Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Myself ~ My Service ~ His Sake

Written by talk2shari Published October 10, 2017October 10, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Every day is a struggle for me spiritually. The closer I try to get to God, the harder the battle, and quite often the more I fail. Add to that mix a servant’s heart, a selfish heart and the Savior’s heart, and I’m a mass of confusion.

The Servants Heart

I don’t know if everyone is born with a servant’s heart and many suppress it, or if there’s just some of us who have been called and are painfully aware of that calling. But I can’t not serve. Sometimes to the point of pondering why. I don’t want to sound whiny, needy or ungrateful for people who depend on me, because I am, but there are days when I have to wonder how much stubble and hay I have loaded on my wagon for Heaven? My servants heart has always been worn on my sleeve, and easily accessible by some folks that I’m not so sure would return the favor, or even genuinely appreciate what I’ve done. I hesitated today to even write this post for fear of those I love to serve feeling they’ve over taxed by heart. Which is not true. Or that my children wouldn’t always feel welcome to ask my help. There are responsibilities that are for certain eternally valued from the stand point that God is a family man… He understands their needs and I want to as well. God was a friend who supplied the needs of the people, not only Salvation. And I want to too. But then there are times that I feel so overwhelmed, and my ability to say no is defined as “no, I wouldn’t mind doing that for you,” but my heart screams, “I don’t have time for this!” And so this morning I talked to Jesus for a little while about it. And His words as always were salve to my hurting soul.

You are too valuable to be squandered in the world. Everyone seeks their own gain, it’s human nature. But when you begin to seek mine and mine alone… it is then that you’ll realize your potential. I don’t’ need hours to accomplish my Word in you, I just need focus. Take it off the world today, put it on me.

Isn’t that the most amazing a heart can hear from God?

The Selfish Heart

The world around me isn’t the only one vying for time. Oh … my … stars. I’m the worst. I long to be a better servant and yet I’ll squander away valuable time on wasted breathing. Somedays I’ll just collapse and rather than focusing on encouraging myself spiritually I’ll turn on the world. Youtube. Television. Social Media. Games. You name it and I can be an addict! And pour time down the drain with nothing to show for it. It’s not even hay and stubble. It’s rubbish.

The Savior’s Heart

The Savior’s heart is what I long to have, and yet in my many weaknesses and distractions I lose focus. There’s that word again. Focus. It’s in most every conversation with the Lord… “Focus Shari. Just Focus on Me.” And deed I try. And deed I fail.

And so it is with Human nature.

2 Corinthians 4:5

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

I love what Paul tells the church of Corinth. If we preach, it’s not about us, it’s about Jesus. And if serve, it’s not about you, it’s about Jesus. Wow! What an amazing vantage point to launch a day with.

Regardless of what I speak… is it what Jesus would say? Would He speak on the subject for which I speak, would He broach the subject or would He change it completely? Do my words sound like something Jesus would say, or something Shari would say? Do they speak peace or do they stir strife?

If I’m serving someone, is it something Jesus would do? Or would He tell me I’m casting my pearls before swine.

Paul’s wisdom came from experience, and I can well heed it.

When he wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:16-18 he wrote this:

¹⁶At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. ¹⁷Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

My take on Paul’s advice:

Men will forsake you… Let God deal with them.
The Lord will never forsake you… stay with Him.
Evil’s out there… Get Satan’s goat. Let God find glory in it.

I don’t know if I’ll ever learn how to say no. But I pray that as I grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, I’ll seek His gain, for His glory so that I can live up to my potential for His sake.

Myself ~ Your Servant – Jesus Sake

Questions to ponder…

The Servant’s Heart

I long to serve…

The Selfish Heart

I feel that I am serving my selfishness when I…

The Savior’s Heart

When I ask Jesus where He desires me to be serving I hear…

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Don’t look back, just go!

Written by talk2shari Published October 7, 2017 Discussion Leave a Comment

If I were ask to look back on my life and choose the life altering times of my life, the greatest of those times would be the day I accepted Christ as my Savior. Nothing else in my life had the power to change the inner being. Marriage changed my name and devotion, but not who I was. Having children changed my concept and depth of love, but again, not who I was. I was still a self-centered, worldly minded person with an inner arrogance that wanted what I wanted and I wanted it now. I can still resort to that mindset if I’m not careful. But the thought of being saved from the wrath that is to befall this earth, leaves me with no desire to look back on yesterday with any longing to return.

Religion Wants Evidence

Luke 17:20-33

²⁰And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: ²¹Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The arrogance of those Pharisees never ceases to amaze me (until I look in the mirror.) They “demanded” Jesus to answer them when the Kingdom of God would come. Jesus responded by telling them that the Kingdom of God isn’t going to be found on the earth, but rather within.

The Pharisees couldn’t understand it because their religion was that of works, Jesus was describing that of relationship. The Pharisees wanted an evidence beyond what Christ was willing to offer. Christ said “follow me.” Religion wants to know where, but faith follows without the knowledge of destination. It was that faith that caused the Savior to turn away from the Pharisees and speak to the disciples, because religion won’t listen, it’s already got its mind made up. I know this because I lived it.

Faith Wants Emanuel

Emanuel, God with us. It was the defining, life changing factor of who I am.

²²And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. ²³And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. ²⁴For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. ²⁵But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. ²⁶And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. ²⁷They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. ²⁸Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; ²⁹But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. ³⁰Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. ³¹In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. ³²Remember Lot’s wife.

When Lot’s wife looked back, longing for that life of sin and worldliness, she rejected the salvation of God. Jesus warned the disciples not to fall into the trap of looking at anything other than the salvation that came from Him. The world is full of shiny bolts of lightning to take our eyes off faith and putting it onto what can be seen. Stay focused! Again and again God brings this word to my mind. Likely because my mind is so weak when it comes to bling! Shiny things get my attention. God needs me (and you) to focus on the mission field, not the mine field. The world is going to be destroyed, just like it was in the days of Noah and Lot. But our eyes should be on that of eternity and the return of Christ.

We have friends and family who need salvation, else they’ll be left in the mine field. God said that for those of us on the mission field of life, not to turn back, keep going! Remember Lot’s wife. A pillar of salt, left behind. Her husband and daughters went on without her, and that didn’t end well either. Mistakes were made. If we don’t continue on, leading our families away from the destruction of this earth it will be a sad, sad day. But oh! What a glorious day to have our families together in Heaven.

God knows I need reminders, especially on the tough days, to keep moving forward in faith. The evidence is within me, I just have to trust in He who leads the way. Stay on the mission field! Don’t look back! Just go!

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, 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!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church attendance, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, salvation

The Rules for Playing Church

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

Itâ€™s hard to imagine that in the twinkling of an eye; that split millisecond of time we will be gone from this earth and in the presence of the Lord Jesus Himself. It is for certain a â€œwhoaâ€ thought. There is a part of me that says, â€œYes Lord, yes! Let it be today.â€ And then there is the realization that although I am ready and excited for that moment, I have friends and family who are clueless to what those words mean.

Evangelism is all but a lost art form in most churches. Everyoneâ€™s preaching love one another, but few are loving others enough to keep them out of Hell and tell them that that trump is going to sound and when it does the opportunity is over for those who have had an opportunity to be saved and rejected it. There will be no more â€œplaying church.â€

So how does one know if theyâ€™re playing church? Ask yourself and answer honestly these questions:

Rule Number 1 of playing church: Say you know Jesus.

Was there a time in your life when you realized that you were a sinner? Everyone has, but do you recognize that as a sinner, you need saving? And you canâ€™t do it yourself.

â€œFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Godâ€ (Romans 3: 23)

The realization of being a sinner also brings with it the realization of how Holy God is. As a child, who did not know Jesus Christ as Lord, I knew there was a God. And I knew in my heart when I examined it honestly, that I knew of Jesus, but I didnâ€™t know Jesus.Â Thereâ€™s a difference. When I realized that to know Jesus and to be able to come into His presence was to be sin free, I didnâ€™t â€œknowâ€ Jesus.

Rule Number 2 of Playing Church: Say nobodyâ€™s perfect.

True story in regards to people, but not God! Jesus Christ was perfect in every way. Sinless and blameless and yet willing to take on our imperfections so that we could have an opportunity to be with a Holy God. Perhaps thatâ€™s too â€œchurchyâ€ of a conversation for you to understand. The bible says this:

â€œFor the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.â€ (Romans 6:23)

We understand as children that doing wrong means punishment. Itâ€™s engrained in our hearts at birth that we know right from wrong. Now, human nature takes over and wants whatâ€™s wrong much of the time, but we know itâ€™s wrong. How do we know? Did an explosion at the onset of time put that notion in your heartâ€¦ that theory is crazy. A intelligent Creator built you with that ability to draw you in to a relationship with Him.

The bible says we deserve to die for our sins and go to Hell. But a loving God didnâ€™t want that to happen so He made a way to escape Hell, which was created for Satan and his demons. You have no doubt felt the presence of evil in the world too. God was willing to be born as a man, and die the painful death of a man, as a gift for you to have eternal life. One final sacrifice.

â€œBut God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.â€Â (Romans 5:8)

Rule Number 3 of Playing Church: Make a profession without a personal relationship

â€œFor whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.â€Â (Romans 10:13)

Being saved is that easy. Ask Jesus to save you and He will. Thereâ€™s no trickery. But often times people say that prayer, or that statement without truly acknowledging that the end result is giving yourself to Him. If youâ€™re saved you wonâ€™t say that prayer and walk away without being changed because a Holy God is now living in you, and He wants no part of un-holiness. I know. Because I test Him continually. Getting saved doesnâ€™t make you perfect, it places a perfect God within you that guides you and instructs you and when you sin God makes His presence known. So if you can sin, and not feel Him within you, I would have to think youâ€™re playing church.

So are you? Please donâ€™t. Any second that trumpet could sound and God will call His church home. People who are saved will disappear in a millisecond from this earth and if youâ€™re not saved, you will not see them again and Hell is about to be unleashed on earth. So how do you remedy that end?

Ask Jesus to save you and mean it. Find a bible believing church and stick with it. Donâ€™t buy the lie of the world that you can make it on your own. You wonâ€™t last a day.

A prayer to be saved might sound like this:

â€œDear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner.Â I know that I need you.Â I believe that you died on the cross for me.Â Forgive me of my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you.Â I receive you as my Saviour, come into my life and save me.Â Thank you for what you did for me.Â Amen.â€

Or you may want to open that conversation with God on your own. If you ask Him to save you, He will, and then.. let the conversation begin!

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

Has the church lost it’s compassion?

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

Has the church lost its compassion for souls? I don’t really have to wonder. I need only look at my own life for the answer. I get so wrapped up in the “stuff” of the church that I forgo the winning of souls. In n the book of Matthew 9 we see the heart of Jesus that should reflect the hearts of the children of God. When He looked around at the multitudes of people He was moved with compassion. This verse is the precursor to the often quoted 9:37b “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” There is still a multitude, and it is unfortunate that the laborers are still few.

How many souls will we pass today? I’m not always out and about but I thought about the quick run I made yesterday to the local convenience store. Too quick to think about Jesus, I guess. One thing about living in a community the size of ours is we usually know who’s in church and who’s not. The girl behind the counter was not. Where was my compassion?

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. ~ Matthew 9:36

Three things I see in Matthew 9:36 that stirs my soul today to serve Him.

The Wanderers

The multitudes of the souls that wander aimlessly in search of something, anything that will give them a sense of belonging and purpose. And we have it but don’t bother to share it. The world is directionally challenged because the church’s GPS is on silent. We have the map to direct them to Heaven, but we’re not doing it. Long before I was saved I knew there was a direction I should be traveling, but deed, I couldn’t find it. The church was silent. No one who came across my path bothered to look at the longing in my eyes to be a part of Heaven. I had a family who loved me, but I knew something was missing. I longed for a sense of purpose and I found it when I found the Heavenly Father. I wandered 34 years before a soul compassionate to move the world was moved enough to tell me about Jesus.

The Weary

They’re fainting. You can see it in their eyes. Everyone struggles. We have no idea on the outside what is going on the inside. I have to wonder today what would have happened yesterday if I had taken the time with that store clerk just to say, I’d like to pray for you if you have a need. I have a feeling she’d have told me, but I didn’t ask.

The Wanting

Just as it was in Jesus’ day, so it is today. The world fills our heads with the vanity of religion. Vanity from the standpoint that it is filled with traditions and obligations as the saints “do what they have to do” for the sake of the church and call it faith. Why would anyone want what the church has today? A body of believers who put God on a schedule and only allow Him to speak to their souls from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday. A handful come back Sunday evening and Wednesday, but there is a multitude visible to the world who see them having no desire for a relationship with the One called Jesus. The One, who when they’re ask, they’ll say He means everything to them, but in truth doesn’t mean anything to them outside the walls of the church. Why would they want that?

Jesus wept for His community. When’s the last time we wept for ours?

My friend LuAnn drove 5 hours to share the gospel with our community at the barn blast a week or so ago. She has an obedient compassion filled soul. I’ve seen it in the preachers I heard last week and this week. Last night was another night of Revival, week 2 for me. My soul is stirred because I see the compassion in a man to win souls. Tonight is my turn to share the gospel with the teens in my youth group. Tomorrow night is another night of revival. The harvest is plenteous!

Whomever it was that said the eyes are the window to the soul, knew of what they spoke. Take the time to look someone in the eye today, and pray that God would open the door to share the gospel. The Spirit has to lead… but you have to follow to make it happen.

Praying over your lunch… ask the waitress if you can pray for them.

Have a track in your pocket or purse… it’s not doing any good there.

See someone hurting… patch the hole in their heart by sharing a piece of yours.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church Unity, Life Inspiration

In Regards to Tadpoles and Quarters

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

There have been times in an introductory conversation with people in and outside of faith, that I’ve been embarrassed to say that I am an “Independent Fundamental Baptist.” Before the Independent Fundamental Baptist get offended, I need to explain a little further. I’m not ashamed of the doctrinal foundation for which I’m a member, I’m ashamed of what is acceptable and expected behavior of certain sects of the denomination, as well as any other denomination who in the name of Jesus Christ, behave in a manner that Christ Himself would have no part of.

I attended a revival meeting at Brooksville Baptist Church in the greater Big Bend, WV area, and what a wonderful revival it was. Dwight Goff, Pastor of Camden Flats Baptist Church in Glenville, WV preached and hit the nail on the head on the subject of Christians selecting from a menu of what they want at “their” church. I guess you could call it “Burger King Christianity”, they want it their way, not God’s way.

Every denomination believes they have it right. And many of them do… on paper. It’s when the practice of faith goes from doctrinal statement to practical participation that there’s a problem. Pastor Francis Chan, who no longer Pastors, left his church of thousands because he realized, they in no way shape or form looked like the New Testament church described in the Bible. I don’t think that’s the answer either by the way, but I understand his theory.

Take a hard look at your church: Does it line up with scripture? Are your people taking care of one another in the spiritual and physical sense? Do they even know who needs taken care of? Are your people sitting in the pews at every opportunity to hear the Word of God and then practicing the Word of God outside of the church in a manner that draws people to them with the question, “Why do you care?” Is there even any evidence that they do care? Do they categorize who should be saved? Do they make fun of those who they deem un-savable? Oh yes… I went there. How on earth do ever think that a person in sin will be saved if you’ve just belittled and made fun of them in the name of Jesus. Yes, the lifestyle of homosexuality, transvestite, transgender, etc. etc. is sin. So is turning people away from Christ. Christ said He would draw men unto Himself, and He still does. But I have to wonder if the reason we don’t see more people saved isn’t because once Christ draws them in, we paint another picture of Christianity. Our version.

My Pastor closed his sermon on Sunday with the story of a young boy who was sent to the store to buy eggs for his momma. On the way out he tripped on the curb and broke all the eggs. He was so upset. The crowd gathered to console him and one elderly gentlemen took a quarter from his pocket and gave to the young boy (today it would be a couple bucks) but he ask the crowd, “I care 25 cents worth, how much do you care?”

Dwight Goff closed his sermon last night with the story of a wading pool full of tadpoles that he didn’t want to see perish by pouring them out in the yard, at which point God ask him, “Do you care as much about men as you do those tadpoles who don’t even have a soul?” Quarters and Tadpoles; how much do you care.

We are categorizing saints. Our Denomination. Our church. Our style. Our people. Our way. Our money. Our stuff… we want it neat and tidy without confrontation or concern. Yes! We want people saved. But only the pretty people. Not the ones that make us feel icky.

I had a come to Jesus moment the other day when I happened to be around an odiferous person and wished that I wasn’t. God quickly reminded me that that is how I smell to Him in all my worldly, sinful ways, but He hangs out with me. Suck it up butter cup and love on them.

So the questions of the day for you and I both are this.

In regards to tadpoles and quarters, how much do you care?
Are you more concerned with things that will burn up in eternity than you are the souls you are coming into contact with today?
Do you know who needs a quarter in your congregation?
Why are you in that congregation, to serve… or to sit?
Are you drawing people to Christ, or standing between them and Him with your “opinions?”

Jesus said this in Matthew 18:1-7

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

One of the sweetest things about a child is there are no categories (unless adults train them that way). But naturally speaking they just want to enjoy the people they’re with. They love learning something new. They may think you’re weird, but that’s okay too. They want to please those in authority, and they think those in authority rank superhero status. They love to serve. And if a superhero takes the time to come down on their level and understand their weirdness, then that superhero is someone to follow.

Those should be added to the doctrinal statements in every house of Jesus.