I detest being judged, and I struggle with the fear that I will place judgment on another. It’s not easy as a Christian to stay out of the flesh and represent the grace of God. There is a verse that is so abused by people who do not understand it, that it’s ridiculous. I know because I’ve abused it myself out of context.
Matthew 7:1 KJV Judge not, that ye be not judged.
That’s a good verse right? But God does not mean that we are not to view the acts of man and determine if they’re right or wrong but rather let His holiness be the measure for which we judge, and the the judgement be His. We’re to respect the laws of the land and the authorities that we’ve been given, but all should align with the Word of God.
This is a thought heavy on my heart today because of a personal attack regarding a Ridgeview story. And so my only recourse of not getting in the flesh and giving these people of piece of my mind for which I cannot afford to lose is to turn to the word of God and ask Him to give me peace in my heart and satisfaction that I can leave it in His hands.
My search for answers lead me to the book of Judges. Irony? Doubtful. More than likely a dose of reality that I love.
NO LEADERSHIP
Judges 17:6 KJV says In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
At the beginning of Chapter 18 it says again, “there was no king in Israel.” Again in 19:1 “It came to pass in those days there was no king in Israel.
Three times it mentions there was no leadership for the children of Israel. That’s a scary place to be because it said in 17:6 that every man did that which was right in his own eyes. There was no moral fortitude, their depravity just kept getting worse and worse. And as I struggled with the things going on in my community today, those verses hit home. It’s why I can’t be silent when I see injustice. It’s not that I am perfect. God forbid that I even suggest it. But there’s an accountability factor that’s currently missing in most of society because our leadership stinks!
So the story goes, in the Bible according to Shari, that the children of Israel had fallen out with each other because nobody was talking to God unless it was for their own gain. Now, if you read the story in the book of Judges, Chapters 17 through 19, it’s there. They’d fallen away from God to the point that they picked up a spare Priest from the house of Micah and with him they took Micah’s gods as well. I guess so they’d have all their bases covered. And they began to worship those gods. It says in Chapter 19 that a certain Levite had taken to him a wife, and she had played the whore, but he went to get her. And upon his return from fetching her, in the city of Gibeah, he found a home to stay in. But the Benjamites in that city came to the house and attempted to have their way with the Levite. But instead the men of the house sent out the woman. Who was then raped and murdered. The Levite was so upset that he cut her body into multiple pieces and sent the pieces to all the surrounding towns. He wanted them to know judgment was coming. The problem with that was, nobody had a relationship with the Judgement keeper. But they finally went to God and asked Him for His advice. God told them to go fight the battle for justice for the murder of the Levite’s wife. So the battle was on!
Round 1 – Israel lost 22,000 men. God said go again.
Round 2 – Israel lost 18,000 men. God said go again, but He added that they’d have the victory.
Round 3 – Israel laid out a plan and the battle was won.
From that story I gathered this advice for myself. Our county leadership stinks. If I’m going into battle, and sometimes I feel that’s exactly what I’m doing when I’m trying to use the Ridgeview News in a manner that will help our community stay informed; but if I’m going into battle, I better do it with an open dialogue with the Lord Jesus.
There may be more than one round, and I may suffer defeats. God didn’t promise me a rose garden. But it has got to be His battle, under His direction.
NO LAW
I’ve also got to remember that we are no longer under the law, such that they were in the days of the book of Judges. We’re under grace. If I want grace for this battle, I too need to extend grace. Israel did not have a king. I do.
King Jesus! And I don’t want to do what’s right in my eyes, that will for certain get me into trouble. When God took Israel’s battle over, Israel wasn’t the one calling the shots, but God used them to get justice. Will He not do the same if we seek His guidance over our own leaderless community? We cannot turn our eyes away from the fact that the current leadership has accepted sins as heinous as the loss of the Levite’s wife. They’ve mocked God, (see prior story of the Democratic Party.) People have died because of the dereliction of jobs, and while they did not die with malice, the fact that few cared cannot go unaddressed. And the fact that we as a nation have turned a blind eye to abortion, even up to the full term infant we will receive the Judgment of God. This county may not care what I think, but they’ll care when they face God almighty on the day of judgment.
This isn’t an easy conclusion for me to draw. I ruffled some feathers today that caused me to question my own motives. But I hear through the reading of God’s word that God’s people don’t win every battle, but they win the final one. And while that one woman, known only as the whore, didn’t seem like much to anyone, when God got involved, even the lowest mattered. God takes care of the underdog.
Mark 7:28 KJV And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.
It’s been an enlightening few weeks as I try to navigate the waters of being a woman of God, a news publisher and just plain old ordinary Shari. Wife to David, Mother to Tif and Whit, and Noni to six. I didn’t know we had icebergs in Grantsville! But I’ve certainly hit a few.
I’ve had to ask myself on more than one occasion, “Are you being stubborn or staunch? Are you in the flesh or are you in the spirit? I am most assuredly human, God knows. But before I drowned in the frigid waters of the world I decided to stop the boat and just sit in the stillness for a while. By the way… I had to stop and restart the boat many times to find an area of stillness. These are busy waters.
What is the difference between stubborn and staunch?
1 Samuel 15:23 KJV [23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
That’s a pretty serious charge and the result was Saul losing his position as king over Israel. Good thing I’m not royalty! Oh wait… being a child of God makes us royalty in Heaven, and God’s not any happier with me when I’m stubborn, than He was Saul. When I speak of the metaphorical icebergs, I speak of the cold natured attitude of the world that can either be an obstruction in my path or an obstruction in my heart that doesn’t allow me to see things clearly.
I’m still not 100% certain about some decisions I’ve made. But I’m 100% sure I don’t want to be ruled by the world. What I need to do is take a closer look at the word Staunch. It is not however in the Bible, but a close word by definition is that of “Stedfast.â€
1 Corinthians 15:51-58 KJV [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
The Apostle Paul is teaching the Corinthians and us in this text, about a mystery that they’re privileged to have revealed to them. The day will come when Christ will call His children home, those who have accepted His power of their redemption when He died on the cross to cover our sin. Those who have gone before us, and those who are alive when he returns will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to have a perfect body. But until then… Before the victory is won, we are still in the battle. And Paul tells the believer, “be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.†There it is, the difference between stubborn and staunch. One has me in mind, the other has the Lord’s work in mind.
I don’t want any of my labor on this earth done in vain. There will certainly be hay and stubble that will burn up at the end of my life when I stand before the Lord, but will there be gold that when it’s tried by the fire and the dross is removed (the parts of Shari that were in it) will there be some good left over for me to present to the King of kings, “This I did for You?â€
Those icebergs of people who stand before me and judge me on this earth won’t be there with the Lord. They may be in line too, I’m not saying they’re not saved, but they’ll have no right to look in on mine and Christ’s conversation. Nor do they today. There is a stubborn streak in me, I’ll not deny. I detest self righteous people to the point that I often take a stand against them just because they turn my stomach. If that’s the case, I’m as wrong as they are.
God help me to print the truth of Your word, and the truth of the world in a way that brings glory to You alone. This world is ran by Satan and his demonic forces. They have power. But none so great as the power of Holy Spirit that can guide me through these troubled waters.
Praise God! I’ve never professed to be perfect, else there would be so many disappointed people in my life. Mainly family, who know me all too well, but friends for sure, and general acquaintances would find me sad too. I feel I say “I’m struggling” too often, but there is no other word that would describe my week. Physically, emotionally and spiritually I’ve had the worst week ever. I topped it off by ignoring God. That really made it better, right? This is a part of the imperfections that is within me. If life hands me a bad day, or in this case a bad week, I have a tendency to give my mind leniency to wander down thoughtless pathways such as internet stories and videos that take me into someone else’s world and out of my own. It’s a coping mechanism that fails miserably and yet I try it every time. Every time. It’s as if ignoring God will allow more misery to come, which I deserve, right? That’s what Satan says. And we know he has our best interest at heart. Yes, I’m that dumb, and it’s why Eve has nothing on me in the garden. I would have taken that fruit without so much as a question.
So today, the final day of the work week, I decide that I need to put on my lipstick and pull myself together and look for a way of dealing with nasty, hurtful, people. Merry Christmas to me.
So here’s my text:
1 Corinthians 16:19-24 KJV
[19] The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. [20] All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. [21] The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. [22] If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. [23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. [24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The closing of the book of 1 Corinthians from our friend, the Apostle Paul. A man of God who more than understood being hurt. He always brings my own petty issues into perspective. although this weeks struggles weren’t all petty. Some were pretty intense. But not “Paul” intense. No one was threatening to kill me. I didn’t have to flee for my life. But I felt hatred, and that my friend is an awful, awful feeling. Especially when it comes from a person who calls them self a child of God. I mention that only so you’ll know a partial context of my week. Partial because there was more. I hate being vague, and perhaps the story can be told some day, but for now it’s too fresh, and involves other people. But take my word, it’s been a no good, very bad, week.
So the question for myself this morning is, “How do we deal with hateful, hurtful people?”
Remember the Gift of True Friendship
At the end of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he salutes the readers. A gesture of gratitude and respect to the churches of Asia. I have wonderful friends in Asia. That was my launching point for getting away from these feelings of hurt that I feel today. The very fact that God has given me friends all over the world. Literally! I have been to churches in Asia. I could have said to them as Apostle Paul did, to the churches of Asia, I salute you. Not only do I have friends in Asia, I friends in America and other countries too! Not fake friends, but genuine friends that if I call upon them they would do all they could do to help me out. Btu I’m not apt to call on them, because I figure everyone has issues. They don’t need mine. And so I spend a week like this one, where I feel alone, angry and hurt, without God by my side, although He is, but I pretended He wasn’t so I could wallow in self pity. But this morning I am reminded once again of the faithfulness of God and His people.
Remember the Gift of Holy Kisses
My daughter Whitney is “elfing” houses this week with her cheerleading squad. For a fee they’re hiding elves in the yards of people with children for them to locate with clues and they not only receive the elf dolls, they receive a bag of elf kisses too. It’s such a cute concept, but it’s nothing compared to the holy kiss of a saint. I know it’s hard to believe, but they’re sweeter than chocolate!
A holy kiss is much more than, just a peck on the cheek. John Gil described it as this:
A holy kiss is a Christian salutation wishing all temporal, spiritual, and eternal happiness, to one another; and which, as it should be mutual, should be also hearty and sincere, and this is meant by the “holy kiss”; the allusion is to a common custom in most nations, used by friends at meeting or parting, to kiss each other, in token of their hearty love, and sincere affection and friendship for each other; and is called “holy”, to distinguish it from an unchaste and lascivious one; and from an hypocritical and deceitful one, such an one as Joab gave to Amasa, when, inquiring of his health, he took him by the beard to kiss him, and stabbed him under the fifth rib, 2 Samuel 20:9; and as Judas, who cried, hail master, to Christ, and kissed him, and betrayed him into the hands of his enemies, Matthew 26:49.
Covid has pretty much scared people away from “holy kisses” but there are still a few who trust in a providential God to take care of the matter. I pretty much go with the flow of the person I’m greeting. If they want a holy fist bump, I’m okay with that too. But I primarily want and appreciate the sincerity of the friends who I know to be true. That is sweeter than chocolate! It’s sweet because I am painfully aware of the fact that it is far more rare than reality that there are true and faithful friends even at the church house. So this morning I am focusing on the gratitude I have for the wonderful gift of real “holy kissable” people.
Remember Jesus is Coming Soon!
There’s a phrase in this scripture that I always forget what it means and I have to look it up. In verse 22 it says:
[22] If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Anathema meaning “accursed”
Maranatha meaning “O Lord come.”
So it basically says “if there’s anyone who doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ let him be accursed when the Lord comes.
There’s a final judgment that I don’t wish on my worst enemy. To be accursed is to be eternally separated from God. When I hear people curse and tell people to go to hell, I wonder how many dare to realize that that is a real place. I look at my husband, children and grandchildren, and I realize that the love I have for them is the same love an unsaved person has for their family. The only difference being, I have the hope of eternity with my family and they do not. I can’t imagine, nor do I want imagine my family being in Hell. But that’s what happens to those who don’t love Christ. The thought is gut wrenching.
At the end of a bad week, I’m focusing today on what will be the beginning of eternity when Jesus comes. When there will be no heart ache or sadness or wickedness like we face today. If you know and love Jesus, give Him glory! If you don’t, please message me on social media or through the contact information on this blog. I need to tell you why I have the power within me to go on after a week like this. Because even when people are bad, God is sooooooooo good.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: [11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. [12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. [13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; [14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. [15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Religion has always left a bad taste in my mouth, but lately, it’s come to the point where I feel like the whale that swallowed Jonah. No wonder he finally puked him out on the ground… one can only take so much. This is the emotion I felt as someone described the current state of their church. (I’m going to claim righteous indignation on this one). I think God’s okay with my ire, after all, it is the souls of men dangling over hell while a preacher looks on, not wanting to hurt their feelings by preaching what thus saith the Lord.
That was not the case in the letter from Paul to Titus, though the result is much the same. The prophet of which Paul spoke of is said to be a man named Epimenides. The commentary of John Gill said that in his (Epimenides) poems stand the words here cited; the apostle rightly calls him “one of themselves”, since he was a Cretian by birth, of the city of Gnossus; it is reported of him, that being sent by his father to his sheep in the field, he by the way, at noon, turned aside into a cave, and slept fifty seven years and he is very properly called a “prophet” of their own; for in Crete Jupiter had his prophets, and he might be one of them: the priests among the Heathens were called prophets; so Baal’s priests are called the prophets of Baal, and the prophets of the groves, 1 Kings 18:19.
Epimenides was a judaizing Christian who mixed the works of Old Testament law with the grace of God. Paul warned Titus of the likes of men such as him and told him to call them out, (vs. 13). Would to God that this were the case today. But instead we sit idly by and watch as religious nonsense goes from one extreme to the other.
I love encouraging people in the word of God, and the Bible certainly tells us to exhort one another. There is plenty of things to be exhorted by in the word of God, it is good news! But today as I focus my mind on being doctrinely sound, trying to be a responsible child of God, frustration mounts and I want to call out lying, evil beasts and slow bellies which is how I view anyone who is in a position of authority in a church (such as a Pastor), who stands before a congregation of God’s people with out regard or a feeling of responsibility or accountability for their souls and fails to tell them how to be saved. To the outside world they’re “good” people. But in reality they are a tool of Satan himself.
Did that word encourage you? I doubt it. But let it be for you, as it is for me this morning; a reminder that we too will stand before God accountable for what we’ve done with the word of God. Not just the Preacher. I’ve been scattered and lack with my blog because I’ve been tired and weary with life. That’s not an excuse, it’s just a fact. So as I read Paul’s charge to Titus, I couldn’t help but wonder what he would say to me as I debate what my role is in the church, and who is it that is coming up behind me? Who are the modern Titus’, Timothy’s, Aquila’s and Priscilla’s? The word of God is finished, but not the work. The names are now ours, and God is calling us out. That is a word of encouragement!
If you run into a lying, evil beast of a slow belly, tell them what Jesus has done in your life. Perhaps, through your words they’ll desire to know the truth about God.
Here it is, 9:30 Tuesday morning and I’m just getting in tune with God. It’s not that I’ve been totally useless this morning, I did a little laundry folding, took a couple of grands to school after fixing them a highly nutritious breakfast…. Okay it was filled donuts,… but hey, they didn’t go to school hungry. So I consider that a win! My grandparenting skills are no better than my parenting skills, except I,m a tad calmer. Or perhaps I’ve confused calm with weak.
So my last few days went something like this… I left for Pennsylvania on Friday, turned a four hour drive into a five hour drive by getting lost,which was a win because of the fall country scenes. I did a conference from 8 to 4 on Saturday and then drove home fours hours and fell in to bed. I got up at 6 am Sunday, did the bulletin and the PowerPoint and headed off to church where I taught Sunday school and met some favorite cousins from Florida for worship. Went to my sisters for lunch and then to a football game for my grandson, but only until it was time to leave for church. Went back to evening service and then home for a few hours before bed. I did five loads of laundry before 10 a.m. on Monday and then did my live feed on Facebook. Went and did an art project for my daughter at 11:30 and then off to the nursing home to sing at two p.m. Picked the grands up from school, fixed burgers and fries for supper collapsed for a few hours before bed and now I’ve pretty much filled you in on my life.
I’d love to tell you that it’s not my norm, but it is. Which is why I found my mind in a weary place today. Not sad, not troubled… weary. Perhaps you feel my pain.
Paul felt it. And at a much more extreme level than myself. So to myself, I say, “Suck it up buttercup.”
REAPIN’ AND SOWIN’
Galatians 6:8-14 KJVS
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
It is sad to say, that there were many wasted hours within my days. Time that I could have invested much wiser. I know God understands but for all my well doing, I’m a hot mess more often than not. So how can I refresh this weary soul? This morning I’m looking at Paul’s advice to the Galatians and trying to imagine if he had dropped by my house along the way to encourage me. Can you imagine!
It feels a little like that as I read his words. He has put the prize of life everlasting before me and said. “ Don’t grow weary! There’s going to be plenty of time to rest on the other side. As fast as time is flying down here, I know he’s right, but there needs to be some hoeing to go with that reaping and sowing.
HEAPIN’ AND HOEIN’
[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. [11] Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. [12] As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. [13] For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
When I think of gardening (since I am an experienced farmer now 😂) part of the fun is having a bounty to share. I can’t say that my two 8×12 foot patches heaped enough to share, but spiritually speaking can I say that I have heaped enough of the word of God into my soul and hoed the ground around it. I know my metaphorical speaking is tough this morning but it’s where I’m at! How well have I tilled the ground when it comes to in depth study so that I have a good root foundation to make a harvest.
Paul’s words have me pondering that. I want to study harder so that when I speak it’s with a greater passion and less weariness. Part of the reason I am so weary is the guilt I put upon myself for being so unproductive, and yet, that’s part of what Paul warned about when he pointed them to the religious crowd insisting upon circumcision. Works make us weary. But building our relationship with God and His people is a worthy invigorating harvest.
My life is BUSY! But this mornings focus on tilling my own ground has renewed my Spirit. I pray you find some time to focus on God today too!
It’s unbelievable that twenty years have passed since that horrible day that will forever live in the memories of Americans. As I heard again the words of then President Bush say that it was an “Islamic attack”, and now to scroll forward into the present age and hear the rhetoric of the far left and their insistence that America embrace the Taliban, I’m saddened and I’m sickened at the state of our national leadership. Washington DC has never had much of a spine, but their current intent is nothing less than sabotage of America past. The fact that America is not mentioned in scripture certainly leaves our future in question, and if we do not stand together as men and women against what our leadership is doing, it’s a done deal.
I’m not a dooms day reporter. I’m not even a very good realist. I tend to lean more to the “Little Susie Sunshine.” But I will always stand on the side of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that is not the side of our national leadership right now.
My thoughts this morning as I pray for our country and us, is to praise God for grace.
Romans 5:6 KJVS
[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Christ died for Shari Hardway Johnson, but He also died for the every other person on this earth, even those that I’m having a very hard time having any compassion for right now. Today as I think about the heartbreak of all those who lost someone on 9/11, I ask God’s Spirit to create in me a heart of forgiveness for those who have launched any attack on our country and our God from within and without. I will not embrace their ideologies, nor will I condone or ignore the stupidity of people who justify what has happened in our country. If you voted for the current administration, and you continue to support them, it’s you that I’m praying God will help me to love. Because this morning I’m feeling very human.
I cannot ignore the fact that I’m human and far from sinless. But to those who say all sins are viewed the same in God’s eyes, I don’t believe that. Sin is sin. There are sins of omission, (unknowingly). There are sins of commission (knowingly). But there comes a point when God gives to the unrepentant heart that embraces this world and turns their back on Him, exactly what they want. But the result will not be what they thought.
Paul wrote a letter to the Romans that addressed the very issues we face today.
Romans 1:21-32 KJVS
[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
My mind is in a solemn place this morning. But I have not lost my hope in Christ for the Nation of America.
Tent meeting night number two, and the faucets inside my eyes refused to shut off. I truthfully didn’t try. Tears like that had been a long time coming and I knew I needed it. Pastor Alfred Hickman had started the water works on Monday when he preached the message “It’s your Move.” I cried through the music of Brother David Harney (which was amazing) and right through the message which spoke directly to my soul, knowing that I had to get myself out of this place of frustration I was in. Why am I frustrated? Because the world was taking it’s toll on my ministries and I felt powerless against it. I’ve been smiling and saying “I’m fine” for months when that was far from the truth. I fully believe that this is why we have revival. Because it’s easy to say I’m fine, until God cracks you open like an egg and all your insides gush out.
The word of God is indeed sharper than a two edged sword…
Hebrews 4:12 KJVS
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I’ve watched that verse play out the past two days.
Cut to the Quick
Have you ever done that when manicuring your nails. 😣 Owch! It’s even worse when you play guitar and you do it on your chording hand. While we think the word quick as generally speaking of something fast, in this context it’s speaking of “to make alive!” The word of God stirs your soul and brings to the surface things that are deeply rooted. It is painful, because that’s what the world does, it bury’s itself in you and wraps itself around every facet of your life. For me the world had rooted itself into my children, grandchildren, husband, Mother, family, the teen ministry and many of the people of God that I know. I felt as if I was making little to no impact anywhere. These people are my heart. I love them more than anyone of them know and seeing the world taking a hold of them definitely cuts to the quick.
Quick to Decide
Part of my issue, (believe me when I say I have many issues) but part of my issue is defined in the very first verse I claimed as a life verse.
2 Corinthians 2:1-2 KJVS
[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. [2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
I’ve always been determined to leave people better than I found them. I thought it better not to let them know I had struggles. But what ended up happening is I’ve adopted their struggles as my own. And they are many. So many in fact that I’ve collapsed under the weight. I’m sure you’re not shocked. But I was! I thought that I could handle anything.Yes, I know. Foolish mortal. God never asked me to take on the world. But I felt that it was my job as His child. I needed to fix what was broken but I was powerless against any of it. Just like the egg, only the Creator can repair that kind of damage. When Pastor Alfred preached, “It’s your move” Monday night, I thought maybe my move is to get out of God’s way and step out of the ministry for a while. I’ve only felt this way one other time since I’ve been saved. And it was a battle. A battle to where I literally held onto my seat in the church because Satan had told me to start moving toward the door. For all you backseat Baptists, maybe this is for you. Don’t get too close the door. When I say I hung onto my seat, I mean that literally. I have sat front row, isle seat for 25 years. If anyone wants that seat, that’s fine, I’ll find another front row seat or possibly 2nd row; but I’m not moving far, because Satan wants me out of the church. And before you say that that’s an arrogant statement, if he doesn’t want you out of the church, you’re not doing enough. Yeah… this is revival week.
I was a little too quick to decide it was time to get out of the ministry.
Decide to Follow
Night two, and Preacher Brian Evans stirred my heart like a scrambled egg. I wept the entire service. His message title was “Just Keep Grinding.” Preached from Luke 1 and the story of Elisabeth and Zachariah and their unfruitful times that became fruitful. His points were this:
Unfruitful and broken
Faultless but trusting God (not perfect, but doing their best)
Faithful to God
Fulfilling God’s work
He might as well have titled it the life of Shari. Before you think that I’ve completely lost it to think a man preached a sermon just for me. He didn’t, there were others touched just as deeply by his message. But it’s whats amazing about the Word of God; one message can touch every life in the building in a different way. But for a couple of us, we were both leaning the same direction, out the ministry door. But his message to just keep grinding, even on the rough days when you think there’s no hope, just stand your ground on the spot God gave you to stand on. For Zacharias it was the temple of God. Even when God did not provide them a child, year after year, decade after decade, and yet it says
Luke 1:[8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, [9] According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
And so he did, year after year, decade after decade… He followed God’s design, regardless of how he felt. Even if he may have wanted to throw his hands up in the air and walk away, he did not. He stayed the course. Oh Lord Jesus! How sorry I was for not wanting to stay the course. How dare I say that I am suffering when I look at the examples set before me in the word of God. Every disciple persecuted, everyone (save John) killed for the cause of Christ. Zachariah and Elisabeth’s long awaited son was beheaded and yet these people stayed the course.
Am I struggling? You betcha! Am I gonna quit? No. God has plan and I’ll continue to follow. If you’re on the edge of a decision like mine, stay the course dear friend, stay the course!
What better description can we find for the children of God today! While it is true that most days the frustration of this world makes me feel like I’m in prison, I am assuredly a prisoner of hope. Just as the prophetic scriptures of Zechariah describe us in verse 12 of his book:
[12] Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;
For certain a good verse for the refrigerator! But an awesome verse for the encouragement of the Spirit when you read the preceding prophecy:
The King is Coming!!!!
Zechariah 9:9-17 KJVS
[9] Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
The prophetic telling of the triumphal entry told 500-ish years before the actual event unfolded on the streets of Jerusalem. Our Lord in His humbleness, who should have had at the very least a Cadillac chariot, was content riding on that little donkey. What an example He set before us as to what our attitudes as children of God should be. Humble and grateful. But I’m not. I’m more often than not, bratty and discontent. Praise God, Jesus knew there would be stress and struggles and His mercy extended forward to the days we’re in. I love the word of God! The more I read and study, the more I discover His magnificent plan for us. And what a privilege it is to be living in these days. We’re spoiled! We don’t deserve the life we’re living, and yet God has promised us an even better life for those who trust in Him and believe. While we often feel as though we’re captive in this wicked world, we’re prisoners of hope and promise. Golly, I just wrote myself happy! Thank You Jesus!!!
But read on! There is coming a day when the wars we see on this earth will end and we will live in peace. Can you imagine a world of nothing but peace? It’s hard for me to imagine. Not only a world without wars, but a world without disagreements and politics. A world where there is nothing but truth. Nothing but TRUTH! Oh my stars won’t that be grand!
Just as the old hymn says:
There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
The King is Bringing Refreshments!
[11] As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. [12] Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;
You should know by now where my mind goes! 😂
In this latest heat wave that we’ve been experiencing in West Virginia, nothing is as refreshing as a cool drink of water on a hot summer day. As much as I love Coke Zero it’s not nearly as good as water to quench the thirst. But the water that Christ brought to us on the cross, that life giving water that Christ told the woman at the well she would never thirst again after receiving, that is what we’ll experience when the King returns. We’re drinking it now, but the world drains our well daily. Or at least mine. I have to go back to the book, the Word of God for a refill. But when Christ returns to takes us home for eternity, where we will live in the presence of that Water. We will never know thirst again. But when these words of Zechariah were written, that water had yet to be experienced. They living in dry times before the Messiah had come. But here lies the promise, the hope of Glory that they would one day receive that life giving water. I say that we are the prisoners of hope, which is true, but not to the degree that the Old Testament saints were. We are living under grace, they were living under the law. I don’t see how it would have been possible that God wouldn’t have struck me dead within 24 hours of me forming my first human opinion as a child. The Lord knows my heart, and He for sure knows my mouth! Before I was a mouthpiece for God, I was a mouthpiece for Satan.
Back to the Refreshments… In the presence of the King, we will want for nothing. This morning I have desires that have yet to be fulfilled. You know… stuff. Stuff that I’m relatively sure will make my life complete. It won’t. But I think I need it. But there in His presence, there will be nothing I desire but Him and His desires. He’s going to refresh my every want with a double portion. Nothing will take my attention away from the purposes of God. Like Amazon… EBay…. Cato’s. You know. Stuff.
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
The King is Still on Schedule
[13] When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man. [14] And the Lord shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. [15] The Lord of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar. [16] And the Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. [17] For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
Commentary says of this passage that it speaks of the Jewish Apostles, who belong to Zion the church of Christ, who were sent forth into the Gentile world to deliver the gospel with weapons of warfare, not carnal but spiritual, which went forth as a bow piercing the hearts of mankind. Yes! It did pierce my heart in 1996 and left a hole that Christ alone could fill. Salvation filled me with that new wine that made me make noise! Where I once made noise for the world, now it’s for Christ and for His glory. We are the saints that are filled with the final sacrifice of the cross through the Holy Spirit. There is no more animal blood on the altar, but Christ’ 🩸 blood is there. Those of us who accepted that sacrifice that was made in our stead to pay the price for our sins will be as the stones of a crown. And you know how I like to 💖 sparkle.
Many in the world have given up on Christ’s return, if they ever even believed it. They’re living day to day without hope. But that is not the case of a child of God. We know that His timing is not ours. Just for the record, God does not have an 🍎 Apple watch. We’ll know it’s time when the trumpet blows, but not until then. Until then we have work to do.
Sparkle little children! Shine the light of Christ to someone today.
[6] Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
There comes a time, at least for me, when I just need to step outside the everyday monotony that I call life, and check in with Jesus. I long to walk into a room where my Lord is sitting, waiting for my arrival and say “Honey I’m home!” We’ll both laugh and then I’ll sit down at the table and together we’ll sort out the messes, calm the chaos, and bring my mind into a place of rest and peace. And when I later leave, I’ll know that I have been in the presence of the Lord. I’ll step back into my very imperfect life in a better place inside my mind. Even so Lord, let it be! I am so ready for September 4th and verse six in the Song of Solomon, chapter 4 does a wonderful job of preparing my heart.
If you’re as I am, and you feel the end days getting closer and closer to the point that every loud sound causes you to wonder if Jesus is getting ready to call His church home, then follow along as we unpack verse 6!
4:6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away,…. Until the day of grace breaks on every sinner, and the shadows of darkness, ignorance, and unbelief, are gone; or until the everlasting day breaks, and there will be no more night, nor any darkness of affliction, nor any more desertion, doubts, and fears, we’re in time of waiting, but not without purpose. They are the words of Christ, declaring where He would go till that time came. But what did He do when he got there. Sit and twiddle His thumbs? Perhaps He did the Laundry. That’s what is whirring in the background as I write. No, I don’t think that that was on His agenda but rather He would spend time away from the shadows.
What are the shadows looming in your life right now? What feels like it’s leaning over your shoulder, whispering in your ear and making itself known, every day, for the purpose of distracting you from God’s work? Is there something taking your eyes off the goodness of God in your life and putting into view the fearful and uncertain times we’re living in? All of those are a very real struggle in my life. So I determined to pull a retreat together in two months, that would afford us a place in the mountains to gather with friends and for one day, focus on the freedom of being a child of God.
I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense: the allusion may be to the mountains and hills where myrrh and frankincense grew and the scents were abundant and filled your mind with fragrant thoughts. As my husband and I drove through the hills of West Virginia last night, that was where my mind was. We were in our Oreion Reeper (a dune buggy type vehicle without a top) and every scent of the mountains was so strong. Every hill and holler tickled my nose with amazing fragrances. Oh if only the evenings were longer to enjoy the time! But it was still nice to escape just for a few hours where struggles of the world weren’t on our minds. Just growing closer to each other.
That’s the day I long for with Christ. To know Him better and to Know His people better. To enjoy the company and fellowship of others who want the same things.
According to the commentary of of John Gill: By this “mountain” and “hill” may be meant the church of Christ, gathered together in Gospel order, so called for its visibility and immovableness, Isaiah 2:2; and for the trees of righteousness which are planted and flourish there, the saints; and for the fragrancy of their graces; and for the sweet smelling odor of their sacrifices of prayer and praise; and because of the delight and pleasure Christ takes in his people, and they in him here; where they have mutual communion, so that it is to them both a mountain of myrrh and a hill of frankincense: particularly, here Christ delights to be, and here he resolves to dwell until his second coming.
Those are such sweet thoughts! I rely on fragrances a lot in my home to take my mind to a sweeter place. It seems as though that was the Lord’s intent when placing those scents here on earth for us to enjoy.
As I continue preparing for this retreat, and preparing my heart to encourage those who attend, I’m praying earnestly that women will join together in the fellowship of Christ and will be rewarded with a refreshing day on the mountain just as Solomon spoke of. I am for certain that I need it now! And that is why the time is now. Please, Pray about joining us. Here’s the the link the ticket, and I look forward to seeing you September 4th!
Be careful what you say to me, it may just be the topic of tomorrows post. I don’t say that viciously, it’s just that when someone get’s the wheels in my mind turning, I usually can’t get them to stop until I figure out what the Bible says about it. And so the conversations went, that there were topics that God just didn’t discuss; therefore they were up for debate as to the moral position that a Christian should take. Okay, game on. Now my mind is not going to stop wallowing this around until I get it nailed down.
Heaven’s Not a Pot Luck Dinner
Romans 14:16-23 KJVS
[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of: [17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
That thought just cracked me up! Proof that my title is true and Heaven is not a pot luck dinner, no matter how many baptist think it is. No one is really arguing about Heaven being a pot luck dinner, but there are plenty of people arguing over food, alcohol and other activities in the Bible.
How many times have I heard the argument about alcohol being wrong. I know how serious alcohol addiction is and how important medical rehabilitation center in Oregon is. And then some smart aleck will say “well gluttony is a sin too.” Of course it is, why are you looking at me when you say that? Go over in the corner and drink your beer. Just kidding. Nobody is drinking at my house. But I’ve had that conversation with waaaaaaaaay more than one person trying to convince me that my stand on alcohol is not biblical because wine is mentioned many times in the scripture. I’ve heard preachers say that it wasn’t fermented when Jesus drank it, it was the pure juice of the vine. I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. I do know that at the wedding of Cana, wine was on the menu because Jesus created it.
John 2:7-10 KJVS
[7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. [8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. [9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, [10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
Within the statement of “when men have well drunk”, John Gill’s commentary said “and when men have well drank; not to excess, but freely, so as that they are exhilarated; and their spirits cheerful, but their brains not intoxicated: so the word, as answering to the Hebrew word is שכר, used by the Septuagint in Genesis 43:34.
I, quite frankly am not a scholar of Hebrew. I only know the English language and I tend to butcher it. So when I read the words “well drank.” To me it means they drank a considerable sum. And in so doing they aren’t aware or don’t care when the cheap stuff comes out. Were they intoxicated? It sounds like it to me, but what do I know. So where does that put us on whether or not God says it’s okay to drink alcohol? It doesn’t. It does however say things like
Proverbs 23:30-31 KJVS
[30] They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. [31] Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
It’s not talking about the color of the wine being the issue but rather the intent behind the heart that’s looking at it. Don’t be lusting after the wine like a drunkard.
And Proverbs 20:1
[1] Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Neither verse says “thou shalt not drink alcohol.” But they certainly give indication that it’s not always a good idea. And as for the advice for our era of time, meaning the advice we receive from Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles… that’s us… and his advice which was that of Romans 14, “the kingdom of Heaven is not meat and drink.” Heaven isn’t about what you eat or drink. It’s rather about righteousness, peace and joy of the Holy Ghost. What’s the Holy Spirit say about it? To you personally? And would you know if He was talking to you, or is He even talking to you? If you’re not a child of God, saved, having accepted the salvation of Jesus Christ through the His blood on the cross, then you’re not hearing the Holy Ghost, because you’re not on speaking terms yet. God is not so concerned for what is on the menu for dinner as He is on what are the desires of our heart, and what testimony comes from those desires.
[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. [22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. [23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
As with everything in life, this goes back to the intent of the heart. Why is alcohol important to you? (If it is) And if it is, do you drink it without regard for those who struggle with it. That you may cause an alcoholic who can’t control themselves and therefore may die in alcoholism, then it’s unquestionably sin. So for me, I would just sooner abstain.
The same is true with dieting. If I have a friend who’s trying to live healthy and I’m eating cheesecake in their face, it’s not different than the alcohol question. But God is not so much concerned about what we eat and drink as He is on who’s going to be setting around His table in Heaven. This is where our focus should be. If you’re wanting to orange alcohol and food, you’re heart’s not right to start with. Heaven is not about a pot luck dinner.
Heaven is not about who you’re married too
Luke 20:34-35 KJVS
[34] And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: [35] But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
Scripture does say if you’re saved you should not marry the unsaved.
2 Corinthians 6:14 KJVS
[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
So, if you’re saved, and your single, your future mate should be a bible believing child of God. Nothing else will be in the will of God. But for me, I, nor my husband were saved when we got married. So ye were equally yoked, unfortunately in sin. But then I got saved, and David was still lost. Should I have left him? No! The Bible says
1 Corinthians 7:12-15 KJVS
[12] But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. [13] And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. [14] For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. [15] But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases : but God hath called us to peace.
There’s a common word used both with regard to alcohol, and marriage. Peace.
That’s where the rubber meets the road for me with both. I hate confrontation and arguing. H.A.T.E. It! It is a life of misery I have lived and have no desire to return to it. I’m not saying I haven’t argued since I got saved, but I’m saying that I have never sought it. I have witnessed both alcohol and the unsaved be the culprit in what would lead to a violent end. It’s terrifying, it put’s children and adults at risk, in fear and it breaks hearts. But Satan will give people justifications. He/She hurt me. They were wrong. They sinned. All of that may be true, but it doesn’t justify, an ugly battle instituted by the child of God. God only wants peace. And anything that comes between you and a peaceful day isn’t of God. Peace. Oh my stars, if Heaven were nothing but that, would it not be worth it all! But it’s going to be so much more.
Our relationships in Heaven will not be those of the earth, they’ll be better. We’ll be known as we are known, but with perfect love in our hearts for everyone and most importantly for God. Our lives will center around Him and His purpose. As it should now, but can’t because there’s too many worldly things in the way. Like man’s opinions.
And speaking of worldly relationships, I’ll touch on this only for moment and then move on. It’s settled in Heaven and it’s settled in my heart about the matter of homosexuality and the Bible. Does the Bible word “homosexuality appear in the Bible. No. Does it’s failure to be in there mean that the subject wasn’t addressed. No. Did Jesus personally say anything about it. Yes. Because every word in the Bible is His word, whether or not it’s highlighted in red.
1 Corinthians 6:9 KJVS
[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Effeminate is defined as (womanly characteristics in a man). Clearly labeled as sin, not accepted of God.
1 Timothy 1:8-10 KJVS
[8] But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; [9] Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, [10] For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
It once again is not said to be homosexuality. Bu who are they who are guilty of sodomy. (Acts against nature as it’s defined. Leviticus 18:22 the wrath of God was revealed from heaven in a very visible and remarkable manner against this abomination, by raining fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah, and upon the cities of the plain, who defiled themselves in this way. Without getting graphic as to what “acts against nature” would be, let’s just say it’s not natural for men to be with men and women to be with women. The manner for which a man and woman come together is a perfect jig saw puzzle that’s not up for debate.
Romans 1:24-27,29 KJVS
[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Let’s get back to Heaven not being a potluck dinner. I’m not sure what’s going to be on the menu our first day in Heaven. But I know in my heart that God’s got that dinner planned just like He planned creation and how it should work. And then mankind messed it up by putting our own ideas into the mix. Our opinions do not matter one iota to God, nor change His mind from the scripture He created as Law. Yes we’re under grace. But grace forgives sin, it doesn’t excuse it. Thank God for grace and peace… and pot luck dinners on this side of Heaven.
