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

Some Scary Words from Sunday School Class

Written by talk2shari Published November 12, 2024November 12, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

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

Written by talk2shari Published September 24, 2024October 1, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

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, Family, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Searching for Substance in a Silly Society

Written by talk2shari Published September 3, 2024September 3, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

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, Eternity, Faith, Family, Heaven

What’s in your suitcase?

Written by talk2shari Published August 18, 2024August 21, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

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 Faith, Family, Life Inspiration

Don’t Waste a Minute of Life

Written by talk2shari Published June 14, 2024June 17, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

I heard the phrase “haste makes waste” my entire life, but I never gave it any thought as to where it originated. It did not suprise me to realize that it was from scripture. What did surprise me was the way that God drew in my mind to my time with Him.

Proverbs 19:2 KJV
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

I waste so much time in the course of a day. My mind is continually laboring, never shutting down until I lay down at night and sometimes not even then. I use lavendar oil on my pulse points at night to help calm my mind, when I’m sure scripture would likely do the same or better.

This morning as I prepared for my day, my mind at 5:30 a.m. was already going full throttle. I scrolled social meeting for a few minutes and then turned to the word in hopes of creating a calm before the storm of the day. That’s when I discovered the “haste makes waste” verse. My immediate thought went to how rushing through my day without God is such a waste of my time. It always goes so much smoother when I take the time to be in God’s word at the beginning of my day. It reminded me of Mary and Martha.

Luke 10:38-42 KJV
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

I love to imagine that I am Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus and soaking in His every word. When in reality I am Martha the vast majority of the time, rushing about, Catching a few of my Father’s words as I run past Him to do the next “productive” thing, when I’d be a lot more productive if I just sit down and rest in Him for a minute.

As we go into another Father’s day, I reflect on the wonderful earthly father that I had. My memories of him sitting with the word of God on his lap and a cup of coffee fill my heart with joy. He loved talking about Jesus. I miss him. My mother misses him. Seldom a day goes by that she doesn’t tell me as much and how she longs to see him again. She will, she too knows and loves Jesus.

It seems like yesterday that I was a miserable 20 years old. I didn’t know God then, not until I was 34 years of age. It was then that I experienced true peace. I understood why my father sat with the word of God on his lap every day and why he loved to talk about Jesus. I watched as he aged and his heart grew so tender causing his eyes to leak every time he talked about God. Time passes so fast. I cannot believe that I’m nearly 62. On the verge of getting mailbox money (social security) and yet I’ve still not learned that I need to slow down.

Haste makes waste. It certainly does. Rushing around costs me the peace that God affords every one of His children.

I hope today that we’ll all sit at the Father’s feet in worship like Mary. I hope to leave Martha in the kitchen, and just sit on the porch with my Heavenly Father… I’ll ask Him to tell my Dad hello, and a few other friends and family too. I believe He will. Happy Father’s Day…

Posted in Family, Life Inspiration, Word of God

Deception is All Around Us, Walk in Awareness

Written by talk2shari Published May 31, 2024June 17, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

I will tell you without hesitation that I am a gullible soul. I love people. In general most all people. But there are some people that I struggle to love. I love them in Christ; meaning I want to see them saved. But I won’t tell you that I have a love for them in the flesh. I have to talk to Jesus first, and then I can love them.

And there are some people that God’s guidance is needed for discernment in what my attitude and action should be. Not that He would ever tell me not to love someone, but God has zero tolerance for evil and He expect the same from His children.

Today I found myself unaware that evil had been lurking around me and I had been rubbing elbows with it. Not as friends, but as acquaintances. This person gave the impression that they were a believer, and I assumed a believer of Christ. Because that’s where my mind goes when someone says believer. Even though I cannot honestly say this person uttered those words. It was again, an assumption on my part. When I discovered today through another friend that this person in question was involved in actual witchcraft and demonic forces, I was physically sick.

But this is when the flesh kicked into high gear and I had to have a little talk with Jesus. I had to remind myself that pre salvation I wouldn’t have given the antics of this person a second thought. But now, with the Spirit of God dwelling within me, I see the evil for what it is.

I had initially planned on writing today about the “spirit and power of confession.” Confession is good for the soul. It’s a very humbling experience to let someone know that you’ve failed. It’s also good for a new Christian to understand that getting saved doesn’t make you a perfect person, it makes you a forgiven person and one that should feel guilt in knowing they’ve offended God with their sin. The same Spirit that convicts my soul of sin, impresses upon my heart, provides me spiritual discernment when something around me is wrong. And there had been warnings on this person that I chose to ignore.

For Truth’s Sake

2 John 1:1-13 KJV
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; [2] For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. [3] Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. [4] I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

John’s letter to this elect lady, who was a believer as well as her children, gives mention of truth three times in the first sentence. It’s an important factor in the life of a child of God that you know the truth of the Gospel and will have the tri-fold blessing of grace, mercy and peace. Without knowing the truth none of those will be present in your life. But even with the presence of Jesus Christ in your life, like myself, it doesn’t preven you from being deceived if you’re not on guard.

For Deceptions Signal

[5] And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. [6] And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. [7] For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Antichrist. That’s a pretty harsh title. It’s not speaking of “the Antichrist” which is to come in end times. But the presence of someone or something that is against Christ. The person for which I speak, on the surface, appears to be someone of “decent” moral fibers. I couldn’t even write that without nausea in knowing that by saying decent, I mean, I don’t believe this person would should you in the back. I even have to remind myself that this same person sold me out when I asked friends for prayer against a woman who was attacking me, and this person went and told the woman I what I had done. Yes… I’m an idiot far more often than I like to confess. But I’m glad that God made me someone who gives people the benefit of a doubt, even if it sometimes bites me in the butt.

John told the lady that we need to love people, but not to the point of deception. The Spirit of God allows us the ability to feel the presence of evil and be warned that deception lingers near. But like myself we can choose to ignore it. What then?

For Your Family’s Sake

[8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. [9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. [10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: [11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. [12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. [13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

John warns this lady that she should have nothing to do with a person who does not abide, meaning to dwell in, the Lord Jesus Christ. If they’re not for Him, they’re against Him. Makes good sense, right? Until you throw my upbringing into it which believes everyone has good intentions. That is far from the case. When I delved into the background of this person in question, they not only did not promote Christ, they promoted satanic belief through conjuring dead spirits and other wicked endeavors. That person was put into a short lived position of authority and access to the minds of many people. Praise God and and by His mercy it didn’t work out and access was cut off.

I said all that to say this. We have got to become more aware of the evil that abounds and the danger that lurks in our neighborhoods. Which means through person to person and media methods. While I understand that adults can be deceived, I don’t worry as much about them as do the vulnerability of our youth. These same evil spirits were around in John’s day. No doubt why he was so happy that this lady’s children also walked in the truth. We are a nation that have basically parked our kids on the porch with a handheld window to the world and no barriers from people like this accessing their minds. So before you think, “I don’t live any where close you.” You don’t have to. That is one thing that has definitely changed since John’s day. They only had to worry about the neighborhood. We have to worry about the world.

Please safeguard your mind, your home and your heart from the evils of this world. And above all stay in the word of God.

Posted in Family, Heaven, Life Inspiration, salvation

The Gate, The Trees and the House – What address do they lead to?

Written by talk2shari Published April 29, 2024April 29, 2024 Discussion 2 Comments

Sunday mornings are the most exciting day of my week. Going to church and studying the word of God puts fuel in the fire of my soul! Fellowship with the believers is unlike any earthly relationship. My two youngest grandsons attend church with me and they have dozens of questions and often some very strange commentary on their lives as new members of the body of Christ. The boys, ages 9 and 10, gave their life to Christ this year and were baptized. I pray the zeal they currently have never dies down. It hasn’t in my life, although there have been times that struggled to keep the fire lit. So I “somewhat” get it when I meet with people who say they’re Christian, but there’s no joy or evidence of Christ working in their lives. But it causes me great angst (and not just a little bit) I mean GREAT ANGST when those people are family and friends.

Salvation is a very personal event. It’s different for everyone. But the one thing that is undeniable with salvation is that there is a change in a person’s life. That’s what causes me angst. I know many, many people who never darken the door of a church house, never crack open the word of God, never bow their head in prayer unless they’re in trouble and they know nothing about an actual relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

If that’s you… you scare me.

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

If I quote a verse like that to someone who appears to be out of the loop with Jesus, they’re either offended, or assume it can’t mean them, because they’re “fine.” And I want to believe they’re fine, that way I can sleep easier. But I can’t… Because I believe that true salvation brings a change in a person’s life that is undeniably evident.

And so I read further to determine what God meant in the book of Matthew 7

The heading in my Ryrie study Bible says that this part of Matthew 7, verses 13 through 29 is “The Proof of the Kingdom Life.” Those who are saved are members of the Kingdom of God, so proof of the Kingdom life should be easy enough to find in them, right?

Two Gates
Two Trees
Two Builders
One soul
One decision

The outline of this scripture should allow the believer to look at their life and determine if they’re okay.

Matthew 7:13-29 KJV

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [28] And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: [29] For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Two Gates

These are the words of Jesus as He preaches His gospel. He, who is the determining factor of your salvation. Should we not look earnestly at his Word? In Sunday School yesterday, I learned something new about the word earnest. That it could be used in defining the serious of a commitment such as the purchasing of a car. Earnest would refer to the down payment. Meaning that you’re serious about that new ride! How serious are you about eternity? When Jesus mentioned the two gates He said one was broad and one was narrow. One, many would choose, and one, there would be few. More reason for more angst! A commitment to God is more than the average decisions of every day life. When I think about how quickly I reached the age of 61, I’m shocked. I am so happy that I have the promise of eternity. It won’t go nearly so fast! And once I’m there, I’ll no longer lose anyone. I won’t have angst. Nothing but sweet peace in the presence of my Savior. But I am concerned about the decision makers on this earth that I call family and friends. Which gate have you chosen?

Two Trees

The proof in the puddin’ as they say. Jesus tells the story of two trees that have the ability to bear fruit. One has good fruit, and one has rotten fruit. So he rids himself of the rotten fruit by throwing the tree into the fire. Wait! Jesus throws out the whole tree? Yes. Just as He does the whole body of a nonbeliever. Not because He doesn’t want them in Kingdom, but because they’re unfruitful. How on earth can a Holy, perfect God, allow people in Heaven that have refused to acknowledge and participate in His earthly Kingdom activities. If you had a child that you had given life to, raised with every good opportunity, and they cast it off, lived a life of rebellion, never darkening the doorstep of your home or having a conversation with you, would you give them a mansion? The problem is, people don’t see their non fruit bearing life as rebellion against God, but it is. He died for you. Can you not see the need to live for Him?

Two Builders

Again Jesus offers a parable to help the reader understand. There are two people building houses… one on the sand, one on the rock. The constant shifting of the sand beneath your feet when you walk along the shore gives a good indication of what’s going to happen when a storm comes in. But the house on the Rock is safe! That Rock is Jesus Christ. He has built us a home, and is waiting to hand us the keys in a place that there will never again be any shifting sand or storms of life. All we have to do is accept the fact that He paid the full price of our eternal life on the cross. That’s all that is required for salvation. But the belief and understanding in the cost He paid should cause narrow mindedness in a good sense, in that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no man will come to the Father, except through Him. One gate, One decision.

When that decision is made, there should be fruit in your life by your service to God. Are you serving Him today? If not, why?

Are you the foolish or wise builder? Are you pouring yourself into this temporary life, when the eternal one is the only one that offers hope? When you’re gone will your family have the proof of your new address?

Please God, if you are not certain. Message me today. Let’s get your keys in hand!!

Posted in Christian Service, Family, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

What Did You Think Was Going to Happen?

Written by talk2shari Published February 26, 2024February 26, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

That’s the question that every American and especially every American Child of God should ask themselves. When we relinquished full control to the Government of the United States, why are we surprised when life’s not ending well?

But, most will say, that was far, far before my time. I didn’t relinquish my rights to the government, my ancestors did. Touché! But what about now? How much privilege do we allow the hierarchy in our lives to have?

Those are tough questions that requires answers on an individual level. So today, in frustration with the current state of affairs on both the local, state and national fronts, I went to the Word of God for advice, for you and me!

1 Samuel 8:1-19 KJV

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. [2] Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer–sheba. [3] And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. [4] Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, [5] And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. [6] But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. [7] And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. [8] According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. [9] Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them. [10] And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. [11] And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. [12] And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. [13] And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. [14] And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. [15] And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants. [16] And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work. [17] He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants. [18] And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day. [19] Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;

So here was Samuel with one foot on a banana peel and the other in the grave where he had been Israel’s go to as Priest. But now Israel comes to him and informs him that they’d like an earthly leader, not God. Well, that worked out well didn’t it? In case you didn’t know, it didn’t. The leader they chose was a Saul. Not because of skill, but but because he looked like a leader. When God chose His first earthly leader (even though that was still not His intended plan) He chose a man who looked like anything but a leader. A young, ruddy (red faced) man who took care of the sheep. The lowest job in the land. The man we now know as the mighty king David. A man after God’s own heart.

But let’s first go back to Samuel. While Samuel was a man of godly principals and wisdom, he raised two heathens of the Hunter Biden sect. This was the reasoning of the people to want a new leader outside the church. And so they were given Saul, a very flawed man.

So life for God’s people changed at that point and they were no longer just under God’s law, but mans as well. And so the stupidity began when ungodly leaders made decisions and the people of God determined there was nothing they could do about it. Even though Samuel was told by God to tell the people this is a terrible idea, they didn’t listen.

The end result was just as Samuel said, the government had control of their money, their property and worst of all – their children.

Now let’s take a look at what the New Testament leaders tell us.

Romans 13:1

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

The leadership of today is ordained by God. It is our job as Christians to obey the laws of man, unless they’re in violation of the laws of God.

Acts 4:18-20 KJV

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. [20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

So where does that put us as Christians in the turmoil of everyday life when it comes to living godly in a wicked world. When the school insists that your child be taught against the very laws of God, what are we to do? When our jobs tell us that we have to “approve” of unbiblical lifestyles?

The reason that America has gotten to the point that it has is because good people said nothing when God’s laws were violated. Why have public schools been permitted to teach absolute sexual immorality to children in kindergarten and middle school children can receive birth control or encouragement to lie to their parents about their “chosen identity?” Because parents have been lied to and deceived about their rights and because we’re electing spineless legislators. But it’s also parents don’t think church is important. Parents are naive to believe children will just “be good,” without understanding that Hell is a very real place. I know that statement is harsh and will not be well received by many, but we have to speak truth to one another. Else we’ll never make a difference.

When Samuel was stepping into the grave, God didn’t cut him any slack regarding his sons. This serves as a warning that even the best of people can have children in trouble. Why they turned out the way they did, it doesn’t say. But I can use modern times to reason it out. Even people in the ministry can get too busy for their own good.

Don’t let anything come between you and your family knowing God. Your first priority should be that you and your family are prepared to face eternity, and through that you’ll learn how to become a productive family. Don’t step away from your responsibilities to impact the world for Christ. Which means speaking up when evil comes against our families in the form of wicked leadership.

Posted in Christian, Church attendance, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Life Inspiration, Peace, salvation, Uncategorized, Word of God

The End is the Beginning of a Great Life!

Written by talk2shari Published July 12, 2022July 12, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

As I read Romans 10, Paul’s words pierced my heart for my family. Those are the first people that came into my mind when I read “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” It’s such a simple statement, yet such a hard task to accomplish. Such a simple process, yet it seems the most difficult decision. That was Paul’s desire, yet his ministry ended up not being to the Jews, but to the Gentiles. And what an impact he made there! What can I glean from Paul’s words to make my life more productive for the Kingdom?

The End of What you Know

Romans 10:1-21 KJV
[1] Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

I have people that are so stinkin’ smart, they’re too smart for their own good. They assume they’ve got life figured out. They make more money than I can dream of, have all the “things” that supposedly make their life complete, and yet eternity is nowhere in their scope of concern. They’re good people, or so they think, they don’t realize that their goodness does not enter into the equation of salvation. The same was true with Israel. They thought their goodness was enough, they’re name as God’s chosen was enough. But it was not. They had not submitted themselves to the understanding that they would never be good enough to go to Heaven. There wasn’t enough righteousness in their entire family combined to go to Heaven. It is only through what Christ did on the cross that one can be saved. Their self made theology fills the world today, they need to get out of their own head, and into the mindset of God.

The End of the Law

[4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. [5] For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. [6] But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above : ) [7] Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Moses said if you think you’re good enough to get to Heaven, you’ll line your life up by the law. All 613 of them and stand before God without failure. Can you do it? I can’t live without breaking one of the Ten Commandments. There is no way under the sun that I can live without breaking 613. Nor can anyone else. That’s why Christ had to go to the cross to pay the penalty of sin for every single man and woman on earth. Because there are none good enough. It is believing by faith in Christ and that work on the cross that allows you to enter in. It is His righteousness, the One who never sinned and was the only worthy sacrifice for man kind. The end of the law is your beginning of faith.

The End of the Difference

[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Paul’s desire was that Israel, his Nation of people was saved. He had been a man of the law, serving in the highest of office in their religion, calling men and women out for being Christian and even killing them. No one had lived any more zealous than he had lived for the Lord and was wrong. He had walked by the letter of the law as a Jew, God’s chosen, but now he understood that it was for nought. He too was now saved, not by what he’d done, but because he believed. He believed because he had a personal experience with coming to know Christ as His Savior. “Christ ask him on the road to Damascus

Acts 9:5 KJV
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Pricks (goads) was an instrument used to guide livestock. The guiding principals that Paul had lived by were no longer in play. He would have to walk a whole new way, and believe in what he had fought against. Is this not what has to happen to each one of us as we come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Suddenly, we realize that there is no difference in us than anyone else. We’re all sinners. Even the vilest of people that we loath is as good as we are. The Jews lived by their zealous righteousness, that they were above the Gentiles, all other people. But because of God’s grace, he took the difference out of the equation. Everyone stands even at the cross, and it is only those who kneel to it that can be viewed as worthy through the blood Christ shed for them.

The End of Excuses

[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

For many in my family and yours too likely, there’s 101 reasons not to go to church on Sunday morning. This is the greatest of tragedies for the people of God. Many of them may be saved, Christ does not say, “Thou shall go to church.” But while we are no longer under the law, the law is not void. We’re forgiven, but we’re not excused to sin. As a Baptist it’s often said of us that we can do on Monday, what we say is wrong on Sunday and be okay. No… that’s not how grace works. While grace offers forgiveness, if you are a child of God, you’re not excused to live without accountability. There are consequences for stupidity. And one of the stupidest things God’s people and the unsaved do, is their thinking that they don’t need church.

Church is one of the greatest gifts that God gave His people. It is there we build our relationship and understanding of the word of God that allows us to live in peace. The very thing that everyone desires, and few have. They don’t have it because they have no relationship with God or His people. Victory Baptist Church did not save me, Christ did that, but it for certain has shaped me into who I am and has afforded me a peace that I never knew prior to salvation. By attending church I receive the word of God from the man of God. I have friends that lift me up in prayer and give me opportunity to do the same for them. I have the sweetest fellowship that is not in the world. You may have friends… but not friends like those in the Lord. As a child of God I have the desire to be in His House, in His word and with His people. He puts that desire in everyone of His children and we are without excuse for not following it.

[16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? [17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [18] But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. [19] But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. [20] But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. [21] But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

God knocks on the heart of everyone and asks them to believe in what He’s done. He’s stretched out His arms to a world begging for love and peace and offered it to them, but they’ve rejected it, both Jew and Gentile. It’s not easy to be humble. But it is so worth what you receive in exchange. There’s no excuse for not being saved. You have the opportunity today if you’ve read my blog. I’ve written it in love, in hopes of new kinfolk. Let me know if you’d like to join the family of God, I’d love to share with you how you can be apart of His life giving, love feeling, peace knowing family.

Posted in Faith, Family

The 7 Precious Things to the Child of God spoken of by Peter

Written by talk2shari Published June 23, 2022June 23, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

When I think of something precious in my life, it is nothing of material fiber. My husband is precious to me, my children are precious to me, my parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins are all precious to me. Most people would likely agree. But the things that Peter speaks of in his letters (epistles) are things that are a part of my life, but I don’t know if I’ve really understood how precious they are.

Defined in the 1828 Webster dictionary as:

PRE’CIOUS, adjective [French precieux; Latin pretiosus, from pretium, price. See Praise.]

1. Of great price; costly; as a precious stone.

2. Of great value or worth; very valuable. She is more precious than rubies. Proverbs 3.

3. Highly valued; much esteemed.

The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 1 Samuel 3.

1. The Trials of Faith are more Precious than Gold

1 Peter 1:7 KJV
[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:

I’ve not always appreciated the trials of my faith. I’ve often times been angry with myself for having allowed myself to get in those fixes. How on earth could that be precious? But Peter knew trials! He was persecuted, hunted and eventually killed by crucifixion upside down. Yes the knew trials. The trials I’ve known have more often than not been self inflicted, but then again, so were some of Peters. And as I look at them now, and think how those trials brought me so close in relationship to God, the same closeness I desire today, but can’t often feel because the world has me so distracted. Those times were precious when it felt as if God had pulled me upon His lap and held me through it all. The is no feeling of safety like that.

2. The Blood of Christ is Precious

1 Peter 1:19 KJV
[19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Not long ago we had communion at our church. It’s such a special day and an opportunity for the saints of God to do it in “remembrance” of the sacrifice He made that day on Calvary. But as I drink in that sweet juice and eat the dry wafer it’s very hard for me to comprehend His suffering. But then I think of that little lamb, that is so adorable, bleating for mercy as it was sacrificed, an animal with such tender eyes, and I can certainly understand why the Lord was compared to it. As He hung on the cross there was no crying for mercy, He gave up willingly, and the grief that must have been in God’s heart that day would have been far beyond what anyone has experienced with the death of someone they love. Watching the penalty of sin be given to the perfect Child of God, who had never known sin is still more than I can wrap my mind around. I have my own children, the loss of them is an unbearable pain I do not want to know. But God’s Son, not only bore unimaginable pain, but He did it as a gift for a world that is so ungrateful. Peter witnessed it first hand, not as I try to “imagine it”, but in reality. He knew the Man on the cross face to face. The way I long to know Him.

3. The Chosen of God is Precious

1 Peter 2:4 KJV
[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

There is far too much emphasis placed on man in regard to religion. Peter had no concept when Christ said “Upon this rock” will I build my church, how man would take that out of context and make stone pillars and give titles to him that he had no desire to have. It is on Christ the solid Rock that the church is built. Peter may have been crucified, but his crucifixion spared no one from the pits of Hell. Only the precious blood of Christ could do that which was why He was chosen of God and set above any earthly king or any heavenly angel. There was nobody who could do what God’s Only Son did. Being “disallowed”, rejected by men did not stop Him from giving His life. I too rejected Him for years, having heard the gospel.

4. The Believers know He is Precious and are not Confused by the World

1 Peter 2:6 KJV
[6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

The cornerstone of our faith is belief. The very foundation of a child of God is believing that He is Who He says He is. Such a precious thing is that wisdom that those who are lost don’t know that they’re missing out. Not only do they not know, Satan uses them to do his best to confuse and confound the rest of the world into believing the lies of Hell. Believing there is no Hell. Believing there is another way. All of which is false and will condemn them to eternal separation. This world loves their children just as I do mine, but Satan has blinded them from understanding that their refusal to accept the love of Christ, will one day separate them from any love they’ve ever known. Knowing that I am spared that heartache is something that is so much more precious than I understood on the day of my salvation. As time passes, more and more I know the depth of God’s love.

5. The Believers know He is Precious, but the world does not

1 Peter 2:7 KJV
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

I cannot explain to the lost how I have felt the Spirit of God that dwells in my soul bubble up and almost take my breath. I cannot tell them how I know that He is real. But if they’ll only take one step in His direction He’ll meet them in a way that they’ll know too and it will clear any confusion in their mind. That is precious! Too precious not to share in hopes that someone will come out of the wicked world into a separate place created for the child of God Who believes in the finished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. No more lambs, no more sacrifice. It is finished! Glory to God.

6. The Believers know how precious other believers are

2 Peter 1:1 KJV

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like a precious faith with us through the righteousness of God b and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Sunday’s are more than a day to be in God’s house, it’s a day to be with God’s people who share the same faith that I do. I can tell them how I feel, and they don’t look at me like I’ve got two heads, they get it! I can have a heartache and I can share it and it’s only half as tough to make it through. Prior to salvation I had many friends, but not like those I’ve made since salvation. That is a precious friendship indeed because it comes from knowing Christ together.

7. There are Precious Promises for the Child of God

2 Peter 1:4 KJV
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

This week I have suffered a great deal of pain. Aching bones and other health issues have caused me to miss out on things I really wanted to accomplish. But there will be a day when the promises of God will replace this vile body with a brand new body and a restore the family that has gone before me into my life again. There are things that I want down here, nothing precious, just things. But there are going to be things that my mind can’t even imagine waiting for me in Heaven. I try to share that notion with my grand babies often. I want them to see Heaven as real. I want it to be a place they don’t want to miss out. Because God created it for us. How exciting are all these precious things that God has given to us for our time spent on this earth.

I pray these 7 things encouraged you as they did me and helped you connect a little closer to God through the wisdom that He provides in His word. Blessing! ~ Shari, the Jesus Chick