Posted in Bible Journaling, Church attendance, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

I’m not raising babies in the ministry

Written by talk2shari Published October 4, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

Dressing for Success takes on a whole new meaning when you’re talking about church, at least for me. I’m not referring to what you physically wear to church, I’m pretty flexible on that matter, just be decent, and be in church, and I’m a happy camper. I’m talking about what you spiritually wear to church.

If you’ve been in church any time at all you’ve likely heard a sermon or two preached from Ephesians 6 on the whole armor of God. It’s a necessary sermon for getting through life’s every day battles that leave more than a dent or two on us. But what about the armor we wear to church? Is there such a thing?

I personally want a sermon preached to me that when it’s over my toes are bruised from all the times they’ve been stepped on. I know that’s not the norm. Most people like a sermon that powders their tush and makes them feel all fluffy inside. My opinion of that, is that’s what gotten America in the shape she’s in. My friend Roger preached last night and hit the nail on the head when he said, “We’ve quit preaching on personal sin.” Nobody wants anyone to hold them accountable, they especially don’t want God to hold them accountable. We want the Lord of love but we don’t want the Lord of accountability. Just save us Lord, then leave us be. And so the world now caters to that in churches across the land because it brings numbers… or does it?

I’ve heard those against the mega churches say that those churches are full because it’s easy believism being preached. There are those I’m sure. But I’ve listened to several that stir my soul. And I’ve been in little churches that have been mighty in the Spirit and some that were few in number because nobody was preaching a message of conviction to make anyone loyal to God. We need what David knew was necessary for successful living in Psalm 139:23 when he said “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts.” David didn’t want baby powder, he wanted talcum powder from a work out with God. We need a strong word to make us stronger. Weak words do just that, they weakens us. So stomp my toes Mr. Preacher and I’ll wear the appropriate attire for church.

Fully Dressed

In earlier times, pre-spanking days, a father wouldn’t send you to your room to think about what you’d done. He’d fully dress ya. Maybe that’s a word from our region, I’m not sure, and I really never heard it from my own dad, but I’ve been fully dressed on more than one occasion by God.

¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Put on the whole armor, not just part of it. While we think of this as verses for life, it’s also verses for church. We need to be prepared to hear the word of God because in that place of worship the first one to show up for a service is Satan himself. He’s got every open pew filled with evil. And with the churches of today, there’s plenty of open seats. But while we’re there we need to come prepared to hear the word of God even if that means we’re gonna be fully dressed by him. That is how we grow. We discipline our children so they know there’s a better way, God does His children no different.

Fully Drawn

¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Entering a spirit filled service of the Lord should find our minds fully drawn into the Holy Spirit. Focused on what He’d have us to know even if that means putting on blinders to all else in the room. Satan knows the house of God is a place of business for God. It’s not the only place He works but it’s one of the best. So it’s there that Satan launches an attack to keep eyes and minds off the sermon. He’ll do it with people, thoughts, bugs, babies, anything that can pull your mind away from the word. Get fully drawn into God when you hit the building.

Fully Determined

None of my three points sound like something you put on until you think of them in the spiritual sense. Being dressed, drawn and determined are all spiritual mindsets that must be put on inwardly and worn outwardly so that the not only Satan and his cronies can see it, but others can see it.

¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Each piece of the spiritual armor has a purpose to shielding us from the wickedness of the spiritual realm. But one of the most detrimental things to the spiritual man is self. We have to allow God to dress us when we’re drifting away from His purpose. We have to allow ourselves to be drawn to the spiritual side rather than the flesh and we have to put on that determination before we ever enter the service of God.

Fully Devoted

¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

We need to wear it, but above all we need to speak it. Telling others about Christ is a devotion few have any more. They’re devoted to Sunday morning… not so much Monday through Saturday. Tonight is Wednesday and I’ll teach this thought to my teens, because I’m not raising babies in my ministry. I want them battle ready when they hit life head on!0

Posted in Bible Journaling, Forgiveness, Grace, Life Inspiration

How to find grace at the throne

Written by talk2shari Published September 30, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but I know about me and when I have to come to the throne of God seeking grace, I generally don’t do it boldly. I don’t run in and say, “Father, I messed up! Will you forgive me and fix this mess I’m in… again.” No, that is not how I approach God. I slink in like a ‘possum on the porch. Hovered down like the guilty scoundrel I am. I’m always sure this will be the time that God says, “Shari , you have filled the sea of forgetfulness with garbage. Now, this sin is laying on the beach and I can’t forget it. You’ve gone too far girlfriend. Your grace has run out! Depart from me, I don’t want to know you anymore.” But that’s not God. Number one… God wouldn’t call me girlfriend. Number 2, God won’t un-know His children.

I’m in good company with my mindset though, because I think David felt like God had forgotten him several times. One such time was in Psalm 88 when he penned the words: “Lord, why castest thou off my soul? Why hidest thou thy face from me?” David laments through the entire Psalm, he is in the lowest of the lowest spots of his life and he feels that God is not listening. Have you been there? I certainly have. But what I found odd about this was not that David felt like that, because I could identify; but it’s what happened next in the chronological order of the bible, which is Psalm 92. For which he opens with the words “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praise unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning and thy faithfulness every night, upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery: upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, Lord, has made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works, and thy thoughts are very deep.

So how does one go from, “God do You even know I exist?” to singing songs of praise?

I believe it’s when we can establish in our minds Who God is, and who we are.

God is loving and kind

David said it was good for us to show forth God’s lovingkindness. Could that have been because David wasn’t always loving and kind? I know I’m not. There are times I have a hard time loving the people I love, and for certain times that I cannot love the people I don’t even like.

God is faithful

David wasn’t always faithful, he stole a man’s wife for cryin’ out loud! But God is forever faithful. Psalm 119:89 says “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” God won’t un-love us. He won’t forget that He died for us. We are not faithful, and it doesn’t shock God. He knew that before He died.

God is Who matters

David didn’t say that he himself had done anything, but that God had done everything. “For thou, Lord, has made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works, and thy thoughts are very deep.” Thy works, Thy hands, Thy thoughts. Nothing of mine, but thine O’ Lord!

If ever I can get my head wrapped around that thought I am convinced that I will be walking the confidence that the Lord desires. That I can run boldly to the throne of grace. But I’m not there. I still have those moments when I think, there’s no way God can forgive me… again. It’s a lie out of the pits of Hell and I buy into it every time.

Why? Because we fear God’s wrath. David said in Psalm 88, verse 15, “I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.”

David couldn’t focus on life because he feared God’s wrath. And while God’s wrath can still be felt, He would much rather we face the wrong we’ve done, and feel His grace.

Hebrews 4:14-16

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. 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. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Somewhere between 88 and 92 David found grace. So should we.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration, Praise

I Don’t Want to be A Rhoda

Written by talk2shari Published September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

Sometimes I feel like I need to come with the disclaimer “Salvation did not make me crazy, it made me free.” I’m an Amenin’, hand raising, talk back to the preacher during a sermon kinda gal. I’m not disruptive or obnoxious. I’m God approved. But I’m probably not for everyone. Because if you like your services sedate to the point that an EMT would have to check pulses to make sure everyone in your church as alive, you probably don’t want me to attend, and you sure don’t want me sing or speak.

I don’t want to become a Rhoda.

¹³And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. ¹⁴And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. ¹⁵And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. ¹⁶But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

To set the stage for this scripture, Peter had just been released from prison by God. Herod the king had put him in prison because it made the Jews happy and there Peter lay between two guards, held in place by two chains. But then an angel appears and the chains fall off and Peter is escorted from the prison and out the city gates, where even he doesn’t believe what’s happened! Peter then makes his way to the home where his friends are praying and he knocks on the door and Rhoda answers. Well, kind of answers. She hears Peter’s voice and leaves him standing outside to go tell the others, who think she’s lost her mind.

So there’s a few things here that remind me of modern day churches…

It makes the world happy when they bind the hands of Christians, and most Christians are more than happy to place their hands in the stocks because that takes the pressure off for lifting them up. If you think it’s easy to lift your hands in a dead service you’ve obviously never tried it. Satan knows that when the hands goes up, the glory comes down and so he does everything within his power to stop the praise and worship. Note that I said “within his power.” He can only go so far as we allow. There was a few things that lead up to Peter’s freedom.

The Prayer Loosed Him

The scriptures are there for us every day to read as an example of how to make it through the hardest of times. And yet in those times we pray, and pray and pray and when God’s ready to do something we won’t so much as open the door. We hear Him speak, but we run the other way.

I’m preaching to myself now, please stand by.

Rhoda heard Peter’s voice, and rather than opening the door and letting the proof stand before her, she ran to tell her friends without the evidence God had sent. That’s almost too “preachy” for me to understand, but let me tell you what the Spirit of God is telling me. If Rhoda had believed in what was behind door number 1, the only one that God wants us to open, there would have been no room for doubt. He speaks, we hear, we open ourselves to His leading. Or… you run the other way. And what happens when you run the other way and don’t follow through with God’s plan, the world thinks your mad.

¹⁵And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

The Spirit Lead Him

But Peter kept knocking. And so does the Lord, at least for a while. Peter didn’t give up on convincing his friends that he was indeed freed and not dead. And when they finally seen him, they were shocked!

¹⁶But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

The Outcome Stirred Them

Woah Glory, that will preach!

¹⁷But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.¹⁸Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

The world wanted to know, what had become of Peter? But the church didn’t. They knew that Peter had been set free by the hand of God and Peter told them to go and tell somebody what had happened.

The problem is, sometime been Peter’s release and Heaven, we’ve forgotten that the God of Peter and Rhoda, is the God of you and I. Our hands are free, Herod is dead and God wants to do something amazing! But we’re still back in the prayer closet and God is at the door waiting to be let in.

When I say that I don’t want to be a Rhoda, I’m saying this:

Rhoda was a believer. I believe
Rhoda wasn’t afraid to tell people what she heard. I’m not afraid to tell people what I’ve heard.
But Rhoda didn’t open the door. I often, and I mean really often, run the other way when God starts speaking. Because Satan convinces me that what’s on the other side of that door is just a figment of my imagination. God isn’t really going to do what I ask.

It’s called faith for a reason and it’s easier to talk than it is to live. God is worthy to be praised, worthy to be served and worthy to be believed. If He said it, It will come to pass. Amen and Glory!!!!!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Autumn’s Palette – A September Devotion

Written by talk2shari Published September 20, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

Our church Homecoming is just a few weeks away, and this year we’ll be celebrating 25 years of sharing the Gospel in Calhoun County, (21 years of those have been with me). I’ve spent days reminiscing about the goodness of God to land me in this church I call home. It’s filled with friends that are family in every sense of the word. By love and by the blood; the blood of Jesus Christ.

Last night I shared a devotion with our ladies and this morning I’ll share it with you. I’ve also attached a link for you to share the pdf with someone it might encourage or to use it at your own event (customization for your church available)

Autumn’s Palette

(Click the title above for a link to the PDF)

Psalm 147

There’s always a reason to Praise!

There are few things more beautiful than the changing of the leaves in the Autumn of West Virginia. A wonderful reminder that there is always beauty in our lives no matter what season we’re in.

Orange – the color of Gratitude

¹ Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

Orange is an autumn staple in our décor throughout the fall holidays. What are you thankful for in this season of your life? Season could be age, or it could be a specific life event that you’re going through. (Share with us if you’d like 😊)

Brown – the color of stability

Like to trees of the forest, seasons come and seasons go, and many of them are filled with the trials of life. But through them all God is always faithful! The Psalmist mentions a few seasons in this Psalm that we are now in or have been at some point in our life. As church Homecoming approaches, think about the many people who have had a season in our church. Perhaps they’re still here, or have been long gone. Name them, and pray for them in the coming days. More importantly, Invite them!

²The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.

…someone not always welcome in their community or family

³He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

…we all know someone with a broken heart.

Yellow – the color of the stars

Too many in the Heavens to number, yet our Father has named them all. Isn’t it awesome that even though we sometimes forget a name for a season, God never does! Someone may have walked away from Victory Baptist Church, and walked away from God, but He still remembers their name and desires their fellowship. So should we!

⁴He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

Green – the color of forever

⁵Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

Not only does the Lord not forget who we are, He doesn’t remember who we were! Now that is a reason to praise Him every day.

Gray – the color of rain

During the fall and winter seasons, the dismal gray of the sky and forest can weaken the human spirit. It’s easy to fall into depression and discouragement. But along with the gray overcast skies, usually comes an abundance of rain or snow. Again… not what we’re necessarily fond of. But what a sad spring it would be, if the ground wasn’t strengthened by that moisture.

⁶The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. ⁷Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: ⁸Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. ⁹He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.

Red – the color of Redemption

¹⁰He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. ¹¹The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Red seems to make its way into every season in some form or another; from pinks of Easter to the Holly berries of Christmas. Every season of the life of a child of God has been covered by the blood. God’s not impressed with our strength, for it’s nothing in comparison to His, but He is impressed with the humility of a child of God who depends on Him and has hope in His mercy.

If you read on in this Psalm you can prepare your heart for winter too! But for today let praise Him for the goodness of Fall.

¹²Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.¹³For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee. ¹⁴He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. ¹⁵He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly. ¹⁶He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. ¹⁷He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold? ¹⁸He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord.and the waters flow. ¹⁹He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. ²⁰He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

God has a complaint

Written by talk2shari Published September 16, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

Granted, the book of Malachi is directed to the children of Israel; but we, as being the adopted sons and daughters of the Most High King, His words, every word, is directed to us for instruction. Also as a reminder of the expectations that God has of His children. I’ve heard many say that they don’t read the Old Testament because it’s just too hard to understand. I would have to disagree with them. The Old Testament may be filled with a considerable amount of history and law, and topics that we think do not pertain to those of us saved by grace, but the lessons scattered throughout its pages are as relevant today as the day they were penned. The prophet Malachi was sent first to convince and then to comfort, much like the task of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians today. He first draws us to Himself, convicts us of our sin and then daily provides comfort to the child of God to make their pilgrimage to the Promised Land.

Malachi 1 has God voicing a complaint to Israel that is still an issue today. We haven’t come so far as we might think. I need for God to take the Band-Aids ® of productivity off my spiritual life. I conceal a nasty wound in my soul by covering it with busyness. Man… that hurt just like someone ripped a Band-Aid off my hide. But listen to the words of Malachi and see if they don’t ring true.

Malachi 1:2 – I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob.

God opens the conversation with the subject of ingratitude. That will likely rip the hide off most of God’s people. We are an ungrateful group; filled with the pious opinion that our sacrifice of time and energy for the church is enough. From Esau came the Edomites, who triumphed in the overthrow of Jerusalem, a fact that God could foresee and an attitude that was instilled in them through those generations. So when we read that God hated Esau, (vs. 3) as parents it’s a hard pill to swallow; until you read further into the history and discover the end result of Esau’s attitude.

Ingratitude is at the foundation of many of the issues of life. We’re dissatisfied with our position or possession because we’re not grateful enough for the fact that we have what we have. (Esau sold his position in life for a bowl of soup). We’re aggravated with someone because we’re not grateful enough for their presence in our life. We’re neglectful of what we’ve been given to steward because we’re not grateful for the blessing. We fail to use to the talents that God gives us for the purpose He gives them to us because we’re not grateful He gave us the opportunity to serve Him at all.

I think that hit me on every point!

When God began His complaint to Israel through Malachi, He could see Shari in 2017. He could see you in 2017. He knew we needed this word. So as I sit here on a Saturday morning, I am ever conscience of God’s complaint. We never like to think about someone having something against us. It’s when the excuses begin.

God told Israel that He loved them and yet their response is “Wherein hast thou loved us?” Show me how much you love me God by allowing (enter your request here) to happen. Have you ever said that? I know I have. I may not have said it in those exact words, but my ungrateful heart has said it in the way that I behaved when life wasn’t going my way. But God doesn’t except excuses.

He told Israel that all their “busy work was for nothing.” We think that our service for God is so grand, so did they.

⁵And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The Lord will be magnified from the border of Israel.

Israel thought that their service to the Lord was “enough.” But God knew the ungratefulness behind their service. They didn’t fear God, else they’d have not served Him with half their heart and a substandard offerings.

⁶A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? ⁷Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. ⁸And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts. ⁹And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the Lord of hosts. ¹⁰Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. ¹¹For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. ¹²But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. ¹³Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord. ¹⁴But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

God’s closing of His complaint finds Him telling Israel that if they won’t serve Him as they should, with their best, He’ll find a people who will.

Before God moves out of my life, perhaps I should look at the quality of my service and sacrifice. Is it bountiful, or is it just busyness?

Jacob, like us, was far from perfect, his name meant deceiver after all! But he sought to serve God when he wrestled in Genesis 32:24. He was willing to fight for what God had. Are we? Or are just satisfied with a bowl of soup?

Esau was a hunter and provider. He got his job done. Jacob wouldn’t stop until he prevailed with God, and God changed his name from “Deceiver.” To “a prince who had power with God and with men and hast prevailed.”

Jacob sacrificed for, sought for and served for God. And in Him God did not complain.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Freeloaders in the Flock

Written by talk2shari Published September 9, 2017September 9, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

Driving to play music with a secular crowd, I prayed that God would open the door to share the gospel. Boy did He! He opened it wide open and in true “Jesus Chick” form I walked out on the porch of that opportunity with my mouth wide open and for an hour and a half I debated faith. The opportunity was great, my delivery I’m not so sure about. It’s the problem with being a “leap and the net will appear” kind of gal; not only do I leap and believe the net will appear, I also speak and believe the words will appear. This has on more than one occasion got me into trouble. Only because I don’t slow down to hear what God’s speaking to my soul.

Luke wrote in chapter 12, verses 11 and 12: And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Well, I didn’t give it any thought, I just spoke from my heart. I’m just so doggone passionate about what my Lord has done! I know He’s okay with that, God doesn’t need any freeloaders in the flock. It’s not a works salvation, but James said in Chapter 2, Verse 18 “Yea, a man say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” That too was a piece of my conversation. There is no works required for salvation, Jesus did it all, but there most certainly should be some evidence.’

My “freeloaders in the flock” statement came from a conversation I had with my friend Gloria about my new critter passion, the chickens. Sue, Glo, Butterscotch and Toffee and 4 everyday variety of chickens I’ve yet to give names. My husband wanted the chickens for what they produce, I wanted the chickens because they make me smile. The little babies “peep peeps,” and the antics of the grown chickens remind me in more ways than one of the flock of God. But my husband, in the confidence of a husband, said “No freeloaders.” I, in the confidence of his wife, smiled. He knew what that meant. No, chicken killin’. But I understand his theory, if we feed them, they “should” follow that up by rewarding us with an omelet or two.

Well, I believe the same as a child of God. If He provides for me in every aspect of life, both physically and spiritually, should I not produce something in my life for Him?

3 WAYS NOT TO BE A FREELOADER

Win souls

It’s the most gut wrenching, fortifying method of serving Christ of all the ways we have to serve. Gut wrenching from the standpoint that you are standing toe to toe with the devil as he tries to undo every deed you do. For every statement of persuasion I would make for Christ, Satan would fuel the fire with human intelligence and logic. It is during those times that I am apt to speak before the Holy Spirit has a chance to get a word in edge wise. It’s not easy, but it is most assuredly worth the war.

Work the Gospel

I know we are a “no works” salvation. But Jesus worked, and if we’re to follow in His footsteps and live as He lived there is work involved. See a need, fill a need. That was His way and should be our way. We should be praying and watching for opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ so that others can see and believe He is Lord of our lives and a game changer for theirs.

Worship

In my human opinion one of the worst cases of freeloading is when able bodied children of God don’t find the time to make it to church. They make the time for work, every form of play known to man, they’ll never miss a hair appointment or an oil change in the worst of weather, but when it comes to taking care of their soul, and thanking the very God who created them and saved them, He is the last on their list. Oh, I know… I’m preaching now. But one of the hardest things to overcome when trying to win a soul to Christ is standing in the defense of freeloaders of the flock. There’s no excuses we can offer.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Faith, Fear, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

The God of Miraculosity!

Written by talk2shari Published September 8, 2017September 8, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

Miraculosity – Ephesians 3:20 thin king – the Miraculous Generosity of God.

What causes unbelief in a child of God? It’s a question I ponder often. Why is it that at the times we most need faith, there is a greater presence of doubt and fear? Both were overcome at the grave of Jesus Christ when He victoriously arose the third day, and yet they didn’t die because Satan is still around to keep them alive and well. They won’t have eternal life, but they’ve been here since Satan introduced them in the garden of Eden. But moving past “Devil made me do it” phase of our lives we have to take responsibility for much of this one on our own. This is a problem in our “own country.”

Matthew 13 tells the truth of a hometown visit by Jesus with the saddest departure.

Matthew 13

⁵⁴And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? ⁵⁵Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? ⁵⁶And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? ⁵⁷And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. ⁵⁸And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

The Entrance

Much like Jesus arrived in His hometown, he arrives in the heart of a child of God. The Holy Spirit is Amazing! It is astonishing when you begin to know and understand things because He reveals them to you from within. I can remember picking up the word of God following my salvation, and scripture that once seemed to be written in Greek were now as plain as the nose on my face. I read and I understood because the Holy Spirit was revealing it to me. It was then that I could not get enough of the Bible. Every day, every spare moment I had that precious book open because He was speaking to me through every word.

God not only revealed the word to me through the Holy Spirit but He sent men and women of God to sew into my life; many of whom did that through not only the testimony of the word but the testimony of their lives. They shared their own miracles with me and I began to see that the Spirit of God was now as He was then. Able. He was able to all that we ask.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

Not only all that we ask but above all that we ask. How amazing is that! And yet, we don’t believe. Why? It’s not because we don’t have the power to believe because that power works in us. We see that through His word. I believe that unbelief is often a product of our surroundings.

As a new convert in Jesus Christ I was surrounded by people of testimony. For me that made the difference. I had evidence that God was still the Ephesians 3:20 God. Many of those who testified to me have gone home to be with Jesus and I’m seeing less and less of people who share the testimony of great things in Christ Jesus.

The Exam

Once Jesus arrived in His home town the people began to examine who He was. Isn’t his dad a carpenter? Isn’t his momma Mary? Don’t we know His people? How can He be anyone special? To write those words breaks my heart. The exam still continues today when we examine a situation and fail to believe that God will overcome it or that God won’t do that miracle through us because “Am I not just Shari?” Who am I to think that God would do this…? And it’s right there that we’ve resurrected doubt and fear yet again. We’re examining (questioning) the power of God.

The Exit

And so the exit. The saddest of all scriptures.

⁵⁸And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

They missed out on the miracles of God because they couldn’t get past that He was just a carpenter’s son. Those words pierce my soul because I’ve been just “Shari” most of my life. But fortunately interspersed within those “just Shari” years were moment of miraculosity. Yes… I know that’s not a word. But it should be. Because I’ve seen God do some pretty miraculous things with a girl named Shari. And I’ve missed out on some things because I didn’t believe the God inside the Girl would do it.

The testimonies I cut my teeth on as baby Christian are still fueling my soul today, but God didn’t intend for me to live on somebody else’s blessing. He’s given me my own. Where we are in life is “our hometown.” And before we let Jesus exit, we need to tell the people in our world about the great works God has done. Don’t sit on a testimony. I’ve been guilty so many times! What we’re doing is allowing doubt and fear to win out in our young people. They need to hear about the God of Miraculosity! Go and tell someone about the great things He’s done in your life. Tell them about the little things He’s done, they need to hear it all.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

The Answer to Every Problem

Written by talk2shari Published August 30, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

I have no idea what the Lord Jesus might look like, but I for certain know what He feels like.

I had three of my grands at the house this morning and was fixing them their favorite comfort foods before school; pancakes and hot cocoa with baby marshmallows melting all up in the cup. Yes, I’m aware that is not the breakfast of champions, but it is the breakfast of Noni. They don’t stay that often, so when they do I like them to leave with the feeling that Noni’s is always a place that they are loved and gone the extra mile for. That’s how I’ve always felt with Jesus. That’s how I feel with my family and my friends. Those that God has placed in my life are placed there for the “extra mile” experience of a child of God. I am blessed.

I am painfully aware that not everyone experiences a pancake and cocoa life. If I’m truthful, not every day of mine is so sweet and wonderful either. Life is harsh. And pancakes and marshmallows usually won’t fix it; but understanding the comfort that comes at the greatest of cost but the smallest price is a worthwhile endeavor. It’s knowing the God of “all” comfort.

I was speaking with a friend this week about the tragedy of people in our lives who don’t experience the peace God affords. Most of them are not saved. They’ve never known the peace of salvation, which is the sweetest peace of all and the only true peace. They try to achieve it through Pancakes and cocoa, which is at best a temporary fix. Jesus isn’t temporary. Jesus is eternal! Even so, Christians too often forgo seeking His sweet, everlasting peace in exchange for the pancakes and cocoa version. Color me guilty on that on more than one occasion.

How many times have I sought to remove a heartache by rewarding myself with a new something or another? A cup of coffee and a piece of apple strudel? It matters not the place of comfort we seek, if it’s not in Christ Jesus it won’t fix the problem.

2 Corinthians 1:3b says that He is the “God of all comfort.”

All.

Those three letters are fully inclusive of every problem in life.

Did someone hurt you? God loves you. Romans 5:8– But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Did you lose your job? God is your provider. Philippians 4:19– But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Did your marriage fail? Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Did pressures of life overtake you? Jesus has the peace that passes understanding. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Did you lose someone to death? Jesus promises eternal life filled with no sorrow. 2 Corinthians 5:8 – We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Did you fail miserably? Jesus will give you the opportunity to start fresh, without condemnation. Isaiah 43:19 – Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Did you sin? Jesus died so that you could be forgiven. Colossians 1:14 – In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
Do you have uncertainty in your life? Jesus is certain. Jeremiah 29:11– For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

No hurt or trouble is uncovered. Jesus is the God of “all” comfort. He is the God of all “grace.” 1 Peter 5:10 – But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

What you discover upon reading the word of God is that the common denominator for every problem is that the bible has the every solution. ALL.

Three very powerful little letters because God controls “all.”

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Growing Up God’s Way

Written by talk2shari Published August 28, 2017August 28, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:11

At what point does one officially grow up? And are there areas in your life where’s it okay to never grow up? I have questions this morning. Lots of them! My cousin and friend Erin, is speaking tonight on whether or not smart phones have destroyed a generation, and that put my mind on a path to yesterday and what it was that brought me to where I am. Although I was born in the era of hippies and free love, that era didn’t really have too much of an effect on me because of the rurality of where I lived. Yes, the movement was in West Virginia, but not so much in my world. And I certainly didn’t have the exposure to media as the youth today. So what we seen of it was what actually came into our home, via other family members living the life of that era or television; which was limited to 3 channels and only two could be viewed clearly unless someone turned the antenna. Something youth of today cannot even fathom; they have the world at their fingertips, literally!

I had the world of imagination, (the dreamer) which even today gets me into some trouble. It takes my mind on journeys and often puts me in the place of want rather than the place of need. Want being flesh lead, need being Spirit lead. I think that is the difference between where we should grow up, and where we should stay as a child. My spiritual life has always been quite the journey and as much as I try to stay on task… I struggle.

I want to glorify God… but not always in submission to Him. Sometimes I think I have some pretty cool ideas. And God says… “Nope. Not gonna happen.”

Growing up is Good

I think of Apostle Paul, much like my husband David. David is a man of action. He is a “get’r done” kind of guy about the things he is passionate about. Mostly work and rescue. He’s passionate about those two things. He’s very adult about them. There’s no time to horse around. Apostle Paul was very passionate about his work as well. It’s what lead him to persecute the Christians and what drove him when he discovered Jesus as LORD. It obviously worked for him, look at the impact he has had on eternity.

Growing up is good and necessary in the work of the Lord.

Childishness Has Its Place Too!

Jesus said, in Matthew 18:4 “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Which leads me to believe there are areas in our lives where it’s okay to not grow up.

Being spiritually lead is getting back into the mode of childhood. It’s there that we learn to listen, be okay with being awkward, dream the dreams that God calls vision and above all let Him take us by the hand and lead.

Like a child I often run ahead of God’s plan and timing and He stops, waits patiently for me to return, and we start the journey again. I’m grateful for grace… I have needed so much lately…

Questions to ponder:

What areas in your life do you feel you’re growing up nicely?

Where have you grown up too much?

Where do you feel God leading that you have either ran ahead, or are lagging behind?

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Life Inspiration

How to be a Spiritually Successful Saint of the Savior!

Written by talk2shari Published August 25, 2017August 8, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

It’s never good to get too big for your britches. Physically or spiritually. I personally have struggled with both this summer. Thinking myself to be more important than I am. Thinking that my wants and wishes are above what God’s design for my life is. Feeding myself instead of my soul and failing to stay in the center of His will. I jam forever on the edge; never quite making it to the center. Can you identify?

John 3:30 says

He must increase, but I must decrease.

For successful Christian living there has got to be more of God and less of you in your day. Oh I try, but deed, I’m never very far into the day before that increase is on the wrong side of success. So what’s a Jesus Chick (or Rooster) to do when your spiritual life is malnourished?

PUT THE FLESH ON A DIET!

I don’t for two seconds think it was a coincidence that God likened Himself to food and drink throughout the scriptures. He knew 2017 would be filled with bread and pasta and how very weak my flesh was when it came to those tasty treats in the battle of depression. But whether it’s food, or any other earthly pleasure that we invest more effort into than God, we have to look for a healthy balance for a truly happy and fulfilled life. Oh… I’m preachin’ to the choir this morning. I should have worn work boots to write this blog because I’m all over my own toes. But I usually am, that’s how God works on this wretched heart.

John 6:35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

That’s an awesome truth on its own. But seeing that truth in the context for which it was written is even awesomer! I know that’s not a word, but it should be. Every successful diet has a foundation from which it starts. Exercise, protein, vegetables, juices… things to build on and things to omit.

Work the Work

John 6:28-41

²⁸Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? ²⁹Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

While I could hug Paul’s neck for saying to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:8 “bodily exercise profiteth little,” that too is a verse out of context. Exercise alone won’t fix the flab of the flesh, but it certainly won’t hurt. And when it comes to serving Christ, although the work of salvation is done, there is still work to do! Staying focused on the plan is key to the success of our spiritual wellbeing.

For me, I am called to serve God as a career. You may or may not be called to serve in such an exclusive manner. I personally keep trying to forget. Not because I don’t want to serve God, but because it takes discipline and sacrifice… just like exercise. It’s not always prosperous in the earthly sense of finances, so in the flesh if I can often get discouraged because in our lives work = $. That is necessarily so in the work of the Lord.

Work Without

³⁰They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? ³¹Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. ³²Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. ³³For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

It is for certain not without compensation, it’s just often not with the compensation of earthly standards. And when I in the flesh get hungry, be it for food or for stuff, my desire often wins out over the actual need. It is then that the mission becomes cloudy. Not because it’s not still there in the very same form it was when God gave it to me many years ago. But because I’m not focused on the plan. If I’m busy doing ministry work, I seldom think of what I have not. Because the work satisfies my soul. That’s how God created me. But if I wake up in the morning and immediately start feeding my desires with food, social media, music, etc., rather than feeding my soul with the manna from Heaven, I’m spiritually malnourished and weak; which leads to the flesh having the greater power.

Work His Will

³⁴Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. ³⁵And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ³⁶But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. ³⁷All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. ³⁸For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. ³⁹And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. ⁴⁰And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Staying in the center of God’s will is not easy, but it was not only our design, it was Christ’s as well. Christ understands the flesh, He too battled it; however ~ He battled it victoriously. Me… not so much. Christ’s purpose for coming to earth was to make a way for us to get to Heaven. And even on my days of failure, I can’t stop that. That is awesomer too! But I need to stay focused on the plan that God created me for, and so do you, so that you and I can be spiritually successful saints of the Savior!