Tag: Bible

Posted in Church attendance, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Praise, Purpose, salvation

I’m Not Always Godly…

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Truth of the matter is, we can all likely say the same, but the level of ungodliness varies on any given day. I have issues that would cause many out there to say “Amen and Amen.”

I’ve never tried to play “the righteous or holy one.” I try to warn people who walk the path with me that if I stumble upon a snake, I’m gonna holler about it. I won’t say bad words, but if someone writes them down, I’ll point to them. I won’t deny that they filter through my mind on more than one occasion. This world is a terrible role model.

There are people in the world that I struggle to like. I can say eye to eye and flat footed that there is no one on this planet that I want to see go to Hell. There is nobody on this planet that I wouldn’t take an opportunity to tell them about the love of Jesus. But there are people that when I hear their voice, I roll my eyes and cringe – if not openly at least on the inside.

I will not ever apologize for shining a light on something that could bring harm to the soul. Public education that has gone off the rails, government that’s gotten too big for their britches, media who selectively report the news, people who hurt or harm others without regret, and religion that makes me want to puke. I say I don’t play church, but if I’m honest I’ve been playing it a little lately, but it’s not been any fun.

So what brings me here today, to this topic? It’s the only way I know that I can keep myself accountable, work through my issues, and possibly help someone else struggling.

What is godliness?

  • A person who genuinely loves the word of God and studies it for the purpose of being who God designed them to be, to walk in His ways, and to glorify Him through their life.
    • David said in Psalm 119:103 KJV
    • How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
    • Paul said in Titus 1:1 KJV
    • Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
    • All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Ask yourself this question, “How much do you love the word of God? Are you in the word every day? Can’t say that I have been recently. There was a time that I started every day with the Word of God, read through the Bible, studied and studied the word to figure out what God wanted me to do. And then it happened. I grew weary of failing God. As a minister to the people I could encourage others but could not encourage myself. This is where I will say that “playing church” came in to my life. I could tell you the patented answers to your problems because with 25 years of studying the word of God I had become quite adept at the problems of other people and knowing what the word said about their problems. But my own… Oh no, no, no. I was queen of using my Attention Deficit Disorder to focus on something else besides my issues.

How about acknowledging the truth? When it comes to the wickedness that is in the world do we align everything up by the word of God? This is going to sound petty, and it’s really not meant to be, but I think it’s a good example. This past Sunday I missed church because my back was out. So I began early in the morning from my bed, watching various services. I have some favorite non-Baptist friends that I follow. One family happens to be of the Church of Christ. That particular denomination doesn’t believe in musical instruments in the church (most of them). So I listened and enjoyed their service. But I scrolled a little further to an in home worship service with the same people and there were instruments. Wait a minute… I don’t care if you believe that instruments don’t belong, but how can they belong one place and not another. Now… that does sound petty. Until you put it into perspective with many of the daily decisions we are faced with and are we willing to compromise on what the scripture says regarding other issues like same sex marriage, premarital sex, worldly television, lying, drugs, alcohol, etc. etc. Do we read and study what the Word of God says on those things and other popular topics?

A person who genuinely loves those who God loves (everyone).

Ephesians 6:18-19 KJV

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

A person of humility and understanding of their need to rely on God.

Ezra 8:21-23 KJV

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. [22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. [23] So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

Ezra, an Old Testament Prophet, knew Who it was that He had to rely on for survival. Yes it was a different day. God was speaking in a different manner, but something that hasn’t changed about that situation is, we still need to talk to God about what’s going on in our day to day lives.

Ezra “afflicted” himself, humbled himself before God. He didn’t come to God with any arrogance or self elevation. There was too much at stake. Hello? Do you think we have a lot at stake now? Sunday morning I had 5 of the 6 grandchildren at my house. Guess who didn’t go to church because I (their Noni) didn’t go to church. Ugh… I felt like a heel. I want my grandchildren to grow up with an example before them daily where God is humbly sought for guidance and safety in this world and that they understand how important God is.

How humble are we? I have always considered myself a pretty humble person… but that in itself means I’m not humble enough. I do consider the great possibility that I can be wrong. So I go to the only source of absolute truth that we have – the Bible. I seek my answers there, not from the world, not from my own opinion (as I have been accused.) I rely on the Spirit, which contrary to what some believe, does speak to the child of God.

A person who does their best to live a life separate from worldly endeavors.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Unequally yoked is often used in reference to marriage. But what about relationships with people in general, or any thing in general. I do not believe that it means we’ll never come into contact with the world. How else can people be saved unless someone tells them of Jesus. But as someone called into the ministry of Jesus Christ, I struggled with God wanting me to be in a secular job. When I began to operate the Ridgeview News, I struggled reporting on the failures of others when I knew that I too had failures. It took prayer and understanding that just as a preacher has sins of their own, they have to draw the congregations attention to error of their ways so they’ll correct behaviors and help the church live a good life for Christ. In the process of their study I cannot imagine that the message doesn’t hit the Preacher between the eyes as well. When I write the news, and I have to write of the struggle of another human being, it doesn’t allow me to go unchecked. It reminds me that I too am held to a higher standard. It doesn’t stop me from failing, but it makes me acknowledge my failures and want to do better.

But to yoke up is to join yourself to what God deems ungodly. Watched any less than godly tv shows or movies lately? Encouraged or been apart of ungodly behaviors lately? It’s tough to live in this world and not become sucked into a society that says a little sin won’t matter. Or views different sins at different levels. God said be ye separate. If we line up our every day endeavors by the word of God, how many of them would pass the test as separate? I fear many, many of mine would fail. Vanity, pride, neglect of responsibilities… so many failures, so little time.

So what’s a Christian to do? Get your Bible and read it. Understand that there is far more to living for God than just studying and reading your bible. There is application. That’s what this world is lacking. I see good people being good little Christians. Likely far better than me. But they’re in their house, their job, their family and the church is left down the road. They take care of their four and no more. That is not the separation God was talking about.

We cannot choose any one point from the Bible and say that this is our main focus. Sixty-six books filled with lessons. Purposed for instruction, encouragement, and doctrine and reproof. But every single page has a purpose. Are end times close? Closer than ever before. Do we need to understand how to prepare? That depends on what your idea of prepare is. If your idea of prepare is to get as many people into heaven as you can, then I’m with you. If your goal is not worry about anyone but yourself. Sorry. I’m not in your camp. I love you. I pray you’re in heaven too. But I’m not just worried about you. Sometimes I don’t worry about what I should, sometimes I’m ungodly. But praise Him, I’m saved and forgiven. Amen.

Posted in Christian, Health, Humor, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

I’m Not the Keeper of Your Life

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Oh man! Do we live in a judgmental society. I had to use “oh man,” in the context for which I did, because Paul used it in Romans 2:1 a couple of times, and totally made me snicker as I read it; knowing that Paul didn’t know the context for which we would speak that today, but God certainly did. Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurred to God? Hey, don’t judge me for my warped humor; which just so happens to be todays thought on my heart. The judgement, not the humor.

I listened as someone this week spewed judgement about someone else without regard to their  own failures in life. They didn’t give their failures any thought because they believe their failures to be excusable. But if they understood the word of God… hey  lets get real, if any of us put the word of God into action as it’s intended and applied it to our lives, how often would our lips be zipped?!  God’s righteousness will not allow anyone to be excused for judging others. He is righteous. We are far, far from it. 

God’s not Snarky, but I am

 Romans 2:1-11 KJVS

 [1] Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. [2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. [3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 

When I read verse 2, I read it as if God had a snarky attitude. Of course Paul wrote the words of the Lord, so maybe Paul did! To country quote what Paul is saying, “O man,you’re inexcusable! You’re judging people when you do the same or worse. But you are sure that the judgement of God is going to go way worse for them. O man! You think you’re going to escape judgment, think again. 

That’s what it would have said if this were the Bible according to Shari. But it’s not, so Paul’s writing is much more eloquent. And it’s what God told him to say, so there’s that.

The judging that’s on my mind and heart this morning is that of the current state of health in America. Vaccine or no vaccine, mask or no mask, stay home or go out, home school or public school? It’s ridiculous (yes I’m judging) from my perspective. I seldom think I have the right to infringe my beliefs upon others. Note I said seldom, not that I don’t ever do it. But knowing that God did not make me the keeper of another man’s life, I do not ever feel I have the right to insist that he or she follow my conviction. If i feared for my life, I’d stay home. I don’t. So I’m going to work, church or where ever I desire because I’m not living my life in the fear that “I feel” media has put into the minds of America. What is most concerning to me is that Christians don’t consider it judging to tell another person they shouldn’t feel the way they do. It’s considered right or left thinking rather than right or wrong thinking. Oh yeah, I went there.

I went there because a fellow Christian went there with me last week when they insinuated I shouldn’t involve politics in my Christian teaching. For the record, I name the sin not the political party and they applied it to the party, not me. They caused me to question whether or not I should speak out on certain sins that are apart of our current political climate and debates. The Apostle Paul called out the sins of the day, (which happen to still be active sins). He gave the Romans, Corinthians, Philippians and others a message that they could apply to the current events and struggles they were facing. Should that not be how we minister today? 

When Paul spoke on judging others, obviously it was an issue. It’s still an issue. But what’s more of an issue is the fact that we’re worried about whether or not someone has the vaccine inside their body and not Jesus. I want to ask anyone who’s complained about someone not wearing a mask, or not taking the vaccine,  “When is the last time you ask someone about the condition of their soul?” If you call yourself a Christian and you are more concerned about their vaccine status than you are if they’re going to Hell. Zip it. 

As is every message I bring, that “zip it” was a reminder for me too. I do not care if you’re vaccinated or if you wear a mask. But sometimes I care a little too much that you care. Sometimes I forget that fear is a real monster that’s not hiding under the bed. It’s living out in the open in Washington DC. And people feel what they feel and I should acknowledge that and not make light of it. So, I’ll believe your fearfulness. But please, listen to my love for your soul. 

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, testimony, Word of God

Why I Jumped Ship

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Read Psalm 55 and it reads like King David was living in Wisconsin, DC or Washington State. He was so frustrated that he was hated without cause. 

Psalm 55:2-3 KJV

[2] Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; [3] Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

My current focus has been on the rioting and trends of the United States. I can’t stop thinking about it. So as I read David’s words this morning I felt his angst. I personally am not persecuted and attacked like David or many, many others in our country right now. I’ve not experienced the personal loss of my home being vandalized, but that doesn’t stop the heartache in my life from seeing it happen to others. I lay my anxiety at the feet of Jesus, but I occasionally pick it back up just to make sure it still scares me. I know… crazy right? 

According to commentary, David penned this Psalm at the time of the betrayal of his son, Absalom, and Ahithophel’s council against him. It has also been interpreted as a type of Judas betraying Christ Jesus. Can we not see that in todays chaos. The betrayal of our Lord by our Nation (as a whole) is unbelievable. Anyone on the side of the Lord is considered by the left to be an enemy of the state. I want to scream “We’re the good guys!” We’re not destroying our nation, we’re praying for it. We’re not disrespecting authority, we’re wearing our stupid masks that I believe are a farce because we’ve been ordered to, and we’re trying our best not to go the wrong way down the Walmart aisle. Give me a break! 

By comparison to David’s trials of the day, it seems almost petty. But it’s not petty, people are dying. Not in Calhoun County, West Virginia, but in my country. We have a nation of brats out of control and they need judgement now.

David prays as much:

Psalm 55:9-11 KJV

[9] Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. [10] Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. [11] Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

When I see someone up in someone’s face, screaming BLM rhetoric to the top of their lungs, I’m tempted to pray as David did. “Kill’em Lord!” But that’s not a prayer for this era of time. We’re to pray for the lost. Lord, give me strength… I know I’m to offer grace, but deed it’s difficult.

I did something over the weekend that I’ve not spoken of a great deal. But this morning it seemed to line up with my current writing. I changed my voter registration. An an 18 year old I registered Democrat, my dad was a Democrat, however he was one with morals. In my county of 7500 (ish) people, the bulk of which are registered Democrat, there is seldom anyone on the Republican ticket to vote for. Many of my friends are on the Democratic ticket and I want to support them. But come the next primary election, that won’t be possible. And I’m not sad about it. My beliefs are the enemy of the Democratic Party (as a whole) and I wanted no part of it. Yes, there’s still some good people in it, I have family in it. But for me personally, I will not have my name attached to any organization that defies God. And they do.

For David it was much the same. His current enemy was people he had once been in church with: 

Psalm 55:12-14 KJV

[12] For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it : neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: [13] But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. [14] We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

How sad… and how very much 2020. 

I know that my friends are not the ones rioting in the streets or speaking out against God. But it is unfortunate that they are not standing up for Him either. They’ve not fallen in line with the leftest rebels, but they’ve scooted over from the right so far, you’d not know it. I worry about them. I love them. But I’ll not stand with them. There may not be one Republican on our local ballot, or maybe there will be… either way, I’ll not be affiliated with a party that stands for:

  • Abortion
  • Taking God out of the Pledge of Allegiance
  • Calls Murder, vandalism and tyranny a “non-violent protest.”
  • Refuses to call sin out
  • The removal of the 2nd Amendment
  • Calls for the defunding of police
  • Fails to support our troops
  • Indoctrinates public school children with BLM (Black Lives Matters) philosophy to include the destruction of the “family unit.” (Blaze special on this tonight with Glen Beck at 9 p.m.)

Yes, I know many of you that are democrats don’t believe in that… but that is the open and proud agenda of the National Democratic Party. And your name is on their roster. Like it or not, you’re listed among’em. I have no ill will toward you or lack of respect for you. But for me, I wanted no part of it. 

David’s conclusion is why I changed to the Republican Party. While I had originally determined I would file as an Independent, and I have no qualms with that; I determined I wanted to be apart of the committee that endorsed my President, Donald Trump. I wanted to stand beside him. 

In the latter verses of Psalm 55, David says this: 

Psalm 55:22 KJV

[22] Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

I’m by no means saying the Republicans are righteous. Oh, I know they have issues. In this fallen world, there’s nothing created by man that doesn’t have issues. But when it comes to the biblical principles, they’re far “more” right than the Dems. And the Dems have just about crossed over to demonism. If the Republicans move to the left, I’ll jump their ship too; but as far as my faith, my trust that the word of God is truth from Genesis to Revelation, that God has not changed His mind on any sin, on that I shall not be moved. Amen! God has no political affiliation. But He has standards, and He expects His people to stand on them. 

Posted in Bible Journaling, doodles, Life Inspiration, Word of God

The Bible According to Satan

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It was an instagram post. It’s why I love that platform. Because without words, (tho technically this was a word) but through images we can stir the soul; remind the world… no remind me, that I am loved. Unconditionally, unequivocally, without hesitation or regret, loved. I don’t always feel that way. And given any time at all to think and I will pick my faults to death. But with a few markers, some happy thoughts and a little time in God’s word, I wrote myself happy. It was needful. 

When I catch the news or social media clips I hear the Bible according to Satan.

We expect you to suffer long, we are unkind, and we envy one another. We vaunt (praise) ourselves for our knowledge and we puff ourselves up. We behave unseemly, but we judge the behavior of others. We are provoked by good, but we think and encourage evil. We rejoice in iniquity, there is no truth in us. We help no one, we believe in no one, have no hope, offer no hope and  tolerate no one. We fail. 

But listen to the word of God!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. [8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

Children of God, love each other. Take care of each other. Pray for each other. Rejoice in God’s word and we believe in His hope! God is love, therefor Love never fails. That is my hope this morning! I hope that it is yours. Turn off the television and tune into the word of God and encourage yourself in the only known truth in this world we live in!

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, Life Inspiration, salvation, Uncategorized

Do You Know that you Know?

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Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:5b

What a word from Apostle Paul. The great persuader and crusader of Jesus Christ.

In this wishy-washy world it’s good to know that I know. A very wise statement from a friend of mine, Shirley Fitzwater, was one his daughter Teresa shared with me and I’ve yet to forget it. It may not be an original, but I’m giving him credit. Shirley said, “The only thing worse than the guy who doesn’t know, is the guy who doesn’t know he doesn’t know.”

Confused yet?

When you break that statement down, it speaks so much to society. There’s nothing wrong with not knowing something. We’re all learning as we walk this earth, and I have so much to learn! But those who don’t know that they don’t know, are unaware that they’re missing any knowledge. It breaks my heart. The sirens of Hell are screaming loudly and yet they ignore them.

As the wife of a fire fighter I’ve had to listen to the sirens (tones) drop on David’s multiple radios for years. Some days when emergency services are very active, I want to take the radio out into the driveway and smash it in to a million pieces. I think I might find great joy in that. Noises bother me. But over the 30 years he’s served, most days I tune it out. I try to let it be a reminder to pray for the people who are involved, but some days I just don’t. I’m not a super saint, I’m Shari. Fully a failure much of the time. But isn’t that illustration a world view. They’re tuning out the sirens of Hell and pretending that their day will never come. They don’t know that they don’t know.

As I said, I’m glad I know.

In the context of Paul’s scripture in Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.  Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

I must confess that there is a part of my less than lean body that made me smile when Paul said that “another, who is weak, eateth herbs.” That’s the evil side of Shari. But the jest of this conversation speaks of judging the manner of life someone is living who does indeed know, although they’re not living as we believe they should. Another’s life is truly not ours to judge. And the world loves using that statement against Christians saying that we are judging them when we speak to their salvation. They don’t know that they don’t know. And arguing that point with them may or may not drive them into a deeper relationship with Christ. But Paul said that those who are weak in the faith, just accept them. Don’t argue.

It’s a fact that I am ever so grateful that God always impressed upon my heart that I didn’t know. I knew there was something missing in my life. So, when I received the salvation of Christ, I knew I didn’t know, and I set out to know it. But not every child of God is like that. It’s like children, they grow at different rates.

My grandson Luke is almost as tall as I am. Well over five feet. His cousin Noah, who is just a few month’s younger is so much shorter! But we do not look at his stature and say, “Noah, you need to do better.” No, we encourage him to work with the stature he has. Should we not do the same for the child of God?

I am grateful that I know and I am indeed persuaded in my own mind about the word of God, my standing with Christ and the doctrine for which I believe. But I believe what Paul is saying and reminding us of, is that we need to take care of our relationship with God, and not to judge the relationship that others may have and the way in which they worship God. If a person is saved, he or she is the property of God, and He is their Master. It’s not up to us to judge the Lord’s servants and argue.

But Paul said Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. We, as mature saints of God, need to know what we believe and why we believe it. That requires more than an occasional Sunday in church, and reading the word of God. I’m not judging, I’m just saying what the Lord has impressed upon my heart as the only path to fully being persuaded of who He is.

Do you know that you know? If so you need to glory in it! And you need to share that wealth with someone today.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

Not by Happenstance – a Presidential Truth

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american chickI know that the bible is relative to the day, but it still gives me a moment of pause. And so I re-read what was written and it’s as if God says, “Yes, that’s what I wrote. What part of the “Living Word of God” did you not understand?” So, I’m reading through 1st Samuel and I’m in the 10th Chapter, reading the story of the anointing of Saul to be King. I need to preface this with a Facebook story. God woke me up at 5:30 ish this morning and I knew I needed to get up and read the word of God and see what He’d have me focus on today. But it was so toasty beneath the covers that so I lay there scrolling through Facebook and catching up on the latest meme’s, prayer request and antics of somebody’s baby. And low and behold, this will shock you, I came across an anti-Trump post. Now that’s rare in my Facebook world because most of those who are on my feed are Trump supporters or at least they’re not negative nellies. But one such character, a preacher no less, was a very vocal Obama and Clinton supporter and although we’ve not locked horns about the issue, his post bother me. So in frustration, I hop up out of bed and head to the living room to get into God’s word. That’ll teach me not to obey God the first time.

Not by happenstance, I’m in 1st Samuel 10.

Verse 9

And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

Samuel had just laid the news on Saul that he was about to become King of Israel. Saul didn’t understand. He was of the tribe of Benjamin the smallest of the children of Israel, he didn’t have any training and he was just trying to find his dad’s wayward mules, not trying to become king. But God had another plan. It had never been God’s plan that His people would have another leader besides Himself. But they chose that path, and so God allowed mans will to become the way. But it still didn’t take God out of control. As Saul turned to leave Samuel, somewhat in shock I think, it says that “God gave him another heart.”

When Obama was elected in 2004 and 2008, I wasn’t happy. But he was President and I knew that God had allowed him to be President and who was I to question God. I spent those eight years watching as the American dream was flushed down the toilet and Christianity was mocked from one end of the country to the other. Yet, I still respected the office of President of the United States. So when 2016 came you better believe I was on my knees begging God for a change in our Nation’s leadership before the whole country found itself searching for God in the house of the Lord and having Him not be found. When President Trump initially ran, my first thought was “I don’t think that’s God’s man.” But as time went on I became a Trump believer. Not because he was a godly man, but because he was a man God could use. And then, when he added Vice President Pence to his team, a man of God and proud to be, I had my answer.

So when I scrolled across that post this morning of side by side images of Obama and Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast, with their opening words being used to tear at the political seams of our Country, I was upset. Obama had opened up with scripture, Trump opened up with a joke. Now, for the record I never watched Obama’s national day of prayer speeches because I fully believe the man is Muslim, not a child of God. At every opportunity he thwarted the efforts of Christianity and promoted Islamic terrorism. But back to the prayer breakfast… Trump was stirred up after he had heard Chaplain Barry Black preach one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard and a salvation message to boot!  God is at work on the heart of Donald Trump, I believe it. So he opened up with a joke about who appointed Black and that his job was safe whether he appointed him or someone else. It was Trump trying to be funny… he doesn’t always master that.  But what he mastered in his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast was the fact that he is willing to fight for Christian freedom. That was never Obama’s agenda.

I’ll shush at this point, because I really don’t like being political. But I needed to get that off my chest and I have a platform for which I pay a month subscription that gives me the right to do so. And I figure if you’re not a Jesus Chick fan, you’ll likely not read it anyway. And if you’re a fan of mine, you’re probably a fan of President Trump. Yes, I’m aware for the biblical scholars that Saul later failed. Trump’s not Saul and our story doesn’t have to be his. This is about who God appoints and the fact that we have no right to question but to follow scripture that says that we are respect authority.

The end of that chapter says this in verses 26 and 27.

And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

I see God moving in our country in a way that I’ve not experienced for a very long time. And I’m just saying for the record that those stirring division are not of God, because God unites Christians. Satan divides.

Posted in Life Inspiration

The evolving of arrogance into stupidity

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The evolving of arrogance into stupidity

chick pondering

Why does the scientific world continue to shock me with their ignorance? Not all of them, just the ones who say “stupid stuff.” I know that I’m not the brightest crayon in the box… I’ve never professed that to be the case. But I do know that God is real, the Creator of Heaven and Earth and all that is; a fact that doesn’t take a scientific mind to conclude but rather takes the arrogance and self-importance of a mind to deny. This point was proven in an article published yesterday on evolutionnews.org with the following statement.

“Although we think that scientific evidence does not support neo-Darwinism, quality science education necessitates teaching students the strengths and weaknesses of evolution. As a result, Discovery Institute would never support removing evolution from the curriculum.”

This statement was prompted by the news that an Indian newspaper, the Deccan Herald, reported that India’s southwestern state of Karnataka was calling for the removal of evolution from school textbooks:

Branding Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution as unscientific, the Karnataka Unaided Schools Management Association (Kusma) is in the works to move the Union and State governments to remove it from school textbooks.

“Very shortly, the administrators and I will be calling a press conference to address the need to shelve Darwin’s theory of evolution from our school text books. We will be requesting both the Union and State Governments to make necessary changes to our textbooks,” said K V Dhananjay, legal counsel, Kusma.

So let me get this straight… It’s better to teach children a lie as a theory, than admit that you were wrong.

You really should read the entire article for yourself. My quoting of parts and pieces leaves much of their story out. Like the fact that they said

“Although we think the evidence points to design, and it is fine if non-public schools want to discuss it, evolution is a widely held and historically significant theory. It is a matter of basic scientific literacy for students to understand the full range of scientific views on evolutionary theory.”

Is this not the equivalency of saying… “We know that an apple comes from an apple tree, but if a child wants to look at the possibility it began as an oak, we think that’s good science.”

A quote and fact worthy of repeating and believing:

Genesis 1

 In the beginning God created…

Aforementioned article: http://www.evolutionnews.org/2015/10/the_evolution_c100031.html

Posted in Life Inspiration, Purpose

Don’t let unexplainable dreams halt God’s undeniable purpose

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Don’t let unexplainable dreams halt God’s undeniable purpose

chick dreams

Restless nights… they’re a rarity for me. I have the gifted ability to fall asleep within minutes of laying down. It perhaps could have something to do with the fact that my overly active mind is either going to stop or explode. I shared a post on Facebook the other day that said “Having a creative mind is like having 2,857 web browsers open all at once.” I laughed… and then sighed. That was me for certain. Another sleep trait of mine is that if I dream, I seldom remember having had them. But not last night… it was a vivid dream with some well-known characters of my past and a few barely known. The setting was my Grandma Vada’s home place where I’d taken my own granddaughter Paityn. We were in an upstairs bedroom that I have such great memories of as a child. Two big ol’ iron beds that we bounced and laughed upon for hours on end; thousands of memories and secrets shared between cousins. But this day as I shared those memories with Paityn, or Princess “P” as we call her, some family members from the past came and halted the visit. I woke up frustrated. My mind reeled as I began to think of how those same family members “finagled” that property out of our family’s lives and that I would never really get to share that special time there with Princess “P”. And then I began to wonder about the power and purpose of that dream… who was behind it?

It seems the supernatural has a super attraction in the word today. What was once a comedic act of the Ghost Busters is today considered “science.” I’d roll my eyes but it would lose affect. Why is it that we’ll put stock in everything but the truth! People will believe that spirits can speak to them from another realm, but absolutely refuse to put any stock in the fact that the Creator of the Heaven and earth can speak to the hearts of man.  They’ll seek a soothsayer to interpret a dream or put great stock in Sunday’s horoscope, and yet the Bible full of prophecies fulfilled and promises never broken is considered an antiquated outdated book. Insert another eye roll here. Seriously? So again I question my dream. Why now did these people that I had long since stopped allowing to inundate my thoughts, invade my sleep? I stopped it right there. Why would I waste a second of time on a chapter in my life that had long since had the epilogue complete? Because Satan could distract my mind from the things in life that I have begun to write a prologue to. You see… God has some plans for my life that I’ve been thinking on a great deal lately, and I think Satan is feeling a little left out.

Dreams are very intimate events. If it’s something that captivates your mind when you awake it’s usually because it’s something meaningful at your very core. And Satan is so very good at core’s… Just ask Eve. I won’t put any stock in something that disturbs me as a sign from God.

1 John 4:1 says Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

And it is clear from Galatians 5:22 that the Spirit of God is not sent to trouble the mind when it says “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” So if there is a spirit troubling your soul who do you think is in charge of it?  These thing are heavy on my heart because I see so many people giving over to a spirit in their lives that troubles their soul

Spirits like:

  • Hurt
  • Sorrow
  • Fear
  • Anger
  • Bitterness
  • Envy
  • Pride
  • Slander
  • Jealousy
  • Murmuring
  • Backbiting

Oh that list could go on for miles, anything that stirs strife in your soul and takes your mind off of the things of God.

If I had allowed my mind this morning to give place to the thoughts that I awoke with, I can guarantee you the spiritual plans I have had on my agenda for today would have been washed away by the rain outside my window.

It doesn’t have to be a dream. You can be standing flat footed and wide awake and Satan will remind you of something that immediately causes strife in your soul. Again the scripture says in Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

So when it comes to the spirit world (which is very real) don’t open up an avenue to Satan and his minions by thinking on or exploring “their” realm. God isn’t involved with them, so why would you want to be? Those who dabble with darkness just might get more than they bargained for.

Philippians 4:8

Finally,brethren, whatsoever things are true,whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever thingsare just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoeverthings are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

SOUND ADVICE FROM THE SOUNDEST OF SOURCES.

Don’t let unexplainable dreams halt God’s undeniable purpose.

Posted in Eternity, Life Inspiration

Life on Trial

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Life on Trial

chick what

I want to say to them, “Your body is a liar.” Those people I meet who fail to see the need for God in their lives. It’s no coincidence that a bad doctor’s report comes in and all of a sudden there is a need to know and speak to God. And even then sometimes that need is overshadowed by an unwillingness to admit they are dependent upon the Creator. As if that somehow means He doesn’t exist and that they are in control. I guess it may be easier for me because I know that I need somebody else to control my world, else it will spin off its axis and go hurling around hurting people, the same way I do if God doesn’t control me, my mouth, my mind and hands. You’re probably better… Me, I a mess on a good day.

1 John 5:10 says “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”

That Witness

The intricate functioning of the body cries out that there is a Creator. To think that we one day just were? Come on! That an explosion would create emotion and conscience in the human and a lack of conscience in critters? That we evolved into who we are today, yet monkeys are still monkeys, and dogs and cats are still arch enemies, a rodent is still disgusting and a gnat is still a gnat. And why on earth would you even want to believe that at the end of time there is nothing? Where is the hope in that; or the intelligence? But I’m pretty simple. The Witness within me cries out for the Creator! I long to be in His presence and enjoy His company; I see the evidence of Him in my life and I see the lack of Him in others.

The Liar

He’s good at his job. He tells the wealthy they are self-made, the strong they are invincible, and the powerful that they are in control of their destiny. He tells the destitute that nobody cares, the poor that poverty is deserved, and the hurt and abused that staying is better than the unknown. He convinces the sick that there is no hope or need to search for it, and the well he makes believe that their health is completely controlled by their decisions. And then his breath breathes victory at their refusal to listen to the Witness within.

The Evidence

It’s around us and within us and it’s amazing! And the day that I accepted Christ and the record of God (the Bible) as the undeniable truth, the evidence became evident. I couldn’t look at anything and not see God. Science has proven the same theory when unbiased scientist search it out. The liar screams and the stillness of God sets in the heart of a Christian and they are at peace when the whole world is chaos. Explain that without God.

Are you searching for evidence? Look in the mirror, God created you in His image and likeness, don’t you see it? Are you a child of God? You are the evidence that someone is looking for, what is your testimony saying?

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Say “Da” to God

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Say “Da” to God

3 Guys

I love watching the reach of my blog. It fascinates me to think that anyone (outside of family and friends) would read what I write, and yet they do! I love that I’m seeing prophecy played out through me, and with the help of technology the Word of God is going across the earth. Whether or not I ever know those who read my blog face to face on earth doesn’t matter, although it’s cool when I do, but if they are a child of God I’ll meet them face to face in Heaven.

I’ve watched over the past few weeks as Canadians and Ukrainians have vied for position in the list of readership. My sister is a missionary to Canada, so I’m tickled that I too am a missionary of sorts in that land sharing the gospel of Christ from my kitchen table or sofa, in West Virginia, USA. But Ukraine was not on my radar until a few weeks ago and then all of a sudden the number of readers increased. A quick Google search of Ukraine lead me to an article on the website of Eastern European Mission seeking to raise funding for Bibles for Ukraine due to the increase in requests of public schools desiring to teach from it. Yes, I said public schools. The word “Da” is yes in Ukraine. They believe that giving the Bible to their children (saying yes to God) will change the future of their country. Imagine that?

2 Corinthians 1:20 ~ For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Faith in God can be summed up in one word, “Yes,” or “Da” if you’re in Ukraine. With that one word you receive all of the promises of God, enough promises to last you through eternity and more than you can ever imagine. God doesn’t ask anything other than for us to say yes to the gift of Salvation through the confession that His Son, Jesus Christ, was born of a virgin, died on the cross, rose again the third day and now intercedes on our behalf when we err in this life. That is far easier for me than believing we “exploded into existence,” especially since the earth and all that is in it bears witness of God, and from a very young child I’ve had pull on my heart toward Him.

If you’re from Ukraine, I’d love to hear how the gospel is making its way into your homes and what Jesus is doing in your life. It’s a shame the progressive nation of the United States digresses away from the Bible in public schools for fear of influencing children, and yet they’re embracing the influence of false religions. It’s not inconceivable that another country could be sending missionaries into our land.

Ukraine, I’m so happy that you are saying “Da” to God. America… the word is yes. Let’s do it and get our nation back on track!

Contact me through the comment box at the top of this page, or email me at talk2shari@gmail.com