Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

David: The Pizza Boy with the Heart of a Warrior

Written by talk2shari Published February 1, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

I have no idea how many times I’ve read the story of David and Goliath, but long before I had read it for myself I had heard the tale. Even most unchurched people can give you a generalization of the story having never read one Word from the Bible. The greatest story of underdog to victor known to man, beyond a shadow of a doubt in my mind. And as I was drawn into the story this morning I found myself self standing on the hill above the valley of Elah with my pom-poms cheering David on as he fearlessly went to battle Goliath alone. I knew the story… I knew how it would end… but it didn’t stop the excitement that bubbled up in my soul as I read it again. Because going into the battle David wasn’t the warrior, he was a disrespected, part-time pizza delivery boy who kept a few sheep. But inside him beat the heart of warrior.

For background I recommend you read 1 Samuel 17, don’t take my word for any of it.

Only a chapter before teenager David had been anointed the new King of Israel and returned to the fields to tend sheep. But this day his father Jesse had sent out the would be king to deliver bread and cheese (Israeli Pizza) and a few other supplies to his brothers on the battlefield with King Saul. I have to wonder if there wasn’t a little bit of animosity among his brothers over David’s prognosticated career from the way that his older brother Eliab belittled him on the battlefield.

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

Even this doesn’t discourage David when he responds, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Lessons I learned from the Pizza guy…

#1 – they have good taste in food, but that’s not really a very spiritual lesson, so here’s my life application today.

There’s no glamour in the prep work

Long before I was given the opportunity to be coordinator of the teen department I was a ruddy shepherd. I felt a calling to work with youth, but having teens of my own, I warned the Pastor that there were days I didn’t even like kids. So he put me in the nursery. Ha! That’ll teach me for being honest. But that’s where I was and so I prepared my lessons as if I was teaching a future Charles Spurgeon, and in truth I may have been. But I took my job serious, and I fell in love with it! Year after year of serving Christ I was graduated up through the youth department, K-2^nd grade, 3^rd -5^th Grade, Junior high and then finally to my current position with the teens, Sunday School Superintendent and speaking to women. I needed that time of preparation for what the future had in store.

David’s defense of the sheep prepared him for the defense of Israel. My simplistic bible studies for babies eased me into teaching and gave me a primary understanding necessary to explain the gospel to a “baby Christian” who may be 57 years old. If you’re in the toddler ministry it may be your calling, or it may be the Lord doing prep work. Work it well!

There’s no glory in grunt work

I doubt David was too excited to hear he was carrying “pizza” to his brothers, but it got him near the battle, and for that he was likely glad. His brother’s words were filled with indignation but rather than allowing his temper to get the best of him David used those words to fuel his passion for the purpose. “Is there not a cause?” I’m using creative license here, but I can hear David’s passion that’s been squelched on more than one occasion by a naysaying adult rising up in him. If you’re a passionate person, you get it when the naysayers don’t. You see the vision when everyone else is seeing defeat. Don’t let their doubt discourage you! Is there not a cause? Did God not put that purpose down in your heart for a reason? Carry the pizza, mop the floors, change the diapers, do whatever it is that needs done but watch for the open door.

There’s a Glitch in their team work

Saul and his army of men were facing Goliath alone, they had left God out of the equation. But not David… in verse 36 he tells Saul “Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

Can you hear Davd, “God’s prepared me for this, and God’s still on the throne… He’ll take care of me.”

So… what does Satan have in front of you that’s too big to hit… remember it’s also too big to miss. All those years of delivering Pizza may just be ready to pay off!

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Power in the Puppet

Written by talk2shari Published January 23, 2014January 23, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Two of our youth surrendering to the Power of Puppetry and becoming the Hands of Jesus

For several years our church has had a puppet ministry. In the beginning it was a great opportunity for our church and well received by our congregation and other churches inviting us in. But as time went by the luster of puppet entertainment began to wane, both on leadership and youth commitment. So the puppets made their way into a closet and there they’ve stayed for a few years, occasionally making their way onto the scene of a Vacation Bible School or other youth event, but for the most part they set perched on their posts waiting for an opportunity to serve…. Hmmm… sound familiar?

I’ve watched many Christians do the same. They start out all gung ho and then little by little, their labor for the Lord becomes more burden than blessing and they begin to let one thing after another fall by the wayside until they find themselves sitting in the church, moving back one row, and then another, until they find themselves out in the vestibule (entryway) where they make the executive decision that it’s better to go home and stop taking up space.

As I walked past the puppet closet at our Church Sunday after Sunday, I could almost hear those little critters calling my name.. “Shari! We’re still waiting to tell someone about Jesus, but we can’t do it without your help!” Even as I type those words I tear up… I’m serious! I know I’m a sap! But the fact of the matter is these blessed tools of the ministry are just like us. If we’re not filled with the Spirit of God, and used in His service we stiffen up become less and less viable for the Kingdom’s use.

2 Chronicles 30:8 ~ Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

The Stiffnecked Saint

We have a carnal nature within ourselves to become rigid (stiffnecked) when things don’t just flow along with ease and be rest assured they likely won’t in the ministry, especially when more than one person is involved. Seldom ever do two people agree about everything; throw 50-100 into the mix and you’ve got issues. If you’re not careful you’ll find yourself on a shelf in the closet and the ministry going on without you which is the equivalency of someone else getting your blessings. I’ve never handled that very well… I’m like Elisha… give me two blessin’s Lord!

A Surrendered Saint

Yielding to God is about as popular as popular as the brussel sprout line in the school cafeteria, because with yielding is the expectation of producing something. When a garden yields a good harvest it’s because the farmer put TLC into the production. A surrendered saint knows that when you allow the Holy Spirit to begin working in your life there’s going to be some yielding using both definitions. To yield, as in to stop doing things your way, and to yield as in to produce fruit for the Kingdom! The puppet is controlled completely by the puppeteer, imagine what a site a puppet show would be if the puppeteer was continually having to fight with the puppet to get it to move correctly. No one would want to see that show… well, I’ve seen Christians go kicking and screaming all the way into the will of God. It’s not a very good show either.

A Serving Saint

The puppets in the closet are useless unless they’re in the hands of the puppeteer, and it’s then that they become a sanctified minister of the gospel. It’s the same with us, we’re nothing without the Holy Spirit leading us and guiding us to say and do the right things. As sanctified (set apart) believers we have the ability to bring life to another human being by allowing the Holy Spirit to use us as the mouthpiece for the gospel. How we do that depends on our talents. Some do it in song, some do it in preaching and teaching, some do it in the silence of a prayer closet with just them and God, and crazy people like me do with critters and crazy antics. But to have the opportunity to be involved in an eternal purpose of the Lord requires a little loosening up. He may use you stiff, but you’ll probably break.

Be a Super Saint – Surrender to God’s Plan!

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration, salvation

Have you accepted your invitation?

Written by talk2shari Published January 22, 2014January 22, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

A man and his wife were awakened at 3:00 am by a loud pounding on the door. The man gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push. “Not a chance,” says the husband, “it is 3:00 in the morning!” He slams the door and returns to bed.

“Who was that?” asked his wife.

“Just some drunk guy asking for a push,” he answers.

“Did you help him?” she asks.

“NO, I did NOT, it’s 3 am in the morning and it’s bloody pouring rain out there!”

“Well, you have a short memory,” says his wife. “Can’t you remember about three months ago when we broke down, and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself!” “God loves drunk people too you know.”

The man does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pounding rain. He calls out into the dark, “Hello, are you still there?”
“Yes,” comes back the answer.
“Do you still need a push?” calls out the husband.
“Yes, please!” comes the reply from the dark.
“Where are you?” asks the husband. “Over here on the swing,” replied the drunk.

That story came to me by email; I have no idea of its origin, but it struck my heart funny this morning with a twinge of truth. Sometimes I feel that silly when trying to convince some people of their need of salvation. They’re playing games while I’m doing my best to help them out. They’re dangling over the pits of Hell on Satan’s swingset, giggling like a school child and I’m out in the cold exposed to the elements.

There was a similar story in the 22nd Book of Matthew. Jesus spoke a parable (a story that illustrates a spiritual lesson) about a man whose son was about to get married. So he sent his servants out to invite his friends and family, but they wouldn’t come. He then sent his servants out a second time to extend the invitation with greater details about how awesome the event was going to be, but still they didn’t come. Some of them went so far as to kill his servants. Needless to say the king was angry and sent forth his military to destroy their city. The king then extended the invitation to people he didn’t even know, and the wedding party was on! Except for one guest, who came to the party but not for the Son.

Matthew 22:11-14 ~ And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.For many are called, but few are chosen.

Why was the King so concerned about his dress? Because the outward appearance reflected the inward man. He was playing games. He had not counted it a privilege and honor to come to the wedding, but had shown up expecting to enjoy the event as a spectator, not as a participant. And so it shall be with many on the day when Christ returns to take his church home. (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

That’s why it’s so heart wrenching when I share the Word of God with someone and they take it lightly. I am that servant that God has sent to invite them to the greatest event of their life, and yet I’ve been mocked and ignored (which is nothing in comparison to Christians in other areas of the world). But I do so without regret because of the few chosen.

Monday, during my lunch break, a friend and I stopped in at a Nursing Home in Glenville, WV. I hadn’t planned on stopping, it just kind of happened. I stopped by the rooms of a couple of our church members and encouraged them and loved on them a little… and then I made my way to the room of an unsaved man and invited him to the wedding. He didn’t have on his wedding garment yet. He was in bedclothes, disheveled from wrestling with life. But He accepted the invitation and his wedding garments are laid up for him in Heaven. God doesn’t care what we look like down here, but when we get to where He is, we better be wearing the robe of salvation.

If you’re not “churchy” let me help the rubber meet the road. Because of sin, man is separated from God who is 100% Holy. God’s only Son, was crucified on a cross to pay the penalty for sin, and open a door of communication between us and the Father. When this world ends… and it will, there’s a huge party in Heaven where we’ll be ushered in as the bride of Christ (because He loves us that much). But only those have accepted the invitations from God, who uses people like me (the servants of God) will be there. You can call me crazy, you can poke fun and refuse the invitation, but you’ve now been invited and are without excuse. Are you ready?

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

The Function of the Unction

Written by talk2shari Published January 18, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

1 John 2:20 – But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always feel like I know all things. Sometimes even the most basic of scriptures will seem foreign to my mind. I’ll sit in frustration trying to cypher out the meaning of the Word of God and it just will not come. And other times a seemingly hard verse to understand will just open itself to my understanding and I’ll be like, “Woah baby, you’re good!” And then I’ll get that knock on my head from the Holy Spirit that says, “Are you Serious Shari? You couldn’t even understand the meaning of the most simplistic verses a few minutes ago,why are you taking credit for the work of the Holy Spirit?

That’s the function of the unction. It is the anointing of the Holy Spirit that reveals the Word of God with a deeper understanding; and its provided to the children of God who diligently seek Him.

Because Bible Study tools are so readily available I often resort to them to help me better understand a verse; and its not that there is anything wrong with that, but I as I discovered through reading the Word this morning, in so doing that I just may be missing out on a huge blessing by denying the Holy Spirit the opportunity to do His job.

1 John 2:27 – But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

A commentary is the the word of man, and he may or may not have been anointed when he wrote it. But if the Holy Spirit speaks to you it’s absolute truth, so which is better? My lesson from God this morning was that I need to be more desperate for God. It’s the theme of a youth conference that I’m attending this weekend and I believe it is what’s lacking in many of our lives. We want to hear from God, but we want it quick, little effort and no cost. And God, Who wants to bless us in abundance, desires to do it through our abiding in Him (staying close, as in a deep intimate relationship with Him… maybe even desperate. Believing our very existence depends on staying close to Him… and it does.

God’s generally not a shouter, if we hope to hear His still, small voice, we need to stay close.
An example of God’s love would be likened to taking teens on this weekend adventure of our Youth Evangelism Conference. Even though its a Christian event, I still want my brood near me. If one of them gets up to go somewhere I want to know where they’re going and who they’ll be with. God wants that constant relationship with us too. It is great that we have Christian teachers, preachers and study tools to learn about God… but we need to be within whispering distance of the Holy Spirit… Protected by the absolute truth.

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Second Generation Awesome

Written by talk2shari Published January 16, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

I met the first generation awesome as a new convert in the 1990’s. She was a frail looking little lady with a heart the size of the State of West Virginia. She was your typical grandmotherly looking woman with a pocket book dangling from her arm. She didn’t wear any bling that I can recall; she just arrived, listened and left. You’d barely notice her at all were it not for the way she pushed people outside their comfort zone with her obedience. The Pastor would at various times make mention of something the church or someone in the community needed. He’d say it in passing, not to act upon it at that time, but that this was something we were going to do. Before he would finish his sentence you’d see a rustling in back right hand corner of the church, and out she’d step with pocket book in tow, fumbling with the clasp. And then you’d hear those awe inspiring words, “Preacher, I’d like to give the first twenty.” If she did it once she did it one hundred times and it would catch the whole congregation off guard! Because she lived in income based housing I knew she wasn’t rich, but she gave in abundance to the needs of others.

She came to mind this morning because I had a meeting with second generation awesome last night. She probably wouldn’t like it if I called her by name but God and I know who she is. Like her mother she would go un-noticed by most, but not because of her style, because she’s got it goin’ on there. But because she’s a gentle soul and a soft spirit. She’s seldom out front but always the first to step up and do something; whatever it is that the Lord lays on her heart. Like her mother she probably pushes people out of their comfort zone because obedience is not a strong suit for most of us. If God tells us to give twenty dollars, we’re counting the bills to makes sure we have enough to spare, maybe only giving fifteen for fear we’ll need lunch money. But the truth is if God tells you to give twenty, you can’t afford not to, and you might want to consider giving thirty just to let God know you’re serious.

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

“Second Generation Awesome” took the example her mother set before her and applied it not only to finances but to life, and every day she lives with a dangling pocket book in her heart, ready to step out and say “I’d like to give the first twenty.” It may be twenty dollars or twenty minutes but she’s ready to offer herself up for the service of the Lord. Her life is not perfect, she’s not without heartache or concerns, but I believe that because of her gift of generosity God has blessed her.

I didn’t write this today to make you or I feel less than adequate in the giving department. I wrote it because I think we all need a reminder that God’s storehouse doesn’t sit empty. It sits full of things we could give and do for the Lord, but don’t for any number of excuses. And because of that we’re missing out on the blessings of being a new generation of awesome. What’s in your pocketbook?

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

They didn’t know his name, but they knew his God

Written by talk2shari Published January 15, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

1 Samuel 16:16-18 ~ Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.

When Saul fell out of fellowship with God, God allowed an evil spirit to trouble him;I believe it is still the case today when someone who once served God stops serving Him, and begins serving the world again, that God will allow their to be trouble in their soul, an un-rest where there was once rest and peace. He’ll also allow a peace to be felt in the presence of other Christians in their lives to bring to remembrance the peace God once afforded them.

David had obviously made quite the impression on the community as a harpist (the original bluegrasser’s ya know), but not enough to make his name a household word. He was still referred to as “the son of Jesse.” He was known for his music, his mastery in war and life’s circumstances and he was quite the looker. All of that is in those verses, just not with the same adjectives I used to describe him, but its there. And last but not least they say “and the Lord is with him.” It was his secular talent that got him noticed, but it was obvious to everyone he was blessed by God.

What we do outside the church is important, and it’s important that we do it well. If we profess we are Christians, how awesome would it be that when someone described our character and abilities that they followed it with “and the Lord is with them.” They probably won’t. But you better believe that a Christian who does not do their job well will often be referred to as “and they say their a Christian…”

David was first noticed for his abilities, but they also knew that God’s hand was upon him. And who knows how many souls were saved because he drew attention to himself through his talents, but glorified God in the process. So… what are you doing with your talents today? Are you a person who desires God’s heart?

The world may not know your name, but what’s more important is that they know your God.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration, salvation

The Boundary Setter

Written by talk2shari Published January 14, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

2 Timothy 1:9-11~ Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

I love scripture that affirms eternity past and future, purpose and position in life. It makes sense of my nonsensical world. Timothy was a young believer and Pastor privileged to be mentored by none other than the great apostle Paul. Paul’s burden for Timothy was apparent in his letters to him, and their mutual respect for another’s genuine faith. He was touched by Timothy’s tender heart, verse 4 says ~ Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;” and as Paul’s time grew short on earth he was grateful to have a comrade on the battlefield in whom he could depend. Paul and Timothy’s faith allowed them to apply the past to the purpose of the present so that their future could be anticipated with promise.

The planning in the past

Before the world began God’s plan was in action and I was in it! I know, it shocks even me that with all of God’s planning and time I wouldn’t have turned out better. But it’s not about me or my abilities (my works) it’s about His own purpose. That’s where it gets foggy for me. I try to impose my disabilities on God’s abilities. God says show up as you are and He will use us where we are, but so often I think there has to be advanced planning. There was….in eternity past God provided the grace we’d need for today. It’s already there before our feet hit the floor in the morning.

The purpose of the present

is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Manifest – meaning it’s now made known. I know, I know, if you’re like me you don’t see it often times either. But it’s there in the evidence of Christ at work in your life. I’m amazed at the awesome people that God puts in my life at specific times; those who have just appeared at the right time. Every pivotal experience in my life generally has a new person involved that made it possible. God working through them. But even more amazing than that is when “I’m that person.” I fear that I’m missing the boat of opportunity because I don’t often step up or out when God nudges me for fear of stepping over the bounds. However, who’s bounds am I in fear of stepping over, God’s or mans.

Acts 17:24-27 says “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitiation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

I love that! The boundaries that God has set were determined from the beginning of time and so long as I continue to search for Him, He’ll continue to direct my paths and place people in my path. I need to stop focusing on the boundaries and spend more time focusing on the boundary setter.

The promise of the future

…who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

Christ came to provide eternal life through the light of the Gospel, and He chooses to use vessels like you and I to spread that hope. If we’ve been saved, we’ve received the appointment; it’s on our schedules whether we want it or not. Someone, somewhere needs to see Christ in you today, their future may depend on it.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Very First Ministry Created on Earth… are you a part of it?

Written by talk2shari Published January 11, 2014January 11, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Genesis 2:15

And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

The first ministry on earth. Adam was placed in a location and given the job of taking care of what God had created; and so it continues in the year of our Lord 2014. It seems pretty simplistic, and yet for many it is nowhere on their list of priorities, or if it is, it falls just shy of taking out the trash. They do it because it’s necessary, but not enjoyable.

I don’t for two seconds believe that’s how God intended it. I believe that as Adam tended to creation he did so with joy in his heart and a desire to serve and please the Creator. It should be the same today, but the world gets in the way and we lose focus of His design. We were created to take care of the created… each other.

As a child in the hills of Braxton County, West Virginia, on my Great Grandmother Duffield’s property, we had what we dubbed “The Moss House” in the woods. It was a moss covered piece of ground in the thick woods where we would gather and make “rooms” by moving the moss into different locations. I thought it was an exclusive idea of my group of cousins, only to discover in a conversation with my older sister years later, that they thought it was their idea. Truth be told my mother probably played the same game. Ministry is much the same. We all think we’re creating something new, but the truth of the matter is we’re just tending to what God created. But it’s fun to be creative with it!

So as our ministry team at Victory Baptist Church begins to refocus on “that place in which the Lord placed us in 2014, my desire is to motivate and then move out of the way by meeting with our youth leadership team and ask them

What Did God create us to do in this place in which He placed us?

Below is a 7 point outline using the acronym C.R.E.A.T.E.D. to sum up our role and motivate one another as leaders in the church:

Challenge ~ There’s two ways to look at a challenge. It’s a task– The challenge of how far can we go with this ministry, and it’s a trial – There are challenges that we face in the youth ministry, the greater the challenge, the greater God will be glorified. What’s the challenge?
Results ~ There nothing like one great accomplishment to give you the desire for another. It’s how we’re made. But in order to have accomplishments there has to be goals set. What are our ministry goals?
Enthusiasm ~ If we’re excited about what’s happening, it’s bound to rub off on the rest of the church. What is something you’d get excited about doing? Let’s do it!
Attitude ~ It’s your attitude not your aptitude that determines your altitude as someone so cleverly said. What attitudes are helping, and what attitudes are hindering?
- Attitudes we deal with in the ministry –
  - Fear (I’m afraid if I do this… this might happen.)
  - Pride (I don’t want to fail in front of people)
  - Doubt (of ability or agility on both ends of the age spectrum) Think Joash who became King at Seven, and Moses who didn’t get called until he was 80. Age is not an excuse for not serving.
Transformation – When things get stale, throw a little change in the mix, and we have new motivation. Our church as has had a major game changer this year. We are Pastorless… not leaderless. There have been some great transformations in leadership simply because change happened. What can we do different?
Endangered – Telling someone that a critter has become endangered will create a flurry of people coming to that critters rescue. Well, churches are becoming endangered… or at least solid, Bible teaching and preaching churches with leadership with a backbone. Please… come to our rescue and join the fight.
Dreams – Leaders are visionaries. Wanting to accomplish something bigger. If you could dream of anything at all, the wildest craziest dream ever for your ministry. What would it be? Let’s do it.

We were created in the image of God with a design by God for our work; we weren’t created to sit idle. So I have to ask the question… What part of the garden did God give you a desire to tend and what ideas did He plant inside of you about it?

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

The Blossom Gang

Written by talk2shari Published January 10, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

I love beginnings! And I “mostly” only like endings because I know once something is completed, something new is beginning. It’s the part in the middle that I have issues with. Genesis 1:11 ~ And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

And so it was that the summer of 1996 a sapling sprung up in the depth of my soul that I believe God planted long before the baby known as Shari was born to Gene and Violet Hardway in Braxton County, West Virginia. Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” So I believe that God sowed a seed in eternity past that He knew would take root, and I believe the same is true with every human on the face of the planet, although every seed sown does not take root. The anomaly (inconsistency) that some get saved (accept Christ as their Savior) has nothing to do with the seed, or the Sower, but the soil for which it was planted. We are still free willed, God won’t force Himself upon us, at least at this point. There will come a day that everyone shall see Him as He is and know that He is indeed Truth and light. But for now, if men and women choose to stay in a state of denial, it’s their choice, and truthfully their loss.

But that fruit after its kind mentioned in Genesis 1:11 has captured my thoughts this morning. When God formed man He created him in the likeness of Himself (Genesis 1:26), and each child born, generation to generation is born from the same seed sown at Creation. Our lineage began with Adam and progressed over the years, or digressed over the years into a generation of people who many consider themselves independent of God; but whether they confess Him as Lord or not they cannot get rid of that seed in their soul that continues to try to take root, even in stoney soil. As Jesus described in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:5-6 “Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.”

But it’s not always a soil issue entirely. Sometimes it’s the lack of growth in those little saplings. There are some trees in the orchard that have beautiful bloom but that’s where it stops. They go to church (on Sunday morning and other “special services” and they look “churchy” when the go. They have a Christian fish on their car and if anyone asks they’re more than happy to tell them they’re a Christian and that everyone should have a home church. But… they are far too busy to make Sunday evening and Wednesday a priority, and sharing the gospel runs the risk of offending “good people” or even worse offending “bad people.” Then there’s the whole issue of church and state and the state they’re in… but they look pretty. I think I’ll start calling them the blossom gang, all flower… no fruit.

God planted the seed within us and if we allow He will continue to fertilize the crop with the expectation that the fruit He’s already given root to and nurtures Himself will be fruit bearing also – in His likeness.

So my question to myself and you as well is are you a member of the blossom gang, or the Alpha and Omega Orchard? There’s a beginning and an end to everyone’s story…

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Say “Da” to God

Written by talk2shari Published January 8, 2014January 8, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

I love watching the reach of my blog. It fascinates me to think that anyone (outside of family and friends) would read what I write, and yet they do! I love that I’m seeing prophecy played out through me, and with the help of technology the Word of God is going across the earth. Whether or not I ever know those who read my blog face to face on earth doesn’t matter, although it’s cool when I do, but if they are a child of God I’ll meet them face to face in Heaven.

I’ve watched over the past few weeks as Canadians and Ukrainians have vied for position in the list of readership. My sister is a missionary to Canada, so I’m tickled that I too am a missionary of sorts in that land sharing the gospel of Christ from my kitchen table or sofa, in West Virginia, USA. But Ukraine was not on my radar until a few weeks ago and then all of a sudden the number of readers increased. A quick Google search of Ukraine lead me to an article on the website of Eastern European Mission seeking to raise funding for Bibles for Ukraine due to the increase in requests of public schools desiring to teach from it. Yes, I said public schools. The word “Da” is yes in Ukraine. They believe that giving the Bible to their children (saying yes to God) will change the future of their country. Imagine that?

2 Corinthians 1:20 ~ For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Faith in God can be summed up in one word, “Yes,” or “Da” if you’re in Ukraine. With that one word you receive all of the promises of God, enough promises to last you through eternity and more than you can ever imagine. God doesn’t ask anything other than for us to say yes to the gift of Salvation through the confession that His Son, Jesus Christ, was born of a virgin, died on the cross, rose again the third day and now intercedes on our behalf when we err in this life. That is far easier for me than believing we “exploded into existence,” especially since the earth and all that is in it bears witness of God, and from a very young child I’ve had pull on my heart toward Him.

If you’re from Ukraine, I’d love to hear how the gospel is making its way into your homes and what Jesus is doing in your life. It’s a shame the progressive nation of the United States digresses away from the Bible in public schools for fear of influencing children, and yet they’re embracing the influence of false religions. It’s not inconceivable that another country could be sending missionaries into our land.

Ukraine, I’m so happy that you are saying “Da” to God. America… the word is yes. Let’s do it and get our nation back on track!

Contact me through the comment box at the top of this page, or email me at talk2shari@gmail.com