Category: Faith

Posted in Faith, Life Inspiration

Are You Living in Hope or Circumstance?

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The Apostle Peter was known for his quick (sometimes without thought) actions, and most importantly his willingness to follow and teach Christ, until his death found him crucified upside down on a cross. I’m sure like most church folk, there were people who found and noted the imperfections in Peter’s life. But when the end of his life came, nobody would have questioned his loyalty to the Savior and to the Word of God.

It wasn’t Happenstance that found Peter, it was Jesus.

Matthew 4:18-20 KJV
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. [19] And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [20] And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Peter walked off his job and away from his livelihood for a life of following Christ. Are we ready to do that? Are we ready for that level of commitment in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ? This is where living for Jesus is not for the faint of heart. Like Peter, I just didn’t happen to find Jesus in 1996. Jesus found me in a most miraculous way. I wasn’t looking for Him that February 18th Sunday when I went to hear Mike Worf preach, at my husband’s request. But Jesus was waiting for me at the church and by His Spirit, through the preaching of the word of God, He spoke to my heart in a most profound way. Shortly thereafter I left the life I knew of following the world and became a follower of Jesus Christ. I didn’t leave my job, but I most assuredly left the worldly things that had captivated my attention and drew my thoughts into a mentally un unhealthy place filled with depression, anxiety and false expectations of people. For more than a quarter of a century I have served the Lord as a teacher, singer, speaker and soul seeking (seeking souls I can encourage for Christ.) But it has not been without distractions and lesser levels of commitment.

It Wasn’t Coincidence that found us, it was Christ’s Intention

1 Peter 1:1-9 KJV
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, [2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

It could just as well add, Grantsville, Mt. Zion, Arnoldsburg, Chloe… wherever you are, Peter is speaking to us, in this day and age. When it says the elect, it’s meaning a child of God where the only vote needed was His. If you have made that decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, you are among those that Peter is speaking to and it was God’s design (as it is for everyone) that you be saved. But just like the election we just came through, you have to through your hat in the ring. “Here I am Christ, ready for service!” The election was swift, you accepted what Christ did on the cross as payment for your sin, your name was written n glory, you are now in the army of God! How exciting is that? You were elected to be a child of the Most High! But If it is so exciting why are Christians so negative?

Christ’s intentions for His children upon their salvation was not to allow us to continue in the world, being frustrated with what others are doing, pouring our time and money into material things or working ourselves to death so we can have more. But to captivate our minds with His Spirit and fill us with His desires of service and purpose, knowing that we will find true happiness and contentment in those things. So how is it that our focus gets so eschewed?

Paul told the people of Corinth in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 that they should be “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

There is a constant war in our minds with a disobedient fleshly spirit that would desire to stay in the world’s control. Exalting those things above the Lord, because that is Satan’s desire. He knows that he can no longer have the soul of a child of God, but he can have our thoughts, or encourage our focus on world endeavors or distresses to the point that Jesus and His purpose for us is no longer evident and we are miserable.

We have life priorities. Family, jobs, responsibilities, etc that Christ does not expect us to ignore. Nor does He expect those things to have first priority. When Peter left the boat, he didn’t leave his wife and community. But rather he focused on those people through Christ’s purpose! That’s good stuff right there! Are we focused on our priorities through Christ? When we’re stressing our family and friends, is it through Christ’s concerns for them? When we go to work, are we looking at our career as a door that Christ has opened to serve Him in that place? It’s not coincidence that you are anywhere in particular today… God has purpose in it!

But where is the excitement that caused Peter to jump out of the boat not once but twice. First to follow Christ in the ministry, and the second to follow Him onto the rough waters. We are not living (or at least I’m not) in His lively hope!

It’s Not our Circumstances that should Control our thoughts, But Our Lively Hope!

[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Jesus had said to his disciple Thomas, who came to believe after seeing the resurrected Christ, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:29). Peter, having heard those words, echoes them here: “You love him even though you have never seen him.” Faith brings both salvation and the promise of a day when pain will end and perfect justice will begin. Faith will be rewarded and evil will be punished. But what should we do until then? The Bible gives us a simple but difficult answer: Because we know the future, we must faithfully serve God here and now. If today that means resolving a conflict, mending a hurt, working a dull job, confronting a belligerent child, rebuilding a marriage, or just waiting for guidance—do it all with the joy of God, in His lively hope, who will return with the reward he has promised!

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Heaven, Life Inspiration

Some Scary Words from Sunday School Class

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I love Bible conversations. And Sunday School class is the perfect time (if your church program is designed as such) to share thoughts on how the scriptures apply to our everyday lives. At First Baptist Church of Grantsville, one of the adult classes, (taught by Rick Godfrey) is working our way through the book of Ephesians. It was during this week’s study that the Lord really dinged my bell with Paul’s words in chapter 2, verse 20. But for reference sake, I’ll provide Ephesians 2:19-22

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

It was the word foundation that caused a little anxiety in my heart, which I’m sure sounds like an odd word to scare someone with. But hear me out…

In chapter 2, much of the text is Paul discussing the Jew and Gentile connections in the word of God and perhaps the prejudices of the day. A popular topic in America even today! (That’s not the scary word for which I’m blogging about today, by the way) but helps us to understand the relevance of God’s word. God adopting the Gentiles into the Kingdom was a new concept for the children of Israel. They’d been the star of this show since time began, and will be again in end times. But for then and now, Jew and Gentiles were on an even playing ground with the Lord.

But as Paul continues his Sunday School class with the community of Ephesus he tells them how the Jew and Gentile connection became the modern church of today. No denomination, just the believers in Christ Jesus which were built upon the foundation (the scary word) of the apostles and prophets. Apostles of the New Testament and the Prophets of the Old Testament. One book, two stories, now connecting all the people of God.

But when Rick Godfrey read the words of Ephesians 2:20, my mind focused on my own accountability to the Lord Jesus Christ on making sure I didn’t mess up the foundation for which my children and grandchildren and the people who are kind enough to follow “The Jesus Chick” blog stand on. That’s a scary thought.

When a stone structure is beginning to be built, the first block has to be laid in a manner that keeps every one to follow in line. In the church it’s called the Corner Stone, which is Christ. He is the foundation stone of our church. Perfect in every way. The apostles were the first to follow with their preaching of the Gospel of Christ. (Which God insured His word was perfect in every way. As the church began to grow, they understood the importance of making sure those who followed them understood and taught the word of God correctly. Those laying the spiritual blocks in the church continue today building upon what Christ began.

That’s our job folks. To keep building this structure of the living church, where each block represents a child of God, privileged to be a part of the Kingdom. But it appears the vast majority of the church think they’re a single stone and have no responsibility for keeping the building erected and moving toward Heaven. They’re stones mortared into the family of God, but they’re sitting there cockeyed or even outside the building and thinking that the structure is safe and sound.

THAT’S A SCARY THOUGHT!

How can the foundation of the building be safe when some of the stones are cockeyed or missing? And how do we think our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are going to make it to Heaven on the foundation that we are now in charge of, if we’re not in our place, studying and teaching them the word of God, or for Pete’s sake, we’re not even in the building.

I watch as families struggle, morals fail and respect is gone and realize it’s because the foundation of the church is on very shaky ground. But then I look at myself, who goes to church, takes part in leadership, loves reading the Bible and studying the word of God and yet my own failures are messing with the foundation. We all have a responsibility in building the Kingdom. It’s not just the Pastor’s job or the Deacons. Unfortunately in many churches they don’t even think it’s their job! The worldly church is too busy powdering the butts of the congregation and keeping them happy with coffee and donuts before service to concern themselves with laying a right mix of mortar to glue them together.

I know that’s a lot of metaphors and I hope I’m clear with what I’m saying and why this scared me.

This is why Sunday School Class is important. Having your family in church is important. Living the word of God, not just having it sit on the shelf is important. It’s the reason that families are falling a part. Not the only one, but one of the main foundational pieces of keeping the parents and children in line. If you’re in church that’s so wonderful! But what are you doing, what am I doing, to get the rest of my people mortared in?

Churches across the nation are sitting empty, children have their eyes glued to a computer or phone screen filled with both good and evil, but I’m pretty sure which one has the greater influence and it’s not the good. If we want our families saved and in the Kingdom with us for eternity there has got to be some conversing going on between us and them about the Word of God. And if not, they’ll likely not be there. Are you ready to do Heaven without them? I’m not.

That’s reality and that’s scary.

Life is not a game to be played, it’s a war to be won. I pray for us all, that today we’ll talk to someone we love about Jesus.

SHARI JOHNSON, THE JESUS CHICK

Posted in Faith, Family, Fear, Heaven, Life Inspiration, Peace, Word of God

Sounding the Alarm on What’s Happening in the World

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In these strange political times, it’s hard not to think about the end of time as Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 24. As a new convert in 1996, the very first serious, and in-depth bible study I did was on the book of Revelation. For a new baby Christian, it was perhaps not the side of the book for which to begin, but it was not the only Word I was receiving at the time. I was listening to preaching at every opportunity from throughout the Word of God, but this study certainly planted my feet firm in the foundation that I had better be ready when Jesus returned.

Are you ready?

I sat in church yesterday morning in a Sunday School class of more than a few but not near enough. I knew that during the worship service the sanctuary would have many people in it. Many who didn’t believe there was a need for them to be in the Sunday School hour. I was frustrated and burdened. My eyes filled with tears knowing what they did not, or chose to ignore. Jesus wasn’t sugar coating the end times in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24:1-8 KJV
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. [2] And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [3] And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows.

During the Roman period, in AD 70, the Second Temple was destroyed, along with Jerusalem, by Titus’ army. It was also during this period that Jesus was in Jerusalem. He was crucified about 40 years before the destruction of the city. Jesus sat there, in the flesh of a human, telling the disciples what was going to soon happen. They were warned. It happened, and yet man still sits ignoring what Jesus said would transpire in times to come.

As I understand the setting for Matthew 24, the church will have been raptured from the earth, meaning caught up in the air. And by church I speak of those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. This will be the time when the Jewish Nation of Israel will once again be center stage in God’s plan. Currently, God has them setting on the back burner. The Muslim mosque and dome are built on top of the site where the first and second temples stood, and is known as Temple Mount. I have no idea how the destruction of that mosque will occur, but the Scripture says they’ll be a third temple built. The Bible never makes a connection between the timing of the resurrection (rapture) and the start of the third Jerusalem Temple being built, except that the resurrection must occur before the start of tribulation because scripture states that by the mid-point of tribulation the temple will be built and defiled by the Antichrist.  

Additionally, tribulation begins with a deceitful peace treaty between the Antichrist and the Jewish people which could possibly initiate the building of the third temple. However, this is mere speculation. Marking the mid-point of tribulation the Antichrist will compromise the peace agreement, taking a seat in the temple himself and calling himself God, which in effect defiles the temple as described in the book of 2 Thessalonians. That my dear friends is pretty heavy thoughts for my brain. But when you look at the world today, is it hard to believe of any of that being far off?

And yet, God’s house sets empty of many souls that are going to be left behind when God returns for His church. It’s the most heart wrenching thought that stays in my mind because I have so many family and friends that I do to know the condition of their souls. Many tell me they’re fine. But how do they know? Were I not in church at every opportunity, in the Word of God myself, reading these scriptures and receiving the great peace that comes from the gift of the Holy Spirit, I would be terrified. I know because prior to salvation I was terrified.

God started dealing with my heart at the age of nine. Why that age, I have no idea. But I had been in church enough to know this prophecy… the end would come and it was bad. I don’t think it was by chance that God started my journey in the scripture in the book of Revelation. And I don’t think it is perchance that you’re reading my blog today. Below are the words to Matthew 24 and the link to a video of the song. I love you, whomever you are. Please, if you don’t know Jesus, message me today. If you don’t attend church, find you a good one and begin. It’s the sweetest experience in life.

Matthew 24

Words and music by Lonnie Glosson

I [D] believe the time is coming
For the [G] Lord to come a-[D] gain
I believe the end is nearing ev’ry [A7] door
I be-[D] lieve the good old Bible
From [G] beginning to the [D] end
Just compare today with [A7] Matthew twenty-[D] four[D]

We are living, surely living
In the [G] days He speaks a-[D] bout
All of these we now are having every [A7] day
Let’s be [D] ready for His coming
Let us [G] meet Him with a [D] shout
For He tells us in His [A7] word to watch and [D] pray

While upon the Mount of Olives
His disciples came to Him
Saying: “Tell us when these things are going to be”
Jesus answered: “Be ye watching;
Let ev’ryone be free from sin
And take heed no man shall ever ye deceive”[D]

We are living, surely living
In the [G] days He speaks a-[D] bout
All of these we now are having every [A7] day
Let’s be [D] ready for His coming
Let us [G] meet Him with a [D] shout
For He tells us in His [A7] word to watch and [D] pray
Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Faith

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in the World

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I have met my fair share of people who are wrapped up in the notion, even if they say they believe in faith in Christ alone for salvation, that somehow what they’re doing is more important than why they’re doing it.

The graphic below is a very good way to explain salvation. I didn’t come up with the idea, but I love it! This is what our faith is in. The fact that Jesus was born of a virgin and came to earth, He lived for 32 years (ish) until He was crucified on the cross for claiming to be God. He was God and proved that when He arose from the dead and ascended back to Heaven. A fact witnessed by over 500 people. He’s coming back, that too is a fact. Believing that is salvation. There is nothing in between the images for you to believe or do in order for you to be saved. Just faith. Nothing more. But there’s plenty to do to keep you out of trouble.

Galatians 5:1-8,10 KJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

The vast majority of the world is in bondage. How do I know that? Because they’re not in church. And now is where those “not in church” tell me they don’t have to be in church to be saved. You’re right. But, I will stand eye to eye with you and tell you if you’re not in church, you’re probably so bound up in the world you can’t get there.

I witness it in my only family. I don’t cut them any slack either, because I want to know that when I die, or they die, we’ll see each other again! This is not a game, but the world is playing church like a game of checkers. And when they get to the other side of the board and say “King me.” The owner of the board is going to say, “depart from me I never knew you.”

Paul told the Galatians in chapter 5 that they were indeed free. But don’t use that freedom to get tangled up in this world. Families are so busy running to and fro to ballgames and other events, that there is no time for the Lord. Not on Sunday, nor Monday through Saturday. But yet they say they know Him. How? How can you know someone that you never talk to? How can you possibly know His will, when you don’t read His word, You don’t listen to His Word and you don’t act out His Word? Yes… faith is all that is required for salvation. But that’s not all that’s required for the evidence of salvation. If you truly understood what those images of salvation meant, that God, the Creator of the universe, placed His Son in the womb of a woman, who then walked the earth and proved in countless ways that He was God, only to be denied and then crucified by the people He came to save. The most gruesome of deaths imaginable where He hung on a cross with his skin ripping and tearing by the nails, beaten to the point He was unrecognizable and His skin looked like hamburger, and yet in that state He gave eternal life to a thief, and then He died. But as they say… but wait, that’s not all. He arose. He wasn’t in that tomb and the government lied. I know… we’re all shocked that the government would do that, right? And again His resurrection and ascension was witnessed by hundreds of people. People who later were willing to die rather than deny the truth. And when all is said and done, He’s coming back, and He’s going to call His church out of this wicked world. He did all that for you. But yet, you don’t feel the need to know Him.

I am not writing in a self righteous tone. I am so aware of my failures… I know that I have no righteousness in me were it not for the Holy Spirit. But I also know the freedom I have because of the Holy Spirit. The freedom not to allow this world to tear me down. Not to allow it to be burden on me to the point that I lose hope. I’ve been there! It’s why it breaks my heart to see family and friends are there.

My point of bringing this to our attention today, is in hopes that someone will read and be encouraged to begin a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn’t make your life perfect. But it does give you perfect peace and that is worth it all!!!

Even after last week when I lost my temper in a meeting and derailed on the Mayor, I had peace. Yes I was upset and aggravated. But when I got settled down and allowed the Holy Spirit to comfort my soul and bring spiritual logic into the situation I had such an abundance of joy. I knew that the demonic forces of this world had brought all that upon me, but that God had me covered and He would settle the issue. Not me. I could have just as well attempted to settle it on my own and continue the confrontation,

What has you bound up? Does it make an eternal difference and does it encourage you and your relationship with the One who created you with a purpose. You have a purpose in this world, but this world’s plan for you is to make you miserable. Don’t let it. Allow God to wrap you up in His Comforting Holy Spirit. It’s then that the world can’t touch you.

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

Searching for Substance in a Silly Society

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I am eternally grateful to be in a church that when I leave the building on Sundays and Wednesdays, I feel as if I have just been fed the most marvelous of meals with an exquisite desert. Those metaphors are of course standing for the Word of God and Spirit in the service. My heart continues to be burdened for a world that finds no need to be in a church with the body of Christ.

Paul warned the Church of Colosse, when they were worshipping angels rather than God:

Colossians 2:18-19 KJV
[18]Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, [19] And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Beguiling, deception, is what happens when one is not being taught the word of God or being taught incorrectly. Verse 19 refers to the Head, with the H capitalized, meaning God, from who we receive the nourishment required for the sustainability of the body. Someone, a false teacher, had the people of Colosse worshiping those which God created for the purpose of serving and worshipping Him.

In the book of Revelation, when John fell at the feet of an angel, the humble creature told him asolutely not! Revelation 22:8-9 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. [9] Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

The point of that being, they were listening to false teaching, and so are many others, because they’re not reading and studying the Word of God for themselves, and attending a church where a Pastor can keep you in line. Of course you can sit at home in your comfy chair, sipping coffee while you listen to your internet preacher, but as it says in Hebrews 10:25, you’re absent from the body of Christ.

Funny thing about scripture, it is so often given and received out of context. I was just about guilty in the writing of this post. Hebrews 10:25 is one my favorite verses. But I failed to realize that it’s the latter part of a sentence that started in verse 23.

Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV
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.

Those three verses are packed with good stuff!

Hold Fast my Friends!

Paul told the Hebrews to hold on to the profession of their faith. To the sound doctrines for which they’d been taught. It won’t take long when being out in the world to be influenced by multiple forces. That causes wavering and confusion in the mind like that of those worshiping the angels. God did not intend church folks to be without a body of believers and a Pastor. In the days of Paul that of course wasn’t a church house but usually it was in the homes of other believers where they gathered for house church. But they gathered. They knew that there was a need to hold on to not only the profession of their faith, but to hold on to their faith filled friends for encouragement. Get in the right church and hold on!

Provoke the People

Provoked is most often used as a term of negativity. But you can provoke good as well as evil! Paul told the Hebrews to provoke unto love and to good works. I have to tell you, when someone in the church starts a project, I’m not always a willing participant. I have a dozen other things going that I feel needs my attention. But a friend in the faith will say, “Hey Shari, I need your help.” And it’s then that I am provoked to help, because I love them and I want to do a good work. It’s always a blessing! My life is far richer and I know that I have been doing the will of God. But if it wasn’t for that friend in the faith, I’d have missed the blessing. Good Christian friends provoke us to do more for the Kingdom of God.

Can you see that the words leading into Hebrews 10:25 direct our paths, and keep us going in the direction we should go?

Always Assemble!

Wednesdays and Sundays are happy, happy days in my life. My mind begins to think on the upcoming Bible studies, the fellowship with other believers, the lifting up of people in prayer. The wonderful influence of my church family encourages me the other five days of the week! Is my church perfect? Of course not, or they wouldn’t let me in the doors. But the five days I’m out of church takes its toll on me. I can read the word of God, pray and encourage myself with good gospel music, but I need the fellowship of other believers and I most especially need the leading and teaching of the man of God. It’s not that God doesn’t speak to me, He does. But He speaks to the man of God in an amazing way, that one message can hit everyone who hears it, in a different way. It will encourage one, convict another, stir another over something they’ve been struggling with. It’s filled with the substance that we need in our lives to keep us on the right path.

I watch family and friends who are being beat down by this world struggle. And I don’t mean they’re having a little anxiety. I mean their mind is filled with frustration, anger, chaos and worse. And my thought is this, if only you had filled your tank this week, you’d not have run out of gas. The world will fill you up, but it’s got all kinds of bad byproducts in it. Junk that God never intended to be in your life. I used the word silly in the headline of today’s post. But there is nothing funny about how this world tears you apart. It’s why I stay in church… it’s the glue that puts me back together.

Love you all. Praying my words encourage you today!

Posted in Christian Service, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Becoming a Good Creature of Habit

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I am a creature of habit. And not always good ones either. I have a few good habits, and many, many bad habits. I try to lessen them; but deed, habits are hard! In 1997 I felt such conviction over being a smoker and working with youth. I had been saved a little over a year. It was a monumental accomplishment on May 26th, 1997 when I stopped smoking. It had far less to do with me than it did to do with the Holy Spirit and prayer warriors. Ironically I share that anniversary date with my open heart surgery which occurred on May 26th, 2018.

Does God grow weary of our bad habits? I know I do. Poor eating habits have taken a great toll on my body. Poor spending habits have taken a great toll on my finances. There are consequences for stupidity. I know! I’ve got the scars. But if there are consequences for bad habits, there surely must be reward for good habit.

I began this study at the end of Jacob’s life. Jacob who (if you know scripture) you likely have read it again and again as it was in Exodus 2:24-25 when God mentions their names together…
And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. [25] And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

God used Jacob mightily! But unfortunately, he is also remembered as being a liar. His name means deceiver. He stole his brother’s birthright. He was not a man of high moral character. But God seriously used him. That gives us all hope, does it not? I said that to show his habits were not always the greatest. Which I also find it very ironic that on his death bed, he called all of his sons together to tell them what they are habitually known for: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Twelve very memorable men. Genesis 49.

  1. Rueben – strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: but you’re as unstable as water,
  2. Simeon and Levi are cruel, the killed a man, and they’ll be cursed.
  3. Judah, your brothers will praise you and your hand will be in the neck of your enemies. He ws a lion’s whelp. Obviously he had some great habits!
  4. Zebulun was known as a haven for ships. Someone people could depend on.
  5. Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. His habits must have been that he took care of justice.
  6. Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
  7. Asher was my kind of man! Jacob said of him that his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties. I’m not sure if his habit was that of eating, but I do like a good piece of bread and royal dainties!
  8. Jacob said of his son Issachar that he was a strong ass couching down between two burdens and that he became a great servant.
  9. Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words, he must have had the habit of encouraging people.
  10. and then there was of course the 11th son, Joseph which is one of the most amazing stories of a man of habitually good character that he ends up saving his nation from famine.
  11. And the youngest Benjamin who Jacob loved and was a great hunter of prey.

Like us all, the 12 sons of Jacob, had good habits and bad. And he called them out, right there on his death bed. Not so sure that’s the way I want to leave this world, but for Jacob, it was his desire and his sons stood there and took it.

So what will your habits say about you? Are there habits that you’re striving to rid yourself of? Yeah… me too. So what can we do to encourage ourselves in this battle? A lesson from Joseph helped direct my mind today…

Jacob said of Joseph:

Joseph Bore Fruit

And lot of it! While we cannot work our way to Heaven, James 2:18 says Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

I want a to be known for good work habits. I have been struggling with that lately because my world is scattered between many responsibilities. But I am praying that through self discipline and focus, I can bring my work habits and fruit bearing back into line with that of Joseph. Well, let’s be real, I don’t know that I will or have ever aligned with Joseph. But I want to. I want to be habitually busy for the kingdom.

Genesis 49:22-26 KJV
Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall: [23] The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: [24] But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) [25] Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb: [26] The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

Jacob knew that Joseph had done great and wonderful things far above what he had done. I want that for my children and my grandchildren. While we cannot physically hand down our habits, can we not practice a godly life every day that will cause our children and grandchildren to desire it and be better at than we are.

If a habit is a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up, should we not strive to habitually live for Jesus. habitually read His Word. Habitually be kind. Habitually be honest. Should these not be easier to become habits, than taking on habits that are so hard to rid ourselves of? But none the less, we have to habitually, intentionally do those things.

My prayer for you and I today is this:

God in Heaven, God of Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Shari. Help us Lord to make it a habit to daily read your word and allow those around us to see us, so that they too will have that desire. Father may our lives bear sweet fruit like that of Joseph that was abundantly running over the wall. God I thank You that I too have “progenitors”, meaning ancestors, who had good and faithful habits that I learned from. Let me never fail to forget those like my own Mother, who daily made a habit of caring for her home and even now as her mind is struggling, that habit continues. Let us be so faithful Lord!!!! Let us have a habit of encouraging one another as Naphtali did. Oh God, I’ve wrote myself happy again this morning, knowing that if I like James work in faith, You will reward! Thank You God for the joy in my heart and please give my friends a great dose of joy today too! In the Name of Jesus Christ my Lord. I ask it all. Amen.

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Faith, Grace, Leadership, Prayer, salvation

Prejudice, Persecution, and Profession of Christ

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Prejudice, Persecution, and Profession of Christ

As a child growing up in the hills of Braxton County, West Virginia in a little community called Duck, I did not experience bigotry. I had one uncle who used the “n” word as well as other colorful words, but he was the only one I remember. The rest of my immediate family didn’t use profanity, nor did they ever say prejudiced statements against any other race or nationality of people. In our community I don’t ever remember seeing anyone of another color. Growing up in Calhoun County, West Virginia there was one family of black people and I have no doubt they likely lived a life with prejudice. Although I didn’t see them experiencing it and was friends with a boy named Tommy in my class who was an amazing artist. My point of that lead in isn’t really to speak about black prejudice but rather to help you understand I have no concept of being prejudice because of how I was raised.

As an adult I have certainly witnessed prejudices of many kinds. All of which make me sick. But the growing antisemitism in our Nation is something that I cannot understand. From a biblical standpoint I will never comprehend the depth of wickedness in a person who condones the slaughter of a nationality of people as is happening in Israel by Hamas. How on earth have we as a nation allowed this to be our leadership. And how have Christians turned a blind eye to it happening, knowing (if they do) what scripture says about Israel. I’m in full belief that many in America have no idea what scripture says at all from their own reading.

The Apostle Paul knew about prejudice from the inside out. As a card carrying Jewish leader who knew the scripture backwards and forwards, he had been taught the persecution that Israel had been through. Abuse, slavery, the slaughter of their children. And yet, this didn’t stop them from killing Christians because they preached Jesus and converted Jews to Christianity. When Jeremiah in 17:9 said “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” He didn’t sugar coat it. But the wonderful part of that verse is the verse that follows which proclaims [10]” I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Yes, that means there will be a judgement day. But God knew the heart of the Apostle Paul and turned him from being a Jew with an evil heart toward Christians, to being a Christian of great and amazing wisdom and compassion. That gives us hope for anyone that is lost.

Apostle Paul in Romans 11 speaks of the grafting in of the Gentiles (that’s us) into the family of God. Which makes anyone who claims Christianity but has an antisemitic viewpoint, an idiot.

The Nation of Israel has experienced antisemitism from

Romans 11:13-28 KJV
[13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: [14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

Emulation is imitation. Paul is hoping that through his preaching and his life that others will imitate his decision and become saved. They knew he was a Jew who wished them dead, but now he is their leader and wants nothing for them, but to see them saved. This argument is showing that as the Gentiles received present advantage through the rejection of the Jews, they would receive far greater at their future recovery, and which proves that their rejection is not final. Israel will have their day again. But in the current age we’re in, we’ve been given the privilege of having God within us. And if God is within us, I can guarantee you’re not saved if you hate Israel. Jesus was a Jew for cyrin’ out loud. How can they justify that? They cannot.

One of my favorite images in my spiritual mind is that of the grafting of the trees that Paul explains in this chapter.

[15] For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? [16] For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. [17] And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; [18] Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. [19] Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. [20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: [21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

Israel (as a nation not individuals) has failed to accept Christ as the Messiah. Because of their unbelief the original family tree was broken. God grafted the gentiles who did believe into their spot on the tree and made us apart of the family of God. Glory and Hallelujah that makes my heart so happy that I am a child of God because of His great mercy!

Please pray for Israel today. Pray for the United States that Christians will stand in the gap for Israel with the understanding Jesus is going to return and when He does, it will be a new day in Dodge and day of terror for the unbelievers. Pray for our children and our families to be saved before it’s too late.

Posted in Christian, Faith, Leadership

The Success of Silence

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Success of Silence

Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.
~A. W. Tozer

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Meekness

Numbers 12:3 KJV
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Moses was likely the second greatest leader since the beginning of time, and God said of him that he was “very meek.” The world views meekness as a weak character trait. They want someone who is loud and confident, and it’s not to say that a bold person isn’t a great leader. But the point of the matter is, God does not view leadership in the same manner as man. We often view it from the flesh. God knows the heart, inner strength and depth of wisdom that goes far deeper than knowledge and confidence. Moses had a stuttering issue that convinced him that he wouldn’t be the best leader, but God proved to him that if He listened to God’s guidance he would be successful. Isn’t that a novel concept? Moses was not only the greatest leader on earth he was the meekest man on earth. I find that fascinating. I personally do not know very many meek leaders. I know a few… my Pastor for one. Moses led millions of people for four decades. They weren’t just blindly following him. They rebelled several times. But he never lost control. Isn’t that amazing? What about this meek man made people listen to him?

Don’t Undervalue the Meek

Psalm 22:26 KJV
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

Psalm 22 bears the prophetic words from Jesus on the cross. Psalm 22:1 KJV “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?”

The greatest leader of all time is of course Jesus. He who wrote the words of meekness and tells us the value of meekness. My Dad was a meek man. I never, not once, heard him raise his voice. He meekly lived his life, reading the word of God, teaching the word of God and didn’t argue; but rather knew what he believed, and allowed others to believe what they wanted to. I try to live that way, but I have a tendency to want to convince others that believe something else to change their viewpoint to mine. I don’t do it demanding, that is not my personality. But if you back me into a corner on what I believe, I can be loud. I don’t believe that Jesus, even being half man, would have succumbed to shouting if He was backed into any corner. When they threatened to throw Him over a cliff, He simply walked away. Oh to have such inner strength! I want to run my mouth, I always think that will make me feel better. It doesn’t. But it does let some pressure off the pop off valve inside me once in a while.

If meekness was also the character of God, should that not be our goal? Of course it should. And if we would ever reach that goal, two blessings would come from it…satisfaction and praise. Two valuable assets in life. To be in a state of being satisfied with where we are and so happy we’re praising the Lord! Yes, let it be so.

Don’t Mis-Understand Meekness

Psalm 25:9 KJV
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

A meek leader may not force their viewpoint upon you, they may allow you to continue in the way you were going until you fall flat on your face, but don’t view that as an error on their part. That’s what happens so often in this world of blame where anything that happens is “not our fault.” The left and the right have been playing the blame game rather than just stating what they’re for. A meek person stands for what they believe in. You will seldom, if ever hear a meek person putting the blame on another person for the struggles in life. They understand that things happen. They understand that this world is terribly broken. They understand that they’re not perfect and when they stand before Jesus, they alone will answer for their errors. Meek people don’t waste words, especially on those who won’t accept their advice.

The Holy Spirit is also meek. After all it is the third part of the Trinity. It’s not yelling at you when it says, “Don’t do that.” “Don’t say that.” “Don’t go there.” And then you do. And maybe you don’t but it’s like I almost feel the Holy Spirit roll His eyes inside of me. He doesn’t yell at that point either. He simply forgives me and together we move on. But I understand that it was me who messed up. I didn’t listen to His guidance. If I had just been meeker and went the direction I was being told, my life would have been better.

Today, as I begin Tuesday, August 20th, 2024… this very noisy person is a little quieter in my soul. I pray I continue that way… I understand that meekness doesn’t always make noise.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Faith, Family, Heaven

What’s in your suitcase?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What’s in your suitcase?

Proverbs 18:24 KJV
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

I came to the Amish country of Ohio for the purpose of resetting. Over the past few months I have somehow managed to get my mind into a very weary place. I was not only physically tired, but mentally tired. I would sit down to write and my mind just wouldn’t get into gear. It would idle. As if I were sitting along side the road in a car, watching the world go by. It’s been frustrating and draining. Today is the day we’re heading home. And the first day of clarity really. We’ve been here four days; but it took the first three just to get me caught up on rest. I played the guitar, I worshipped, I read the Bible and I rested. And of course I spent a lot of time with David in the car driving the roads of Berlin, Walnutcreek, Sugarcreek, Kidron, and Charm. My absolute happiest of places. Why? Because it’s simple. It’s a land filled with hardworking families and neighbors supporting each other working toward one destination… Heaven.

Somewhere in a cornfield in Berlin, Ohio

If I were home this Sunday morning, I’d be preparing for church, literally and spiritually. The church is another of my happy places. Because it is the body of Christ. It is there that His body comes together, the hands, legs, heart, mind, all the parts and pieces. And before you say it or think it, every church has a butt or two as well. The body wouldn’t be complete without them now would it? Who are they? I wouldn’t dare say, but you may already have names and faces popping up in your mind. The point of saying that is, the reality of life is it’s not perfect. But God is.

Destination Heaven

Everybody wants to go, but I see fewer and fewer packing for the trip. What’s in your suitcase? If I were to make a check list for packing it would look something like this:

I would like to say that’s all you’d find. But there would also be many failures. Because like the “butts in the church” that is reality. Children of God are a work in progress like the farms I’ve seen in Ohio. Some of them are filled with many fruits of their labor. But there were some gardens that were struggling to produce. There were farms that we passed that I’m sure were very productive, but boy did they stink! One of the sweetest things I seen at multiple Amish homes were gardens of flowers that you could pick your own bouquet. Either I had not noticed that in years past or it’s something new, but it made me smile to think of them sharing their beautiful labors with neighbors or even strangers who passed by. Shouldn’t that be what our lives are about? Sharing the beauty that God gave us to create through our talents?

I’ve been missing that mark lately. I’ve been so tired from sitting around idling, I haven’t shared many of my flowers. How about you? What is your gifts that God gave you? Are you using them for Him?

The parable of the talents was there in scripture to remind us that God expects a return on what He’s given. He didn’t give it to you to put in the ground or in a box. He gave it to you to invest.

Matthew 25:13-30 KJV
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. [14] For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [15] And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. [16] Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. [17] And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. [18] But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. [19] After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. [20] And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. [21] His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. [22] He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. [23] His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. [24] Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: [25] And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. [26] His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: [27] Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. [28] Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. [29] For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. [30] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

It’s a great day. Let’s get busy filling our suitcases for the Lord.

Posted in Christian Service, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration

It’s Hard to Tell Where that Crazy Thing Will Lead You!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on It’s Hard to Tell Where that Crazy Thing Will Lead You!

Once again on Sunday morning I went to the altar. As I do most every Sunday service. I have people I need to pray for, circumstances I need to lift up, stuff that only Jesus can tackle. My community is a mess, my State and Nation are a mess. I’m always a hot mess! Sometimes the enormous responsibility of publishing a local news site takes it toll. I grow weary of shining a light in dark places. My conversations with God have also been soul searching missions to determine the intents of my heart. You know, the Bible tells us that our hearts are deceitfully wicked.

Jeremiah 17:9-14 KJV
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [10] I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. [11] As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. [12] A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. [13] O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters. [14] Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Don’t be Deceived

I see social media posts, many by Christians, telling people to “follow their heart.” No! don’t do it. It’s hard to tell where that crazy thing will lead you. Follow the Word of God. Take that decision and get in the Bible and see how it lines up with the Word. That’s what I did this weekend. I wanted to ask someone for advice, but that scared me too. It’s not that we all, especially me, don’t need a person of good counsel. But on this matter, I didn’t want to bring anyone in to my battle. So I searched the scripture on how to cover the with godliness. That wasn’t an easy search.

A portion of the content I found on the subject of journalism, which really is on the subject of anyone who tells what’s happening in a community to someone else came from lonang.com

The way requires the journalist to refrain from bearing false witness as well as to refrain from bearing witness in a false way. The life prohibits the journalist from holding his neighbor in contempt. Jesus said He came to bring life and life more abundantly. When the reporter considers the purpose of the report, it must conform to the object of bringing life and life more abundantly. This does not mean “good news” in the popular sense. Jesus is good news, but to some He is the cornerstone upon which many stumble. Life and life more abundantly has to do with the object or purpose of the report, not necessarily its content.

These two aspects of Jesus as the Word are reflected in Exodus 20:16: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” God prohibits false declarations of fact as well as declarations or misrepresentations of fact in a false way. He also charges the journalist to maintain a proper disposition toward his reader or listener, that is, toward his neighbor.

I came to the peace of my recent posts and decisions when I determined that it fell within the boundaries of the Word of God. The good news isn’t always good in the eyes of the world. But if we believe Romans 8:28, the result will one day be good. But don’t trust your heart… trust the Word.

Don’t be Distressed

Jeremiah said that God was going to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doing. If we obey the Word of God, keep our hearts cleaned by God and the power of His forgiveness, have no wicked intent, then our ways will be rewards, not punishments. Satan would love to have you believe that God is going to call you upon they carpet and rake you across the coals. That’s not Who God is at all. Yes, if we are wicked, there will come a day that we will answer before God. But when God’s children are trying their very best to live right, not perfect, but the best they can, He may chastise us in love, but not for our distruction but tot strengthen us.

I hate being called on the carpet… it’s happened many times in my career. Some justified, some not. But one thing I’ve learned is that when it’s in error, I learn not to be like that person. When it is justified, I know I need to be a better person. Do I get distressed. Oh yeah. But I’m a work in progress.

Don’t Depart

Many times since my salvation in 1996, the first thing that I want to do is run. I want away from the frustration, the people who frustrated me and that has never been the answer. When people get hurt, they usually hurt me. And I can usually handle it just fine. Until they call me out on my Christian values. This causes me to question the intents of my heart. Which is good! I need to do that. But it also causes me doubt myself and doubt my purpose.

In Sunday School we spent a lot of time yesterday talking about purpose. And the fact that many Christians never take the time to discover God’s purpose for them on this earth. God’s main purpose is to be glorified in your life and that your life will draw men to Him. But within that purpose is something you’ve been called to do, usually in a secular sense.

I’ve had to learn to stand my ground. It would be way easier just to cave and walk away. But I know that I’ve been called for this purpose in life. I have peace with that. And with that peace comes a backbone that I’ve never before had. It’s a little wobbly sometime, but God has given me the ability to stand my ground.

If you’re struggling- – – stand on my friend. God has you covered. And what ever you do, don’t follow that crazy heart!