Category: Life Inspiration

Posted in Christian, Church Unity, Forgiveness, Life Inspiration

It could be a Wood Shed Kind of Day

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I had a friend come to me in church on Wednesday night (yes, there is church on Wednesday night 😬) and my friend had great concern about the behaviors of some people in our community. Behaviors of anger and resentment, lashing out at people publicly without consideration for their testimony as a child of God. This person was absolutely broken hearted at what was happening. 

I’m not throwing stones, I’ve been guilty myself at times, but for my sake and the sake of my friend, I’m turning to the only answer that I know to be truth and that is the word of God. 

It’s 1:32 a.m., He woke me up and said, we need to talk, get My word and I’ll meet you there, and so I did. 

I’ve been in Genesis for another reason, so I turned there to start my journey, and low and behold it was there I found the answer as to why people get angry.

Genesis 4:1-6 KJV

And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. [2] And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. [3] And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. [4] And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: [5] But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. [6] And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

The Fallen Countenance

Gil’s commentary says and his countenance fell; the briskness and cheerfulness of his countenance went off, and he looked dejected; and instead of lifting up his face towards heaven; he looked with a down look to the earth; he looked churlish, morose, and sullen, ill natured, full of malice and revenge, and as if he was studying which way to vent it; he knit his brows and gnashed his teeth, put on a surly countenance; and there might be seen in his face all the signs, not only of grief and disappointment, but of rage and fury; though some interpret it of shame and confusion.

Note that the commentary said he first took his eyes off God and placed it on his brother. That will cause a change in countenance every time, good or bad, depending upon your feelings toward the person you’re looking at. I had to do my own soul searching because there are some people who cause my countenance to change when I am in their presence. Why? Because I don’t like the way they treat people. It is then that I have spiritual confusion because God says that vengeance is not mine, it is His, but am I to turn my back on the way these people conduct themselves? That’s a tough question, I am not their judge, but I too will stand before God accountable for how I handle my life.

God knew Cain’s heart long before his countenance changed. It had less to do with his brother than it did with his own pride and the fact he didn’t like the truth. Most people don’t.

There’s no sacrifice in veggies. 

I may be taking it a little too lightly when I say that God didn’t want Cain’s side dish. The blood was always needed to point forward to the blood of Christ that was required to take away the sins of man. God had shown Adam and Eve upon the act of their own sin that blood had to be shed; they no doubt had told their children the story. The best and the first of the flock was required. Just because Cain was a keeper of the flock, didn’t mean he couldn’t have brought a sacrifice to the Lord of a lamb. But his pride got in the way. And that pride took root in his heart and grew into jealousy and hatred for his brother.

There are many things that can cause contention in the hearts of people who disagree. But pride is almost always the root of it. I am right, you are wrong. I am worthy you are not. Personalities clash, opinions and politics divide and good people can lose composure until they have nothing good to say about anyone or anything. That anger may not lead to murder but it certainly destroys. It destroys friendships and it tears at the very spirit of the community. 

In the 1828 Dictionary it defines countenance  – To favor; to encourage by opinion or words. Cain no longer had anything good to say. Even if Cain had brought nothing, it would have been better than to have presented the wrong thing to God. There was no lives lost in the garden for the beans and tomatoes. But Cain could have stood behind his brother and said “I claim the blood!” Praise God so can we. 

In the book of Psalm 42, David speaks of his own countenance when it comes to his suffering with Saul but he uses a song from the days of Moses. If you read the short chapter, the song David sings is of Korah, who was at the head of a conspiracy against Moses and Aaron, for which sin the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed alive him and his company, and fire devoured two hundred and fifty more; the history of which is recorded in Numbers 16:1. David felt the SAME frustration of conspiracy from the treatment he received from Saul. David had supported and defended Saul, but Saul’s pride caused him to resent David to the point of wanting him dead. In that Psalm David wrote:

Psalm 42:5 KJV

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Psalm 42:11 KJV

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

David wasn’t relying on himself to keep his countenance. He knew that God would have to provide the grace to make it through. In the flesh David would have wanted to kill Saul and move on, he was to be King and all would have been justified. But he chose rather to wait in humility for the Lord to provide the way out. It wasn’t a quick fix. It wasn’t that David was a perfect man, he’d had other times of failing miserably, as do we. But this was a time when David waited for the victory of the Lord.

I find it ironic that even though Cain lived in a world that had not been as jaded with sin as the one we now live in, and yet his first reaction was murder. It proves that the depravity of man can be found in anyone. The difference in countenance between Cain and Able was their focus. Cain’s was on self and Abel’s was toward the Lord.  

David said that he would praise God who is the  “health of my countenance”. David chose rather to focus on God than the evil Saul was doing and the hurt it caused to his heart. What David faced was nothing we could even imagine. Nobody is chasing us into a cave to kill us in the United State. And yet in today’s society we behave as though petty differences are the equivalency of it and gives us the right to tear down people and play the role of Saul. We’d much rather pretend that we are David because he was the hero of the story. But is that the case? I really am asking for a friend.

This short study was just a reminder to myself that the flesh does the talking most of the time in my life. If we want to live a successful Holy Spirit filled life we’ve got to begin by taking a serious look at how we’re behaving. I have a feeling if we did, it would be a woodshed kind of day for the most of us. 

Posted in Christian Service, Easter, Life Inspiration

Keeping my life with Jesus in Balance

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It’s a real life struggle to keep my heart and mind in check with my soul. 

I attended a music concert the other night, which was a much appreciated gift from a friend. I don’t want to make light of that because I didn’t take it lightly. I went with an impression in my mind of what type concert it would be, and it was not. It wasn’t bad, parts of it were wonderful, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Especially since I am a Java Junkie, and a person with a tender brain when it comes to loud noises. 

So I humbly returned home, grateful for the gift but not really looking to buy the guys music. It did cause me to ponder the balance in my own life. Going into the Easter Season should always be a week to pause and reflect on how our lives align with the gospel of Christ and assess our relationship with Jesus. 

Job 31:4-6 says   [4] Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? [5] If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; [6] Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. 

If I were to categorize the areas of my life it would be

  1. God
  2. Marriage
  3. Family/Friendships
  4. Ministry
  5. Work

And under each category would be sub categories. 

  1. God (Time in the Word, Prayer, Conversation)
  2. Marriage (Relationship, Partnership, Prayer and Finances) 
  3. Family/Friendships (Relationships, Awareness, Prayer)
  4. Ministry (Evangelizing, Service, Prayer)
  5. Work (Commitment, Stewardship, Prayer)

As I write those words, I know my families in each category and subcategory. But I believe that in taking a moment in time to reflect on these matters it will help me go into the Easter weekend with a prepared heart.

Let’s look at each of those categories in the shadow of Job 31:4-6

What are the steps I’m taking to Draw Closer to God through each of the Categories. Whether or not they are spiritual or secular doesn’t matter. But it does matter what role God plays in each one. 

That was my issue with the concert… I went for spiritual edification and left hungry. There was too much world and not enough Jesus. 

How are my Ways?

When it comes to each of my points how am I stepping in each of the relevant areas. Is God leading me? Am I in His Word, shoring up my Spirit in a way that gives me confidence to make the right decisions in my life? Am I communicating with God dual directionally? Meaning am I talking to Him and Listening to Him? I talk much, but my listening skills have never been good if I’m honest. And how is God reflected in my marriage, family/friends, ministry and career. Is God guiding my steps in those places as well so that my ways are His ways? I have to tell you, when it comes to anything outside of my relationship with the Lord Himself, it is not uncommon for me to take off walking alone. 

How is my Walk?

Am I walking in vanity and deceit? I have to tell you that this one hit me pretty hard when I think of my attitude towards “stuff” and the desire to have more of it, my concept of what I should take far more serious when dealing with friends and family and how I should be more aware of what’s happening around me that might effect their relationship with God. It is so easy to be deceived by this world that there are things that matter and things that don’t and there are things that matter far more than I am paying attention to them. 

How is my Weight?

Let’s not talk about how much I physically weigh, that is definitely something that needs attention! But let’s consider how we’re going to be weighed in the balance as Job describes. Do we have the understanding of how we align with God’s holiness? That is the weight that God’s going to weigh us by. How does our lives weigh in comparison to God’s design for our lives. I have to think about it like this… If God put all my work for Him on one side of the scale, and my work in the world that had no eternal value on the other side of the scale, how would it work out for me. 

For me that is a question that I fear the answer…

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

What Did You Think Was Going to Happen?

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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, Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

The Wicked Can’t Steal what’s not on Earth!

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My daughter calls me her “moral compass.” I am given that title not because I’m so good, but because I try to live by the Word of God. Trust me when I tell you, I’m a failure most days. But my God is not. Which is Who I rely on when my daughter needs me to be her moral compass. I don’t tell her what Shari would do, because in my flesh, I might do something worse. But God will never fail to provide the advice we need when answers fail our earthly wisdom. 

Psalm 37:37-40

[37] Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. [38] But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. [39] But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. [40] And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

The Perfect Man

There is none perfect, but Jesus Christ. So when the Bible says “perfect” it’s not referring to sin free, but blameless in a situation. There is a sect of people in most every community that love being in the midst of trouble and pride themselves in making the lives of someone miserable. I don’t understand the mindset. I especially don’t understand it when they claim to be a child of God.

The Psalmist tells us to “mark” the perfect man. Take note of that person that is walking in the ways of Christ because that way is how we ourselves find peace. This morning as I lie in bed and write these words in the wee hours of the morning, such a man came to mind. A preacher who had brought me through a hard time and encouraged my soul when the saved had just about buried me. The saved? Yes! God’s people, who for whatever reason felt they were doing what was right and in the process had me beaten as low as I could get. They were not mean to my face, they were not even “mean” to my back, but because I disagreed with their doctrine, they hung me out to dry and prayed that I would blow away. And so I did. But those were people that I had earlier marked as “perfect.” Not perfect people, but walking in the ways of Christ in such a manner that I wanted to follow their example.

So what changed? In them, I really don’t know. Perhaps they were not as good as I had once thought, or perhaps that just went off the rails, but praise God, someone still on that train to Glory got me back in line. If you’re struggling, find that conductor of glory!

The Imperfect Man

The Psalmist tells us in verse 38 that the day of the wicked is coming when God will take care of them. And the Apostle Paul tell us in Romans 16:17 to mark them as well. 

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Paul doesn’t tell us to retaliate, he tells us to simply “mark them.” Just as we’re not to puff up those who are living for God, meaning to put more emphasis on them, but rather mark them as an example of how we too should live. But the evil, we need to mark and avoid them. That is wonderful advice. And advice that I do not always heed. I sometimes mark them and rehash their ill intent to the point that vengeance is in the forethought of my mind, knowing that God does not intend it to be so. 

Oh, I’m imperfect!

This was a struggle this past week when people set their sights on a few people in my life and my fleshly reaction was to mark them and think, “I’ll get my chance to nail you one of these days.” And then those “nails” in the cross came to mind when Jesus said “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” The people in Jesus’ day and the people in my world knew that what they were doing pleased their flesh. It made them feel powerful and in control. But the reality of it was, they were in God’s sights. 

When I think about God turning His back on Christ as He hung there on the cross, I can’t imagine why. Until I think about God’s power and strength and what His reaction may have been as He watched His Son suffer the death of crucifixion. What power it would have taken as  He looked on at the anguish mankind had inflicted on Christ, Who was literally dying for their sins. He could have wiped the earth clean of them all. That’s probably what I would have done. But God allowed it, because every single person on the earth was flawed, and filled with sin. They had no concept of being sin free and attempted to destroy He who was sin free because of the conviction they felt at His words. 

Is it any different today? Tell someone they’re wrong and see if you’ve made a new friend.

The Perfected Man

We’ll never be perfect, but through the Spirit of God we have the strength to overcome the flesh.

[39] But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. [40] And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Isn’t the love of God amazing. That even though we are no better than any one sinner on earth, through His righteousness He sees us as perfectly sin free. And He’ll not only deliver us from the wicked but He’ll give us that perfect peace that the world tries to steal, because we simply trust in Him. We don’t deserve it any more than the most wicked person on earth. But God in His Holiness cleans us and sits us on the side of Heaven. 

The wicked cannot steal what is not on earth to have. True peace comes only from God and cannot be found nor stolen by earthly measures. Buddy that’ll preach!!!! Have a blessed day.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Seeking Good in the Midst of the Very Bad Days

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There’s a quote that people say when something bad happens in life, ~ “It left a bad taste in my mouth.” The polar opposite of that is found in Psalm 34, when David said in verse 8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” At the time this was written, David had just fled from Saul. A man called to be King, chosen by God, a servant of servants and yet he finds himself under attack and on the run for no other reason than King Saul’s fear of losing power; which David, though he was entitled to it, had no desire to take. David fled into the enemy territory of Gath, the home of Goliath whom he slew. Saul’s fury was so great that David felt safer in the land of the enemy than at home… but he was far from safe.

As a child of God in America, allegedly the “Home of the Free,” there are days I feel somewhat like David. I love my country and the foundation for which we stand, I have respect for authority and no desire to overthrow the government, and yet with the economy in such a state, the attack on the Word of God and the embracing of the vulgarity in society I too want to run into the house of God for refuge. David wasn’t afforded a house of any kind for refuge but rather in the cave Adullam.

I Samuel 22:1-2 ~  David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

And in the cave of Adullam, David is joined by four hundred misfits just like him and he is on a strange new training ground preparing him for leadership of Israel, “And it tastes good.”

It tasted good because he “spoke good” 

David said in verse one “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Praise encourages the soul and blesses God, Who, by the way, won’t be out-blessed. Proverbs 28:20a says “A faithful man shall abound with blessings…” I fully believe that those men who were in distress, debt and discontent were drawn to David because he encouraged their souls too. If you’re in trouble spiritually or emotionally the last thing you need to do is hook up with a negative Nellie. Find yourself a faithful servant of God who speaks good of “all” circumstances and you’ll find yourself encouraged in the journey.

It tasted good because he “shared good”

Verse 3 ~  O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. David and that ragtag bunch of men were in that cave under attack and they were having a Worship Service. If it were not for the fellowship of like believers I’d be in trouble; and by like I mean they too have a desire to serve God and are focused on the purpose of God. We encourage one another, we share the goodness of God, not the corruptness of the world. We have negative people within the congregation, but I love on’em and move on. Scripture says magnify the Lord, not Lucifer.

It tasted good because he “sought good”

Verse 10 ~ The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

David sought good in his circumstances. He knew God allowed him to be in that place, at the time for a purpose and the same is true with the condition we’re in. (or the Country we’re in). As frustrated as I get with Washington, there is no other place I’d rather be than here. I still have the freedom to worship. God is King and Ruler in my world.

I have a desire to be a greater leader in 2024. I want to encourage the believers and I can think of no better way than to study those who God used. David’s words to his men are words I’m taking to heart today and sharing with you:

Verse 11-14 ~ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Speak good (guard your mouth), see good (guard your eyes), do good (Let God guide your work)…. Wise words. 

Posted in Fear, Leadership, Life Inspiration

BRAVERY IS JUST GOOD SENSE

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In the foyer of First Baptist Church, the children’s Sunday School Class left a small basket of wood stars with a word engraved on them. We were instructed as we left the church to pick a word that we were to focus on for the year. My Word was “BRAVE.” And the scripture reference on the star was Matthew 2:10-12.

Matthew 2:10-12

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. [11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. [12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

I could see where bravery would play the part of wisemen, who were warned of God that they should go another direction home to prevent Herod from finding them.There are lots of misgivings about the wisemen. It is said that they are probably not Kings at all but rather astrologists from Persia or Babylon. I know just enough to be dangerous about them, but I do know this, they were willing to listen to God’s warning and understand that not listening would come with a high price. Bravery is often times just good sense. While some bravery comes with risk taking and not using good sense, for the average joe, or king, it just means using the good sense provided by the discernment and advice of the Lord. The wisemen were spoken to in a dream, ours comes from the Holy Spirit. 

So they wise men traveled quite a distance at the urging of the Lord to visit with a child. To be a part of this miraculous story of the Savior Who came to earth. They did not take the power of an unknown child for granted. God will use the most unlikely of people to deliver His message. That message for the wisemen was salvation had come. Not as the world wanted it, but as God prepared it.  

My second point of my study on Bravery came from a weekend sermon by a preacher friend who preached from the book of Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; [3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

I can imagine the bravery it took of Isaiah to proclaim the words of the Lord. Much of his news from the Lord also came as a warning that there were some bad things going to happen. Isaiah brought the word of judgement and restoration. The Lord had sent him to preach to the meek. Those who had been persecuted a belittled by those in authority. Sound like anything happening today? What about people wrongfully imprisoned? While these may or may not be Christian people, God hates the arrogance, lawlessness and the pride of the oppressors. He hated it in Isaiah’s day and He hates it in ours. And just as God brought judgment upon His own people, we have to hold on to the notion that God will bring it again. But how many will be caught up in it all because there were few Isaiah’s sharing the message?

That’s where my mind is today. God always seems to be calling me to share that message and then take action on it. We cannot just sit on our keyboards and preach, but we have to proclaim the word of God. 

I did a word search for the word “brave” which appears only one time in the King James Version and that too is from the book of Isaiah. Chapter 3, verse 18 

In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet,

Three very different texts, but one very important message for the children of God.

In this chapter Isaiah says that the Lord is going to remove the bravery. Why would He do that? I believe it’s because there is a really fine line between bravery and arrogance. If you read the entire chapter of Isaiah 3, there is far more reality than most of us can handle.

Isaiah 3:1-5 KJV

For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, [2] The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, [3] The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. [4] And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. [5] And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable.

Tell me this isn’t describing our Nation’s current status. Have you noticed the dwindling of supplies? That what a “stay” is. We have issues with agriculture, water and the basic necessities across the land. We have children who are running the adults in their homes, businesses and schools. Behaving proudly against the ancient. I cannot count the times I wanted to lay hands on a child for their behavior toward an elder. And nobody dare say anything to them for fear of judgement. 

Isaiah 3:8-9 KJV

For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory. [9] The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

You cannot currently flip through the television channels, scroll social media or search for any innocent word that does not provide a glimpse into the most vile, sinful, sexual things in this world. Of all the children I know, which are a lot, I know very few that have not been exposed to Sodom and Gomorrah up close and personal. The world around us proudly declares their sin without shame. “Woe unto their soul!” God says. 

But if I say that, I’m a judgmental church woman looking down my nose at someone else. No! I’m a mother and grandmother, teacher of the Word for God keeps hearing “Be brave Shari, tell them about Jesus and why it was really a big deal to those kings who visited Him as a child. Tell these parents to stay up against the arrogance of their children who really just want stability in their home and the security of parents that they know will defend them.”

I have such a burden for parents who have been deceived into believing that if they tell their children the world is a liar, DHHR is going to take their children away. You better believe when judgement comes theres going to be some DHHR at the head of the line. I’d like to come unglued on some of those who are telling parents not to squelch the creativity of a child who believes they’re another gender or another creature or teachers paid by County tax dollars who feel they have the right to influence a child against the Christian beliefs their parents were trying to instill. A teacher who can hang a gay pride flag in the class room but not a Christian flag. 

When I first got saved I would read the Old Testament and think, “How could a loving God kill so many people?” And now I look at the influence of people on my children and grandchildren and it makes perfect sense how a Holy God could stop sin in it’s tracks. That’s harsh isn’t it. Well so is your child going to Hell. But these people who believe in these far left notions are doing exactly that to our children and parents are sitting on their hands without a clue how to stop it. 

We stop it by standing up and saying “that’s enough,” And if we have to we take our children out of the public school system and find an alternative. I know that’s not always possible. And when it’s not, we talk to our children every day about what they’ve been told at school and we correct the errors. 

The women in verse 18, and the text that follows ends up sending a stench toward Heaven with their pride, arrogance, and showmanship. God wants His people to live a life as holy as possible in the wicked world. I am personally so far from holy its ridiculous. Every day this world takes it’s toll on me. But the word “Brave” doesn’t mean perfect. Praise God for that. It just means to have courage in the face of adversity. Even when that adversity is sometimes your own. 

Isaiah 3:18-26 KJV

In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, [19] The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, [20] The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, [21] The rings, and nose jewels, [22] The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, [23] The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. [24] And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. [25] Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. [26] And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.

Posted in Christian, Life Inspiration

The One Thing

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

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

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

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

Why is that man’s mentality?

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

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

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

THE CONVERSATION

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

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

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

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

THE CONSULTATION

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

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

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

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

THE CONVICTION

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

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

THE CONVERSION

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

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

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

Posted in joy, Leadership, Life Inspiration

You’re A Part of Something Big!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on You’re A Part of Something Big!

In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth. ~ Genesis 1:1

That’s all I needed to read this morning before my heart began to stir with the realization that I was a part of something much, much bigger. It often dumbfounds me the way way that God has allowed me to be used. I didn’t do anything to deserve it. I fail Him to the point that I feel like He should write me off. I was an odd child and I’m even odder as an adult, yet… He still uses me. 

In studying the word of God this morning I travel a little further into the Old Testament to the history of the tribe of the Levites. The least among the children of Israel, numbering only 22,000. The tribe that God set aside for his own use, serving specific duties for the Israelites as well as educational responsibilities. And in return for their service, God expected the other tribes to support their efforts for singing and playing music in the temple, serving as guards and other duties in the service of God. God could have chosen some of all the tribes to take care of His work, but He chose only the Levites. He said in  Numbers 3:12

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

I felt that way this morning as I read His word and thought about the responsibility God had placed on my life as a writer, speaker, singer, teacher, all in the service of the King. All of which I fail miserably. I am the least of who God should have chosen to serve Him, yet, just as Be said of the Levites, it was His choice. He created us. Yes, we are products of our parent’s love as physical beings, but not the soul. Not that which connects with God. 

When God created the Heaven and the Earth He created a purpose. He wasn’t sitting in eternity have arts and craft with His angelic creations, He specifically designed the earth and all that resides on it with purpose. I cannot help but share my favorite verse in Jeremiah 1:5 where God tells us:

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Of course in that verse He is speaking to Jeremiah, but the God of Jeremiah is the God of Shari too! And before I was in my momma’s womb, God knew me. The soul that is within me has met God and I too have purpose. Although all of Israel were God’s chosen vessels, he selected this smaller group to do the Spiritual work on earth. 

As I prepare my heart his Sunday morning for church, I can’t help but think of what a service would have looked like for the Levites in those early days and how most of that has changed, but some has not. Worship has never stopped being an integral part of the Lord’s Day experience. 

An Attitude of Gratitude

Colossians 3:15-17 KJV

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

What a joy to serve in the Kingdom of God. To sing, teach and encourage the body of Christ. While most do not serve in what we deem “full time” ministry how can we call it anything but? If, as children of God, we understand our role, whether that is to serve at the physical church, or serve as the church body in the jobs or in other secular roles, we should recognize that we are called just as the Levites were. What a privilege to serve the Creator. He who created Heaven and Earth. Just as He spoke the world into existence, He spoke purpose into your soul. Isn’t that an amazing thought?! Be grateful you are chosen.

A Vision with Provision

When God set the Levites aside, he ordered Moses to have the remainder of the children of Israel to provide for the Levites everything they needed to survive. If they were going to be in charge of the services of God, He was going to provide their food, their money, their daily essential needs and the provision of all things Spiritual and physical. He would give them the vision they needed to serve the Spiritual needs of the God’s children and in return the children would provide for them. 

Sharing the word of God isn’t a job to be taken lightly. I doubt the Levites were celebrating the “easy” days that were ahead. No, think about what they went through as time and time again,  Israel strayed away from God’s intended purpose. The Levites were those whom God had trusted to share the Word of God and conduct services. But Israel at various times were out serving gods made by hands and giving sacrifices of children and other wicked and vile behavior. I cannot fathom what those servants of God would have done realizing how wicked God’s chosen had become under their watch care? Is it any different today for the leaders of the church? 

Where is the vision? 

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

We’re not under the law, but the law is not void. And those who study and try to live the word of God, are happy! Another provision of being an obedient child of God is happiness. It’s not derived from physical things, but rather spiritual.  However, serving God is not a bed of roses and there is an expectation that leaders lead. Many do. But many don’t. They missed the memo from God that said they were responsible for keeping God’s original vision alive and exciting. 

Put the Dead to Bed

Luke 9:59-62 KJV

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [60] Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. [61] And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. [62] And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Jesus wasn’t being rude when He told the man to let the dead bury the dead. He did not mean for us not to take care of family matters. But He meant that there were priorities in life, and the number one priority is the Kingdom of God. Nothing on this earth matters without that in the forefront. Because without eternal life, this short life is a blip on the radar screen and the remainder of eternity spent in the fires of Hell for those who don’t know Christ. 

This is why we need to put dead religion to bed and start living our life to the fullest as children of God. Sharing the salvation of Jesus Christ, first and foremost! Serving in the houses of God in the manner that God intended with worship, passion gratitude for the opportunity. 

In the beginning God created the Heavens and earth.

In the middle Christ created wisdom of the Spirit to lead us

In the end times God will recreate the original plan 

In the eternal life we’ll understand it all and it’s going to be BIG!

God is Good. I pray you have a church that is ALIVE & WELL this morning. 

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration, Praise, Purpose, salvation, Word of God, worship

Weird Dreams, Limousines and what it Means

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Weird Dreams, Limousines and what it Means

I am a vivid dreamer; when I’m awake and when I’m asleep. But those that are dreamt when I am asleep are often so bizarre! Come to think of it… some of those that I have concocted when I’m awake are pretty strange too. I most always recall my dreams and this morning was no different, however, the dreams are not always of a spiritual nature, but this one for certain was.

Last night’s dream left me perplexed about the many spiritual connotations. The setting was a Gaither Concert in my home town. Wouldn’t that be wonderful! The physical location kept changing in my dream. It began at my new church, First Baptist Church of Grantsville, but it was an expanded building. The venue was packed and the Spirit was amazing! But then the location visual changed to a gymnasium and later to a family picnic. I warned you my dreams were weird. As the concert progressed, the attendance lessened as well as spirit. The characters of the dream changed as well. The people in the beginning were Spirit filled friends and family who were enjoying the concert being performed by the original Gaither group that I have loved since salvation. The people were praising God and I could hear them singing the songs that give glory bumps!  But then the performers changed to less or even unknown singers, the music became traditional hymns (which I love when sang with feeling) but these were being sung as though it was the funeral of heathen. It was sad! 

The next setting was the picnic where many of my family, who have gone on to glory were attending. It was so nice to see them all and we were having a great time! 

But the final scene was on a dirt road with family friends who were in a pearl colored stretch limousine service in NYC on a dirt road and I was looking to go to their house for some reason.

As strange as that is, I’ve had weirder dreams. But none that left me pondering life the way this one did. 

I don’t believe that the dream was prophetic however it did take my mind into the spiritual condition of mankind. When I say the dream was vivid and detailed, I mean right down to even the attitudes of the characters. As the desire of the people to hear the music lessened, their attitudes became apathetic, until at the end they had no idea why I had been excited to begin with. They were even questioning what salvation was.

My heart broke. These were people that I cared about.

And then I woke up, let the dog out, fixed me a cup of coffee and began to write it down with purpose. It seemed important to document. 

“You’ll Get Over It.”

That’s what someone told my dearest friend Doyle Ballengee when he was first saved. He was so excited about his new life in Christ Jesus when a rigid, stiff necked believer told him “you’ll get over it.” With a sparkle in his eye, Doyle told me, “I never did!” In his seventies he was the most exciting Christian I had ever known. I met with him often for lunch at his home in town after his wife passed away. He would fix me the best beef stew and we’d have bible study as we met at his kitchen table. Praise God, I’ve not gotten over it either, and I owe much of my excitement to those who discipled me in the beginning. 

That was the spirit of the people at the beginning of my dream. When the Gaither’s sang there were hands lifted and people praising and you knew you were in church! I remember going to my first Gaither concert as a new convert and thinking… this has got to be close to what heaven is like. Thousands of people, being kind to one another, glorifying God and enjoying life. It’s ironic that the last Gaither concert I attended left me saddened by some of the attitudes of the people. At that time I was done making the effort for others who didn’t appreciate the effort I made. They too had obviously gotten over it. 

The Spirit Was the First to Go

The gymnasium concert was when my dream began to go south. People were walking out on the concert. I felt sorry for the singers, but my second thought was “Well, if you had sung it like you meant it, the people might not have left.” The music was dry. It was the lesser known hymns being sung without feeling, almost as if they were one step above recitation. Good grief, my stomach just rolled over!

Is that not many in the church today? It is those that would say to the excited new covert, “you’ll get over it” because they have. They no longer rejoice in the Spirit of God and He has left the building. I questioned whether I should write that. It’s offensive to think that God does not want to be in some churches. Even with His saved people. But they are deader than a hammer, so dead in fact that they don’t realize they died. The Spirit is waiting to be renewed but they’re too busy proving that they’re right. 

They showed up. They went through the motions. They went home and nothing changed. If that’s the case in your church, either change it or run to one that leaves you better than when you got there and makes you concerned for souls. The Apostle Paul told young Timothy:

2 Timothy 4:3-5 KJV

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. [5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Our work is the work of an evangelist. Whether or not you are the preacher, you should be concerned for the souls of this world, especially friends and family. And if you’re not, what you’re listening to may be interesting, but it’s not doing what God wanted the word to do.

The Spirit Moves the People to Go

2 Timothy 4:6-16 KJV

[6] For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. [9] Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: [10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. [11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. [12] And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. [13] The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. [14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: [15] Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. [16] At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

I don’t know for certain, if any, significance of that stretch limousine in my dream. Other than the fact that it was really out of place on that dirt road. The people who were in it, were the ones who looked at me like I had three heads when I told them of salvation. They’d been at the concert unmoved, and now they were unchanged and it was breaking my heart. That pretty pearl colored limousine was a pretty ride, but it wasn’t taking them to where I wanted to go. 

Paul’s departing words to Timothy hit me hard this morning. He tells the young preacher of the rewards coming to all who “love His appearing.” So many churches don’t even preach His appearing. Paul then tells Timothy to come and visit going further to say that there were people who let him down. I get that. 

For those in the ministry if you have not been hurt by someone in the ministry, you’ve likely not been serving very long. Paul even called those out who did. So could I, but I’ll not. Paul also told of those who ministered with him. It’s more important to acknowledge that and encourage them but it’s equally necessary to realize when there are people who discourage you that you mark them and move on.

In the parable of the wedding guests, Jesus said this

Luke 14:7-11 KJV

And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, [8] When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; [9] And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. [10] But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. [11] For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

In the final act of my dream, the limousine reminded me that my little Kia Soul that I call the “Soul Seeker” may be a humbler ride (which, by the way, needs prayer) but it is far better to sit in a humbler place, than to sit where you don’t belong. 

Posted in Life Inspiration

Don’t Let the Heat of Life’s Battles Overwhelm You

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Ephesians 6:16 KJV
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

This has been the first of a new chapter in the life of my husband and I. His retirement. Not mine… I need the work for sanity, but for him, he was to the point of physical and mental exhaustion to the degree I have never witnessed in someone that I love. I would watch as he came home from work and collapsed onto the couch and fall asleep within seconds. In his latter days as the Chief of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department (from which he retired as well) I would watch him leave with the adrenaline flowing, but come back from a scene with the life flowing out of him from exhaustion, frustration and mental fatigue that was so disheartening. He had lived and breathed rescue for thirty years. But no more. It was someone else’s turn.

I’ve seen that same result in ministry workers. But, I’ve also seen the power of God in the lives of others who went home to be with Jesus with as much passion for the fight as they had in the beginning. Please Jesus, let that be the case with me. It’s why it’s so important to stay in the word of God, at every opportunity, be it in reading, worshipping, listening and spending time with God’s people and in His service.

This came to my mind this morning when I read Ephesians 6:16 and seen a bible journaling image of a fire extinguisher. Fire is a scary element if you’ve ever witnessed it on a fire scene. This past week I had two house fires that I covered for the news. The one came in the middle of the night without warning and almost took the lives of two people. The second fire was deliberate, set by a man not in his right mind, who had likely just killed his wife and then set the house on fire and killed himself. The illustration of those fires can be viewed in a spiritual sense so very easily.

Ephesians 6:16 KJV
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

I’m not sure where this fire started, but if I were guessing I would say it began in the attic of the house. The couple retired for the evening without a thought toward what was happening outside of their scope of vision. All seemed well. Until it wasn’t. Isn’t that the case with life? Everything just seems to be going along swimmingly, and then without warning the bottom drops out of our world. Whether it’s a physical, financial or emotional crisis, the fire is set, out of control, and we’re either chasing it to put it out, or it’s chasing us. How can extinguish something so powerful?

What’s not visible in this photo is a small but powerful fan that the Volunteer Fire Department put at the front door of the house. It was a positive pressure fan that is specially designed to use positive airflow to remove heat, smoke and products of combustion from a structure on a fire scene, allowing firefighters to get a better chance at putting out the fire and advancing into a building for victim rescue. Praise God the victims were not in the house.

When a life crisis occurs, I don’t understand how the unsaved cope. But I know how I can cope, it’s by knowing that the Holy Spirit is going before me attacking anything that has the potential to do me harm. It’s not that I won’t feel the heat of the battle, or that the smoke may not allow me to physically see what’s coming at me. But I know that God has it under control, and I’ll be okay. I may lose “stuff” but I will never lose what matters. My soul is in tact. My future is in tact. God’s got me covered. Those fiery darts that Satan has thrown my direction are being quenched by my shield of faith. He didn’t promise me I’d never be afraid, but He did promise that He would calm my fears. Just like the air from that fan, the breath of the Holy Spirit breaths on the smoke and flames around me and I’m ready to be rescued. Glory to God I just wrote myself happy!

That fire scene was not a happy scene. It was heartbreaking. But the most important thing on the scene were the two lives that were spared.

The second scene fire was eerily insignificant as I arrived on scene. I didn’t know what had taken place. I could see the smoke, but little evidence of fire. I didn’t know that around the corner of the house laid a suicide victim. Or inside the house was woman possibly murdered. The fire was set by the homeowner. He knew it was coming. I realize this seems somewhat morbid of a discussion. But it’s gut wrenching to know that something was totally preventable, if only God had been allowed to be in control. I don’t know why this domestic situation happened. My heart breaks for the family. But the illustration still reminds me that we all control our destiny to a certain degree. We decide whether or not we are going to fight the elements of the fire, or embrace it.

If the Holy Spirit is within you, you know when it’s time to get yourself as far from that situation as you can and allow God to intervene. To get behind the shield of faith so that when the enemy attacks, he can’t hit you.

My husband David knew he was at the point in his career that the fires of life were going to consume him if he did not leave the situation. He had fought the battle long enough.

But what about the ministry battles? Is there ever a time to walk away? I think there is for certain a time to regroup. But not to walk out on God. Retirement for the child of God is God’s call. When He calls us home, we’re done. Until then, we’re to stay in the battle and allow the Spirit of God to bring us through every battle.

I’m so thankful and proud of my husband’s contributions to the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department and his decades of work for the Town of Grantsville. But I’m so grateful that life doesn’t end with our retirement of worldly endeavors… God’s got plans. Amen!