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What if there was no place in your community that Satan felt comfortable?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What if there was no place in your community that Satan felt comfortable?

There are days where I wish I had a pulpit that I could drag into the town square and just let loose what is on my heart. I get tired of everyone, including myself playing church. I think that may have been where James was at in chapter 4 of the book of James.

The Issue Starts on the Inside

James 4:1-17 KJV – [1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

What kind of lusts are warring in our members? James calls them out when he tells them that their lusts are in their very members. Within themselves. Never in history have people had so much and cared so little. It’s never enough for any of us. We want one more dollar, one more car, one more item, one more something thats shiny and wonderful. And when all is said and done, it will all burn up at the end of time, except the souls of men. Where will they be?

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

Boy did that ding my bell? Was James being snarky? I don’t know, but it sounds to me like God said, “Do you think I’m talking just to hear myself talk?”

There was a sermon that I am always reminded of that Dr. Myron Guiler preached when he was talking about deer season, and how a man had prayed that God would bless their hunt. Dr. Guiler very adamantly said, “God doesn’t care if you get a deer!” He was being kind of funny, but he meant it. Most, if not all, of those men were not hunting because they were hungry. It was a sport. God is not concerned about games. He is concerned about the souls of men. Yes He blesses us with sports and things, but that’s not His concern. We’d survive without those things. But we won’t survive without Him.

How much thought do we give in the course of our day about the souls of men? Far less than we give thought to ourselves, am I right? And in spite of it all, God covers us in grace.

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The one thing the Devil cannot stand is when God’s people turn their back on him to look at God. It hurts his little feelings don’t ya know. When we get our attention on what it should be on, Satan flees. He doesn’t want to see God’s people caring for one another, ignoring the world and the things in it and sharing the Word of God with one another.

Yesterday a group of believers gathered at the 1982 Foundation, Avalon Campus and prayed. We shared the gospel with one another. One brother brought great joy to our hearts when he shared the story of leading a young woman to Christ. Oh my stars it was such an amazing testimony. For the half hour or so that we were there, I did not feel the presence of evil. I believe he fled for a moment in time because he had no desire to hear us glorifying God and encouraging each other in the name of Christ. Imagine if we did that all day, and not just a portion? What if there was no place Satan felt comfortable in your community. How wonderful would that be!!!!

James continued:

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? 13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

In our small community, I sometimes go weeks without publishing an obituary on the Ridgeview News. But this morning I published five, and two others earlier in the week. Some of those deaths were untimely, caused by tragedy, others were that of age. But the point is, just as James said to the people he loved, you don’t know what tomorrow holds, and neither does anyone else. President Trump was faced with that truth when God spared his life by a fraction of an inch. Some in the world were not so lucky. What was their eternal fate? Only God knows. But our greatest concern in life should not be who wins the next election or who is more blessed materialistically. Our greatest concern should be finding out if we and our loved ones are prepared to face eternity.

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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. 

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Don’t ever take a man’s word for Truth

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My heart breaks for a world around me that does not understand the love of Jesus Christ. The Need for Jesus Christ and the Fact of Jesus Christ. When I say the world around me, I refer to family, friends, and neighbors. The people that I need to do a better job of relaying the message of the Salvation of Jesus Christ. 

The Love of Jesus Christ

Galatians 1:1-12

 1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

To understand the depth of the love of God, it helps to understand the life of Paul. A staunch religious leader, educated to the highest degree. In the eyes of man – Paul had it all. So God took his eyes, at least for a short while. (Acts 9:1-8) God had to shut down Paul’s vision of all else, so that he could get his attention on the one and only God, Jesus Christ. It’s not so amazing as how God got Paul’s attention as the fact that God wanted to get Paul’s attention to begin with. Paul had been killing every Christian he could to stop the spread of the Christian faith. Paul didn’t believe Jesus was God. He was so angry at the people of Christian faith that he had them stoned to death. I cannot, nor do I want to, imagine the horrific degree of pain that would involve. And every time God would have looked on it as another reminder of what these same people did to His Son, and yet God loved and wanted Paul as a servant. Would you? If someone was killing your children with rocks and justifying it in your name, would you go to the extreme that God did to call a man like Paul to preach? No. I doubt any of us would. 

It is that depth of love that allows us to see how God loves pedophiles, mass murderers, and child abusers. We can’t imagine loving them, but God does. It also removes the excuse that anyone has of being saved because they’re too evil and our excuse not to witness to them. It certainly removes our excuse for not witnessing to people we say we care about. 

The Need for Jesus Christ

Paul said in verse 4 “that he might deliver us from this present evil world.” 

Is the world any less evil now? Satan’s ability to expose even the youngest of minds to evil through technology would have been unimaginable to Paul. While in biblical times they understood the heartache of sin and disease, they couldn’t see it worldwide, 24 hours a day. If I ask you to write down how many sad or scary things you’ve seen in the course of the last 24 hours, the list would likely be long. I sat with my 87 year old mother last night who is struggling with dementia and we watched the evening news. There were Hamas children being pulled from the war rubble where a Father lost his wife and all of his children. It tore at Mother’s heart and of course mine. But there is a greater need for Christians to understand the evil behind that war with innocent victims. It’s not that God hates the Hamas Palestinian terrorists. God would save them just as He did Paul. But those people refuse to confess He is Lord, and would sooner kill the entire nation of Israel just because they dare say they serve God and not allah. But the radical leftist news will only show you the Hamas side so that the heart God put in you will feel that they are the victims. 

Jesus, through His Spirit that comes into the heart of a believer when they confess He is Lord, gives us the power to discern what’s happening in this world and the hope of eternal life where we will live in a perfect world and war will never be known. That is only one of the billions of reasons we need Jesus. 

The Facts of Jesus Christ

5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ

Paul was shocked that these people who had experienced the love and power of Jesus Christ were so easily persuaded to think otherwise. 

Knowing Christ is a personal knowledge and just as somebody else cannot nourish you by eating your food, you cannot be nourished through another man’s wisdom unless it aligns with the Word of God. It’s like eating poison if it doesn’t line up with what the scriptures say. And you’ll never know the truth without reading it for yourself. 

I recently hit one of the lowest points in my spiritual life since salvation. I will take the blame because I am personally responsible for myself, but I was sitting beneath preaching in error. How did I figure that out? I left the church. 

I was so miserable, so lacking of the truth in the word of God and the worship of God that I was in a pit of depression I could not claw my way out of. Until the very first Sunday in my new church, when the Spirit of God came down up me and I wept through the service in the knowledge that I had allowed myself to be deceived. Not by evil people. But by well intentioned people who believed another gospel. They preached Jesus was Lord and only one way to Heaven. They had that right!!! But I was told that the Spirit of God did not stir emotions. I’ll bet the Pharisees said that too. Did that sound bitter. It was. I am angry at myself for believing that God didn’t want me to worship in freedom. He died so that I could have that freedom!

I would not have known that if I hadn’t got in the right church, and back in the Bible for myself instead of believing what a man said. 

That’ll preach brother! 

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How to Know Jesus is Moving

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I want to share with you the Word of the Lord that really encouraged me in the place that I’m in. And that place is not just Grantsville, WV, although that’s my home town, the place that I’m in is Heaven.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Christ is entered into heaven as the forerunner, to take possession of it for his people, in their name; and to prepare mansions of glory for them, and in these we sit. We sit there already through Him. That is where we find pleaseure, rest, safety and security. You can’t find that in this world. 

But I’ve been in a position recently that has caused me to question a great many things. But God is faithful. I am not. I’ll run from God and run from the Holy Spirit if I feel it’s a struggle I’m not ready for. But whom ever it was that coined the phrase “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it,” knew what they were saying.

So when I finally made a decision to move out of the place that I was in and move forward, things started happening. Peace began to come. The battle didn’t become any easier, but it became manageable. God began to guide me by taking me on a journey through the Word, through music, through all the things that I had relied on for so many years. 

There was joy in the journey for me today. 

When Apostle Paul got saved, I would venture a guess that there were many people who questioned his ministry. Was it real? He had been previously killing Christians? Why was He such a zealot? I can understand that one…Because he came from dead religion and he knew where he was headed!  It’s no wonder that people questioned his sincerity, but it didn’t change the truth that Paul had the power of God on him and the ability to preach Christ. To those who really knew him, they knew God had chosen him for a specific ministry, a ministry to the Gentiles. 

So it causes me to question myself, Who is my ministry too? Is it to a select group, like women, or children? Is it to all people? Is it through music, the written word, the spoken word… there are so many avenues to take. Which one Lord? Did Paul question his? No… I think he simply went where the Spirit lead. And when he got there, he joyed in his journey too and there was movement in the community. 

There is Movement When There’s Real Warriors

Paul faced persecution and unhappy religious people in Acts 17:6 where it says  “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. 

Not only did Paul face persecution but it caused his friends to get caught up in it as well. Paul and his ministering buddies had turned the world upside down. Would to God we would move that way today!  When you find ministering people who realize the battle we’re in they are true warriors for Christ. They understand our role of bringing the word to the people even in the face of adversity. 

Turning the world upside down happened in Paul’s day, I believe it happened again in the 1730-40’s in England during the great awakening. Throughout America and England in the mid 1800’s. Again in Chicago in 1875-1885. The Welsh Revivals in the early 1900’s, and through Billy Sunday and Billy Graham throughout the 1900s at various times. What brought on those Revivals? Were they in a honeymoon period of life. No… There was a movement because times were changing. Life was hard and people needed hope. Can you see the relevance today and the need for warriors for Christ’s Word. 

There is Movement When the Real Word is being spoken

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so. 

Luke, Paul and their friends were taking the community by storm. The people were hungry for the word and they were searching the scripture with a mind ready to soak it in like a sponge. Are we that hungry? I love preaching. If I had to choose between the two, I’d choose the Word of God any day over music. Even though I love music. It all has a place in the ministry but it should all point us to the Word of God and Jesus Himself. One should not replace the other. But if the church does not have a hunger for the word of God, something is wrong. I don’t care how many times I’ve read it, every time I read it, it’s as if it were the first. There’s a new application or clarity that appears and my soul is stirred with a desire to know more. 

When the word takes root in your soul, there is also a desire that should run through you to do something with it. Not just sit and soak. But soak and serve. We are not given knowledge to horde it like a pack rat. We have a responsibility like Paul to take that word somewhere. It needs to move from the church house, from the recliner,  where ever it is that you’ve read it or heard it, it needs to move from there to the ears of someone else. Maybe it’s the Sunday dinner table. Maybe it’s breakfast at the restaurant with friends, perhaps to a ten year old that’s got questions about faith. But move with the Word of God.

There is Movement When there’s Real Worship

Acts 17:23-28 KJVS

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. [24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; [26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; [27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Glory! We are the children of God. While the world follows false idols and false ways, those of us who know God, found Him even in the darkness. I wasn’t even looking for Him when I found Him. I was a part of dead religion and thought I knew Him. But we can feel Him, like a blind man feels to find his way. God was never far away, even in our most lost state, He was just waiting for us to call out His name. And He’s still waiting for those who have yet to do it. That’s what this life is about… us showing others to the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s our job. Every child of God has the responsibility to share Jesus with those they come into contact with. It’s a divine appointment that should not be shrugged off or handed off to someone else. 

Those people who were worshipping the false gods wanted an experience that can only be had through the Spirit of the One true God. Once you experience true worship, you know that anything you had prior to that pales in comparison. Why there are dead Christians, I don’t know. I’ve really tried to figure that out. Are they lost? No, I don’t believe they’re lost. But there is certainly something missing for them if they’ve not felt the movement of the Holy Spirit in their life. 

Are you asking what it feels like to feel the power of God moving? For me, my heart rate speeds up.  There is joy that feels like it is being poured like oil into my soul. It has caused me to weep uncontrollably, and believe me I tried to control it because I hate drawing attention to myself. I have seen it work through other people the same way and different ways, but I knew God was moving in their life. I didn’t know what He was doing, but I knew He was doing something. It was a worship experience. That’s what the movement of God does. 

If you’ve not experienced Him like that, I’m sorry. I pray you do. God desires His people to experience worship because that worship is us thanking and praising Him for all He’s done. I think it’s why people like me received the worship experience early in my walk with Christ and it never left, because I know how much gratitude I have (which is not enough) but I am so very thankful for God bringing me out of dead religion, a headed for Hell life and never having had peace until I experienced salvation. 

Do you know Him? Do you have that peace? If not, please, message me, let me tell you how I came to know Him. 

For more information about me, Shari Johnson, the Jesus Chick, check out the TheJesusChick.com, Ridgeviewnews.com or FGGAM.org, You’ll find my information and much more there. If you’d like to send a message send it via email to talk2shari@gmail.com or message me at 3043776036.

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Let’s Talk about Church People

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In twenty six years of salvation I’ve been in a variety of churches. I’ve been in many denominations and nondenominational churches and I can tell you that there are as many “styles” of service as there are denominations. If not more. Because within the denominations you’ll find various styles of worship. I don’t know that there has ever been a church that I haven’t found people that I loved. I may not have enjoyed their style of worship, but if they loved Jesus, I loved them! But the truth is, it does not matter if I like your church or not, it only matters if it is acceptable to God.

Paul told the Romans in Chapter 12, verses 1-2:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Paul was begging them, by the mercies of God. Do we realize how deep that well of mercy is for us? I don’t think I do. God has extended mercy to me so many times each day that I lose county before 8 a.m. I love the mornings because it is another opportunity to get something accomplished for Christ. But it doesn’t take long for me to get into an ungodly manner of thought or behavior. As I have been recently trying to sort out the direction for me and my ministry I grew increasingly frustrated with people of faith who don’t even acknowledge that I have a ministry, and then I was frustrated with myself for caring that other people didn’t acknowledge me. The only One that should matter is God. I need to transform my own thought process – – proving what is that good, acceptable and perfect, will of God for my life. The congregations of God are not my problem. God is a relational God and wants to relate to me. And you! So let’s do some ciphering on that…

[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Humility – “oh Lord it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way… remember the song? Humility is tough. Just when you think you have it, the flesh rises and you realize that you don’t. It’s a behavior that has to be trained every day. And then there is sober living. Meaning without immoderate uncontrolled passion. It does not mean a sad sack disposition that I have witnessed on more Christians than I can count inside the church. Now outside… woah baby, they are not sad at all. But for some reason, they believe that the church is a place akin to a morgue or a funeral parlor. But God says to seriously consider your measure of faith.

How much do you have? Do you have enough to get through the worst day of your life when any unimaginable thing may happen? I have had a few of those days. Three heart attacks, open heart surgery, loss of a job, cut to the core by people who were suppose or care. I can say, praise God! That none of these things moved me. But it’s not been without struggle. I think that the “measure of faith” is just the amount that we need, no more, no less. But it’s in there.

[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: [5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. [6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; [7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; [8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

A blessing that I have made into a problem are the gifts God has given me. I have multiple. And I say that with all humility because just because I have a gift doesn’t mean I always use it to the best of my ability or with the intended use of God. I am an artist. (Yet I critique myself until I hide it in a drawer.) I’m a singer, and I booger myself up until I’m sick before I perform. I’m a teacher (been known to be a preacher when God’s power is allowed work through me. But I quite often squelch it for myself in judgement. I’m a writer, but I compare myself to writers of great fame and think, why? I’m a musician, yet I refuse to practice then complain because I’m terrible. I’m a speaker, moderate at best. I have a lot room for self improvement. I could have my own show.

[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. [10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; [11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; [13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. [14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. [15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. [17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. [18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Here is where the rubber meets the road on churches. Without dissimulation is without hypocrisy. When I say that I love all of God’s people, I mean it and it is without hypocrisy. There is nobody that I wouldn’t want to be in Heaven with. But… praise God we’re all going to be like Christ when we get there, because the thoughts of spending eternity with some people makes me glad for a city four square. Personalities clash, scripture discernment varies, there are happy Christians and sad Christians, those who like a loud church and those who like a quiet church. You can probably guess which group I’m in. When I read that we should not be slothful in business, and we should be “fervent” in the Lord, I read that to mean excited! Give me an Amen when I’m singing or speaking, tell me that you and I agree in the Lord, stand up and clap your hands and show me your heart got happy in a service, I won’t call you down! Paul said to rejoice because we have hope. And let Satan know, like Job did, that you’re even happy when times are rough. Glory to God I just wrote myself happy!

Last week I was accused of taking vengeance. That’s okay if some people think that. I know better. God said if it’s possible live in peace. He also knew that it wouldn’t always be possible. We of course have to choose our battles carefully and make sure that we’re fighting the Lord’s fight and not the flesh. Can’t say that I’ve always won that one either. But I’m trying my best.

As I move on to a new phase in my spiritual walk, I don’t know what it’s going to be like or where it’s going to be. But I know God is with me.


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The Defensiveness of Offensiveness

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Well, technically there’s not any defense of offense when Jesus said to turn the other cheek, right? But then of course there was the time that He said of the religious leaders

Matthew 23:33 KJVS
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

In that same passage He says of them:

Matthew 23:27-28 KJVS
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. [28] Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

So perhaps Jesus did get a little snippy with some folks that were being mean to His people.

This matter of discussion came up when some community members called me out for being ungodly by a meme I posted on my personal Facebook Account which they automatically assumed was about a certain person in our community, even though I mentioned nothing about anything or anyone when I posted the meme. It was simply a video clip from the Wizard of Oz when the good witch said that the bad witch was dead. And for the record, nobody died. You probably just lost a little respect, or a whole lot of respect for the Jesus Chick. And that’s okay. But before you get too offended by my behavior, let me explain my stance, which still may find me in the woodshed of God.

I sat in a meeting for the Ridgeview News and waited for the end of an executive session for the school board where two students were having reviews of an expulsion hearing for their behavior. I did not know either student at the time, so I bore no favoritism to either one, but I’m not sure that was the case on the inside of the board room. It is unfortunate that although it was a closed session, I could hear much of the conversation.

When the first student went, I heard laughter and the child and parent exited the room with faces of satisfaction. Then the second child goes in, a student again that I did not know, but I could tell he hadn’t had the easiest of life. So my heart, which is so very tender to young people, listened as he and his grandparent told me his story before they went in. When he got into the room I heard yelling. I heard one person in the administration rake him across the coals as if the crime had just been committed and he was an heinous infidel that had destroyed his chance at prison parole. Then I heard a higher person in the administration rake him across the coals again and prod him with a hot poker (metaphorically speaking of course) until I was ready to knock the door down and defend this kid myself. That person was demeaning, and let that child know just who she was and what authority she had.

A person from a child advocate group had attended the meeting with this young person for fear that they wouldn’t get a fair shake. Well guess what, they didn’t. And nobody defended them. And yes sir the flesh rose up in me and I was angry at the administrative people who thought they had the right to treat this child in such a manner.

Now, I’m not fool enough to think that this kid was without reproach. But I’ll just say that the first child who went in, may have been of a little higher social class than the second. I’ll also say that I was later told the crimes of both, and the one who went in first had a very serious offense.

So today I used this platform for which the Lord has given me to defend myself for a bad attitude toward a person. Am I erring on the side of right… I don’t know. But I do know that I will forever be an advocate of an underdog, meaning a person who has the cards stacked against them. I’ll do that because I have an Advocate in the Father.

I was accused of throwing stones. Which wasn’t true. I did not call the person, nor the sin out. The person for which everyone assumed my meme was about, happen to announce her retirement that day. I was gleefully happy that no child would ever have to deal with that person again.

I told my “anti-fan” club that I’d post my position on the Jesus Chick Blog. Thus the reason I’m somewhat airing my dirty laundry here.

I’m weary on a couple of fronts in my life, so now was not a good time for me to come under attack, or go on the attack.

I’ve been told that Christians are suppose suppose to turn the other cheek, stay out of politics, read your bible, go to church, do what you’re told and just wait until Jesus returns. But for Pete’s sake don’t get involved and make a scene because you’ll bring shame upon the church and upon the name of Christ. Those same advisors sit in the pew on Sunday, gossip on Monday, do not serve others, judge their brothers, and then call out me because I dared to involve myself with the people God called me to serve.

I was told I shouldn’t call myself the Jesus Chick because I’m not acting like Him. And yet, Jesus walked into the church, turned over a table where the money changers were robbing the people and ran them out with a whip. He said in Mark 9:42 KJV:
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Do I think Jesus would have posted that meme? I don’t think Jesus would be on Facebook. Nor do I think Jesus would be sitting in the church house listening to unbiblical preachers, or not even go to church because He’s “too busy,” He’d likely do a little more than nothing Monday through Saturday in the name of Christ, I don’t think He’d just sit and listen to people in and out of the church mock His Father and sit idly by as someone mistreats His children.

I’m done with this for today… tomorrow I want to refocus on Jesus. Focus on the ministry that God called me to do which is to minister to the people and shine the light on Jesus!

God bless ya! I covet your prayers for my ministry and for

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The Church of the Frigidaire

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Church of the Frigidaire

Matthew 24:4-15 KJVS
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. [10] And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. [12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [13] But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. [15] When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Those red letter words. They often bear more weight to the reader because they signify that these are words that Jesus spoke. But let’s put the reality pin in that map, every word in the word of God is the word of God. Did you catch that? Every word from Genesis to Revelation is the word of God. Written for our edification. There are words to be used for application, words to be used for doctrine and words that speak of future events that may or may not pertain to us directly. Words for Israel, words for the Gentiles and words for the Children of God saved by the grace of God through the belief of Christ and His work on the finished cross.

Matthew 24 is also the title of a song that used to be a part of my regular repertoire of music. But I have since taken it out upon the understanding that those words were being spoken to the Jewish Nation and were prophetic to the end times. Those words speak of a time when we, of the church of God, will be raptured from off of the earth; but they still bear weight for the Christian who understands that among the prophecy are nuggets of truth that bear witness in many ways.

Walter Truss, a preacher who has gone on to glory but he is so often on my mind, because he really blessed and added wisdom to my worship. You may or may not remember some of his wonderful quotes such as his warning to never become “The church of the Frigid-Aire.” Oh how he made my heart happy as he said those words in his deep southern tone and preacherized from his Pentecostal preaching days. But when I met him he was Baptist and respected the Baptist doctrine, though he never lost his Pentecostal fire!

So as we read Matthew 24 and break down the verses listed above, we can see where Walter may have gotten his quote of the Church of the Frigidaire. “[12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Jesus warned the children of Israel not to be deceived by preachers of false doctrine or worry about the rumors of the day. That may be directed to the Jews in end times, but it is still true today. Iniquity does abound and the church is as cold as ice in most church houses.

My question us why? Why has the church lost its fire. There are those who have fire from an unbiblical sense, I realize that. But that does not justify the real church losing its real fire. What is “real fire”? I’m glad you ask. The book of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 is spoken by Paul and as I read it I feel the fire stir within my soul!

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen

Does that sound like the words of a dried up old man?

I was commenting yesterday about someone on the 911 radio who was speaking too meek when dispatching an emergency. I couldn’t hear them well. I told a friend that they needed to learn how to project their voice. My friend said that I’d be a good one to provide that lesson! I guess that means I’m loud. But when it comes to the gospel, should the church not be an exciting place to be? Can you imagine hearing the Apostle Paul preach? Or whomever it was that was assigned to read this letter to the church, how do you suppose they read it? In a monotone method? I doubt that.

I grow weary of dead churches. It literally sucks the life out of me to see people sitting in a service with no emotion whatsoever. They are the church of the Frigidaire! I also understand that not everyone get’s excited. My Momma is one who is not a shouter. But I’ve seen the emotion in her. I’ve watched as the tears flowed down her face when she spoke of Jesus. I listened to my Dad testify and watched the tears stream down his face. My parents were never loud. But they raised loud children! I’m not saying you have to be. But the Spirit of God should stir your soul!

Glory to God I just wrote myself happy again!

I hope the fire of God stirs in your soul today! Blessings from the Jesus Chick.

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How to win the Battle with the Winter Blues

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to win the Battle with the Winter Blues

Just about this time of year every year I begin to struggle. The dreary days from endless rain and mud, turning to ice and mud, wear on my nerves in the house with six grandchildren running in and out and the gloomy appearance of lifeless trees wears on my heart. I can so easily be in a pit of depression before 9 a.m. on any given day whether or not their are people running in an out.  I try to put things around me that make my heart happy such as the lemons in my kitchens or the pinks in my living room. But even those things cannot always fight the gloom in my spirit. This past week the fibromyalgia kicked my butt on way too many days and the pain levels were beyond what lemons and girly pink stuff could bring me out of. I know that attitude is half my battle. If I can make myself do something I can usually bring myself out of it, but there are times I just don’t have the strength. 

I was driving to town one day this week and I just began to weep to think of the many people in my life that are facing struggles. I started going down the rows of seats in our church and thinking about the people who were ill, or had someone ill in their family or a friend  that was sick, the many people in our community battling cancer, the people who went out into eternity that I did not know for certain the condition of their soul and my heart was breaking and overwhelmed and the tears flowed from my eyes. I didn’t want to have to explain that to people when i finally made it into town because a pokey driver was on my last nerve (arggggghhhhh) and then I was disappointed in myself for getting so far off task of where my thoughts were. Winter is rough. So I sought a lesson on winter.

1 Corinthians 16:6-9 KJVS

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. [7] For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. [8] But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. [9] For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Lesson 1: Don’t Abide Alone

Apostle Paul writes a letter to the Corinthians about a winter journey of his own. He tells them that he’s planning on abiding all winter with them. While winter in Corinth would not be as winter in West Virginia, it would still be cool and rainy. I’m not really sure how that would have effected Paul, or men in general. Winter does not seem to effect my husband David as it does me, I suppose for everyone it is different. But I’ll bet one thing is not different on any human. Being alone for too long isn’t healthy. 

I’ve always said that I am my own best friend. I love my own company. I can also be my own worst enemy. I can allow my surroundings (such as the grey sky) to dictate my thoughts. Thoughts of sadness, failures and frustrations are more apt to be my focus. I’m blessed with a very large family, and those six grandchildren, while they drive me crazy tracking mud in and   leaving popsicle sticks everywhere there is such joy in their presence. But at the top of my list of prescriptions for the winter blues is church. The fellowship with other believers who want what I want, which is a closer walk with God. They speak words of encouragement to my soul, the music lifts my Spirit and the word speaks directly to my heart with a message that starts my week on the right foot. Paul’s life was filled with far more struggles than mud and popsicle sticks. He was on a continual trek of death threats and poor health. So Paul had a plan to be with his people. So should we.

Lesson 2: Don’t Always Listen to Yourself

Paul’s days were not Paul’s decision.  In verse 7 he says “but I trust to tarry with you, if the Lord permit.

Paul’s concern was what mine should be, forget the weather Shari… focus on the work God has for your life and His will. Paul said “if the Lord permitted him” he would stay in Corinth. He wasn’t assuming anything. If God sent him else where he’d be ready to go. It causes me to question whether or not I’m listening closely to God’s desire for these winter days. I was so concerned about the people in our church, yet, I didn’t visit or check up on anyone of them. So, was I even concerned. Of course I was, but it didn’t do me or them any go good to sit in my car and weep. I should have put feet on that prayer, or a phone call, anything to let them know I was praying and concerned for them. God doesn’t lay things and people on our without purpose. 

Our lives are not our own, we were bought with a price and that price was the Lord’s own Son. Is it me or are there others who forget the sacrifice of Christ because of the distractions of this world. What a great tool of Satan to keep us spinning our tires literally and figuratively in the mud of our Christian walk. Just add a few struggles into my life and my focus is shifted from the Savior to Shari. I spend far more time listening to me than Him and it is so unhealthy for my mind. 

Lesson 3: Don’t Let the Adversaries In

Paul was going to tarry (if God allowed) for the Pentecost. He was not as concerned about a religious holiday, but he was rather excited for the door that was about to open because of all of God’s people on their way into the city. Think about the crowds that would have gathered and what an opportunity this would have been to evangelize for Paul and the church. But along with the opportunity was the opposition. Satan and his crew knew that Paul and the others were turning the world upside down for the the cause of Christ. Oh Glory to God if our church was today. But just just as it was in the days of Paul, that same crew is opposing the children of God to stop our ministry work. 

That time of brokenness in my car should have lead to a time of busyness when I arrived in town, where the people are. But I most likely got distracted. Another great tool of Satan. There are three tools that I think are some of his favorites to get our mind off the Lord’s work. Distraction. Discouragement. He checked both those boxes in my life this week. And the third “Disillusionment.” 

One of the worst for me is to get my mind in a place where I view this world and it’s achievements as my scorecard for success. In both the secular and the spiritual I generally give myself about a “D-”. And Satan jumps right on that bandwagon to beat that drum! Add a week like this one into it, where I missed Wednesday night church because of pain, didn’t follow through on encouraging my friends, didn’t study as I should and Satan has me just where he wants me. Down and out. 

But praise God for Sunday. Today I can receive the encouragement I need in the house of God and began anew another week. 

I’m praying for you and I’m praying for me this morning that we will shut down the chatter of the adversary this week. Continue on child of God! We have work to do!

Your Friend in the faith, Shari Johnson, The Jesus Chick

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Voters, What are you measuring your standards by?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Voters, What are you measuring your standards by?

What exactly are standards? Has Webster’s changed the definition on it like they have so many other words, so that it will fit the agenda of today’s society?

Miriam Webster’s definition in the context of todays blog says:

3: something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example : CRITERION quite slow by today’s standards 4: something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality 5a: the fineness and legally fixed weight of the metal used in coins b: the basis of value in a monetary system the gold standard

Webster’s have not changed it so much that it’s not recognizable but the world standards have certainly changed and their methods of measuring are questionable to their origin to say the very least. The American standards of measurement have not changed a great deal when it comes to product measurement. A gallon is a gallon, an inch is an inch, a pound is a pound, etc. We’re not likely going to buy a 5 pound bag of flour that was weighed by guess-timation. Although we all buy toilet paper that’s supposedly a double or triple roll that sure looks the same to me as the single rolls did, but that’s an argument for another day. The point is we would not allow another form of measurement to be used that we did not agree with for items we’re purchasing. And yet… we’re okay with society changing the social norms and standards and nobody says a word. Well, a few do. But not many.

In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 28, there was a prince who had his own set of standards. He believed he was one smart cookie. Scripture says that God laid out a plan for Ezekiel to go challenge this prince on his standards:

Ezekiel 28:1-10 KJVS
[1] The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God ; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:

This fella thought he was so good, that he was an equal to God. But did he really weigh himself against God? Could he speak the world into existence. Ummm…nope. Could he breathe life into a man? Not likely. What caused this man to think he was an equal to God? The very same thing that causes an American to say they have right to kill an innocent child. The pride and exaltation of self. The ad below was on our county democrats Facebook page. This is why I left the Democratic Party. I am told that I should keep religion and politics separate, this is why I can’t.

Their idea that making someone wear a mask is as serious as killing an unborn child proves the value that they put on life. So what does God say about killing infants?

Jeremiah 1:5 KJVS
[5] 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.

Proverbs 6:16-17 KJVS
[16] These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

The first three things that Proverbs said God hated answers that question regarding abortion: A proud look (that man has the choice of life or death), a lying tongue (to say that child isn’t a child is saying God’s word is not true), and the 3rd, what did any child do to deserve being murdered?

Ezekiel delivers God’s message of Destruction to the Prince

Ezekiel 28:3-10 KJVS
[3] Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: [4] With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: [5] By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: [6] Therefore thus saith the Lord God ; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;

For the record, God does not want politics controlled by religion, nor was that the intention of the Constitution. It was Americans would have the freedom to worship, the One true God, if they so chose. God does not force anyone into His army, one must volunteer. But in another form of arrogance, society today does not want anyone telling them what is right or wrong or hurting their little feelings by speaking truth. Especially the word of God. Christians should not want to control politics, Christians should have a heart that is controlled by the Holy Spirit so that they can make godly decisions. But you cannot “kill babies, change scripture, change Creation and justify pedophilia and think you’ll ever get God’s stamp of approval on it. Therefore, “religion, aka God” must go.

Many say they’re Christians. But by what measure are they measuring their standards.

The final “post” I’ll share from Calhoun’s own democrats is this one, and I’m not even sure what’s meant by it?

Jesus’ miracle wasn’t a slap in the face to anyone. Evidently they’ve not read their bible. Scripture said that “all” ate. Five thousand men, and countless women and children. To use scripture in the manner above is a slap. But to God’s face, not mans.

Matthew 14:16-21 KJVS
[16] But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. [17] And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. [18] He said, Bring them hither to me. [19] And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. [20] And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. [21] And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Some may read this and say “There’s Shari judging people and callin’ em out. I’ve had a couple of politicians accuse me of that. And that’s fine. I’m not calling a person out. I’m calling out the Democratic organization. Am I proud of my Republican organization for which I’m a member. Not always. As a matter of fact, I’ll throw them under the bus too when they go against scripture. I don’t vote by party. I vote by the word of God. But in this world of picking the lesser of two evils, I’ll side with the one who sides with God 7 days a week and twice on Sunday.

We tend to look at the National Democratic agenda as being “not us, but them.” But these ads were placed on the Facebook page of Calhoun’s democrats. If you don’t agree with them, why are you standing for them?

When it came right down to it, I’m sure there were a whole lot of politicians ready to run Ezekiel out of town on a rail. But that’s not happened. The prince of Tyrus met his demise.

[7] Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. [8] They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. [9] Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. [10] Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.

We’ve got an election coming up, and I know Christians are not supposed to be political, but if I say I am a child of God, and that in so being I am an Ambassador for Christ, which the scripture says I am. Then I am representing God Himself in this world. And that makes me a little nauseous because I fail Him miserably. Praise God for Grace! But there are those, who with all the pride of the Prince in our story, have decided that they have the authority of God.

Please don’t think for a second the democratic agenda won’t make it to Calhoun if this county is governed by them.

On the national page, embraced by the locals in our community take a look at their priorities. Do they match yours? More importantly when you measure them by the word of God, do they measure up with His?

Our votes may be a secret inside the booth. But they’re not secret from God. Vote with the wisdom of God. Not self, and certainly not this world.

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Be Better than Yesterday

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Be Better than Yesterday

At what point do I shut my mouth and my mind off? That was the question that roused me out of bed at 3 a.m. after pondering it for 30 minutes. Do you ever wonder why God made you as He did? Oh boy, I do. Why did He make me so tender hearted, self critical, compassionate toward the defending of the underdog and passionately vocal of it all. I feel the need to share, and yet I hope nobody realizes the truth of myself. That I am a very, very flawed human.

Beseeching Us to be Our Best

Philippians 4:1-13 KJV
[1] Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. [2] I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. [3] And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Paul called a couple of his people out and called a couple of his people up. He “beseeched” Euodias and Syntyche, called them out by name for their argumentative treatment of one another. He doesn’t say what they were arguing over, just that they needed to have the same mind. The Pastor said something in church that caught my thought, how everybody thinks they’re right. People at one church wondering why the people of another church don’t understand that “they’re right.” Perhaps that was Euodias and Syntyche’s issue. It’s my issue with most people, why don’t they realize that I’m right. And when I’m not, why don’t they understand I’m human. For the record God is right, the most we can be is our best at falling into line with the Word of God. The problem is that’s usually the last place folks look for alignment.

Encouraging Us that God is Enough

[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. [5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I for certain do not “rejoice in the Lord alway.” Sometimes I’m not the least bit happy the way things turn out. And it is at those times that my “moderation” – you know… self restraint, is at it’s weakest. I forget that the Lord could bust the sky wide open at any moment and call us home and leave this heathen world to itself. I forget not to worry and to leave it in God’s hands, I want to tell the world about it, give them my advice; and as for the peace, well let’s just say I wouldn’t always pass that test either.

That’s how I would have written the Bible. But Paul was listening to God, not me. In his darkest hours, in a prison cell even, he rejoiced til the walls fell down. He was a man of authority and yet he restrained himself to be a man of captivity. Saying in his letter to Philemon 1:9 “Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.”

A literal prisoner often times, humbled by both his circumstances and the people God had put him in charge of; the Gentiles for whom he had fought hard to rid the world of, but now labored to see them saved! Paul didn’t say that the earthly desires ceased nor did he say that human nature ceased, but they came into captivity by praying and asking God what to ask for. Would my desires change if I ask God first what I need or what I should do? Will He get the glory from it, or will it be used in His service? Wouldn’t that bring a greater peace knowing that what I need, I have? That what ever God provides is more than I deserve?

Advising us to be Abased and Abound

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. [10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. [11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

That was what sparked my thoughts tonight. Abasement. That’s what’s needed for me to shut my mouth and my mind off from worldly issues. When I want to hurt the people that hurt people, and then I feel bad for wanting to hurt anyone at all. Paul killed and had people killed. He was literally the terminator in his day. How could I not think that he too would have struggled with not being able to smack the face off the arrogant bunch that jailed him. But he didn’t. He thought on the things of God. That God is going to return and these people needed to be prepared. Paul had been rich, and he had been poor and he was faithful in both because of his depth of gratitude for what Christ had done.

I confess I do not have that level of gratitude. I look around at my meager dwelling and I focus on the fact I wish it were more, and cleaner. And then I realize that compared to 3/4 of the world, it’s a mansion. Paul’s life advice is always spot on, not because he was a perfect man but because he was a willing vessel. What would God do with me if I were so abased… what would I abound in? His advice to me this morning, “understanding you’re flawed will keep you flawed is good, accepting it as a way of life is not. Be better than yesterday.

Love you all. Praying you are ready for Christ’s return.