Posted in Life Inspiration, Political, salvation, Uncategorized

Whether or not they believe…

Written by talk2shari Published November 18, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

John 10

²²And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

²³And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

²⁴Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Dedicated to Religion

Always a scary thought for me. The Jews were celebrating the miraculous victory and deliverance from the Greco-Syrian control. A time when the Greco-Syrian king took control of the Temple in Jerusalem and forced the Jewish people to abandon their worship of God, their holy customs and reading of the Torah. He made them bow down to the Greek gods and according to the records, this King Antiochus IV defiled the Temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar and spilling its blood on the holy scrolls of Scripture.

As a result of the severe persecution and pagan oppression, a group of four Jewish brothers, led by Judah Maccabee, decided to raise up an army of religious freedom fighters. These men of fierce faith and loyalty to God became known as the Maccabees. The small band of warriors fought for three years with “strength from heaven” until achieving a miraculous victory and deliverance from the Greco-Syrian control. The Feast of Dedication is also known as Hanukah.

The Jewish leaders loved history and tradition, but it was the new non-traditional ideas that they had an issue with; like the fact that God had a new plan and it didn’t involve religion, but rather relationship. The Jews had regained possession of the temple, but lost possession of God’s purpose.

Deviated to Reception

The Jews swerved away from the notion that there would be a new way.

²⁵Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

²⁶But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

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

Jesus had come to give a freedom that would remove the Jewish Priests control over the relationship with God and His children. No longer would there be a need to have multiple intercessors on earth, but through Christ Jesus we would have direct communication to the throne room of Heaven; this doesn’t sit well with religion or anyone else who likes complete control of the circumstances of life.

The victory and restoration of the temple began when four Jewish brothers had had enough. I see a little Greco-Syrian tactics going on in our own government today when at every turn they are removing Christian rights and allowing pagan rights to rule. It seems that Christ is no more welcome on Capitol Hill than He was in the temple that day. The Jewish leaders tolerated Him, but they really would just rather have Him gone so that they could once again have full control over the people. The religious leaders didn’t win their battle any more than those who try to thwart Christianity today will succeed.

Destined to Redemption

²⁸And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

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

³⁰I and my Father are one.

We may have to fight a few battles of our own before Christ comes to claim the church and take us home. But whether or not Capitol Hill believes on Christ, they cannot control the relationship that God has with His people. Glory Hallelujah for that!

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration, salvation

Quick Wit and Slow Ears

Written by talk2shari Published November 17, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

I do not know exactly how God placed the Holy Spirit within my heart, I only know that one day I was feeling hopeless and alone and the next day I found myself sitting in a church that I didn’t want to be in, listening to a preacher I didn’t want to hear, and obeying a whisper from without that would soon be within. And almost 19 years later that whisper still resonates in my soul, bringing a joy that I never thought possible. If you too are saved then you “get” what I just said, if you are not saved (meaning you’ve never accepted what Jesus Christ did for you) then you think I’m a babbling idiot; and that’s okay. Read on either way!

John 6:63-64

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

Funny thing about God, none of us fool Him.

Quick Wit

When the Holy Spirit quickeneth a soul, He brings to life that which was dead. That which we didn’t even realize was dead. Nobody threw a funeral, it was just born that way. As we grow up we begin knowing right from wrong and there are conscious decisions being made every day. Do I tell my parents that I broke it, or do I sweep it up and throw it in the trash, hoping they’re none the wiser? Do I study, or cheat? Do I drive fast or like I’ve got some sense? Those are decisions made with the conscience, it knows what’s right. And so do we, but we have the will to choose what’s wrong. This for me is the part of the evolution theory that has me asking those who believe it “How can you be so smart, and yet be so dumb?” How can a “bang” create a conscience, love, passion, desire, etc. etc. etc.? A bang cannot. Only God can. We are born with quick wit. A toddler knows when Mommy and Daddy say no, they shouldn’t do it again… but they have to try.

The first Non-Profit

The flesh profiteth nothing, meaning it’s no better for having made a right decision; for tomorrow it might make a wrong one if it thinks that it’s more advantageous to do so. It gains nothing in Heaven by having made the right decision, although it may gain in the world because of it. We grow up thinking that the riches of this world are the prize, only to discover that rich or poor, heartache is the same and there is a missing piece of our heart that is never satisfied with the world.

The Life of the Party!

We’d like to live life in the party zone where everything is happy and care free but life happens. We have misfortune, we lose people we love, we’re angry, sad, broken and distraught a great many days, but there can be a party in your soul even in the midst of those times if you have the Holy Spirit within you.

John wrote “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.”

Whether or not you believe in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, I believe that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you right now either from within your soul if you believe, or from without if you do not. I believe that because the Lord led me to this passage this morning and said write, and His work never goes unfinished.

In 1996 He spoke to my soul and said… “You need saved or you’re going to Hell.” This morning He speaks to my soul and says write, it’s time to share the party! Life is only complete with Jesus Christ. If you have Him, perhaps you’re like me and you’re not allowing Him to work in your life to His full potential. He has so much in store for us if we’d only spend more time listening and less time “doing.” He gave me quick wit… I have slow ears. What’s He’s telling you today?

Posted in Grace, Life Inspiration, salvation

7 Things About Getting to Heaven

Written by talk2shari Published October 5, 2014October 5, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

I love God’s Word. Old Testament or New Testament, it matters not to me because there are such awesome truths lying on the pages just waiting to jump out at you like family at a surprise party! It’s fun when God reveals His plan a gain. It’s the story that never gets old, the one about going to Heaven, the one I long to talk about from the other side. This morning in Isaiah as I read His word there was that wonderful promise again!

Isaiah 55

Its Free

55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

It is for certain that the Old Testament conceals what the New Testament reveals. Isaiah (whose name means “The Lord Saves”) began his ministry around 740 BC long before Jesus came into the picture. Yet the promise is there in his words about the final sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son was the only payment worthy of our entrance into an eternity. A Holy God could accept nothing but a Holy Sacrifice, so His own sinless Son became the payment for us to enter Heaven. There’s only one catch and it’s pretty simple, accept it. He built you the finest mansion and prepared you a banquet of delicacies unimaginable and ask only that you confess that He paid for it with His life.

It Fulfills

55:2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Even after salvation, when we find the one thing that satisfies our every longing we still try to buy happiness or expect to find it in someone. Though we need a roof over our head, clothes on our backs and water food in our bellies to survive, all else is optional. Jesus said in Matthew 6:30-34~

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

It’s Forever

55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Forever is hard for us to imagine when the earth is so temporal, and promises are so easily broken. But not so in Heaven… God’s covenant (promise) is evident in His word, as your read prophecy after prophecy that has been fulfilled. The more you read, the more you understand and look forward to the forever that is filled with the goodness of God.

Follow Jesus

55:4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

Jesus wasn’t on earth in the Old Testament and He’s not on earth now, but He has always been present in the lives of His people and the plan little by little was disclosed until the revealing of it when Christ came in the form of a man. He walked among them, they witnessed His miracles, they seen His death and were there for the resurrection. Hundreds of people witnessed it and we’re still witnessing His work today in the lives of people who set the example we’re to follow.

I’m Family

55:5Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

The Jewish Nation is and always will be God’s chosen people, but those He knew not as His own (that’s us!) the gentiles, He has accepted into His family. How awesome is that!

I’m Found!

55:6Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

I was lost, yet the Bible says that He may be found. I think we’re given opportunity after opportunity to accept God’s Son as our Savior, but this verse is a warning that you can continue to get farther and farther away by rejecting Him until He can’t be found. I’m so glad that in 1996 I accepted His salvation and that His mercy was extended another day.

I’m Forgiven

55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

There’s nothing quite like the squeaky clean feeling you get when the sins of the past are lifted from your shoulders. Every mistake you’ve ever made, every regret… gone! Life’s still not perfect, but knowing that forever my mistakes are covered by the blood of Jesus that He shed on Calvary so that I might have eternal life with Him it a “Wow!” feeling every day. It’s unimaginable what God has in store for His children.

I heard once that “We live far beneath our means.” And while that’s likely true, I think there must be a humility that comes into our minds when we understand just how unworthy we are to be called a child of God. The Creator of all. That’s why verse 55:8 really sums it up.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

Eternal Security: Praise God He Has the key

Written by talk2shari Published August 21, 2014August 21, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

There is much debate of eternal security, and while I’ll not debate it with you, I’m persuaded to share it with you today. Turn me off if you will, it’s okay, we’ll talk to God about it later. I was reminded last night that salvation is in the heart of the believer not in the mind of the conceiver. It doesn’t matter whether or not I think you’re saved, it matters whether or not you are, and that, my friend, is between you and Almighty God.

I only know what I know… Satan is a liar and a loser! If he tells me once a day, he tells me twenty that I’m lost. He’ll discourage me at every turn because I fall to the flesh and am not what I should be, so how is it that I know that I’m so certain I have an eternal home in Glory? Because as Paul wrote to my Brother in Christ Timothy in his letter:

2 Timothy 1:12 King James Version (KJV)

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

It would be a sad reality if I were in charge of my destiny, I can’t even keep track of my car keys! I know that I’m a child of God because He bears witness to my soul, speaking great peace in the hour of struggle, bringing His word into my mind as if it’s on a flip chart in my head… “This is what you need today, Shari….” And it always is! We walk and talk just as sure I do with co-workers and friends, He’s very real. So how do I justify in my head that a blatant sinner is saved?

It’s tough. I’ll not lie in that regards. My only solace is that I know what I did to get saved… I accepted what Christ did so that I could be saved. That’s it. I did nothing, He did it all. I know I’ve sinned since that day of salvation and yet He still loves me. Yes I’m repentant, but I’m still a sinner saved grace though I have no desire to go back into the life style for which He saved me out of. So why do other’s choose to? Because Satan’s good at his job.

Did they really get saved? I don’t want to give a lost soul an easy out by believing the lie that you can say a few magic words and all is right with God. It truly does take a repentant heart; one that has discovered they’re a wretched sinner in need of salvation that only Christ can provide. It takes believing in sincerity that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, that He rose again the third day and is now in Heaven, making intercession on our behalf with God the Father. I don’t claim to know it all, but I know that and that’s all that matters. Creation itself testifies of God the Creator, but knowing that God created the earth, and accepting what He did on the cross is two different things. Creation is beautiful, and while the end result of salvation is beautiful the price our Lord paid was ugly and not to be taken lightly.

So can a man (or woman) that’s lived the last ten years of their life as a drunkard go to Heaven? Did they at some point in their life in all earnestness, even as a child, believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ… if so, then yes? How they got to the drunkard stage knowing what the Lord did for them, I don’t know. But I know this, scripture doesn’t lie…

EVERLASTING LIFE DOESN’T END

John 5:24 (KJV)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

ETERNAL LIFE DOESN’T END

John 10:28 (KJV)

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

EVERLASTING LASTS FOREVER

John 3:16 (KJV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

NOT OF YOURSELF – GRACE ALONE

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

IN NO WISE CAST OUT – NO, NOT EVER!

John 6:37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

That my friend is just a few of the verses from the divine, inerrant Word of God that proclaims it is God Who takes man to Heaven, and not we ourselves. If He was great enough to save us, He’s certainly great enough to keep us.

Creation not only testifies of the greatness and vastness of God, for which our finite minds cannot possibly comprehend, but more importantly His Holy Spirit testifies within us that we belong to Him.

You must ask that question of yourself. Do you remember the time He saved your soul? Was there a definite change in your life at that time? If you’ve back slidden, turn around; if you’re unsure turn to Him, but make sure that you know that you know!

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

Stress and the Greatest Coping Factor known to Man

Written by talk2shari Published June 14, 2014October 20, 2023 Discussion Leave a Comment

Saturday morning as a kid was spent watching cartoons like Bugs Bunny & Daffy, Scooby Doo Where Are You, Josie and the Pussy Cats, The Adventures of Mighty Mouse, The Pink Panther Show and a few dozen others. I had little responsibility and zero stress. I was blessed. I know now the zero stress factor did not hold true for every child. Click on view website if you want to know more about stress reduction. It no longer holds true for me either, so Praise God! for salvation. It didn’t eliminate the stress factor but it is certainly the greatest coping factor known to man.

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not insinuating that saved people don’t have stressful days or days you’d just as soon pinch the head off someone than to hear them utter another word. We have those days, believe me. But the difference is, I don’t pinch their head off and when stress comes I have a refocusing mechanism on the inside of me that helps me to cope with the stress off the day; the Holy Spirit.

While some may seek various methods to cope with stress, others might explore alternatives like cbd vape juice, recognizing the value of both spiritual and natural remedies in finding balance and peace. Just as faith serves as a source of strength, some individuals find relaxation and relief in the soothing effects of CBD vape oil, emphasizing the diverse approaches people employ to navigate the challenges of everyday life. Ultimately, the choice of coping mechanisms, whether rooted in faith or natural remedies like CBD vape oil, reflects the deeply personal and intricate ways individuals manage the complexities of stress.

In Acts 3, Peter stood before a crowd of people who had just witnessed a miracle, it was a great day! Most everybody wants to serve the God of miracles. But what about the disastrous days ahead that God’s Word warns us of; the days we don’t want to think about. The day of the lame man’s healing the people were refreshed in seeing him healed, it was a day of rejoicing and praising God; but how much sweeter will it be in the troubled times ahead that you will still feel the refreshing of the Lord.

Salvation is awesome every day, but its importance is never any more understood than on the bad days when you need someone to hold on to and it seems the world has walked out, or even if they’re there, there’s no comfort found in them. That’s when the Holy Spirit rushes in and there is an unexplained calm that comes over you and you feel the presence of the Lord.

There are times I long for the no responsibility cartoon days. But I’m ever so glad that when reality bites I have a friend in Jesus.

Do you know Him? Trust Him. If you don’t… let me introduce you. Click here: https://thejesuschick.com/the-road-to-salvation/

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

Exercise Don’t Come Easy

Written by talk2shari Published June 12, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Ecclesiastes 1:13 ~ And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Ol’ Solomon. Or so tradition has it. Some believe Solomon wrote the Song of Solomon in his youth, the book of Proverbs in his middle age, and the book of Ecclesiastes when he was old. His entire life he’d given to search out the wisdom of God, and it was often a burdensome feat.

I get that. Especially this week, only it’s not a burdensome feat, but rather burdensome feet that have got me in sore travail. Another crazy antic in the life of Shari found me in nothing less than a Physical Education teacher class with PE teachers being trained to implement SPARK curriculum. Shari… the blogger… who exercises her mind, not her body, although I should have been. Shari… the out of shape blogger has had 3 six hours days of jumping, dancing, hoola hooping… (don’t go there, not a pretty image) and now has a sore heel due to the “cute” little flat sandals I wore the first day, not knowing I was going to be actually in this class, not just helping to set it up.

How much better it would have been had I been studied up. Or at least thinner.

I fear there will be those taking the tests of life, and especially the final, unprepared and sore vexed for answers from their lack of exercise of faith. Solomon himself said it was a hard task to study the things of God, even before the days of Facebook and Twitter and all the other gadgets and activities that consume our time. How much more now… are these gadgets and activities a trial or blessing. We need time to prepare.

It’s not only preachers who need to “study to show themselves approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). Studying scripture is not for the bible scholar, although they need it, but for every common man, woman and child so that when the trials of life come upon them they’ve had an exercised faith that’s ready for the work out. Someone dies, someone’s ill, financial struggle, broken hearts and all of life’s frustrations are covered in the training manual. And practiced in the lives of saints if you’ll watch them every day.

During this training a young man sat down at our breakfast table before the day started and out of the corner of my eye I watched him bow his head and bless his food. He not only had trained his body, but trained his mind in Spiritual things as well. I was so grateful! I had wondered that morning if my own faith would be understood that day, and God sent another of his warriors to the table as if to say… you’re not alone Shari.

Perhaps to day you’re in the midst of exercise of faith. Train on. God will strengthen you in the trial.

So… what if today you stood before God taking the final, are you prepared? Would you have the answer if He ask, “Why should I allow you to enter Heaven?”

I’ll even give you a cheat sheet. The answer would be given by Christ when He said, “They’re mine. They’ve claimed Me as their Savior, trusted me for their Salvation. They ask me into their heart at the age of _____.”

Could you fill in the blank? If not you’ve failed, and that’s one exam you can’t afford to fail, because there’s not a do-over. Eternity in Hell will be the penalty.

A loving God will not make you prepare, it’s your choice. I hope you’ve made it! If you’d like to know more or you’re unsure, follow this link: https://thejesuschick.com/the-road-to-salvation/

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

Is it well?

Written by talk2shari Published May 1, 2014May 1, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

2 Kings 4:26

Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well:

If you read the story in 2 Kings chapter 4, you realize that at the time she said “it is well,” her child was dead. Over the past couple of days I’ve watched multiple posts come and go on Facebook. Some of a greater magnitude of devastation than others. But I’m not making light of any, heartache is heartache, and it hurts. But one common thread in so many is that “come what may” – God is good, and it well. If you do not know Him you likely do not understand how someone could speak those words and “mean it” during some of the hardest days of their lives. It’s because they know that there is a day we’re all looking forward to. That day when heartache and sorrow will not exist. And all those trials we went through and glorified God, will be crowns that we can give back to our Savior. He will robe us in Glory and say “Well done my child, welcome home!”

That’s when eternity starts.

No more separation. No more pain or heartache. Just peace and happiness! Satan and his minions will be cast into a pit and will never again have access to our lives.

Do you know our Jesus? The one Who created this world, and will restore it to its perfected state one day. He loves you. He wants you to know “God is good, and it is well.” He’ll put that in your soul if you’ll give it to Him. There is something within you that lets you know there’s something missing in your life. It’s the hole where the Holy Spirit desires to reside. Once you’ve ask Jesus to be Lord of your life, with faith believing that your life is in His hands, it’s then that He’ll begin guiding you to the rest of the knowledge that you need to walk in faith.

Below is a link to what Christians call “The Road to Salvation.” Please read it and pray the prayer, not because it will save you, but because the God of Whom it speaks of will. What it will do is give you the Word of God to tuck down in your heart and marker that this is the day you trusted Jesus. This is the day that you made the decision to believe “Come what may—God is good, and it well!”

https://thejesuschick.com/the-road-to-salvation/

Posted in Easter, Life Inspiration, salvation

The First Easter Bucket

Written by talk2shari Published April 29, 2014April 29, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

John 4:9-14

⁹Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

¹⁰Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

¹¹The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

¹²Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

¹³Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:

¹⁴But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

¹⁵The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

I know we’re a few days past the Easter holiday, but truthfully, if we celebrate Christ in our lives every day we’re celebrating Easter; and this thought came into my mind and my heart yesterday and I needed to share it, as I’ve not been able to stop thinking about it since that time. The story of the woman at the well paints such a marvelous picture of salvation for the child of God. An interesting note about this story is that it’s the longest recorded conversation that Jesus has with any one person. And it happens to be with someone He, twice over, should not be talking to according to Jewish law. One a Samaritan, and two a woman. And yet, the Lord doesn’t stand on the formality of religion but rather He goes for the relationship. I love that about Jesus!

So here He stands (or sits, because He was weary) talking to this woman who came to the well in the hottest portion of the day, most likely to avoid people judging her, and she meets the only One worthy to judge. There’s probably a thousand points in this story, but today I’ll mention three.

The Holey Bucket

The Samaritan woman came to the well prepared to get her own water and head back to the house before any of those judgmental people of her city came around. She’d had four failed relationships and was working on the fifth. She’d been let down so many times before, she knew better than to rely on anyone else to take care of her, she could take care of herself. Or so it is that I think of her. And independent woman. Her attitude with Jesus seemed to be almost sarcastic when she says “Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with….” In other words, Mister, You came here without a bucket! How do you plan on getting water?

The Holy Bucket

This is what I love about the Lord, and reading His word. In the Bible according to Shari, the one that plays out in my head when I hear or read the Word of God; the one that sometimes adlibs, I hear Jesus saying… Woman, I am the bucket! I have everything you need to sustain life. You can drink of what this world has to offer for the rest of your days but at the end you’ll die of thirst because you can’t live without me.

The unholy Bucket

And then she realizes there’s something different about this man. He knows her, inside and out. He tells her everything that’s been going on in her life, and yet she doesn’t feel condemned. All the sinful, shameful things she’s been doing, she knows He knows. And she also knows that what He speaks is truth. Nothing in the world has ever satisfied her. She tried everything, and every time it fails. She’s tired of coming to that well ashamed, she want to be clean. She’s tired of carrying that unholy bucket around in her life that has her labeled an unfit woman. So she cast care to the wind and says “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”

I don’t want to come here again.

Woohoo! And Hallelujah, does that story ever put a shout in my soul! If the woman had a name tag, and she doesn’t, it would likely bear our name. She every one of us who comes to Jesus with our unholy bucket trying to cleanse ourselves, and it never works.

But Jesus isn’t at the well any longer, He is the well. Because of the cross of Calvary we now have that Easter Bucket of endless living water that will allow us to live eternally with our Lord, but for now will allow us to live effectually for our Lord. For now we have purpose.

There is so much in this story I can’t possibly do it justice in a blog, but after she finished her business with the Lord at the well, she went back to the city. This time she wasn’t avoiding people she was looking for people unashamedly to tell them what the Lord had done in her life!

So… have you been to the well? If you not… go quickly! If so… tell somebody!!!

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

The Party’s Better than Ever!

Written by talk2shari Published April 28, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

It may be my age, but it is more likely it’s my nature that causes me to lie things down and forget where I put them. I’d venture to say that every day I misplace something at some point, and usually it’s because I’m rushing about with too many things on my mind; scattered thoughts which tend to scatter stuff. So I “get” the woman who lost one of the ten pieces of money. She obviously wasn’t rich, else it would not have been such a big deal, but this was a big deal! Because after she found it she called her friends and neighbors over for viddles on the veranda, or perhaps it was just three for tea, it doesn’t go into much detail on the party, only to say that she had company… or comp’ny if you’re from my neck of the woods.

Luke 15:8-10 ~Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

There’s various stages of emotions when a “lost coin” event occurs in your life.

The first stage is rather apathetic, “Eh, it’ll turn up…”

The second is one of concern… “Wow, I can’t believe I still haven’t found it!”

Thirdly there’s panic… “Oh my goodness, what am I going to do if I don’t find it?”

Lastly there’s great relief and rejoicing when it’s been found, a “Hallelujah!” moment.

The problem with most people is we’re not poor enough to appreciate what we have, so when we lose it we tend to stay in the “Eh” phase quite a while and sometimes never get to the concern or panic stage. And so is the dilemma with salvation. We’re a blessed nation who lives in the “Eh, it’s all good” phase. I have a house, a job, kids, food on the table, and someone to share it all with, I’m good! I’ll find Jesus later. The problem with later is it’s often when you’re in a panic.

For the record, you won’t “find” Jesus, he wasn’t lost. He was merely pushed back into the recesses of your mind, covered over with all the worldly things you thought were important, or so it was in my life. Prior to salvation I would do and buy things thinking that one more thing was going to give me the satisfaction in life, only to discover there was still something missing. I tried to fill my life with people, activities, toys and hobbies; and as each one lost its luster I’d store it away somewhere. And Jesus would be further back in the stack. Until I could barely seem Him back there.

But then one day I discovered He was missing. I went to church and the Pastor mentioned His name. “Jesus.” Woah!, something happened. He moved a little forward. There was a level of concern in heart. And then there was a level of panic… “What am I going to do if I die and I’ve yet to find Him.” And then came the rejoicing! When Jesus found me. It turns out I was the one who was lost… I was the one who had put so much stuff between Him and me, that I’d lost my way.

There was a party going on in my heart! I was happy, I had to tell somebody! And there was a party going on in Heaven too. By the way… I’m still partying! So is Heaven. Won’t you join me?

Posted in Christmas, Easter, Life Inspiration, salvation

Christmas’ Purpose

Written by talk2shari Published April 20, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Four o’clock came early this morning but as soon as the alarm went off my first thought was. Good morning Lord, it’s Easter! This is the day you arose and changed the very fabric of our lives. When the veil was torn in the temple there would no longer be a separation between God and man. The privilege once held by the Priest alone, now belonged to the common man… or the common Shari as it is with me.

I woke up as excited as if it were Christmas, which I guess is appropriate being that the reason we have Christmas is Easter. This was Christmas’ purpose.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Resurrection Morning! This day is what brings hope to all the bad days. This is the day that overrides every heartache in life. God’s ultimate heartache, the forsaking of His Son now gave way to the restoration of man. God opened His Christmas gift that first Easter morning when He opened up the tomb and walked out.

Just to write those words causes my heart to leap with jubilation!!! How must God have felt that first Easter morning? From the cross He spoke “It is finished.” From the tomb, it’s just beginning!

Merry Christmas Lord… Happy Easter!

If you think I’ve lost my mind you may be right, I hope it’s because I’m getting closer to the mind of Christ. But today I have joy unspeakable for what Christ has done in my life. I hope today that you know that joy; that peace on earth and good will to men that we speak so often of at Christmas time. Because were it not for Easter, there would be no peace.

If you don’t have that joy, there’s an easy remedy. Right now, where you are ask Jesus to be Lord of your life and trust Him from this point forward for everything. Believe that He was born of a virgin, that He walked the earth to experience life as you do except without sin because He is God. Believe that He died on the cross to pay for the sin you experience and to put an end to death and give you an eternal hope. There’s still going to be heartaches down here, but because of that first Easter morning we have hope that every heartache has a reason and will for certain pass.

Make today the day that you give all that heartache to the One who took it upon Himself on the cross of Calvary.