Tag: COVID-19

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church attendance, Evangelism

Cancel Culture, Curmudgeons and the Cross

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on Cancel Culture, Curmudgeons and the Cross

So let me just preface today’s post by offering up a few statistics in America. 

The CDC says that if your are of the age of 0-70 you have a 99% survival rate if you contract the Covid. If you are over 70 the survival rate is nearly 95 percent. That being said, I realize (as an “at risk” person) that statistics are not just numbers, they’re real people with real families. I too have a real family that I wouldn’t want to receive a Covid diagnosis. But with that being said, I have real family that’s headed to Hell and I’m not blind or dumb. (No comments on the latter please)

According to a survey by the “Pew Report”, among adults who go to church regularly; 55% said their congregations place of worship is open with modifications, 21% said it is closed and 6% said it is open as normal prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. 45% of those surveyed said their house of worship required social distancing, 36% restricted attendance, 35% required masks, and 20% restricted singing. Online services are available through many churches for those fortunate to have the internet, but the percentage of elderly not being ministered to at all would be high if I were guessing. Meaning, don’t take my word for it, but I’ll bet I’m right. 

In looking through a list of business closures, a few states still have restrictions for businesses but most states have nothing formally in place, leaving it up to the common sense of their people. West Virginia is, of course, under a mask mandate. Please don’t get me started on a piece of paper preventing disease. You can disagree with me, it’s okay. 

Let’s face it, we’re all drastically effected by the virus and I believe that most of us are doing the best we can under the circumstances. But then there’s those doggone statistics at the beginning of this post. Only 1-5 percent of the relatively healthy population are at risk, and yet we’ve shut down our nation. Put schools and businesses out of business, closed nearly half of the churches in America. Something we’ve never done for the flu, and yet the flu does it’s share of damage to the American health every year. 

There’s a real virus, but that’s not what’s killing America. 

THE CANCEL CULTURE IS KILLING AMERICA

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 KJVS

[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, [2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. [3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

It is unfortunate that I see many in the church being shaken. This post is not to discourage those at risk, who have opted to stay home because of the virus. But rather to encourage you and let you know that you are loved and prayed for. And I have a feeling that you would agree that your absence from the church has greatly affected you spiritually. We need that fellowship. That fellowship encourages us that we are not alone. It affords us the opportunity to physically feel the arms of Christ around us through His people. While cyber church is better than no church, it’s still not the same as in person church. The cancellation of fellowship is killing church attendance in a way that I fear will be permanent with many if we don’t get a handle on what we need to fear for the day of Christ is surely at hand. Is there not a falling away. Oh my stars. Is there ever!!! and it is so readily acceptable. This is just the way it is and there’s nothing we can do about it… ummm, I’m not so sure. And I’m going out kicking and screaming regardless. I’m tired of Satan messing with my people. He longs to be worshipped and if he cannot he desires to take away the worship of God. Hello COVID-19.

THE CURMUDGEONS ARE KILLING AMERICA

A curmudgeon is a bad tempered person, especially an old one. (i.e. ~ Pelosi, Schumer, etc) but old cranky people aren’t the only ones. Anyone who is ill tempered toward the people and purpose of God is a threat to America. 

Daniel 5:23 KJVS

[23] But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

Every religion in this country is accepted and respected with the exception of Christianity. Why do you think that is? It has not changed since the days of Daniel. Nor has the price. God will not be mocked by anyone, and especially a generation that grew up in the America where God was reverenced and feared. 

I have once again been blocked from singing at the nursing home. Believe me, I understand it and believe it is necessary for their safety. But it saddens my heart, for these are not the curmudgeons. They long to be with the people of God, and hear Him praised and sing His songs. It’s why when Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York demanded that nursing homes expose their residents to COVID-19, it made me so angry. His arrogance at causing 6500 deaths, and yet making money from a book of how he rescued his State, makes me want to puke. All the while America stands by and very few call him out. I think I’ll order the coffee cup from www.AndrewCuomoIsAwful.com. It won’t fix the stupidity, but it will be a reminder for me to pray about it. 

THE CROSS WILL SAVE AMERICA

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 KJVS

[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The only thing that’s going to save our Nation is the blood of Jesus Christ. There will be no political or worldly salvation, and Satan knows it. It’s why he is fueling the fires of anyone who comes against the church. He knows his time of evil is limited and this is a last ditch effort to take as many souls to Hell with him as he can. And liberal America has bought it hook, line and sinker. The justification of unchurching our Nation is pathetic. 

Paul knew what I know through wonderful teaching by mentors in my life. My words will not save anyone, but the word of God, that includes the cross, will save the world. Hallelujah! As long as we are on this earth, and Christ has yet to return, there is hope. But the reality is, He’s coming back and you, nor I, nor anyone is guaranteed one more breath. If you have not made a confession that Christ is Lord of all, that He died on the cross for the sins of all, and that He is now the Mediator and Intercessor for all, you need to take care of it now! If you know people who are lost (and we all do). Share Christ and the cross now! 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, worship

Where’s Your Faith?

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Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.

I make no profession of having all things “faith” figured out. As a matter of fact there are days when my level of faith makes me feel like an absolute babe in salvation. And then this morning as I’m sitting here with the door open, listening to creation outside with an almost zoo atmosphere going on inside the house with critters, I watch as they each just do what they do without regard for the other and I thank God that most of the world is at least a step above that. Or are we? 

This week we’re grand kitten sittin’ my daughter Whitney’s cat. Her name is Gypsy, and while she came from a litter our cat Callie gave birth to, she’s not the least bit thankful for the momma who gave her life. Or for the fact that her very food depends upon my provision of it. This is not her house, yet she has decided that she is the boss. And the normal boss, Who is Izadora the Chihuahua has relented to allowing it. Gypsy stays guard in the kitchen over the food bowl, and doesn’t allow anyone else to eat. So each of the critters wait, until she is elsewhere and then takes their turn. This seems oddly similar to the current news cycle. 

Those who once believed that they were given authority by the God of Creation have suddenly given way to non-believing, American hating, liberal thugs that have moved in and said, “we’re the boss of you.” And spineless leaders have said, “Okay, we’ll stand back here ‘til you’re done.” 

What? Where’s your faith?

These are the same leaders that when they were running for election, said they were “Christian” leaders. We voted for them on that stance. Well, someone did. And then there’s the American people, who are watching in bewilderment that this is happening and have no idea what we’re to do to make the madness stop. This is where Sunday morning comes into play, and why it’s been so important for the liberals to stop church attendance by controlling how many, if any can attend. A fundamental right of the American people and we’re standing back and saying, “Okay, we’ll wait until it’s our turn to live our life again.” No. That’s not at all how that should work!

I could step outside my door right now and scream to the top of my voice “shut up creation!!!!!”  And guess what… they wouldn’t. It’s who they are created to be, and I can’t stop them. Hello? Are you hearing what I am this morning? God is saying, “I created you to praise, they can’t stop you. Where is your faith?”

Luke 8:25 KJV

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

I have a confession to make. I have been judging some folks. Not folks that are protecting themselves from illness because of underlying health circumstances. I get it. But what about those who go shopping, who go to the beach for cryin’ out loud, but avoid church because of the virus. This doesn’t have anything to do with faith, this is flat out inadmissible into the court of Jesus excuses. Am I saying I’m Jesus. Heavens to Betsy no. But I’m saying that I don’t buy for two seconds that Jesus buys your excuse. 

You’re refusing to do what’s God created you to do.

I have some friends that are truly “stuck” at home. It breaks my heart because they would rather be in church than anywhere in the world. They are faithful to watch on line, they study the word of God on their own, they read this silly blog, and they love God and He knows! But what about the rest of the world, who tomorrow morning will sit at home and say it is because of the virus, when that it is because they’ve bought the leftist lies. 

I found this verse this week that kind of cracked me up. 

Ecclesiastes 10:2 KJV

A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.

Speaks volumes to me, how about you? Now I know why I’m not siding with the left. 

Today’s post may or may not have been a rant. But tomorrow is Sunday. And I need my people. I miss them. But whether or not they care if I miss them is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, God misses them. 

Posted in Christian Service, Fear, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, Purpose

So You Want God to Heal America?

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Yes! Of course the answer is yes! So why is He not? Truthfully, only He can answer that question, but this morning as I read the word of God I perhaps received a little insight into my own life that might help you too. 

The Arguments of the Religious

Mark 9:14-30 KJV

[14] And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. [15] And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. [16] And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 

You’ll note as the scripture continues that the scribes don’t answer the question of Christ. Religious people always have more questions than answers. They love to point out the powerlessness of ordinary people. The scripture to follows describes the disciples inability to heal a man’s son that was possessed with a spirit. I don’t have to wonder how many parents are struggling with children that are not necessarily possessed, but are in serious trouble of one form or another. And the parents are searching for answers and the religious have no hope to offer. 

I knew a woman int the higher education field who had a daughter who struggled with mental illness. She lived a few hours away from her and phoned one night to say she was suicidal. The mom was in extreme panic, and being a woman of religion, she turned to a member of her denomination in the area where her daughter lived for help. She was then told, she’s not a member of our church, we can’t help her. My shock was not so much in the fact that the religious didn’t help her, it’s that the mother justified them failing to help. 

The scribes were not questioning the disciples because they were concerned for the mans son, they wanted to disprove their Master, Jesus Christ. When a Catholic Priest loses his job for telling his congregation the truth, as it happened in Indianapolis, it’s proves the lack of concern from the hierarchy of the religious. But its not so different in many other denominations of today. And this is not about me being a Baptist. This is about any church who cares more about he institution than ministry, which is what we’re called to. I wasn’t called to be a Baptist, I was called to be a servant. 

The Anxiety of the Broken

[17] And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; [18] And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

When I think about the people in the streets rioting and tearing down our nation, I feel as though they are like this mans son. And while they may not be possessed, they are most assuredly in the control of evil spirits. Watch the videos. It’s genuine insanity. Now… imagine being a good parent at home watching your child in that mess. Wondering how on earth life got so messed up when you did the best you could to raise your child. While I too believe that many of these people were raised by idiots, there are some who were not. But the world got a hold of their child and they could prevent the evil from taking over, and they need help, but it’s not happening. 

There are those of us who do not have children involved, but I can empathize with those who do. They may not even be rioters but they’re children who have bought the lies of a the liberal left and are waging a war that they don’t even understand. Black people love Aunt Jemima Syrup, but the whites are taking it off the shelf for “they’re own good.” In the city of Portland, Washington, the white employees were made to take a vacation day and receive training to become “less white.” I kid you not. Churches are telling people who live in ungodly lifestyles that they are okay and that God changed His mind, all the while asking God to fix our country. Hello? Do they actually think God’s going to fix stupidity? But our acknowledgment of what we know is stupid, doesn’t help the anxious. What are we who know the problem doing? 

The Answer for the Righteous

 [19] He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. [20] And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. [21] And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. [22] And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. [23] Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. [24] And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 

The problem with the failure of the disciples to heal didn’t lie with the God they served. It lay with the people who weren’t doing their part. There’s a Matthew West Song that my cousin Andrea reminded me of this morning titled “Do Something.” That’s America’s problem. We’re not doing anything except watch our country be torn down and asking God to fix it. But many of the churches asking God to fix it, aren’t willing to step out and say to those tearing it down, “You’re wrong.”

When it comes to the Coronavirus that is now holding our country hostage we’re not willing to step out and say, “you’re lying.” And they are. The virus is real, the panic is real. The reasoning behind it is not. I won’t argue it, but I’ll point you to where I get my information and why I believe them meaning “BlazeTV”, rather than ABC, NBC, or CNN and yes, even FOX. And most importantly the fact that the Holy Spirit speaks to my soul and says “this world is crazy Shari. Keep your eyes on Me.”

Now, the question Christ is asking is this: “Who do you believe?”

Most of us will say Christ. If that’s the case, why are we not believing His word when He said this was going to happen. And now that it’s happened and we want Christ to fix our country, why is their not a passion on the side of righteousness like that on the side of unrighteousness. Why were the people of insanity not met by the sane? 

When the father realized that the problem wasn’t with his son, but with him, things changed. And when the church realizes that the problem may have manifested itself in the insanity of the liberals, but it exploded when there was no reaction from the sanity of the conservatives. And that my friend means we’re almost as crazy as they are.

The Absolution for America

[25] When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. [26] And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. [27] But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. [28] And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? [29] And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. [30] And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

It’s Sunday morning. What are we as a church doing? Are we on our knees crying out for this country. Do we really believe that God can heal our nation? Or are we just willing to accept that this is the beginning of the end?

The end will happen. But it doesn’t have to happen like this. Not with Christians saying nothing. Believing Nothing. Doing Nothing. 

Forgive us Lord. Forgive my unbelief Lord. Lord I believe

Posted in Bible Journaling, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, Uncategorized

Another Day in Euroclydon

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Acts 27:14-16 KJV

[14] But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. [15] And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. [16] And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

What will become of us? I’m sure that was a question on the boat in the midst of Paul’s storm in the book of Acts. I say Paul’s storm, not that it was created by him or his fault, but it was certainly his lot in life to go through it. All the man wanted to do was serve God, accomplish his purpose of being the Apostle to the Gentiles, but it wasn’t without issues! 

I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not an Apostle Paul. I can’t say that I have dedicated myself to the Lord in such a degree as he. But I’ve faced storms, and no doubt so have you. Perhaps you’re in one now. I guess if you’re in this world, amongst the effects of this pandemic you’re in the storm. America is facing a Euroclydon of sorts. 

Another Day in Captivity

Paul’s placement on that boat wasn’t a joy ride. He was a prisoner on his way to Rome. Held for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do I believe that the Coronavirus is a spiritual battle against God’s people? Yep. But just like the shipwreck Paul endured, God was glorified and I believe the same is true with us. I’ll keep saying it until God calls me home or Jesus’ return which is what I’m hoping for. We’re all very much being held captive by this stupid virus. Well, perhaps the virus isn’t what’s stupid. Just saying. But captivity is our lot for now. And like it or not we’re going through this storm. 

Another Day of Calamity

Euroclydon is a whirlwind storm that comes suddenly, and places anyone in it’s path in peril. Sound familiar? The death toll of this virus (although some of which I fear is false) is heartbreaking whether it’s one or one million. Losing someone is tragic. But it is unfortunately life until eternity. I’m not making light of it, I’m just speaking reality. Something this world avoids. We seem to be living in a state of subjective reality. It truly does depend on who you’re talking to as to what is real vs. what is fraud. But for Paul the storm was very real. And whether or not the facts of COVID19 are true or false, the effects and the storm we are facing is very real. Peoples lives are at risk due to not only health issues, but financial and emotional. The latter of the three is certainly taking it’s toll on people. If you’ve got to worry day in and day out about your families livelihood it’s going to take a toll. 

Another Day in Circumspect

Circumspect is the unwillingness to take risks. And while I understand and agree that those with health issues shouldn’t put themselves in harms way, this virus has caused the world yo fear everything and everybody. No, let me rephrase that, people with an agenda have caused this world to fear everyone and everybody. Quarantining is for the sick, not the well. And what it has created is mindset of fear. We fear the virus, we fear the economic fall out, we fear that it was an intentional attack. And here we are, sitting in this ship waiting for it to strike the shore of Claudia. For now we’re letting this storm drive.

I had never noticed that part of that scripture before. We let her drive. It actually struck me a little bit funny in a warped kind of way. Number one, the fact that it was referred to in female form. But hey, I’ve seen more than one woman on a mission to destroy. I can understand it. While the spiritual connotation should likely be that we should let Jesus take the wheel, that’s not what I see happening in America. We’ve allowed an ungodly government to dictate our every move. I’m not suggesting a rebellion, but I am suggesting a stand. Enough is enough. Until the citizens of this country get a back bone we are going to continue in this storms path. What would have happened if our founding fathers never took risks? We would not be the country we have become. Or the country we were. Now, I’m not so sure.

Another Day in Clarity

When this ship finally runs ashore and the storm stops, there is going to be much work to come. America has an uphill battle to get back on our feet. Most people are a little seasick and weary. (Aka nauseous). That’s how I feel every time I listen to rhetoric the left spews out of their mouths trying to twist this entirely and obviously for their political agenda. They’re not even hiding it, and American citizens are buying it, hook, line and sinker and it’s going to sink us. The arrogance and wickedness of American politics is at an all time time. That is clarity. 

I truly try to stay out of political debates. Because they only serve to separate and God is seldom glorified which is my goal. I want to draw people to Christ, not separate them from me. But there comes a time when as a Christian we have to take a stand. We cannot continue to stick our heads in the sand and let Washington’s political tribe of heathens destroy our nation for their own gain. When Pelosi and that bunch put things in a relief bill such as “adding higher fuel emissions standards for airlines, and expanding wind and solar tax credits,” and Americans say… “well, as long as they help us a little.” What has happened to our nation? The founders could not have possible imagined the idiocy of future leadership. But who’s dumber, them for putting it in the bill, or us for allowing it?

I know, that’s not popular in todays liberal thinking, but doggone it I’m tired of Miss Euroclydon steering me into a shipwreck. 

I guess I just needed to vent a little today. Pray for me… pray for my Country as we spend another day in Euroclydon.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Life Inspiration

You are Essential

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These days following Easter have me in a “let down” kind of mood for some reason. It’s inexcusable, but it is still a reality. While we had truly blessed Easter services at Victory, the concern for many of my brothers and sisters in Christ is very real. As a part of our church leadership and broadcasting, I was in church, they were not. I have had very few changes in my life because of Covid-19. While I’m certainly more cautious, I still go to work, (my job for a public utility is considered essential.) But thinking of those no longer involved in the every day scope of life outside the home, and their inability to be physically in the worship services of our churches, makes me wonder how essential they consider themselves as the body of Christ. 

It’s easy to feel unimportant when you’re away from people. Not everyone has social media, not everyone has likely been called to see how they are, or if they stand in need of something. I wonder if it was somewhat like that in the days following the crucifixion of Christ. Christians had gone into hiding, fearing they too were in line for execution because of their faith. For some reason Thomas was not with the other disciples when they had seen Jesus, once they had came back together he was hesitant to believe the Lord was alive and telling them as much:

John 20:24-28 KJV

[24] But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

So there were another eight days between that day and the next time the group gathered together. How must Thomas have felt as they others where so excited over having seen the Lord, and wondering what direction their ministries would now go? Thomas’ ministry must have somewhat been on hold, how could he be excited about something he hadn’t experienced, He’d only been told of the visit from the risen Lord.

Is that how my brother and sisters who are suffering from a church disconnect now feel? I realize that they know the Lord is our risen Savior, but a Spirit filled service is such a part of who we are at Victory Baptist Church. We genuinely love each other’s company. We’re not without issues like any family, but I tell you they are rare. And when we are together, we feel essential! We know we are apart of the body of Christ and we share in the ups and downs of the days. Whether or not we play an active role in the church we are essential to that team of believers. But it’s been far more than eight days since we’ve gathered together with the exception of a few, and those of us who were on the parking lot for our drive in sunrise service. So how essential is everyone feeling now? I don’t know, but I know this, when we come together again it’s going to be a great day! Just as it was for Thomas when they gathered again, but this time the Lord showed up!

 [26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. [27] Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. [28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Those words of Thomas ring in my heart this morning. “My Lord and my God!” I cannot imagine how elated Thomas was to see Him face to face. And the boldness of their ministry grew to the point that many of them died for their faith. 

So that also has me asking? What’s in store for us when COVID-19 is finally over? Will we return to church as if nothing ever took place, or will this be the game changer in our relationship with Christ and our church siblings? Does the church as a whole now realize that within a split second. There are people dying without Christ, and unless you’re on the inside of their lives, we have no way of getting the gospel to them. When this is said and done, will we do more for the Kingdom, will we all become essential to the building of the church? I can only speak for myself, and you for yourself. We know from the days following 911 that it doesn’t take long for people to return to their sad normal. I don’t want that to be said of me. I don’t want that said of you. I want to be team Jesus in a bolder more deliberate way. I want this to have changed me in a positive way that lasts. 

When we come together again as a body fo Christ, I want to be like Thomas and stand in awe of the Lord and say “My Lord and my God!” I want to feel the Holy Spirit move as in He did in that room with the disciples. Yes, I know He is within me, and yes I feel Him move daily, but I think the Lord’s going to be a little excited too when His children get back together! Gloraaaay!!! 

Just in case you haven’t heard or felt it today, You are Essential! And you are loved!