Church Leadership – Page 5

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

But Now…a Trip to the Wood Shed for this Chick

Written by talk2shari Published January 9, 2015January 9, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Eli the Priest had two sons that would have followed in his footsteps, but the scripture is clear on who they had become in 1 Samuel 2:12 “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.” They were unsaved, idolatrous men that certainly knew better. They and Eli were aware of what the responsibilities of leadership was, and yet the sons took their disrespect of the house of God to the furthest extreme and because of it they had caused the congregation of the Lord to sin. Eli knew of this and confronted them in verse 24 when he said ^“Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress.” But that’s as far as Eli took it. He continued to allow his sons to be in a position of authority and influence until finally God had had enough and killed them both. But now…judgment had come and Eli had lost his sons. God’s point was made, and the punishment was doled out. For the sons it was death, for Eli it living with the fact that he contributed to their demise by treating his sons’ sins too lightly. It’s a harsh lesson in leadership this morning for me because I too have been guilty of taking the righteousness of God too lightly and not wanting to offend someone.

A lesson in the teen class this week had us examining the question of whether or not our relationships with our earthly father influenced our attitude with our Heavenly Father. I believe whole heartedly that it does. My earthly father was one of the sweetest men you’d ever know, and a pretty passive fellow. He stood his ground on what he believed but he was not a strong disciplinarian nor was he very confrontational. I’m pretty sure I’ve viewed God much the same. I don’t take Him nearly as serious as I should. Please don’t misunderstand… I’m not blaming my Dad for my transgressions, I am without excuse. But I do believe as leaders we have to be careful about imputing our ideas of Who God is from our earthly role models.

My Dad as wonderful as he was, did not have the power of life and death in his hands. He could not change a man’s fate for the better or worse. He did not have the power to elevate someone or lower their estate. But God does! He’ll honor those who honor Him, and those who don’t… well…. You might be in trouble.

But now, the Lord saith and we should listen. Call sin, sin; in your life and those you lead. Don’t justify it, deny it or overlook it. That’s not honoring God. The “But Now” study has once again hit pretty close home for me which is why I write. It’s therapeutic and cleansing. I just take you along with me like a kid in trouble going to the wood shed; hoping their father won’t embarrass them by tannin’ their hide in front of their friends. That never works for me; it didn’t work for Eli either.

Posted in Grace, Life Inspiration

But Now… an awkward alliance turns awesome!

Written by talk2shari Published January 6, 2015January 8, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Joshua 9

¹²This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:

These were the words spoken to Joshua and the children of Israel by the Gibeonites in order to deceive them into believing they were from a far country; yet instead they were neighbors to Israel for whom God had instructed Israel to make no treaty with. Joshua knew enough to talk to God before he went into battle, but what’s the harm in a peace treaty? God loves us to be buddies, right? Ummm… not always. It wasn’t long before Joshua had figured out that he’d been duped, but they had already sworn peace in the name of the Lord, and that’s serious business. So instead of killing the Gibeonites, the Gibeonites became Israel’s servants.

All sounds innocent enough, but Israel had still sinned in that they had failed to seek counsel of God. God may continue to use you, He may continue to bless you, but not to the degree that He would have if obedience had been factored in. But it’s the rest of the story that I love about the Israelites and the Gibeonites. They were not supposed to be mingled in with the children of God, and deceitfully got there. But God’s got a plan and as human as we are we can’t mess it up. God used the humility of Gibeon as a life lesson. They were humbly willing to be servants to the house of God if their life was spared and because of their willingness to serve Him He continued to use them.

After Joshua 9

The Gibeonites became servants at the tabernacle, just as Joshua had commanded.
Gibeon becomes a priestly city; the Ark of the Covenant stayed at Gibeon often in the days of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 16:39-40 and 21:29).
At least one of David’s mighty men was a Gibeonite (1 Chronicles 12:4).
God spoke to Solomon at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4).
Gibeonites were among those who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:7 and 7:25)

Isn’t it great what God can do with us when we come to Him in humility and love, willing to be used where ever it is that He sees fit. As Gentiles we were not God’s chosen people, but in His great mercy He allows us to be a part of the family of God, grafted in, adopted in as one of His own. It was an awkward alliance that Joshua made, but because of it Gibeon was saved. Stop kicking yourself because of your past mistakes and rather see if God can turn awkward into awesome!

Posted in Life Inspiration

The First New Year’s “Eve”

Written by talk2shari Published December 31, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

It’s New Year’s Eve! Let’s get the party started…but before we do I have a thought that I need to follow through. Was the very first New Year’s Eve formed in regret? Perhaps I’m wrong, I’ve been so before; but when I began looking for a topic to blog on this morning I wanted to think on a biblical eve (as in the night before something happened) But where God took me was to the capital “E” Eve and the thought that the very first New Year’s Eve celebration wasn’t really a celebration at all. But rather it was formed in regret… much the way many other modern day New Year’s Eve celebrations are formed when bad decisions effect a life time.

Genesis 3:1 ~ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD GOD had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Just one question got that New Year’s Eve party started and Eve living her first day in the very first year. Prior to that she and her main man would have lived out eternity in the perfect world, but that decision began the time when life was counted in years. That thought gave new meaning to the word “eve” for me. We are on the brink of a new year. And it’s always a bitter sweet time, I’m sad about those things that I did not get accomplished in the year prior and excited about the potential for the coming New Year; and one thing for sure I don’t want to form 2015 in regret.

With the exception of one year, I have begun every year since salvation in a church service. The one year I missed was one of the saddest I’ve ever experienced (of course that was my own fault for allowing Satan to convince me of it). But none the less I determined that every year to follow would be spent in Christian fellowship if there was any way possible at all. And God has provided! Tonight for the second year in a row I’ll bring in the New Year at a “Teen Up All Night” event (spending at least 4 of the 12 hours asking myself, why did I do this? And the other 8 praising God!) At last year’s event 11 young people came to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Now that is a New Year without regret!

There will be many who unfortunately will wake up (or not) in great regret tomorrow. They’ll not know the saving grace of Jesus Christ or they’ll have turned their back on Him. What is important to remember is that we are all just one eve away from a broken relationship with Christ if we’re not on guard. Eve didn’t go to the garden to fall but she did indeed fall and because of it we all now face the very real day to day decisions of regret. Some are small, some are huge! 2015 is filled with potential! I pray yours and mine is filled with better health and a closer walk with Christ!

Posted in Christian Service, Church Unity, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Spiritual and Historical Significance of Bed Canopies: A Connection to Jesus Christ

Written by talk2shari Published December 30, 2014August 27, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

Bed canopies, with their graceful drapes and ethereal presence, have adorned bedrooms for centuries. While today they are often seen as symbols of luxury or romanticism, their origins and significance are deeply rooted in history, spirituality, and religious symbolism. One intriguing aspect of bed canopies is their association with religious imagery, particularly in Christian traditions, where they have been connected to the figure of Jesus Christ.
The Historical Evolution of Bed Canopies

Bed canopies date back to ancient civilizations, where they were initially used for practical reasons. In the medieval period, they served as a means of privacy and protection from insects, drafts, and the prying eyes of servants. Over time, as society’s structures evolved, so did the function and design of these canopies. They became symbols of status and wealth, often found in the bedrooms of the nobility and the elite.

During the Renaissance, bed canopies took on a more decorative role, reflecting the artistic and cultural developments of the time. The intricate designs, luxurious fabrics, and elaborate drapery reflected the owner’s social standing and taste. But beyond their aesthetic and practical roles, bed canopies also held spiritual significance.
Bed Canopies in Religious Symbolism

In Christian iconography, the bed has often been used as a symbol of rest, peace, and the soul’s journey. The canopy, which hangs over the bed like a protective shroud, can be seen as a metaphor for divine protection and the grace of God. This symbolism is particularly potent when connected to Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as the shepherd and protector of his flock.

The canopy can also be viewed as a representation of the heavens, with its drapes symbolizing the veil between the earthly and the divine. In this context, the bed beneath the canopy becomes an altar of sorts, a sacred space where the believer can connect with the divine. This connection to Jesus Christ is further emphasized in the imagery of the “marriage bed,” which in Christian tradition symbolizes the union between Christ and the Church.
The Canopy as a Symbol of the Holy Tabernacle

The design of bed canopies also draws parallels with the Holy Tabernacle described in the Old Testament. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence among the Israelites. The curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle were designed to create a sacred space, much like how a canopy creates a sanctuary within the bedroom.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is often portrayed as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, including the symbolism of the Tabernacle. The bed canopy, with its protective and encompassing nature, can be seen as a modern-day reflection of this ancient symbol. It represents not just physical protection, but spiritual shelter, akin to the protection offered by Christ.
Modern Interpretations and Spiritual Reflections

Today, the bed canopy remains a popular design element in bedrooms around the world. While many may choose canopies for their aesthetic appeal, the underlying spiritual symbolism continues to resonate, whether consciously or subconsciously. For those who are spiritually inclined, a bed canopy can serve as a daily reminder of the presence of divine protection and grace, much like the protective embrace of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, bed canopies are more than just decorative elements; they are steeped in history and spiritual significance. Their connection to Jesus Christ and Christian symbolism adds a layer of depth to their presence in the bedroom. As we rest beneath these canopies, we are invited to reflect on the divine protection and grace that surrounds us, much like the protective love of Christ that covers and shelters us in our spiritual journey.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Feeling Hurt or Betrayed… this post is for you!

Written by talk2shari Published November 26, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

One of my greatest defeats in life is the heartache of betrayal by friends and family. It takes me forever and a day to get past what happened and get on with life as God’s design intended and I have a feeling I’m not alone. If a stranger speaks ill of you or does you harm you can shrug that off for you are no better or worse without them in your life. But if someone for whom you have invested love, energy and time betrays you; it’s as if a piece of your very heart has been torn asunder. There is no salve that will heal it, nor bandage that can conceal it. Everybody in your circle knows that you’ve been hurt, which for me is worse than the hurt sometimes. Because then I not only have to deal with the pain inflicted by the person who hurt me, but the shame I feel around those who know that I was betrayed. It’s a double whammy kind of day.

It’s been a little while since I have been in that position, but as I read across 2 Samuel 19 this morning the times that it occurred came flooding back into my mind as if someone had opened a gate. I can still find myself wallowing in the pain like I’ve stepped in mucky miry clay in my favorite shoes; ruining the shoes and causing me to slip and fall back into that despair I felt when it originally happened. What I fail to understand in times like these is that I’ve not only gotten myself stuck in the mud but those around me are being splattered as well as I stomp and kick my way back to dry ground. Even the unsaved know the scripture about turning the other cheek in Matthew 5:39. They may not be able to quote it but they know it’s supposed to be a Christian characteristic that practically every Christian fails.

In 2 Samuel 19, David has just won the battle, but in the process his son Absalom is killed. He’s been betrayed by friends and family. He’s mourning not only the loss of a child but the agony of his son’s betrayal. Joab, the commander of his army has to have a heart to heart about his role as leader and the effect his mourning is having on his nation. They feel they’ve done something wrong by killing his enemy. David sent the whole nation running into their tents like thieves; as if they’d done wrong for doing right. He does make amends and in the process makes a statement that every child of God should know.

After the battle, Shimei, who had been on the opposing team comes to David in great remorse for his behavior begging forgiveness. Abishai, David’s comrade and nephew (his mom was Zeruiah) tells David to forget Shimei’s apology and put him to death because he had “cursed the Lord’s anointed.” Oh how many times I have all but ask God to kill those who have betrayed me. I didn’t want God to kill’em but if He’d have maimed them I’d have been okay with that. But David answers him in royal style and forgiveness.

2^nd Samuel 19:22

And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

To country quote that for myself … “The battle is over, the damage is done and I’m still God’s favorite.”

That’ll put a shout on you! That’s how you victoriously get past the hurt. Regardless of what someone has done, or what the end result is, they cannot remove you from your station in life that God has given you. If we’re wallowing in pain, we’ve stepped down from our position. That’s an awesome word for someone today… Me for one!

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

No more Pew Puke… a Monday Message from the Amen

Written by talk2shari Published November 10, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

Revelation 3

¹⁴And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

These things saith the Amen…

The Amen being the steady and unchangeable Lord Jesus Christ, the faithful and true witness who from the beginning of time has watched over His creation. I have to wonder what yesterday was like for Him, or any other recent Sunday. How excited were His people to come into His house?

¹⁵I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

¹⁶So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

The unchangeable, still excited to love on you Lord Jesus Christ knows that the most of His church sat in their pews without so much as an amen or glory hallelujah, they were a pew full of spue. He seen the few that were willing to raise their hand and amen the message… I was one of those, but I could have done better too. I awoke this morning with a determination in my heart to light a fire under my own feet like the one that John saw on the isle of Patmos when he looked at the Lord Jesus. We’re getting a new roof on our church this week, I want to blow the roof off in praise. I want the kids in my youth group to say “that crazy woman is our leader… and she loves us.” I have from now until Wednesday night to stir my heart so that I can stir my Wednesday night class and encourage a few adults in the other classes and churches to jump on board with me.

Enough of being pew puke.

¹⁷Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

¹⁸I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, th at thou mayest see.

Sunday morning our church was blessed to give the Pastor a go ahead and have the roof replaced on Victory Baptist Church. No debate, no argument over color, just get it done Pastor… we are blessed. We have need of nothing… the Lord has provided for us! Hallelujah!!! But Christ goes on to say you need to buy of me gold tried in the fire. We need an eye opener, some godly wisdom and it starts with a reality check. Yes I love you, but you need a trip to the wood shed.

¹⁹As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Be Zealous! Get excited for crying out loud. Stop sitting in your pew with your Bible in your lap making notes for another day… today’s the day. Christ has just knocked on your door and mine.

²⁰Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

This verse is so often to referred to as the verse that calls sinners to come. He’s speaking to the church, not to the lost. It’s we who have locked Christ out of the dining hall to where He has to knock to come back in. How ridiculous is that… He has the food!

²¹To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

²²He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

That’s all of us… red, yellow, black and white, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc., etc. you are precious in His sight. He said He loved us…

We can do better this week. Open the doors wide to what Christ wants to do with you this week. I’m ready! Who’s with me?

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

The morning after… and the Ignorance of Politics

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

Politics are Satan’s playground. I’m proud to live in a country where we have the right to vote, I wouldn’t want to live in the dictatorship that many live in persecution under, however, my heart grows weary of the antics of the winners and losers. Satan knows just where to attack and who he can use to tear at the core of Christian faith. He knows if he can discourage us and imprison our thoughts with anger that our focus will be off the gospel of Christ. I write to myself this morning for in the midst of the political nonsense I find myself in need of hearing the encouraging words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

What better tool can he use than the political realm that stirs up the hearts of men and women with passionate pride for their cause and turns brother and against brother, friend against friend? We are so all consumed with the “pride of our cause” and yet the supposed cause, which is our homes, family and freedom is being cast aside so that we can win a battle of politics. Satan wins, and we are ignorant.

Mine will likely not be a popular opinion this morning because people would rather argue and cast fingers of blame than take responsibility for the mess this country is in. I cannot say that my lips did not turn a little upward when the republicans took back over the Senate, but only because they are the more conservative of the lot, not because they are sin free. I’m disgusted with Washington as a whole, every party on the ticket. I’m just as frustrated on a local level because somewhere along the line it became politically correct to blame the voters for not wanting to give hierarchy carte blanche with finances and poor decision with no accountability. I won’t park there lest I be ignorant.

The same people who are “so concerned” for our children and nation care not that Hell is on the horizon and Satan laughs all the way to the gates because he has them distracted with politics. A quick glance through Facebook this morning left me weeping on my keyboard at the children and families hurting because of illnesses and brokenness, and yet the next post would be someone cutting to the core family and friends because they disagreed over politics. I so wanted to get on their post and give them a piece of mind… at least what’s left. But then I decided to read more of Paul’s letter…

2 Corinthian 2:7-8

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

Paul spoke of a man who had been disciplined by the church for sin. He asked the church to love him back into the fellowship of God with forgiveness, not continue to beat and berate him to the point of breaking his spirit. I see Christians too often taking a road so high that no one could possibly achieve it so that they can continue to “look down” at the sinner as though they were not one themselves, especially in politics.

Here’s a news flash: God’s not in your party.

God is Holy and just and will hold accountable every decision of every decision maker. He will not allow His name to be taken in vain and the sanctity of the family mocked. And when I say “taken His name in vain” I don’t speak of cursing. I speak of people who use God to further their agenda.

I don’t want to be ignorant of Satan’s devices. He’ll use me as well as anyone to get someone’s mind off of what matters. Eternity. If your candidate or cause went down, it may or may not be a bad thing. But if a soul goes down into the pits of Hell, and is separated for all eternity from their family and friends. Nothing is worse. Hell is real… but it’s not a playground.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration

Heart Upgrade

Written by talk2shari Published October 19, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

1 Samuel 10:9 – 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.

A chapter before, that would make it Chapter 9 if you’re counting, Saul, the first appointed King over Israel had been chasing donkeys. He was a “goodlier” boy, so the Bible says.

“…there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he.” I Samuel 9:2.

And he was good because throughout this chapter we see Saul’s concern for his father’s donkeys that had run off and concern that his lengthy attempt to find them was going to cause his father to worry over him; and it did. But little did Saul know that the donkey adventure was a staged design of God to put him in contact with God’s man Samuel for the revealing of Saul’s call and a heart transplant.

Saul left home with a servant’s heart and returned with the heart of a leader. How does that happen without the proper education? Funny thing about the giver of knowledge… it’s His to give and requires no certification by a state or national agency.

I love the quote:

“God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”

I don’t know if Saul ever dreamt about being King. His reaction to Samuel’s announcement was one of great humility, “And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?” But something tells me that in the recesses of Saul’s mind was an untapped dream of what was to become reality. When Saul inquired of Samuel the Prophet as to the where abouts of his father’s donkeys, scripture says in verse 1 Samuel 9:19 “…go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.” So somewhere in Saul’s heart must have been a grander idea about his life besides chasing donkeys.

When God called me into the ministry in 2010 my response was much like Saul’s… Who am I, Lord?” and then He reminded me of all the hopes and dreams I had had as a young girl but never allowed anyone to see. I had suppressed them into the recesses of my own heart so that when God brought them out he had to give me another heart. The old one was still there, but I needed an upgrade. Mine had been clouded with doubt, sin and fear, God couldn’t use that. To be in service to the King there has to be a level of bravery that I had never experienced in my life. Before this when I was put in front of people I’d go to pieces. But that day I had to leave the past behind and move forward with a different heart, a leaders heart.

The thing about being a leader is that you’re in the front! Even today I’m not comfortable with that, so I get why Saul hid “ among the stuff” when Samuel made the news public. (10:22) You know what God’s called you to do, others in tune to God know what God’s called you to do, but the general public know you as the donkey finder, the least of the least.

I believe God’s called a generation of leaders that are still hid among the stuff. God’s given you the heart upgrade, but you’re still unsure of stepping out into what God’s called you to do. I still have a tendency to get lost among the stuff. But the problem with that is if God’s leader isn’t in the lead… who is?

Everyday Satan tells me to go back to finding donkeys. I thought about that this morning and then thought about what a donkey is… it’s a beast of burden. I don’t need to find the donkeys, God carries my load. He’s called me to show the Light of the World to the people, not cart around the burdens of yesterday, or the doubt, sin or fear.

Posted in Life Inspiration

The Games People Play

Written by talk2shari Published October 13, 2014December 21, 2020 Discussion Leave a Comment

Another Monday following another Sunday; funny thing is they fall that way every week. It comes as no surprise and yet every Sunday Iâ€™m surprised by the people who think Sunday is merely a portal to a new week. They take serious that the Lord said it was a day of rest but consider the gospel as an option. My frustration mounts week after week, and yet I donâ€™t do a whole lot about it either. I witness and warn but they take me about as serious as a tinkling cymbals on that monkey I remember as child. Goofy thingâ€¦ it sticks in my mind this morning how he would clang the cymbals and dance around and serve no other purpose than making a noise. Even as a child I didnâ€™t like useless noises, there had to be a purpose. Just like playing online casino games at , I believe, every time you play a game you must think that you have a purpose, in online casinos, is to win.

Have I turned into that dancing monkey?

I began writing today thinking that my focus was going to be on alleviating my frustrations with people who donâ€™t attend church, and wouldnâ€™t you know it God would turn that thing right around to me. Ha! Heâ€™s funny like that too.

Luke 7:32-35

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children.

Can you see it? A prime opportunity to get on my high horse and rail on people who laid out of churchÂ yesterday and yet God said Iâ€™d just be like that monkey with the tinkling cymbals, all noise and of no useful purpose. While they may be playing games with eternity (a scary thought) making a lot of noise is not a way to get something accomplished, Iâ€™ve got to find a better way at getting through.

Jesus didnâ€™t play their games but he did show up on their court. He went to where they were and showed Himself friendly not judgmental. He knew they were playing games, he knew they didnâ€™t take eternity serious but when they needed Him He was there. I guess thatâ€™s my cue for the day, go to where they are and be the constant steady source for which the sinner see.

Be the one who cares. Be the one whose kind. Be the one whose wisdom is justified. The one that they look at and say I want thatâ€¦ that peace, that love, that understanding. No games, make Jesus real to them.

Posted in Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

We should do no less

Written by talk2shari Published October 11, 2014October 11, 2014 Discussion Leave a Comment

What do you do when the world around you is full of wickedness and you’d like to lash out and do ungodly acts? When you’ve had it up to your eyeballs with bad attitudes and hatred spewed in the name of politics, when the Name of Christ is uttered in contempt and it seems as though it’s in vain that we attempt peace? There was a day that it took a woman to fix the mess that man had created.

Shocker right? Just kidding!!!! Kinda…

In the book of 1 Samuel chapter 25 we find the story of Abigail, wife of Nabal who was a wicked, self-centered man, described as Belial; a demon himself who no doubt made this woman’s life miserable, and yet she stayed. David who had yet to become King was on the run from Saul with a band of rag tag men who had been described as “every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented”. Not exactly an army of heroes that we read about with David in other stories. But at this point we find David and his men voluntarily performing the unpaid task of body guards over Nabal’s men as they were in the same fields shepherding. David thought it not too much to ask of Nabal for a few victuals but Nabal’s arrogance railed against David, who he knew to be future King saying “ Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse?”

He was about to find out! The next thing you hear David saying is “Gird ye on every man his sword”. It was the equivalency of the Power Rangers of the day. But then came Abigail.

A few lessons from Abigail that help me this morning in the face of this adverse world we live in.

She waited in Adversity

Living with a man such as Nabal was not an easy task, and though it would have been the culture of the day for her stay it wouldn’t have made it fun. Yet we find her there with an obvious respect of her household and a desire to care for them. Our main role in this life (aside from the first serving God) is to take care of our family and make it as pleasant as possible. Abigail had garnered respect and honor, her husband’s staff obviously felt that she was competent to get something done because when they’d heard what Nabal did to David and knew that there would be certain repercussions, they came to Abigail for help.

It’s often not easy serving when the world around you disregards God and His people. But it’s important to stand strong in the faith so that in the hour of need, those around us know in whom they can depend.

She waited on an opportunity

As soon as the servants came to Abigail with the news of her idiot husband’s behavior she went into survival mode. She knew that she would need to fix what her husband had broken. She didn’t go to David with excuses, she went to David with humility. We’re not going to gain God’s mercy and grace on this Nation by making excuses, we’re going to have to go to Him in humility for our idiot leadership who spout off to God with their behavior “Who is God?” I have wonder how many times the sword could have been drawn on us if it had not been for God’s people taking that opportunity to intercede on America’s behalf.

Abigail waited… both in time and in service. We should do no less.

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