lead you astray. But that’s still how I see it.

But for today, there’s no more coin flipping. And there’s only one Priest that matters and that’s the Lord Jesus Christ. Friends and family can tune me out, shut me down and tell me to go away, but when it comes to their final days, the question will remain “Are you a part of the family of God?”

Matthew 7:21-23 King James Version (KJV)

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

There were 642 persons (verse 62) who professed to be children of Israel. But the word said they were polluted. What an indictment. And it’s the same indictment that’s going to be against those who profess to be children of God but have never made Him Lord and Savior. Oh… they believe in Jesus. But then again, so does Satan. They believe in God. Satan knows Him personally. That won’t keep him out of Hell. Some of them go to church, most do not. But to tell you the truth, Satan’s in church every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday. He never misses a revival. He’s usually sitting beside of me trying to get my attention off task. The question still remains, “Is your name written down in the Lamb’s book of Life?”

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Those who are not written down, having accepted what Jesus Christ did for them on the cross as payment for their sins, are still covered with the pollution of this world. They won’t enter into Heaven with that pollution on them. They’ve got to be clean, and the only way they can be is to be covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. And why would they be?

If your child died for someone so that they could be free, and that person denied what they did and never acknowledge with gratitude the cost that was paid for them, why would you want to spend eternity with them?

God not allowing folks in Heaven sounds harsh until you view it from there.

What a privilege to be a child of the King! A member of the Family of God. You can’t change the book. Not the Bible or the Lamb’s book of Life. Both were written in indelible ink.

Posted in Bible Journaling

Finding a Happy Place in the Rain

This has been the rainiest of seasons for West Virginia. According to the national weather service it has rained 11 out of the 21 days of June. And it’s not the rain I mind as much as the mud in rural West Virginia. Jeepers! I spend more time sweepin’ and moppin’ than anyone should. Between the 2 dogs, a cat, 4 children and 6 grandchildren, and of course the husband, my house isn’t a show place. It’s very well lived in, and that’s how we like it. I have enough stress in my life, I don’t want to have to stress “stuff.”

Any day I’m with them, it’s a good day.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

I will not tell you I have mastered Psalm 118:24. I won’t pretend when Versace (the Jackhuahau, half Jack Russell and half Chihuahua) went hunting behind the house yesterday and came back coated in mud to his belly, I didn’t groan, grab him and take him to the tub immediately. I had just mopped for cryin’ out loud. Neither of us were happy about it, but life happens. I had just gotten home from one doctor’s appointment and had 20 minutes before I had to head to the next doctor’s appointment. In between phone calls, text messages and a dinner my husband had planned on my behalf. Insert smile here.

I have a beautiful 5’x7’ cream and blue rug in my living room by the front door that I love. I have to wash it weekly because the little feet and the big feet make it brown and navy. Drives me crazy! But it’s how we live. Rainy days happen in life, and I have to look behind a lot of gray clouds sometimes to find the sun, but it’s always there.

Three things about that verse that caused me pause this morning.

God made the Day

As my friend Gloria and I traveled to the beach last week, it rained the entire trip. All 7 ½ of it. However, we were too excited about the next 8 days, to concern ourselves with the dreary journey.

Should that not be how we are in life? So what if it’s rained half the month. Do you know where we’re going? Where the sun shines every day and there is no night. And if there’s rain there, it’s probably liquid sunshine. And I’m pretty sure there won’t be mud in heaven!

I spoke to a doctor yesterday, who I adore. But he’s stressing life. And life can be seriously stressful. I’m sick and tired of feeling sick and tired so I’m asked my doctor for a CBD prescription. CBD has been found to have an abundance of health benefits for people, including calming anxiety and reducing the risk of depression. The extended shelf life of CBD oils is also a big plus. I also know in my heart that God made every day of my life and allowed whatever comes into it to happen. I really do have a happy place, and it’s in that knowledge.

Rejoicing isn’t optional for successful living

It’s why I can tell people “I’m great!” when they ask how I am and not feel like I’m lying. I really am great, because I choose to rejoice in the fact that I am a child of the Living God and His presence in my life helps me to understand that if I want to fulfil my purpose and be successful in my calling, I have to allow the world to see the absolute joy in my heart because of Jesus.

Gladness will follow

It turns out if your face keeps smiling, the rest of you follows suit. And if you smile long enough the people around you will fall in line too! It’s truth!

So where is your happy place? My happy place is in front of this computer, a sketch pad and many, many markers of every color under the rainbow! If you have the time, share with me your happy place. Let me rejoice with you! Maybe it will give me an idea how to find another happy place.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Uncategorized

Chief Reasons Everybody Works

C.R.E.W. ~ Chief Reasons Everybody Works!

From the Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3

The book of Nehemiah is such a great book for the child of God that desires to make a difference in the Kingdom, as every child of God should. It’s a prime example of someone living in a fallen world and fighting back to take care of his own. That was Nehemiah.

He was the king’s cupbearer. A man trusted and fearless enough to make sure no one was going to poison the king. He, for certain, was somebody, and yet he was under the authority of a world ruler. Not a spiritual leader. But his burden and passion for his people is what got him into a position that they, nor the world could deny him opportunity to rebuild what had been broken down.

That’s how I look at our community. It’s falling apart. Our city is unkempt, our communities are filled with broken homes and broken lives, our churches have breaches that should not be, and all the while, God’s people stand by watching it happen, and in need of leaders that will rise up and start the rebuilding.

We’re God’s crew. And using that acronym we’ll discover “Chief Reasons Everyone Works.”

That’s how we’ll have success in the little kingdom we call home in the hills of West Virginia.

In the journal art for today’s blog I pulled words from the entire chapter of Nehemiah 3. It’s one of those chapters that can cause you to zone out if you’re not careful. It’s filled with names, roles, titles and jobs. We can read scripture like that and miss the little things that are the big things. Like beginning in verse of chapter 3 it says that “Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and they builded the sheep gate.”

It’s Our Church

And they were church leaders, willing to roll up their sleeves and pitch in where needed. And their place was the sheep gate. That’s the role of our church leaders too; they’re responsible for the sheep. Under Nehemiah’s leadership he rallied the troops to begin to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and a portion of that wall was where the sheep were lead through the sheep gate and into the temple.

What was once a sacrificial offering is now how God reference’s His children. Church leadership is not only responsible for leading the sheep into the church, but once they’re in, they’re responsible for making sure they’re safe.

How do we do that? How do we insure that our people are sheltered from harm?

STUDY THE WORD

  1. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

SHARE THE WORD

  • Romans 15:1-5 ~ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

As members of the body of Christ, it’s our job to help grow the church. While it’s a different day than in the days of Nehemiah, membership is still by the blood. (The blood of Jesus) And while they were the tribes of Israel, we are the congregation of God.

Just as they had gone astray from the way they should have been living, which is what created the position they’d found themselves in, with not only a broken city, but a broken relationship with God; we too can identify with that analogy. From the age of accountability, when we understood right from wrong, we had a broken relationship with God. Church leadership, and us, need to be repairing the gate where the sheep come into the fold. We need to make the door of the church beautiful. And we do that by allowing them to see the beauty of God, right from the beginning.

It’s Our Community

Hassenaah sons were in charge of the fish gate. Then there were other’s under them. It doesn’t say they were fishermen. Just men, willing to work.

Jesus told Peter (who was a fisherman) in Matthew 4:19 ~ And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

_____________________  

It’s important that we understand the references and parables that Christ shares with us in His words. Fishing was an important part of the communities along the sea. It was their livelihood. Well, it’s the livelihood of the church too! If we’re not out fishing and building our church, it will eventually fade away.

What fish do you have on the hook to build your church? Write them down, commit them to prayer and think on them as serious as Hassenaah and his friends took the building of the fish gate.

It’s Our Children

The work crews on the wall were every bit as diverse as the crews in our church. Everyone, regardless of their life roles, had an important role in the church.

Nehemiah 3:12 ~ And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.

Commentary says of the “daughters” that they were possibly rich widows or heiresses who employed men to build at their own expense.  Halohesh must not have  had sons. This would have been the culture of the day, and while we have certain roles in the church as men, women and children, the point is, we all have a role and a responsibility to set the example for others. Especially the young. Children need to have a voice and role in the church so that as they grow in the Lord and become adults, they continue on serving. If they’re never allowed to serve when they’re young, how will they know that they can as they age?

What are jobs can they do:

Toddlers?_________________________________

Elementary?_______________________________

Pre-Teen?________________________________

Teen?____________________________________

College?__________________________________

Everyone who desires to serve needs a job. When Hannah brought Samuel to the temple, he was but a child, yet he served. Again, we know the culture was different, but the message is still the same. We need to point children into the direction of service as young as possible.

What’s your earliest remembrance of service?

Psalm 127:3

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

It’s Our Responsibility

What if Nehemiah had stayed with the King? What if the community had stayed at home? What if nobody did anything? Well it’s unfortunate that many churches are facing that dilemma today. We have to accept the responsibility we’ve been given, and everyone has been given something to do.

What is your part of the wall?

  • The sheep gate?
  • The Fish gate?
  • Cleaning Crew?
  • Guarding the wall?
  • Providing materials?
  • Entertaining the troops?

So many more! We have to show up! It’s our responsibility!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service

3 Things You Need Approved

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Nehemiah 2:18

Get God’s Hand of Approval

Nehemiah encouraged and excited God’s people when he informed them that the hand of God was upon him. He only knew that because he’d been in prayer from the beginning. When Nehemiah heard the condition of the wall and the people of Jerusalem his heart was broken. He took the news to the only One who could change the forecast which was the Lord, Jehovah. Our provider.

Bad news comes in many forms today. It may be a wall that’s falling down, but usually it’s a life that’s falling apart. For the church it’s a world that’s falling apart around us. I don’t know how you feel, but I feel much like Nehemiah. I’m distressed at the condition of the souls I meet.

As Gloria and I traveled down a street in Virginia Beach last week, we happed upon a little lady crouched on the curb. Gloria felt compelled to stop and help her out and tell her about Jesus. We approached her, and it was apparent she was skeptical as to why. I ask her if she knew Jesus. She said she was a part of a certain denomination. For me that’s a bell ringer that she knows church. Not Jesus. We attempted to speak to her about the condition of her soul but she wanted no part of it. We just happened to be beside a Chick-fil-A, and I just happened to have a Chick-fil-A gift card in my wallet. (Nothing really just happens). So we gave her the card and wished her God speed.

I don’t think we fixed any walls, but I don’t know. Perhaps the act of kindness will restore her faith in humanity. Or not. Only God knows. What it did was cause me to be more aware of the curb side people in my community.  We need to take care of our own.

That’s what I hear God saying to me this morning. And I need to do that through my ministry (The Jesus Chick) which is my responsibility. But I also need to do that work through my own church. The local church for which every believer needs to be a part of. To do that I need to

Get Church Leadership’s Word of Approval

When Nehemiah prayed for God’s wisdom on what to do about the decaying state of their city and community, He received God’s words of wisdom. But Nehemiah was a servant, the cup bearer, of King Artaxerxes. So rather than just taking God’s word and running with it, he prayed again and sought the Kings approval for the journey.

I’m a doer. Sometimes to a fault. I’ve on more than one occasion ran ahead of church leadership on projects because I wanted to get it done. And it seldom ended well. There’s an order in life. And I have learned to stand my ground in my place, and allow others that same privilege and respect. Its how the church works best, and the world needs to see the church working in harmony. The only way that can happen is if we respect authority. Nehemiah did it even though it wasn’t the church it was a worldly authority, surely we can allow God’s people to guide.

It’s through that process that we can

Get the Stamp of Approval

“A job worth doing, is worth doing right” is often said, and it’s certainly truth.

Philippians 1:6 ~ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

The Jews rose up for a good work because of Nehemiah’s leadership. We need that today! We need the congregations of God to rise up and do a good work that we can be proud of for the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to start by rebuilding the walls in our communities. And by walls I mean spiritually building a fortress around the people through prayer and communication. We need to take back our schools from out of the hands of influences of evil. It’s there. I’ve witnessed it firsthand. We need to be on the streets and roads of our community speaking to those we see about Jesus. We may not have a Chick-Fil-A near by but I can almost guarantee we have some casserole dishes in our cupboard that we can fill with some homemade goodness for someone.

It’s a start. We need it. I need it. You need it. Let’s do it.