Category: Christian Service

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Evangelism

Don’t Drive Your Stakes Too Deep

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on Don’t Drive Your Stakes Too Deep
Ministry Friends – Patricia & Butch Dunnick

In a two story house, on small street in Windom, Minnesota, I met Butch and Pat Dunnick. They’d opened their home for me to stay in while I spoke in their city. Two small in stature people with hearts the size of Minnesota. They had dedicated their home and their lives to the service of Christ. Their story wasn’t one of living in perfection, but in my eyes they were everything I seen in the story of Priscilla and Aquila who ministered with Paul.

I’ve been fortunate to meet people in my life that impact me in such a way, when I hear their name, I have utter jubilation in my soul. Butch and Pat are two of the many. Windom, Minnesota has some great memories for me, and I wish I could pack up all those people and bring them to West Virginia with me, but that’s not how it works. But I miss them. For some reason, at 3 a.m., the day after Thanksgiving, I’m homesick for Windom. It began when I read a post of Pat’s where she shared the story of a child they had taken into their home. 

 Charlie had been a neighbor who they’d heard playing ball in his apartment. Not realizing he was alone, and waiting for a drunken mother to return home. Until one night his mom didn’t return home, she died in a car accident and he became a foster child of Butch and Pat. Charlie had secretly wanted to be a part of their family. He wanted to belong in a stable house where people loved him. He also became a part of the family of God through their influence. That’s the most important family of all! And it’s what makes Minnesota so special.

In just a short, ever so quickly passed week, I became apart of the Dunnick family through our shared Father, the Lord Jesus Christ. I belonged. Not that I haven’t always been blessed with belonging, which is why Pat’s story stirred my soul so much this morning. Not everyone does belong. There’s a world out there filled with loneliness, and praise God for missionaries like Butch and Pat who open up their home and hearts to the Charlie’s and Shari’s of this world.

They were People of Trade

Acts 18:1-3 KJV

[1] After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; [2] And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. [3] And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

God used the tent making to not only provide funding for the ministry, but likely to house it as well. Tent makers by trade, I can’t help but think they were the originators of the first “Old Fashioned” Tent meetings. I could imagine many a sermon coming from the illustration of those tents not being a permanent dwelling, nor are we to consider this world a permanent place, it’s anything but! We are just a passing through going to a far better land. 

But far too many of us have set our tent stakes in concrete. Not willing to push ourselves out of the comfort zone we’re in to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. God actually had to trick me to get me out of the religion I was in, and into a place of service. The number one question for any child of God should be “Are we traveling toward Heaven, or just hanging out at the station?” If you’re not moving, find another train. 

Those tents were not only a temporary dwelling, they didn’t have a denomination associated with it either! While I’m a Baptist, by doctrine, I’m not fool enough to believe Jesus was a Baptist. There is but one church in Heaven and that is God’s church. Those who believe on the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ for their salvation. In Christ alone. No other way. 

They were Ready to Persuade

[4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Paul, Priscilla and Aquila knew what they believed and were standing firm on that foundation in a place where their opinion wasn’t always welcome. If it were easy to persuade the world of their need for salvation there likely wouldn’t be such passion in the pulpits of soul winning churches, nor would there be such great opposition. Living your life in Christ is not a comfort zone, it’s a war zone.

My salvation was so far from anything I had ever experienced in the religious world, I knew I wanted to share it with everyone I met. Dead religion sucks the life out of you, but faith in Christ restores the soul!!! It pours Living Water into your life and causes you to overflow. When Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus it was anything but religion. He knew religion… far better than I.  Paul was a good man, and there’s still plenty of good men in dead churches today. But when a soul is lit on fire for Christ, they become persuaders! 

Being brought up in religion will do one of three things: It will either squelch your spirit till you are of none effect, cause you to leave church completely, or, once you’ve discovered the difference between religion and relationship with Christ, you’ll become a persuader. Paul, along with Aquila and Priscilla were persuaders. I know a persuader. I am one, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting many, such as the Dunnicks!

They were Eternally Unswayed

Acts 18:5-6 KJVS

[5] And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. [6] And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Paul was called out to serve the Gentiles. The Jews were rejecting his message and so it was that Paul knocked the dust off his feet and headed in a new direction.

When I met the Dunnicks, I was headed in a new direction with an old story. They encouraged my plight, with their deep passion for the things of the Lord. Like Priscilla and Aquila persuaded a Jew name Apollos, it’s my prayer that I, like my friends and biblical predecessors, am a persuader and I’m unswayed when this world comes against me. 

Acts 18:24-28 KJVS

[24] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. [26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. [27] And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: [28] For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Let it be so!!! That we are convincing this world on it’s way out that Jesus is Christ is the way, the truth and the life! Apollos was helped out doctrinally by Priscilla and Aquila. We need to know the word, stand on the word and share the word. Glorrraaaaay!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Evangelism

That Ain’t None of My Business

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It’s not spoken aloud, but I can almost guarantee it’s spoken in the minds of the church majority. Those who read the book of Romans, comment of its worthiness in church leadership and direction of salvation and then ignore the fact that it’s more than a book to be commented on, it’s a book to be lived. 

In its final chapter, I found solace in Paul’s words. I struggle for many reasons, but one of the greater reasons I struggle is from feelings of unworthiness. I’m sure I’m not alone. That’s why I thought perhaps this was a good word for today. Satan knows he has my number when it comes to pointing out my flaws. Add to that, the fact that I’m a “woman in the ministry” and not all agree that women should be; my feelings of inadequacy are at the forefront of most days. Let me preface this by saying there are few in my circle who have made me feel that way. I’ve always been embraced as a woman of God. I make no proclamations of being a preacher. I’m a servant of God, used of God to further the gospel through various forms of media and speaking. I basically just like to talk. And when I discovered the wonders of Jesus, I had plenty to say! 

As Paul closes out his letter to the Romans, he runs down a list of people that have blessed his britches!  And the first one happens to be a woman. For that day and age, that was amazing! She was obviously quite the servant of God to have garnered the great Apostle Paul’s attention and mention. 

Romans 16:1-2 KJVS

[1] I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: [2] That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

During Paul’s day, I highly doubt there was any “sittin’ saints in the sanctuary” just taking up space. To be apart of the church in that day, your literal neck was on the line. But not so much today. You can sit and soak it up and do absolutely nothing to contribute and not feel the least bit bad about it. True story, right? The 90% can watch the 10% do all the work of the church and say “That ain’t none of my business.”

Well, Phebe made it her business. She was the deliverer of this letter to church in Rome. I can imagine that Satan either was clueless to the power of this letter, or God had His hand of protection upon Phebe as she traveled. Probably both. But Phebe served the church in such a manner that Paul asked them to not only receive her into their body of believers but to help her out with whatsoever she asked. She had been a “soccourer” of many and Paul was included. 

To succor someone is to help them out in times of hardship and distress. Phebe stepped up and stepped out when someone needed help. Would to God I would be that person always.

While most people don’t consider themselves to be in the ministry, that’s not the case. If you’re a child of God you are “in” the ministry by proxy. You are Christ’s representative on earth and are to do His work. For that you will stand accountable. Paul may have used a gal like Phebe in this letter to prove that there is none without purpose and position and most of all none with an excuse. If Phebe, a single woman, can be used by God to deliver the gospel, care for the “business” of the church in a day when women were seen as possessions not persons of value in the world, the church would take note. 

Paul was one who had lived out his faith in such a way it wasn’t up for debate as to whether or not he was God’s man. I want to live my life in such a way. I don’t ever want to say “That’s none of my business” when it comes to serving God. 

What about you? Do you have feelings of inadequacy? Just like in the days of Phebe, this is not the time to be a timid church mouse. It’s time to step up and into the role that God positioned you for. The key word is “God.” He does the positioning. He provides the purpose. He’s always placed me in the front row of the church, both figuratively and spiritually. I’m not above any other person in the congregation, but my outspokenness and willingness to serve allows me to have “business” in the church. You are a part of my business. I love you and I want to serve you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray I’ve done that today with this word.  

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity

What to Deny and What to Desire

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We live in a society that has begun to accept hypocrisy as the social norm. Whether it’s in the secular world, the government or the church, hypocrisy is just a fact of life and few, if any, are held to a an accountability. If anyone understands the damage of hypocrisy, it was the Apostle Peter. In Matthew 26:31-35 we have a conversation between Christ and His disciples at which time Peter proclaims his loyalty to the Savior and the fact that he will never deny Him. He’s feeling very confident in his role as disciple of Christ, as do the rest of the disciples!

Matthew 26:31-35 KJVS

[31] Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. [32] But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. [33] Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

Who hasn’t had days of confidence? I certainly have. I’ve also had days of utter failure as Peter was foretold to have by Christ in the scripture that follows:

 [34] Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. [35] Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

It’s irony for me that Jesus used a chicken as a reminder of Peter’s failure. It was however a boy chicken (aka rooster) and I’m the Jesus Chick. So there’s that. But none the less, there’s no excuse for hypocrisy. Is it forgiven? Of course! All sins are under the blood of Christ for a child of God. But we still have to stand on the side of Christ and His Holiness as being the standard for what’s expected, even though human nature causes us all to fall short. 

So in light of that, I’m looking at our current world and the hypocrisy explosion and wondering where the church is?

1 Peter 2:1-4 KJV

[1] Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, [2] As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: [3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. [4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

Just this morning I heard a conservative news agency reporting on the closely followed Senate race in Georgia. The were reporting on the hypocrisy of one of the Senate candidates, Raphael Gamaliel Warnock, who is the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. A pastor, great right? No. Not at all. In addition to being a pastor he’s pro abortion, Marxist and has made politics the topic of conversation in his church for the purpose of turning our nation against itself, not the salvation of souls. I’m glad there are news agencies that are willing to call hypocrisy out. But what about the local churches? 

I don’t want any church body focusing on politics. But when the Bible speaks of the church, it doesn’t speak of a building full of people. It speaks of the body of Christ which includes all who accept Jesus as Lord and the only way to Heaven. If you’re one, this message from Peter, with commentary by me, is for you! 

Lay it Aside! 

Malice – Intention to do evil.

Guile – Underhandedness, deception, scheming. 

Hypocrisy – proclaiming moral standards but failing to have behavior conforming to it. 

Envy – resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions.

Evil Speaking – profoundly immoral talk

Welcome to the vocabulary list of 2020.

We have a self proclaimed President Elect (Biden) and his son who have been involved with possible treason, and yet we’re not even looking at his malice. We have an election with known fraud, and yet the winning party is angry that there are people upset with their conspiracy and guile. Elected officials are mandating us to mask up (even though 70% of the people who contracted Covid-19 were mask wearers), they’re dictating how many people we can have in our home, controlling where and when we can go (especially church) and then going against those very orders themselves with the justification that their title and position allows it in great hypocrisy.  The list of envying and evil speaking people is too great to list. 

Peter said to lay it aside. It is the churches responsibility to step around this tribe of ne’er do wells and move forward in the name of the Lord. And when His name is attached to us, so is the expectation of His moral compass, not ours. Our compass is too apt to go off course. There is no justification of any of the aforementioned things. Regardless of what box you checked on your ballot, or what church you go to. We will all stand before God giving account to what we’ve done in His name.

Moving forward isn’t just going on with our lives and pretending it doesn’t affect us. It has affected us! We’re not going to church! Well… not all of us. 

Eat it Up!

Peter tells us to desire the word of God like babies desire milk that we may grow. If a baby is not being fed, they’re screaming their head off. The church has just sat back and shut their mouths, saying nothing. Never mind that the statistics prove the risk is low. I’m not saying don’t use common sense and avoid sharing the virus, but all of that can be done without closing our schools and churches. 

Why will we not accept the word of God as fact, but will accept anything the state says as rule of law? When it’s not law. Laws take a congressional decision. To my knowledge, none of these “mandates” have been made by congress, but rather by governors and other leaders that have suddenly turned into envying and evil speaking dictators who envy a President who’s not. 

I know, I’m showing my red colors in the political realm. I make no apologies. Because the blue people don’t believe in apologies. According to them they do no wrong. 

Know Your Value

The world did it then, and they’re doing it today… rejecting Christ as Lord. Both the political and the religious denied who He was. But that changed nothing!  And as children of God we need to understand our value. I was so tickled last night in the teen class at Victory Baptist Church as the kids told me that they were excited that they would be featured in the history books of the future. What a great attitude! It’s the same type attitude that Peter ended up having after he had a “come to Jesus” moment in his life. He was no longer living in fear as he was the night that Christ was arrested. He himself was arrested many times, and yet in his ministry he healed people, he encouraged people and he led thousands to Christ! He was also martyred, hung upside down on a Cross. But he’s now with God forever and he assuredly is in the history books!

I’m glad the teens know how precious they are in God’s sight and how important they are to the story. Do you?

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Heaven, Life's Failures

A little encouragement for other humans

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on A little encouragement for other humans

I wonder daily at what point God will tell Gabriel, “Gabe, That guy just got on my last nerve, go get your horn.” I think like that because I’m human, God quite obviously doesn’t think like or there is no way we’d have made it through the 2020 election. Praise God for grace and mercy! But surely it can’t be long. Again…. I’m human. It could be another 1000 years. But I’m doubting it. 

Today I want to be like my brother in Christ, Apostle Paul. I want to encourage the body of Christ to live bold and be loud for the cause! It’s our time. In Philippians 1, Paul is writing from Prison, and he longs to hear some news about what’s happening in the church. So do I! I love hearing the stories of souls being saved, of the Spirit riding high in a service, of an awesome job by a Preacher. Those stories stir the soul of a child of God and let us know that this is a worthy effort!  Not that we don’t always think it’s a worthy effort, but sometimes life get’s discouraging when we see the opposition. 

Let me Hear!

Philippians 1:27-30 KJVS

[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 

Paul wanted to hear the good news of the good news. He wanted to know that the church was continuing on and working together in one Spirit. He knew there would be opposition against them, after all, he was writing from jail. Many of them would share the same fate for their boldness. While I’m not in literal jail, sometimes I feel like I’m in spiritual jail. There is certainly a threat of Facebook jail, but that pales in comparison to the jails of a biblical sort. And yet here we are in a time with the world doesn’t know it needs our message, and our sources of spreading it are getting harder to deal with because they’re limiting our reach. While Paul fought a spiritual war with soldiers, we’re fighting a spiritual war with cyber thugs, who can turn into real thugs. It’s why I long to hear the stories of success in your churches. 

If you’re so inclined message them to me! I’d love to share in the experience. Tell me the good news of your church.

Never Fear!

[28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. [29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; [30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Paul was proud of the fact that they were bold and fearless in their work for Christ. I’m proud of you! I read your social media posts, I listen to online sermons, I see the work of folks like my friend Dewey Moede of www.FGGAM.org and folks like Glenn Beck on  BlazeTV getting the news out from a biblical worldview. We need to share those resources! Can you imagine if Paul had had those?! During this month of gratitude we need to be grateful for the gifts we’ve been given to share the gospel and encourage one another as often as we can.

Heavens Near!

I certainly don’t have a projected date, but I have a gut feeling. We are in the same conflict that Paul was in. We face the same threats. Our religious freedom is very much under attack. It’s why the election was so darn crooked. Share your faith while you still can! When it gets to the point where we cannot, that’s when Gabe’s gonna blow that horn. But until then, Preach on child of God! Get a handful of gospel tracts and spread the good news. Find a good sermon and share it online, call a saint of God who’s stuck inside and encourage them with a good word. Nothing will go unnoticed by God. 

Posted in Christian Service

These are the days of our lives

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As the world turns, these are the days of our lives. That’s what was running through my head this morning. I can remember sitting in the floor playing with toys in our mobile home in Duck Creek, West Virginia as a youngin’ of the age of 5 or 6, and hearing that show open up and watching my Mother fold the laundry as she watched. It was probably the only frivolous thing I ever watched my Mother do. It’s kind of how I feel now when I watch the news post election. What’s the point right? 

But the other day when I had the epiphany that I was too world focused and not Heaven focused, my news watching became more of an “as the world turns” experience. I began to watch and listen as one that was watching a plot play out on a soap. With the espionage, theft and threatenings it could no doubt be a crime drama as well. The primary characters of this day and nighttime drama are oblivious to the roles they’re playing to usher us into eternity. These really are the days of our lives! 

I’m always clear to say that I’m not a Bible Scholar, but I have the Holy Spirit within me Who can and does instruct me in the word of God, and I have a wealth of information at my fingertips that I must be careful with accessing because contrary to popular belief, everything on the internet is not true! I know, Shocker! Right?

Bible prophecy from the book of Daniel says that in the last days there will be four powerful kings rise up in the world. 

Daniel 7:17 KJVS

These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

According to John Hagee in his book “Earth’s Last Empire,” those four kings will be:

The king of the North, Russia

The king of the South is Egypt and Arab Islamic forces

The king of the East is China

The king of the West is America and the United Kingdom

Those four kings are going to have one primary purpose on their agendas, the attack and demise of Israel. Which won’t happen, but they think it will. They also want to become global dictators taking our civil liberties. They’ve been working on that and have been pretty successful.  All of this will because they desire to control Jerusalem and prepare for the false Messiah. I love Bible prophecy, especially since I’m on the winning side! But it doesn’t stop me from being concerned for those who are not on the winning side, I’m very scared for them when I watch the news and see scripture playing out, just as God said it would. 

Right now across the world Jews are being targeted and Anti-Semitism is very much a thing in the United States. If you read the book of Revelation you witness it as John pulls back a curtain 2000 years ago and looks into our days. How weird is that thought?  While I don’t profess to understand all the prophecy of that book, I know enough to be dangerous. The God of all the Universe has promised to take care of us throughout eternity in a land where evil has been defeated. Our Savior is beside His Father in Heaven and they will be victorious! But in the mean time we are here. I long for the innocence of my youth in my Ozzie and Harriet world. But we must go forward. 

So in looking at those kings listed above we see the actors one by one that need our attention in the matter of prayer. If Jesus tarries His coming, these players in the days of our lives are going to have their focus set on destroying our nation and they’re not going to have to set one foot on American soil to do it. They’ve got understudies all across our nation and most of them in high government positions. So as children of God, what can we do?

We can certainly pray, and don’t take that lightly! It’s powerful. Daniel prayed three times a day and even under the attack of 🦁 lions, he was unharmed. The three Hebrew boys went into the fire believing their God would deliver and He did! God has broken jail bars and broken chains on a crazy man in cemetery. Don’t ever under estimate in the power of our Lord. I personally don’t think He’s done working through us, else He’d have already called us home. Maybe He’s just waiting for His children to stand up in faith when the attacks come.

I’ll continue to watch the days of our lives play out on Blaze TV and continue to read the word of God, because I don’t want to be caught off guard, and I love being in the know. I hope you feel encouraged today, even though the news is not always good. But our God is always good!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Uncategorized

God’s will is easy…’til it’s not

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If I ask you “is anything too hard for God?” There would no doubt be a resounding yes!!!! Provided you are a child of God. But what if I ask you “Is anything too hard for God to do through you?” That certainly changes the context of the question and if you’re like me would result in possibly silence. I certainly believe that God can do anything, but if you throw me into the mix, that might even mess up God’s plan. 

Praying God’s “will be done” is easy, until it comes to letting it play through; and then sometimes it’s not easy at all. It can come with some very serious costs to us on this side of eternity. I think often about following God’s will. Am I in it, did I mess it up sometimes by allowing my will to overpower what He wanted? After all God allows free will for us. 

There are certain interferences in the will of God. 

Pride is an Interference in the will of God

I detest prideful, arrogant people. Myself included. Pride can yield it’s ugly head in a multitude of ways. When God lays something on our hearts and we refuse, that’s pride. We’re allowing our self will to tell God we’re going another way. Imagine if from day one of life, we only went God’s way. Our spiritual success would be such that even if we were absolutely broken we’d be experiencing such a peace in life, we’d not care about the physical conditions we were in. Like Job, we’d know it is well with our soul. Most of the angst in the life of a child of God who’s trying to live for God is in our failures and lack of faith. And many of those failures are prideful failures. Our way, over God’s way.

Doubt always has a way of creeping in. At least in my life. Even if I’m “pretty sure” I’m in God’s will. I’ve recently doubted so many of my life’s choices. I do not always see the fruits of my labor and sometimes my labor seems downright scant. I always feel I could have done more. If it’s not pride getting in my way it’s another PR word. 

Preparedness is an interference in the will of God

Am I truly prepared for the day and what I’m going to face. If a question pops up or someone needs advice, am I spiritually prepared to fulfill the will of God to lead that person or answer that question? Good question. It’s another way doubt enters in and it’s because I’m not always studied up and prepared for the day. I allow “things,” even sometimes good things, to get in my way of studying God’s word. We have the Bible, those who wrote the Bible or lived during those times did not. They were the forerunners of what we’re living and the reason we have a guidebook.

In the coming days we don’t know what we’ll face. Are we prepared? Do you know the end of the book? I’m not talking a bout understanding all the prophetic words of Revelation. But what about what Apostle Paul taught clearly about end times. Are we prepared for it and can we share that wisdom and our experience with that wisdom with someone who is living in fear of the end time events?

Hebrews 11:7 KJV

[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Noah’s faith was amazing! But he still made mistakes. He got drunk and exposed himself to his kids. That’s not cool. And not only did he do that, God put it in the Bible so we’d all know it. How embarrassing! That’s far worse than a social media post. If this earth continues, I doubt anyone will be talking about me in a 1000 years. But Noah, it’s been thousands of years and we’re still telling his tale. But the point of his life is, because he listened to God he saved his family and God’s creation. 

Do we have the kind of willingness to step out in something so bold? This is why Paul (or the writer of Hebrews) brought up Moses, and Abraham who also followed God’s will but lied along the way. And Sarah, who laughed when God said He would give her a child, and because of her unwillingness to wait, we have the story of Ishmael, and the mess his people have created. Sometimes our refusal to submit to the will of God comes with a great Price. 

Price is an interference in the will fo God

It costs us to stay in the will of God. It costs us free time to study God’s word, it might cost us friendships. It costs commitment to go to church and be a part of the body in leadership ways. This is a price that much of the world is not willing to pay.  Parents want obedient children, but they’re not willing to take them to God’s house where they can be taught why we obey. People want respect on the job, but rather than standing strong in the word of God, they allow the world to interfere with their mind and expose themselves to language and other evil things, and then no one respects them. Being a child of God cost Jesus His life, is it any surprise that it should cost us something to carry His name? And truthfully He is still paying the price, because those failures are what He died for. And our unwillingness to acknowledge that causes us to be unproductive. 

So my final question is this: 

How productive are you in the will of God?

We all fail, just like all of the heroes of the faith. But will we be productive in the work of the Kingdom today? Have you prayed and ask God what His will for your “day” is. Not your life, not such a broad scope, just your day. You’re about to embark on a day filled with possibilities and people. Have you swallowed any pride? Are you prepared? Will you pay the price to produce a work for the kingdom that will not burn up in the 🔥 fire?

Let’s do it!

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

Hold on for the Good News

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Hold on for the Good News
The Jesus Chick Art

What if this were your last free Sunday to go to Church?

That question puts Tuesday in perspective. And no, I’m not a conspiracy theorist or a right wing fanatic. I’m Shari Johnson the Jesus Chick, who loves to go into denial and 

believe that the world is not full of evil. I much prefer believing the best of everyone. That tomorrow is filled with gumdrops and flowers. But at this stage in the game, I can’t. I hope you’ll read on for a little bit of a reality check, and then keep reading on for hope! 

The Rise Against the Church

Following the North Valley Baptist Church being fined over $100,000 for refusing to close their church amid the Corona Virus, they finally caved on September 15, not being able to withstand the continued persecution. Pastor Jack Trieber said that he was “Going to let God fight this battle.”

My heart breaks for Pastors who are trying to do what’s right in a world gone so wrong. I’ll was at Victory Baptist Church Sunday morning, properly distanced from anyone but family. We’ve done the live broadcast when necessary, we encourage those of ill health to stay home, but seeing half of my congregation out for greater than 7 months is heart wrenching, because I know the tole it takes on me to miss one service. 

Because of the state of our Nation and the current political climate, I question what part of that California incident was because of the virus and what part was a test on seeing how quickly government could mandate and receive compliance for churches to close. While it certainly caused us to be creative in getting the word out to our people, we cannot deny the effect it had on those (and there are many) without access to preaching. Add to that the fact that social media has began monitoring our posts closely and controlling them to the point where, either no one sees them, or they’ll just flat out ban it and lock you in Social Media jail until you remove it. That’s not conspiracy theory rhetoric, that’s a known fact. They’ve controlled the narrative of this election to the point that if you didn’t search for the information, you didn’t see it. And if you didn’t search on a search engine besides google, the truth evaded you.

If  Biden and Harris are allowed to win on Tuesday, I fully believe what’s happening in California will make it’s way east at an alarmingly fast pace. Their voting records show it, don’t take my word for it. When the riots broke out in the west and north, there were no Democrats calling for arrests because of the lack of social distancing. But the Governor and Mayor of New York were threatening Jews for holding a funeral. Life went beyond ridiculous. 

So let’s look at it from God’s perspective by aligning the word up with the way the world is turning. 

Prior to Paul’s conversion, in Acts 8:3 it says:

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and hailing men and women, committed them to prison.

Within the last two weeks over $150,000 in fines have been levied against houses of worship in New York for violation of COVID-19 restrictions. Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York called the religious community “super spreaders” and that the church meetings had been a problem for weeks. They are the modern day Saul’s. So you may say, “well no ones being beaten for their religion.” 

Tell that to the Jews in New York who have been beaten. And yet it’s not been on the news.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/orthodox-jew-beaten-on-new-yorks-coney-island-boardwalk

Imagine if there had been social media in biblical days. What if Stephen’s stoning was captured on video, or the Apostles could have texted one another where the danger  ⚠️ was or who’s house the next meeting would be held.  We may not have video, but what we have is the word of God that has been preserved for thousands of years. Paul didn’t sugar coat his part in the story of being the persecutor or the persecutee. But you’ll not get that level of honesty today.

Saul’s and Paul’s are alive and well today, but their tactics have modernized.

Consider the fact that Governor Cuomo of New York has put a mandate on churches and schools in certain COVID hot spots in New York and threatened to withhold funding from those communities that don’t comply. Sounds like a Saul tactic of today.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/gov-cuomo-threatens-to-withhold-funds-from-new-york-city-other-covid-19-hot-spots-11602712580

Its not just New York, it’s Nationwide that government has taken edicts and made them laws without congress. That is very dangerous ground. Especially in light of the fact that a CDC update  says individuals are more likely to survive the coronavirus after contracting it. The health agency says if you have the virus between the ages of 0 to 70, you have a 99% survival rate. And if you’re over 70, the survival rate is nearly 95%.

And why are we locked down? Use individual caution, yes! Destroy our nation from within, no!

Acts 9:1-2 KJV

[1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, [2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

While the examples I gave are Jewish, it is all religions that acknowledge one true Jehovah GOD that are at risk. You’ll note they’ve been no Muslim Mosques in the news.  Scripture doesn’t say that Paul went after any other type of worshipper. Just Christians.  

But for hope!

Hebrews 6:18 KJV

[18] That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

There is no fake news in Heaven!

And in these scary days we have a strong consolation (comfort) in the Lord Jesus Christ that no man or mandate can take away. The Holy Spirit, God the Father and God the Son have us covered, come what may. It’s in the Word of God that we will find every ounce of hope needed to make a dark day into a glorious day of light! God spoke light into existence, and it took over the darkness.   Well glory to God the same holds true today. It’s not that the darkness still doesn’t exist, but when God speaks it’s gone! And the day will come when it will be gone completely, but until then our hearts can go on singing and praising the One True God, that the world has no control over. 

Unless Christ returns today, Tuesday will come and go. The election results may or may not be what we want. But our hope is not in those results anyway. Yes, It’ll be better if Trump wins, but it certainly won’t be without issue. If Biden and Harris win, be not deceived, what’s happening in New York and California will be a drop in the bucket by comparison. Better forewarned than caught off guard. Be ready!!! But never lose Hope! Never lose your “happy.” We win folks. Let’s go along for the ride until the Lord picks us up!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service

The Profit and Loss of God’s People

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Profit and Loss of God’s People

Job 22:1-2 KJV

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

I’m not a fan of Eliphaz the Temanite, after all, when our man Job was down as low as he could get, Eliphaz was one of the three not so encouraging friends who came to tell Job to get his heart right and his life would get better. Who needs a friend like that? But how many of us don’t have one. I’ll not name names. They likely don’t read my blog anyway, because I’m sure my grammar is just ghastly and upsets their psyche. But as for Eliphaz, he did have a great question. One he likely should have looked in the mirror and asked, “Am I profitable to God.”

First of all, what would God look upon as profit, He who owns the universe? 

Samuel told the people of God in 1 Samuel 12:20-21

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

That’s a good word for all of us! It is so easy to turn away from God to something that catches our eye and looks “profitable” but ends up being little more than a distraction, if not a great waster of time and money. Oh good grief, am I preaching to myself alone? It’s true. I need that “one more thing” from Amazon to make my life complete but then after that is “one more thing.” And before long I have no profit to give to God, only debt. So back to my 2nd question, What does God look upon as profit? 

Wisdom is Profitable

Ecclesiastes 7:11 KJV 

Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

For me the definition of wisdom, in the “dictionary of Shari” is “intelligence wrought with insight.” Deep right? Maybe not. But what I mean by that is wisdom goes further just what we learn. It’s the application of intelligence that is profitable. Okay… maybe that should be definition 2 in the dictionary of Shari. Knowing something isn’t wisdom unless it applied properly. Someone can have the intelligence to invent something amazing, but unless they have the wisdom on how to use it for good, then it’s not wisdom. For example, Bill Gates. A man of great intelligent with regard to the computer world, but right now he’s not using that with wisdom. He’s using it for evil. He’s a “ga-jillionaire” but what is his purpose in eternity? 

While the widow, who knows nothing of cyber land, but receives a small pension from her husband, and tithes it into the collection plate at church, allowing for extra for the missionaries, is highly profitable in eternity. 

Proverbs:10:2

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Isaiah 48:17

Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teachers thee to profit, with leaders thee by the way that thou shoudest go. 

God has not problem with His children profiting in life, but He wants that profit to have godly purpose.

The Word is Profitable

Acts 20:20-21 KJV

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Just going through these scriptures this morning I realize that I do not profit in the word of God nearly as much as I should. Every time I read scripture my heart overflows with blessing. Far greater than the blessing of any Amazon order arriving on the door step. Because I know that the wisdom that I am awarded for my effort, and will hopefully share with those I come into contact with will lay up for me rewards in Heaven. I’ll have those stars in my crown that are so often sung about. 

But not without using the word with godly wisdom. Studying to show myself approved and applying that wisdom to my life. Then I have gifts 🎁 🎁  🎁 for the King!

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 

The Woodshed is Profitable

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

I’m no more of a fan of the woodshed than I am Eliphaz. It’s not a good time when you feel the Spirit of God chastising you for wrong doing. But it’s profitable. Else I’d make the same mistake again. But we live in a world where no body wants to get their little feelings hurt… myself included. But I have first hand seen the damage that causes not only in my own life but in the lives of families who choose not to discipline their children or accept godly preaching on behavior. 

When I see those nutcase children screaming into a camera and posting it on social media for all the world to see my first thought is “Your parents must have disciplined you with cupcakes and rainbow sprinkles. The woodshed may hurt temporarily but the outcome is of great reward. 

Good Works are Profitable

Titus 3:8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Theses things are good and profitable unto men.

While good works will not save you, they don’t go un-noticed by God. And while I’m not sure what the stars in our crown will be awarded for, I do know who we’ll have the opportunity to award them to, and that would be the Savior! I want that profit! I don’t want to stand before my Savior, Who gave it all for me, and have nothing to give Him in return. I want to be a part of the celebration on that glorious day in Heaven when we stand before the King and He says well done! And then I want to lay that crown down at His feet like the woman with the alabaster box. I want to kiss His feet and thank Him for all He’s done in my life!

This World Is Not Profitable

Mark 8:36

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

If you owned it all, and lose your soul by failing to accept the price that Jesus Christ paid for you to be in Eternity with Him for ever, you’ll burn up in the final days and live in Hell for eternity. If you do not know what it means to know Christ as Savior and Lord, please, contact me or a bible believing preacher, and it’s sad to say, that’s not every preacher. Remember what I said about there being a difference between wisdom and intelligence. There’s a lot of smart preacher out there who don’t have wisdom. They’ve bought the lies of the world as well. If you’re unsure of who to turn to, message me, and I’ll find you a preacher in your area. But don’t miss out on the greatest of all blessings!!!! 

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

Simple People Have Simple Ways

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Simple People Have Simple Ways
#theJesusChickArt

I never make any professions of being a bible scholar. I, quite frankly, know only as much as the Spirit thinks I can handle on any given day. I could know more, there is no doubt about it. But it is my failure at study to do so. And yet God is so gracious and kind to me to allow me to share my thoughts with you; never in arrogance or self righteousness,  but in simplicity, the way He reveals it to me. 

The origin of thought…

Have you ever thought about it? When an idea pops into your head and leaves you thinking, “Where did that idea come from?” My mind is one of creativity. Some days it’s filled with mature thoughts that a woman in her late 50’s would have. But most days it’s filled with ideas just short of insanity. And I have to wonder which one is of the Spirit? This morning the light bulb came first. And I fully believed that God wanted to show me some bright and shiny new thing, and so I began to draw the light bulb. But then He turned it into a blueprint. “That’s kind of cool,” I thought but certainly confused my direction.  And then the word. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Back to the basics. The very beginning of who you are Shari. Who I created you to be. 

Casting out Carnality

I’ve been running head first into my carnality recently. The act of carnality to me is when I allow worldly things to take precedence over my life more so than the spiritual. It’s also what’s collectively  wrong with the United Sates right now.  Most of our nation is self absorbed and concerned about themselves and are clueless as to what God’s intention for the Nation is. We’ve raised a society of young people who feel that they’re purpose is non existent in the political realm unless it’s rebellion. There seems to be two extremes, youth (and older idiots) who are tearing down America both physically and spiritually and then there are the young people who have just checked out of it all. They want no part of the vote or vindication of what’s gone wrong. 

I know it’s true because I was that kid of the 70’s. The Vietnam war was ending, women’s liberation was full throttle, technology was beginning to blossom in a major way, U.S. doctors went on strike in 1975 and I was really just concerned about whether or not if I would ever find a boy who liked me before I graduated in 1980. Life has somewhat changed but not for the better on carnality and selfishness. I did however friend the boy. 😊 

Children of today have every bit of information, the good, the bad and the down right evil at their finger tips. So do adults. There is no need to socialize any more, we have the internet and we can communicate via social media and avoid all kinds of reality. Good grief… adults are guilty of that too! Many youth of today have to be forced into getting their drivers license because they don’t need a car to hang out with friends, they can do it in their bedroom on line. Yep… adults too have locked themselves inside their homes and go out only when necessity strikes. We can pretend that the riots across America didn’t happen, and if they did, they’re not coming to our community. And the stories about evil politicians are just the same old news on a different day and we are not responsible. Societal concerns have been reduced to what’s happening inside of our homes. It’s why Satan has no problem getting people to accept the masks and the shutdowns, because we like our world closed off from the rest. 

In a time where we can effect someone or something clear across the globe, most of America isn’t going out in the yard! 

Casting out High Things

2 Kings 17:9

And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchman to the fenced city. 

It didn’t say that the children of Israel did things in ignorance, it said they did it in secret, as if the Lord wouldn’t know what they did. America unfortunately isn’t doing what’s wrong in ignorance, or in secret. They’re just blatantly going against the word of God and pretending it doesn’t matter. “Professed Christians” are turning a blind eye to murder, abominable behaviors and espionage for the god of politics and for control. And when they’re called out on it, they scream “separation of church and state.” Well guess what… God says be ye separate but not in the context they’re using it. 

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

They better be worrying about not being received in Heaven, rather than being received by the wickedness of this world. 

Capturing our Thoughts

My thoughts are hard to capture, they’re quick! And they’re fickle.  I’m not throwing stones at anyone on either side of the party lines. I view people as saved or unsaved. There is nothing in between. You’re either right with God, or your not, and right doesn’t mean perfect. But it does mean that you are doing your best to align with scripture. 

When I go to bed at night, I don’t turn on the dark, I turn out the light. That’s a concept that I didn’t think of until a preacher brought it out in a sermon. It’s simplistically true. I love simple. And the while my thoughts can be complex, it’s the complex ones that will most likely get me into trouble because they cause confusion. And we know who the author of confusion is. It’ ain’t God. When God created the earth He didn’t speak darkness into the world, He spoke light. The darkness was already there. Before you think I’ve gone off on a tangent, I want to bring the thought of capture and light into perspective. 

In 1878, Thomas Edison filed his first patent application for the electric light and in 1880 he began commercially manufacturing his invention.  In the scope of time that hasn’t been so long ago, 142 years. It took men thousands of years to be able to mechanically produce something that God spoke into existence. And God’s light never burns out. And yet, men think they’re smart enough to live without God. God would much prefer we come to the realization that we are simplistic beings who need much guidance to stay out of trouble. That’s why He sent the Spirit. He turned on the light inside the dark hearts of all men and women, boy and girl who ask Him in. Fixing the world isn’t complex. It would simply take, every honest to goodness child of God allowing the Spirit to lead. Casting out carnality, getting rid of the high things we put above God Who is Lord of all and allowing our thoughts to stay reigned in. 

In the words of my friend, Attorney Tony Morgan, “Simple people have simple ways.” God’s way is simple and it’s the best. 

Posted in Christian Service, Church Unity, Evangelism, failure, Faith, Political

The Power of Jesus Christ

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Power of Jesus Christ

One week from today will be the final day of voting. At this point I just want it over. I’m tired of the lies and betrayal. I’m really especially tired of the stupidity. And the fact that they document it on video. When I see some of the young people going into a tirade of a fit that cannot be outdone by the brattiest of toddlers, my thoughts immediately goes to their parents. What must they think? Are they embarrassed, ashamed, heaven help us… proud? We are living in insane times. I’m praying that next Tuesday goes in the Lord’s favor and for His glory, and that when it does the crazies don’t come out of the woodwork. But what are we going to do if it happens? I am the queen of denial! I can just go into my make believe world where it’s all candy bars and gum drops and forget the crazies exist, but then what if they break into my sweet spot? 

What happens then?

This morning I read t through the betrayal of Christ. I imagined the sting in the heart of Christ as Judas kissed His cheek, followed by His arrest. I  wondered about the fear and confusion in the hearts and minds of the disciples, who had been warned, but were far from ready. I could feel the arrogance in the hearts of the soldiers who thought they were grandiose having captured the Man Who said He was God. But more nauseating than that for me right now, is those same attitudes are alive and well 2000 years later. So what happens if our gardens become war zones next week? 

The Followers

Matthew 26:57-60 KJV

[57] And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. [58] But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. [59] Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; [60] But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

Peter had to have been in shock. His best friend, whom he thought was going to establish His Kingdom on earth had been arrested and was being beaten and abused and he stood afar off and watched. He followed Him to His trial. But earlier he had said he would follow Him to the end of time. No doubt Peter’s mind and heart were at odds. His heart said “Defend Him!” But his mind said run.

Yesterday on BlazeTV’s, the Steve Deace show they were taking questions from his Facebook followers. The first question was “If I should be persecuted for Christ, should I fight, or should I stand silent?” That’s a tough question. But it’s why I love the Blaze news. They ask the tough questions. Steve Deace didn’t really have an answer because everything is circumstantial. There is a time to fight, but there is also a time to say, “Come Lord Jesus.” We have to rely on the Spirit for guidance by Seeking Knowledge In Christ.

But in Peter’s day, the Spirit had not yet come. 

The Failures

Matthew 26:69-75 KJV

[69] Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. [70] But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. [71] And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. [72] And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. [73] And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. [74] Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

I’m sure he never thought it would happen. But it did. Suddenly he found himself between a rock and hard place and fear consumed him. And so he denied God. 

What would we have done? What will we do if we are put in this place? For us, we hope we stand strong in the Spirit of God. But what about the people who have professed Christianity but have refused to stand on His word when they were not being persecuted. What will happen to them? Are they even saved? Will they see the error of their ways, or jump on the band wagon of persecutors.  

The number of people who say they’re Christian is huge! The number of people sitting in the church on Sunday morning is not. That should tell us where they’re going to stand in the day of persecution. It unfortunately gives us a glimpse of where they’ll be when it comes to defending the people of God, or crying crucify.

The Faithful

[75] And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Peter knew he had failed. Nobody needed to tell him. Reality kicked in, and he was no longer in his world of candy bars and gumdrops. If he ever was. But this is where I find great hope! Yes, there were hard times ahead, but in the midst of the hard times there was the Pentecost! 

Acts 2:1 KJV

[1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

The church had reunited. Thousands were saved!! How exciting is that! The Holy Spirit had come upon and in God’s people and they had found the strength needed to make great things happen in His name and for His glory. Hey folks! We have the Spirit too!  This is not a time to feel as though we’re failures as followers. No, we are given the power in Jesus Christ to do great things. And now I’ve wrote myself happy. 

Thinking on next week I know in my heart of hearts, that as a child of God He has me covered and He has a plan for me. Regardless of the outcome I am a disciple of God meant to tell the world about Jesus. My job is laid out. If you’re a child of God, so is yours. Walk in hope!!! Our God is faithful to the faithful!!!