Category: Christian

Posted in Christian, Life Inspiration

The One Thing

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The One Thing

Since the beginning, when man fell in the garden, they fell because they were looking for that one thing. That one thing was to “have it all.” When Satan tempted Eve with the fruit that God had clearly said “if you eat it you shall die,” he did so with the words:

Genesis 3:4-5 KJV
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5] For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

It was the only thing in the garden that God said they couldn’t have. Not because He wanted it for Himself, but because He knew that it would lead to their destruction. The knowledge gained by that fruit was the lust of the flesh. Once their eyes were opened to sin, nothing would satisfy them. It would drive their son to kill his brother, their descendants to sleep with their children, then to kill their children. Everything in life would be justifiable in the eyes of man. If you want it, take it. Do it. Never look back.

Why is that man’s mentality?

I see that sin in my own life far more than I care to confess. I love “stuff.” Not powerful stuff, not even stuff anyone else would probably care for. But I’m like the magpie. It is said within European culture that magpies are attracted to shiny objects and routinely steal small trinkets such as jewelry. I’m not going to steal jewelry, but I confess to have a fetish for what I call junk jewelry, that of a costume persuasion. To the point my husband had to make me a new jewelry box to hold my “treasures” because I ran out of room in the old one.

But in Luke 18, Jesus spoke with a man who probably wasn’t into “junk.” He had acquired great wealth. But he knew enough to know that he lacked one thing that he could not provide himself. Eternal life. So he has this conversation with Jesus and just flat out asks Him,z “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

What I realized when I read the response of Christ, is that Christ doesn’t miss a word in our conversations with Him.

THE CONVERSATION

Luke 18:18-23 KJV
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [19] And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. [20] Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. [21] And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. [22] Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. [23] And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

Jesus started right from the beginning to unpack their conversation. “Why callest thou me good?”

The ruler had obviously seen something in the way Jesus lived that made Him stand out. People were no doubt watching every move He made, especially the Pharisees, hoping He would mess up. But He never did! You can watch me five minutes and I can almost guarantee that within that time frame I’ll mess up. But Jesus’ life was so perfect that the ruler trusted Him to answer the question everyone wants to know, “How can I have eternal life.” But Jesus called him to task, saying, “none is good, save one, that is, God.”

Jesus took that one word from the man’s conversation and asks him if He really realizes Who it is that he’s talking to?

THE CONSULTATION

Jesus isn’t satisfied with our minuscule conversations. He wants those in-depth consultations where we’re on the couch of the Creator and letting Him delve into the depth of our hearts. He knew the ruler was a “good” man in the eyes of the world. He was keeping the law as best he could. He was doing everything right and yet the ruler still knew something was missing.

Imagine me, who in all my life has seemed to do everything wrong, going my own way, asking God forgiveness far more times than permission and then I too want the peace of Heaven. We all want that one thing! I know many good people who lack it. This ruler was one. Because when Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow him, the ruler went away sad. There is no movie moment where he comes to his senses and returns to Christ, throwing his wealth down at the feet of Jesus, or dropping it off at the Salvation Army on the way back. No, it just says that he was very sorrowful.

Jesus knew that at the heart of this man’s issue was his “stuff.” He wasn’t willing to just trust Christ to provide everything he needed.

I guess the good thing about having junk jewelry is you don’t mind giving it up. But there was plenty of other stuff I tried to bring along for the journey. I’ve had many conversations and consultations with the Lord where He has shown me that I’m not willing to give up everything.

THE CONVICTION

That’s what drew me out of bed at 2 a.m. and into the word of God this morning. I heard the Lord saying “Shari, we need to talk.” And no matter how hard I tried, sleep wasn’t going to happen. I knew my recent conversations with the Lord had been fleeting. Short, minuscule moments of time that I spoke to Him as if He was an acquaintance, not my Savior. I would offer up the excuse that I was busy, tired, working, etc. and it all boiled down to the same issue that the ruler had. Only he was richer. I was not wanting to sell all I had. To give up those things that made me happy or brought a sense of worldly value to my life. But then I heard Christ say, “What good is any of it, if I’m not the center of it.”

Without Him it’s just hay and stubble and will burn up when I stand before Him in eternity.

THE CONVERSION

I was saved in 1996. I had the conversion where I gave my life to Christ and began following Him. I’m still following Him! But not without the occasional detour of the mind that causes me to lose focus on what’s important. That one thing! That one thing is the eternal hope of Glory that will allow me to live in eternity with the people I love, having to never separate myself from them again. It allows me to have peace on this messed up ball of dirt, while my spirit is in the hands of God in Heaven.

The conversion didn’t prevent failure, but it prevents forfeiture. My soul is safe! Not even I can mess that up.

I need a few more “wake ups” where God gets my attention and reminds me that I have purpose, and it’s for His Glory!

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Life's Failures, salvation

Doubt Will Come — So Will Eternity

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Doubt Will Come — So Will Eternity

A few days ago I stood in the home of three young women who sat by the bedside of their mother, waiting for God to call her home. Each of the girls said that they had made professions of faith. That was as far as I could take that conversation. It was between them and God whether or not everyone was prepared for the next step in their Momma’s Journey. The return home. The Momma was just a few years older than myself. She was a Momma and a Grandmomma. A sister, friend, daughter and niece. All of the things that all of us are, but most importantly she was a child of God. 

As I tried my best to encourage the girls, I couldn’t help but think about that journey we’re all taking home. This life truly is like a vapor. It seems like yesterday that I was running in the hills of Duck Creek with cousins and siblings, scooping up turtles without a care in the world. But then suddenly without warning, there’s no running, I do well to walk some days! I’m not scooping up turtles, I’m sharing the scoop on a news site that I run on the internet. I share the stories of people lives, some happy and some sad, but all are important in the scope of eternity. 

I’ve made it no secret that I have struggled spiritually for the past few years. But now, as I embark on a new church journey, it seems that ministry opportunities are on the horizon and I’m heading back up the mountain in the spiritual sense. I told my new Pastor, when he expressed his concern for me overloading myself, that a busy Shari is a happy Shari. It also creates a focus on God and His desires and not what the world would have my attention to falter on.

While the experience of watching a friend pass away is not an enjoyable one, it is one of purpose. It draws the mind to eternity and the need for a knowing the truth. 

This morning a video popped up on my Facebook feed of a preacher who was preaching that one’s salvation could be thrown away. He referred to Hebrews 6:1-6 as evidence of that.

Hebrews 6:1-6 KJV

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [3] And this will we do, if God permit. [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, [5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, [6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

In the previous chapter, Paul was writing to some who ought to have been teachers, but who needed still to be taught the first principles of the gospel; they were such babes in grace that they needed the milk of the Word, —the very simplest elements of gospel truth, — and not the strong meat of solid doctrine. I fear that is the case in many churches across America because preachers are no longer preaching the simplest of truths. But the writer of Hebrews had no problem preaching truth. He tells them that it’s time they get off of the diet of babies and onto the food of men. 

Hebrews 6:1a. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;— The very basics of the word of God and move on to the deeper understanding. It’s as if he was saying, you’ve passed elementary school, now let’s move higher up the ladder of understanding until we get to the university level. And by the way, that level is achieved through the Holy Spirit. Not some seminary or college that teaches you to be a stick in the mud. 

Hebrews 6:1b — Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Let us make sure that the foundation of understanding is laid, but let’s not do it again and again. I know people who have been “saved” over and over again, believing that they had lost their salvation. God knows the wretched heart of man can not live a perfect life, but we can acknowledge the sin, repent and move on. Believing that sin was covered by the blood of Christ.  

Hebrews 6:2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. This is what we’ve been taught and believe, there should be no disputation about them, but move on  to the work of Christ. This is why churches fail to see souls saved. They’re stay on the fundamentals of faith, and the work of God goes undone.

Hebrews 6:3. And this will we do, if God permit. We must keep on going forward; there is no such thing in the Christian life as standing still, although plenty have sat.

The next three verses are what the social media post focused on. And the words can certainly be twisted to look like the writer is speaking of eternal security. If they’re taken out of context and no longer apart of the previous conversation above. 

Hebrews 6:4-6 — For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

The writer doesn’t say “if they shall fall.” We’re all going to fall; for me it’s multiple times a day that I fail God. But the writer says “fall away.” Meaning, it’s impossible for the power of salvation to cease to have power over the child of God. Once you believe, you cannot un-believe. If so, you never truly believed to start with.  We all have time of a lack of faith. That is not failing to believe, that is humanity. Even John the Baptist asked Christ “Are You the One?”

Without the grace of God, none of us could ever over come the evil of this world. If the blood of Christ does not purge us from sin, what more can be done? But because of grace, we are saved. Forever and ever Amen. 

For further reference look at the verses that offer us the security of being a believer. 

John 10:28-29 KJV — And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. [29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

John 3:3 — Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 10:29 — My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Romans 5:l — Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 4:30 — And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Those are just a few of the many verses that officer us security in the belief that salvation is forever. 

It’s a funny thing about faith. I can be having an off day, where everything is going wrong and I hear “You’re not saved Shari, if you were your life wouldn’t be such a mess.” But then I take myself back to February 18th, 1996, the year I was saved, and show myself the real mess. And then I take myself to May 26th, 2018 when I faced open heart surgery with the sweetest peace imaginable and then I tell myself to shut up. 

Doubt will come. And so will eternity.

Posted in Christian, Church Unity, Evangelism, Grace

Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum

I was told once, and lived it out myself, that if I played guitar alone too often, I’d have my own rhythm and have difficulty playing with other musicians. And so it was one night at a bluegrass jam that one of my favorite tunes was unrecognizable for the other musicians because I had changed the beat during my solo playing at home.

As I sat this morning weeping for a lost fellowship, I couldn’t help but reflect on that story. It is likewise true that if a person is out of fellowship with spiritual people, they too will find themselves out of step with the truth. They’ll march to their own beat, and if they hear it long enough, nobody else will be right in there mind.

One of the most widely known and shared verses when it comes to staying in fellowship with the church is Hebrews 10:25.  But like many wonderful scriptures it’s often plucked out of the center and the words leading to and from it are ignored. When the writer wrote Hebrews 10, He was likely having a conversation with  saved Jews. Many of which would have been often conflicted about no longer keeping the Jewish religious laws. He says as much in verse 1-4.

Hebrews 10:1-4 KJVS

[1]] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. [2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. [3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. [4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Every year those critters were offered up for the forgiveness of the people, with the knowledge that the next year, there would need to be a payment once again. The blood of the animals was not a permanent fix. But it was a way of life for Israel. So like most religious folk, anything new was going to have an adjustment period.

Hebrews 10:5-9 KJVS

 [5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein ; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 

And so it was established that the law was now grace. No longer could they do anything to bring their own salvation, it was only by Christ’s finished work on the cross. A matter many churches even yet today, under the guise of Christianity still use. They want to do something… be baptized, join the church, wear the right clothes, sing the right songs, etc. etc. and God said no, it is by the blood of my Son. Alone. And what you do in His name, better point the world to Him alone.

But along the way man has interpreted and twisted scripture in such a manner that it would fit into their own agenda for their own church and God’s people became a division of over 45,000 denominations. 

Hebrews 10:10-14 KJVS

[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

One offering. One way. Not 45,000. 

One Spirit

Hebrews 10:15-16

 [15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, [16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 

Once a confession of faith has been made, that you confess that you believe in that finished work of Jesus Christ; His Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost, comes within you and speaks to your heart and to your mind. Another matter that a preacher worth a grain of salt won’t refute. God speaks through His word, through His Spirit and through His people called into His service. He speaks to the heart of man and to the mind of man. So if that is how God speaks, why is fellowship with other Christians necessary?

The second a man (or woman as the case may be) goes off on their own, it won’t be long until they’ll be out of step with the Word of God. Is this 100%, across the board fact? No. I believe there are those that God calls and equips to be on their own for what ever reason and for a specific time. But not indefinitely. 

Remember that rhythm I spoke of? If you pull yourself into an exclusive position without regard for the rhythm of anyone else, they can’t encourage you and you won’t encourage them. And it won’t matter how “right” you are. You’ll be of no earthly good for the Lord. 

45,000 denominations are not correct. As the Word said, there is but One way to salvation.

My Dad, Gene Paul Hardway, refused to join a church. He stood by that conviction even when the church he attended for 20 years removed him from teaching. They eventually asked him back because the people knew he knew the word of God. I am inclined to join my dad’s belief. I’ve been a Baptist for 26 years. Without regret. The Baptist people grew me into the woman of God that I am through discipleship. But over time I have slowly became less and less impressed with the “religious in the Baptist movement.” They are no different than the Pharisees who looked down their noses at the peasants called Christians and called them heretics. Because those Christians were not a formal religion. 

They just believed in Jesus. 

And so that leads us into the well known verse of 25

Hebrews 10:17-25

[17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. [19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)  [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

What a novel idea! Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not to  lord wisdom and authority over the believers as if they’re too ignorant to understand the word of God or too lowly to be spoken to by the Spirit. We are to exhort… ENCOURAGE… one another. Good grief this world is pathetic. Why should we focus on how pathetic it is when we serve a God that dwells within us and desires a conversation that is encouraging and uplifting. Not once have I been beaten down by the Lord. But buddy…. The world has thumped me on multiple occasions. 

This was a reminder to myself, that I need people. But I don’t need people who don’t believe what the Lord has done in my life. God called me to the ministry in 2010. He’s yet to un-call me.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian, Church Unity, Evangelism, Praisee, Purpose, salvation, worship

For All that’s Wrong, There’s Plenty that’s Right

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on For All that’s Wrong, There’s Plenty that’s Right

Have you ever been spiritually frustrated? Or should I ask “When’s the last time you were spiritually frustrated?” If you’ve walked the path of faith for any length of time at all, and by that I mean greater than 15 minutes, you’ve no doubt experienced it. But one would think that the longer and further you’ve walked, provided you’ve clung to the Rock, you would experience frustrations less. I have met very few (if any) people who don’t struggle.

I have witnessed those who get in a big way of talking and and say that they got in the face of the Devil and said “You’re a liar Satan, and I rebuke you in the name of Jesus to get out of my life.” And then according to their testimony, he did. I’ll just tell you from my stand point, I’m going to let God do the rebuking of Satan, because any time I’ve tried it, Satan has came at me that much harder. I’m not always sure it’s Satan I should be giving the credit to for the hard times any way, I’m sure I am often to blame. But struggles come and go and with them, many conversations with God.

So as I read through the short book of Habakkuk following a funeral yesterday, his words struck a chord in my soul.

Watch and See

Habakkuk 2:1 KJVS
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Have I been watching? Have I had any desire to see what the Lord has to say about the recent frustrations in my life? I have to ask myself that honestly. I tell you often that I am quick to ask and slow to listen. It’s as if I’m a toddler who looks at a parent right before they stick their hand in the fire and then is shocked with the result. Other times it’s like the child who falls and scrapes their knee and screams bloody murder because a parent wants to put medicine on it, only to discover the medicine took away the pain. Watch and see…

Habakkuk looked high, he didn’t look low. He did not seek man’s advice but went to the One and only capable of answering. He didn’t stir the masses up with his problems and he didn’t assume that Judah wasn’t the problem. He only knew that God would take care of them some how. He asked and then he listened. Hmmm… I could learn.

What He Will Say

When the Lord answers He gives Habakkuk an instruction.

Habakkuk 2:2 KJVS
[2] And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Write it down. And here we are over 2500 years later, reading the words that he wrote that God continues to speak through. That’s amazing! God told Habakkuk to write down the vision, a plan for the future and Habakkuk listened to his Lord’s words. God was sending a warning out to the people that judgement was going to come. It’s still true today. Sometimes it’s swift, but as it was in the day of this text sometimes God waits for a while to bring everything to fruition so that it can be understood and work for His glory.

I hate to wait. I have a microwave mentality most of the time. But if I think about the fire of an oven in comparison to the artificial heat of a microwave, the baking result is vastly different. It’s always better in the oven. Slower… but oh so good.

Wait for it

Habakkuk 2:3-4 KJVS

[3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Waiting requires trust. Trust that come what may, it’s for my good.

This chapter records God’s answers to the questions that challenged Habakkuk’s faith: (1) How long would evil prevail (1:2-3)? (2) Why was Babylon chosen to punish Judah (1:13)? God said that the judgment against evil, though slow to come, was certain. And though God used Babylon to punish Judah, God also knew Babylon’s sins and would punish it in due time.

But what are we to do in the wait? For me I think I should consider what my role in these battles has been. Facing the reality that I could be the problem or at the very least a part of it. Habakkuk didn’t go up and get his answer and then storm down because God’s truth wasn’t what he wanted. He accepted God’s truth that there were those whose soul’s were not upright. Does that happen today? That the souls of even God’s people are not always upright? The flesh is a very real adversary in the life of a Christian. Turning control of your frustrations and desires over to God and trusting Him to fix it isn’t easy.

The Answer…

Habakkuk 3:2 KJVS
O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Revive thy work. That is the answer. I skirted all around it, trying to make far more out of Habakkuk’s message than needed to be. What I love about God’s word, among many things, is the simplicity of His speech. I often don’t go to the word because I too am afraid of God’s answer. I assume that even though the balm He’s about to put on my wound is for my own good, it’s going to be like Merthiolate. That bright reddish orang medicine our parents would put on a raw wound that burned like fire! But it is not. It’s a salve of goodness to the soul.

Revive thy work. The works trumps everything. Every little issue, every big issue on this earth means nothing in the scope of the work that the Christian is supposed to be doing. If we lose sight of that, then souls go to Hell.

I had a sermon from 2013 outlined in my bible from Habakkuk 3:17-19 that spoke to me again.

My notes said thus…

Yet I will rejoice – leave the doubters and get with the shouters!!
We need to practice
A salvation that is established on the Word of God
Phd can mean piled higher and deeper
Isaiah 40:8 the Word of our God will stand forever

God’s word never changes
God never changes
Sin never changes
Penalty for sin never changes
Plan of salvation never changes

God’s word is spiritually discerned

Habakkuk rejoiced in the God of His salvation. For all that is wrong in my world, there’s plenty that is right. I’ll focus on that and leave the rest to God.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration, salvation, Word of God

It Ain’t Easy Waiting on Jesus

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on It Ain’t Easy Waiting on Jesus

Have you ever just looked to the sky and ask God “Why not now Lord? I’m ready, and I don’t want to see this world get any more wicked. This is plenty bad enough. Please, come and get your children!” Well, no doubt those in the days of scripture were very much looking to the same Heaven and saying the same thing. It was they who James was speaking to when He penned the Words God spoke. We know this because in the first verse of the first chapter James tells us who he is speaking to:

James 1:1 KJVS
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

It is Israel. The Nation of God’s chosen people. The very people that had turned their back on God to the point that He gave the Gentiles the blessing of Salvation through His Son’s life being given on the cross. When the Jewish leaders continued to deny that Jesus was the Christ, God said ENOUGH! And God began a new work through the Gentiles and through the Apostle Paul. But He continued to work on Israel, although no longer through the traditions of man. It was now by God’s marvelous grace that Jew and Gentile alike could come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ with the promise that He’d return for His Children and then finish what He started with Israel. And now we’re here, waiting for God to come and get us.

In frustration. With patience wearing thin and the temptation to take matters into your own hands most every day. Or perhaps that’s just me.

BE PATIENT

James 5:7-20 KJVS
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Be patient… James said. Jesus is waiting too, but He has patience because He wants both the fruits of yesterday and the fruits of tomorrows while there is still tomorrows to be had. I usually think of that right after I’ve asked Jesus to come and get me. What if He did? How many souls do I know that would be damned to Hell because they’re not saved? Far, far too many.

BE PATIENT

Again James says it, but this time he’s speaking of the Prophets of old.

[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. [9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. [10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. [11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Prophets who endured the unimaginable for us, and yet James said they counted them happy in what they endured because they knew that God would one day be glorified in their suffering. Job knew it when he told his wife that she spoke like a foolish woman, even though she too had endured the unimaginable of losing every child and belonging she had. She told Job to curse God and die! But Job did not because he knew there was a plan, even if he didn’t understand it. We have to realize that when we look at this world we have to believe THERE IS A PLAN! BE PATIENT.

And BE BUSY…

[12] But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. [13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. [14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. [16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. [18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. [19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; [20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

There is plenty of things in those verses that causes one to wonder aloud, “Why did God not heal when I asked? Why did God not stop the storm when I asked?” Why… there are thousands of them. We read this scripture and doubt creeps in and we think God doesn’t hear, or we’re not living as we should, or any of the other one million reasons that the world tells you that scripture isn’t true. That it doesn’t happen as God said it would. But what we didn’t think about was who God was talking to, and at what dispensation in time was He speaking? This letter is to the Jews. It is written for our edification and encouragement but it is not written for out doctrine to live by. That’s why people get discouraged in the waiting. They’re waiting for the wrong bus. When James wrote this letter it was during the time when God was doing all kind of miracles in the lives of the Jewish people through the Apostles. But when the Gentile church came on the scene, you didn’t see those miracles happen after Paul. Not like it was then. There’s miracles… but not as it was in days of scripture.

So do we just sit and wait? Do we not pray? Do we not believe God can heal? Of course we believe!!! But God is not raising the dead because a preacher asked. He’s not healing every one the way we want Him to heal them, He may heal them in Heaven. But we ask! And we believe that God can and quite often He does and when He does we can rejoice. But when He doesn’t we can still rejoice in knowing that God has a plan and we’re apart of it.

That is why we have to stay busy. There is so much work for the church to do right now and the vast majority of them are waiting on the wrong bus. They’re waiting for God to come and get them and He will… but not until He’s done with the plan.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. About the need to study the word and try to figure out what God’s doing or why He’s not doing something. And I’ve come to this conclusion. Patience is not my virtue. I’m better off staying busy. Get out of line for the bus and get back to work! Amen? Amen!

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Forgiveness, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Purpose

What Is It That Keeps Me Going for the Lord?

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Am I blessing the Lord? That was the question to myself this morning. Should that not be the goal in my life first and foremost? While that is my goal, I fall far short of it. I’ve stepped up on some parts of my ministries and stepped away from others. My frustration with the church hurt my heart and rather than focusing on the Lord, I focused much of my thought on myself. Which I detest. Because I know this is not about me. But it was my focus in my weakened state. I had conversations in my head that were not healthy on me spiritually. Rehashing past hurts and creating angst in my soul with regard to the current state of affairs. As always I ran from God, feeling that I wasn’t worthy of any mercy in the situation.

How can I bless the Lord if my focus is on me? My faults, failures, wants, desires…

Psalm 103:1-22 KJVS – A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

What’s Within Me?

I had to take a serious look at myself. My faults and failures… I have to get rid of the things within me that do not bless God. I took a strong look, I prayed for God to remove those things, but perhaps He wants me to remove them. After all, He didn’t put them there. The things that take my mind away from God and cause me to feel unworthy were not of God or from God. They were poor decisions on my part. These things keep me from blessing God. That’s a painful reality.

What’s Around Me?

6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

As a reporter, I’m constantly looking into the lives of other people. Looking at government, crime, injustices of the world. I wish I could look on those things without having to have a constant mirror on myself, but I can’t. I’ve been harshly criticized for bringing things to light about other people and organizations. This weighs heavy on me at times and causes me to question, what gives me that right?

For the first time in a very long time, I believe I’m doing exactly what God created me to do. Verse 6 says that God “executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.” He sent Moses to defend the children of Israel. A stuttering, murderer. How could Moses do what he did, with the guilt of it all on him? He obviously felt ill prepared when he questioned God’s choice of him. But Moses’ desire to be obedient, repentant and just in his decisions made him a vessel God could use. Lord, let me be that vessel…

What’s Above Me?

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

God sit’s high and looks low. He knows my faults and failures. He knows yours too. And praise God He is our Father Who is pities our humanness. I pray that same pity is what drives me to write both on this venue and that of the Ridgeview News. I pray that while I report on what creates the oppression of people, I never fail to realize that we are all dust.

What’s Before Me?

16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Eye has not seen nbor ear heard what is before us, but I have vivid dreams and imaginations about it. Currently that realm is occupied by spiritual beings, but someday the children of God will take their place in the Heavenly realm. What will I be then? Will I report the news of that realm too? That would be okay. Will I be an artist? I don’t know, what God has in store for me but above all I know that before me lies a life with the freedom from sin! No guilt. No shame. No sorrow or heartache. That’s what lies before every child of God who has accepted what Jesus done from them on the cross! For now the angels do His pleasure, but we’ll join them some day and be with our family and friends that have gone on before.

Those things that are before me is what keeps me going on days when I want to throw in the towel. Praise God for His Word. It is no wonder Satan does his best to keep us from reading it. He knows the power! Power he will never have. Power we are afforded through the blood of Christ! Yep. I wrote myself happy again 😀

Posted in Christian, Church attendance, Evangelism, Heaven, Life Inspiration

Even the Road to Glory has Pot Holes

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I was brought up, one of five children. One of dozens and dozens of cousins. There was no drama that I recall because nobody had time for that. Social media wasn’t even imagined, and the closest thing to it was a telephone with a cord that was usually located in a spot where everyone could hear your conversation.

What a novel idea! Parents being able to hear what you’re saying. I have a feeling social media posts would be much different if that were the case, and they’d be much healthier. But what about our own conversations, let’s not throw the kids under the bus before we confess that we’re driving the bus.

For the record, I’m not an “over sharer.” It’s often like pulling teeth for anyone to discover that I’m on the struggle bus. I adopted the “I”m fine” policy as a child. And as a new convert in the late 1990’s I adopted 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 as a life verse which says “

2 Corinthians 2:1-2 KJVS
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. [2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

Partly because I love leaving the world in a happier place than it was when I arrive, but mostly because If you’re fine, then nobody probes further, right? But what does that do for the person struggling? Usually I’m a hot mess. It’s way easier helping someone deal with their problems than owning mine. That is a harsh truth for myself.

Who’s Driving the Bus?

In Paul’s day there were several people who tried to take over Paul’s bus route. But Christ was driving that bus, and taking Paul where He wanted him to go. He was in the will of God, but that didn’t stop the struggle. As a matter of fact it often caused the struggle.

In Ephesus he told the Ephesians in 6:20-24 KJVS
[20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

He was workin’ from the jail house! Bondage was literal for Paul, but it sometimes feels literal for us when our lives are wrapped up so tightly in the struggle, it’s as if we have fetters. It takes its toll on us physically and spiritually. Yesterday I rid myself of a few shackles. Not all of them. But a friend of compassion called and unlocked many things that had me bound; just by allowing me to freely share how I was bound. The end culprit was of course the Devil himself. But don’t think that he doesn’t use every tool in his tool box and every person in your life that he can. Paul had friends in the ministry that he called out for having bound him. Paul was a man of stature and people listened to what he had to say, but it didn’t say that all of them took Paul’s advice, many turned on him. The people on your bus may be going to the same destination, meaning, they’re saved, but that doesn’t stop some of them from being used to create strife in your life along the way.

Had I not taken a few minutes to unload my wagon yesterday of some real heartache, I’m not sure how the rest of my ride would have gone. I don’t have any plans to get off the Glory Bus, but changing routes has entered my mind more than a few times.

Who’s Got Your Back on the Bus?

[21] But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: [22] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Paul’s friend Tychicus, was a beloved brother. Paul obviously trusted him to tell his story and offer comfort to his friends and no doubt comfort to Paul through their trusted friendship.

I was listening to a testimony of a brother from another church this weekend and he was talking about the times that he witnessed people going to the altar. He said his church had determined that “no one goes alone.” When they seen someone struggling they went with them. Maybe it was just to stand beside them and pray for them. Maybe it was to put your arm around them and weep with them. But nobody should have to ride the bus alone. We need to be conscientious of people in our church who are struggling. Let them know they’re not alone. It’s that empathy that is the most Christ like. When Jesus passed by, something happened. It didn’t say Jesus just passed by. They felt His presence. And it still happens when someone stands with you, sits with you, prays with you! All the things. We should have each other’s back.

Where is the Bus taking You?

If you’re in a constant struggle, and there is no peace in your life. Friend… you’re on the wrong bus.

I shared this story today because I don’t anyone to think that a Christian has a life without struggles. That’s not true. As I said, Paul was in the perfect will of God and they didn’t stop until they killed him. But at no point did Paul quit the ministry. He didn’t change buses. He rode it out until the very end because he knew he was on the right bus. With the right people.

[23] Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

It’s important to be on a bus (in a church) where the road home is clear. There’s no side trips to strange places, just the gospel of Jesus Christ and His salvation. No works. Nothing for you to do except Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. It won’t be a perfect ride, there will be bumps in the road. But stay in the bus! That’s where it’s safe.

I love ya and you’re not alone!

Posted in Christian, Life Inspiration, Praise, Purpose, Word of God

Praise God the Spirit Lives in Me!

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When I say “I am of the opinion.” I most certainly have an opinion. A strong one. But God forbid that it doesn’t line up with His. This is my struggle. While I pray I’m always open to His leading to get me on track, I am more than aware of my human nature and the probability that I could be wrong. So doubt is an easy emotion for someone to prey on. My issues with opinion concerns are generally over things that I am very passionate about, and when someone strikes against my opinion in a way that makes me feel less than intelligent because I have my very strong opinion, my struggle goes deeper.

Knowing what I know about spiritual struggles, I’ll go to the only One who can set me straight. The Word and the Spirit of God.

The Protector of my Mind

Ephesians 6:17 KJVS
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

As a young girl I had a vivid imagination as one might imagine. One of the story lines that I continually fabricated in my mind was that of being a young girl of stature. One with “people.” Advisors and protectors that surrounded me because people wanted to know what I had to say. That probably seems strange for a young girl to think in that way, but as I have previously noted on the Jesus Chick site, my hopes and aspirations as a young girl was to be a speaker. Not a singer, or a person of fame, but a person who people wanted to listen to because I had something to say. God allowed that vision to come true in a different way, not one of stature in this world, but one of a notable position in Heaven.

When salvation came, and the Holy Spirit began living in me and through me, I had a confidence and a wisdom that was never in the fabric of my make up until then. I continued to struggle with the difference between confidence and arrogance. I loathed arrogance. It was that attitude from others that made me feel less, and I determined in my heart that if I was ever allowed to be “somebody” in the Kingdom of God, I’d never make anyone feel less. No where in the scripture is an attribute of God arrogance, confidence, yes.

As years turned into decades my experience with the Word of God and the Spirit of God was a familiar friend. Wisdom came from His Word, Understanding came from the Spirit. Clarity of subject matters came from His Word, guidance, purpose and the ability to discern and teach the Word of God came from the Spirit. That Sword helped me fight the battles I had from worldly attacks on my mind, and they were many.

The Piercer of my Soul and Spirit

Hebrews 4:12 KJVS
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

My youngest daughter calls me often asking for advice, telling me that I am her moral compass. She too has a passion that sometimes gets her in trouble. Mostly her mouth. I can advise her because she didn’t get it from anyone strange and I have more practice. But the Word and the Spirit are my go to’s. As I faced this current battle, I cried out to God asking for His wisdom. Asking Him to shield me from the flesh that had tears in my eyes and a clinched fist. Spiritual fights are every bit as real as the physical.

I knew the intent of my heart was not prove someone wrong and me right. I wanted only to know the truth. I wanted the doubt gone that had cast a shadow over the Spirit in my life, accusing me of a mind’s lie, not the Holy Spirit’s speaking. I was angry for God. And I felt the Word of God piercing my soul and Spirit. “You know it’s Me Shari.”

John 10:27 KJVS
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

In John’s scripture, he tells of the religious Jews desiring to stone Jesus. They accused Him of blaspheme because He dare say He was God. They did not believe He was God and thought only they knew the truth. That is arrogance at its finest.

The Property of God

Romans 8:9 KJVS
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Just as the anger and tears welled up on me today, the peace of God has just overwhelmed my soul in this brief study. The Word is an unchanging guide that backs up what the Spirit reveals to me. The Spirit speaks just as the Word does. If others have not experienced the Spirit in the same manner as I have, that is between them and God, I judge no one on their relationship with God.

1 Corinthians 2:11 KJVS
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Only I can know what I feel. And only God knows what He reveals to any man or how He works through any man.

I sat in a completely full 2,000 seat theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania this week watching “Moses.” A live theatre performance. I was in full judgement mode in a comedic way inside my mind, trying to determine what denomination I believed some of the people to be by the way they dressed, spoke and acted. I sat with my bestie Gloria on one side and to the other side was a woman I believed to be Apostolic because her hair was up and she wore a skirt. To the other side of Gloria was a man that could have been a member of any church, just your average Joe. Behind us was a group of gossiping, complaining, judgmental women that clearly enjoyed their time of sharing the failures of their family, another from any church USA. In front of us was a family that I’m not sure they even went to church because they made no mention of it, and were enjoying their family outing. In front of them was a woman that caused me to remember a sermon that Walter Truss preached at Victory Baptist about a Pentecostal woman in his previous church, for which the Bishop called out because her bosoms were falling out. I said all that to say this. I know nothing about how the Spirit dealt with any one of them as they watched the story of Moses play out. But I know how the Spirit dealt with me. I am chosen. I am that voice for God that I longed to be as a child. He is my Protector, my Piercer, and I am His Property. No man knows what the Spirit does in me, but I sure do.

Questions or comments? Find me on Facebook, message me at (304)377-6036 or talk2shari@gmail.com.

Posted in Christian, Christian Service, Church Unity

How Can People Know What to Believe?

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Every day this world get’s more wicked and Christianity is a distant relic of what it once was. The further it gets away from the scriptural defining, the more confused I see people become. Is it any wonder that our churches are empty? How can people know what to believe with so many “versions” out there. I’m not talking about Bible versions, I’m talking about Christian versions. 

I seen a post the other day on social media where someone was going through a struggle. They confessed to be Christian, and yet their post asked for prayer “to whomever their friends prayed to,” or “good vibes” which is a comment that makes me want to puke. But I almost split a gasket in my brain trying to figure out how one can call themselves a Christian and make room for another god? 

I had this conversation with a family member several years ago who told me that when they attended their Masonic lodge meeting, they laid their Bible right next to everyone else’s. Of any faith. He was telling me that his god was equal to the others. Including the Quran. I just about stripped a gear on that one too. You’ll note the little “g”. I cannot be non vocal about such statements. It’s the very thing that is causing good churches to fail. The preacher may be preaching the doctrine of Christ as close to scripture as humanity will allow. But if he’s got a congregation filled with Facebookers and Instagrammers who undermine his teaching with stupidity, then whose going to show up to hear him preach? 

This is a late night post, when I’m tired, and cranky and have a house full of children, my last load of laundry for the week is in the machine, the dishwasher is running, my suitcase is packed for a girls trip in the morning and I have stuff on my mind I need to get off. That may not be a good combination. Or maybe it is. No filter isn’t always bad. I assure you this isn’t written in judgment, but observation. 

So here’s my rant in my favorite 3 point style.

Don’t be Talking Smack Against God

Daniel 3:29 KJVS

Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

I am so thankful that I was brought up with a very healthy fear of God. I knew He was a loving God, but I also knew at the age of nine that God held His people accountable. As I grew older I blocked that fear out, but hallelujah through the preaching of God’s word and the reading of His word I regained my healthy fear. 

When a person who professes to be a Christian, they are saying they believe:

  • Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for their sins and all of humanity’s.
  • He arose from the dead the third day took the keys to death and hell so that Satan had no power of those who believe. 
  • He is now in Heaven making intercession on our behalf, so that when we sin (and we do) He says to the Father, “That child is mine Father, my blood has covered their sin.” 
  • A child of God believes. That’s it. No more, no less. 

But when a child of God acknowledges any other god, they have opened the door for Satan to whisper in the ear of the unsaved, “see, even they believe in other gods.” 

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, went into the fiery furnace, they didn’t ask anyone else to pray to their gods. It doesn’t say that they ask their people to pray, though I’m sure may have. What they said was:

Daniel 3:16-19 KJVS

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. [17] If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. [18] But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. [19] Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

That is the child of God I want to be! (Preferably not in a furnace). Interestingly, it was Nebuchadnezzar who was the one who made the decree in verse 29, after he saw what the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego could do. He warned the people, “Don’t be talking smack about their God. Because if He doesn’t kill you, I will.” That of course is the Bible version according to Shari.  

If You’re Going to Say Something, Say it Loud

Mark 12:28-34 KJVS

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? [29] And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: [30] And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. [31] And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. [32] And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: [33] And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. [34] And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

The scribes were scholars of the Old Testament Law. They figured prominently in the ministry of Jesus; they were persecuting Him and were responsible for bringing Him to trial. Their persecution of Christians continued after His ascension. But in this text we have a scribe speaking with Jesus in a tone of respect, calling Him Master. Even Jesus notes that he is “not far from the Kingdom of God.” Was the scribe changing his mind about Who Jesus was? It didn’t say, but it did say that because of this line of questioning, Jesus stopped their mouths. 

As a child of God, I always tell you that I consider myself an utter failure. I know I could be far better than I am and I fail daily. But deed, I try to be a bold witness. It’s not always a comfortable spot to be in because there are many in the world who do not enjoy hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. But I love talking about it. And in order to speak of it, you need to know it! Again, let me emphasize that I don’t know as much as I should, but what I know, and that is some, I speak loud. Because I want people to know the confidence I have in Christ. Not any in myself, but I’ve got all kinds in Him. I have that because for 27 years I have walked and talked on the road with Jesus and gone through trial after trial that He alone has brought me through. Many days that I honestly didn’t think I was going to make it. I have experienced miracles. I have prayed the prayer, “Dear God, I’m stupid, and you know I’m stupid, please get me out of this mess!” And He did. And sometimes He didn’t. And I can stand flat footed and eye to eye with an atheist who doesn’t know he believes and tell Him what I believe and why I believe it. 

This is why when I see a child of God wavering on God, I get frustrated for Him and them. If they acknowledge any other god besides Jesus Christ that says to the unsaved, “you don’t believe in Him either.”

Be loud and proud my Christian friends. When someone needs prayer, tell them, “Ima talk to Jesus for ya!” Don’t ever give Satan a foothold into a conversation by telling them you’re going to send them ‘good vibes,’ because that my friend is straight out of the pits of hell.

What You Say Has Got to Be Backed Up by Scripture

Not made up by man

Ephesians 4:1-13 KJVS

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; [3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

How can a person “keep the unity” and speak matters of separation? I have unsaved friends. But they are not friends who have ever asked me to deny my faith, walk a different path in my faith or accept what they believe as my one. Else, they’d not be someone I shared fellowship with. 

I do not argue scripture. I speak what it says, and let God do the arguing if it’s needed. Most of the time people have questions, not debates with me. And I’m always happy to answer because that is the greater depth of my learning is in finding the facts in the matter about what scripture says. 

This was indeed a rant, and probably to people in the same boat as me. But there is purpose in it. It’s to encourage myself and you who read this to read the Bible for ourselves and know what it says and what it means. That way, when someone has a question for us, we know how to point them to the answer. And not our answer, but God’s answer. 

Posted in Christian, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Chaos, Character and Chameleons of a Christian Walk

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Chaos, Character and Chameleons of a Christian Walk

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the character of mankind. I’ve struggled with my own character throughout the decades knowing that I never measure up to the standards that a Christian should, I fail God miserably. And yet, He chose to place me in the ministry of His work and set me in places where I’m in the public view, which just makes the guilt that much deeper. I currently serve in a secular position as publisher, publishing news and the sins of others and each time I do, it is not without the sting of my own sin. My conscience sears my soul and says “how dare you cast the first stone.” As you can tell, my soul is raw this morning, telling you the deepest thoughts of my own walk with Christ. 

I’ve recently struggled spiritually, and as usual just kept wallowing in my own frustration. I would talk to God in running conversations as I went from one thing to another in the chaos I call life. 

The Chaos I Call Life

When I say I have a day long, running conversation with God that is true. It makes me sound wonderfully spiritual. But what that looks like is, me praying over breakfast and adding a few friends into the blessing, driving from one event to the other, talking to God as if He’s sitting in passenger seat, and yet when He’s telling me that breaking the speed limit is a sin and I’m saying, “But God I need a good parking spot.” Our conversations are often, but they are seldom deep, because my mind is filled with chaos. Right now it’s Sunday morning, and on a very, very rare Sunday, I’ve decided to stay home because the chaos is out of control and I needed this conversation with God, and my people. You who read the Jesus Chick and are broken and human like me. And yet in the background I have a house filled with clutter because of a cleaning spree we launched yesterday, three grandchildren dispersed through my living room playing electronic devices, laundry clicking in the washer and dryer, a cat running wide open in front of the dog for tortures sake and someone just said, “What’s for breakfast?” 

In the book of Thessalonians, Chapter 2, Paul speaks to his people, the broken and human of that day. 

The Character of us All

1 Thessalonians 2:4-12 KJVS

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 

Each of us are filled with flaws and God knows each and every one of them. Paul said “but God, which trieth our hearts.” When God tries our heart it means He examines it to see the worthiness and intent. None will be found worthy without the blood of Jesus, but when it comes to the intent, what does God do with that? That is where I began to examine myself. It’s not that I am any more worthy than those that I may write a report on. It’s not that those I report on don’t deserve grace and forgiveness. But it is not my grace and forgiveness they should concern themselves with, but God’s. It is not me that tries their heart, but God. Paul tells the Thessalonians, don’t worry about pleasing people, please God. I can be a people pleaser, up to a point, and that point is usually the same point when I struggle with the intent of my heart. 

When I see a genuine, repentant soul, who may have committed the worst of all crimes, my heart wants nothing less than grace for them. But when I see an arrogant, self righteous person who does not care who they offend or harm, my intent can go south quickly and I want them to pay. It is those days that I rely on God to remind me of how much I needed grace. Boy…. Do I need grace. 

The Chameleon in all of Us

[5] For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

I have a shirt that I created that says “Ridgeview News – Unapologetic Truth.” That is truthfully the reputation I strive for. But it’s a struggle, because the truth hurts! And sometimes it hurts innocent people, like that of families and friends of someone who finds themselves in the news for less than wise behavior. Paul was not a man who sugar coated anything. He shot straight from the hip and never looked back. But most people have a chameleon style life where they wear different coats, (cloaks), for different people and circumstances. 

That’s what has happened to our youth and our society. We’ve ruined them by sugar coating any bad decision they make, or excusing bad decisions in the lives of other people until we’re now living in a society that has blurred the line of sin and righteousness. Myself included. When my grand babies were little, I hated to see them get in trouble. I defended them and made light of their “little sins.” Well guess what, I’m reaping what I sowed. Because now that they’re older they still expect Noni to go light on their sins. And I want to put that chameleon coat on that changes to a happy color and make light of what they’ve done because I love them and hate to see them sad. I am for certain a work in progress on this, but I am working on it. I know that when I stand before God, even though I’m forgiven, He is not going to take my sin lightly, even though He loves me. 

The Called of Christ

 [6] Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. [7] But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: [8] So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. [9] For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. [10] Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: [11] As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, [12] That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

In those 7 verses Paul gives so many descriptions of the expectations and responsibilities of a servant of God. 

Just as they didn’t strive to please men, they didn’t want men to strive to please them. That’ll preach in a few churches I’ve been to where fancy pants men thought highly of themselves. That’ll preach to me when I get my feelings hurt, and believe me I have. But Paul tells them that he wants to be their nurse, and that makes my heart so happy when I think about the people who have ministered to me in those times of pain and put spiritual salve and bandages on my heart. As a minister of the gospel that is what we need to do more of in this hurting world, we need to heal people with the Word of God. We need to be on guard with our own actions and make sure when we leave the presence of people the words they describe us with are words that would glorify God. 

Yes my life is chaos, but I pray my crazy is in the name of Jesus.

Yes I have character flaws, but I pray the cause me to show grace and mercy to all others.

Yes I have a chameleon tendency, but God please strengthen me to live in the unapologetic truth of God. 

Yes I am the Called of Christ, called to the ministry of the Jesus Chick, and now the Ridgeview News and I pray that when I speak the truth it is done with the intent of applying a healing balm to to a hurting world.