Tag: Encourage

Posted in Faith, Praise, worship

Does God Think I’m Weird?

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I find myself in a quandary tonight. Questioning who I am in the spirit to the Spirit. Does God think I’m weird? I know He created me to be who I am, but did I take the good senses He placed within me and stir them up with some bad mojo from the world? In reality I don’t think that’s the case, but I believe in searching for the truth until I’ve brushed off the dust and glitter known as Shari. The dust being the old Shari, with notions from my past. And the glitter, which is all things sparkly that can capture my attention. I like shiny stuff, I’ll just tell you. God knows I do. But on the matter of worship, I’m about to get out my broom and dust pan and do my very best to knock the dust and fake glitter off the truth. Because the truth on it’s own will shine.

I’ll start in in Philippians 3:1-5 KJV

There is Security in Rejoicing

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 

Paul is speaking to the church of Philippi. He’s just discussed the fact that he was sending Epaphroditus, who had been sick, so that they could seem for themselves that the Lord had healed him. And in so doing he tells them to rejoice. It’s like David when he went to his brothers at the battlefield and asked them “Is there not a cause,” a reason to battle. The same is true in good times, is there not a cause, a reason to rejoice? Of course there is. We all have our reasons. Sometimes they’re in abundance, other times they are so few when a reason happens it’s that much sweeter but there is a reason to rejoice as a child of God. Paul it was not grievous for him to part company with Epaphroditus but it was for their safety (or for a security) for them. That they could see with their own eyes, God’s work and it would strengthen their souls.  

When I stepped back in at Victory Baptist Church less than 10 days after having open heart surgery, with the ability to sing and rejoice, it not only brought joy to me but to my friends at Victory. Joy to see what God had done in my life. Paul wasn’t without struggles. Good grief he was writing from prison. But even in that place he found joy in seeing God’s work continue in his absence. If Paul could rejoice in prison, can we not in our hardest days?

There is Separation from Religion

[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

A dog could have been referring to a man of impure thoughts. There were those who were attempting to cause division in the church because they refused to come out of religion and into a relationship with Christ. Insisting that the the Gentiles had need of being circumcised for salvation which was the Old Testament Law. Paul criticized the Judaizers because they looked at Christianity backward, thinking that what they did (circumcision) made them true believers rather than the acceptance of the gift of grace given by Christ. I’ve never experienced that depth of religion, but I have experienced religion. The act of participation in something as a means to salvation. The thought that if you just went to church, sang the songs, prayed the prayer and participated in the events, that was salvation. No relationship, but participation. Just like the Jews they were missing the whole point of Christ’s death on the cross. It wasn’t so we’d get a participation award. It was so we’d get a crown! And in the process have something to celebrate.  

2 Timothy 4:8 KJVS

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

There is Self-Denial in a Relationship

What believers do to serve God is a result of faith, not a prerequisite to faith. Because of what Christ did for me I have a desire to serve Him. To set Shari aside and turn to Christ to say thank You. What can I do for You? Paul said in verse 3

[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Praise God I don’t have to depend on myself for any part of salvation, because I know what a hot mess I am on any given day. And praise God that I don’t have to fit my praise style into a check list made by man because the place for which my praise comes from doesn’t come from me ether. It comes from the Spirit in me. 

When people see me, they look at me as a confident figure. What I am is so insecure I have to exhale any bravery that I can find from so deep within my spirit that it blasts out like a trumpet. The same is true when it comes to praising God. I’m not comfortable standing on a platform singing or speaking for the Lord. So when I do it comes across loud! When I speak even in a testimony it’s not spoken in confidence but rather it is the Spirit bubbling out of me uncontrolled. It is me denying myself silence. The flesh tells me to stay quiet. The Spirit tells me Praise Him Shari. 

I hate religion. It takes the sparkle out of a service. So as I write these words tonight. I feel a sparkle in my soul. It’s not the world’s glitter, but it is gold of the purest sense that will survive being tried by fire. It’s a raise your hand, sing glorrrraaaaay to the Lord kind of Worship.

The dust is gone. The sparkle is real.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Faith, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

What to do when there’s No Leadership, No Law, and No Limit to Evil

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I detest being judged, and I struggle with the fear that I will place judgment on another. It’s not easy as a Christian to stay out of the flesh and represent the grace of God. There is a verse that is so abused by people who do not understand it, that it’s ridiculous. I know because I’ve abused it myself out of context.

Matthew 7:1 KJV
Judge not, that ye be not judged.

That’s a good verse right? But God does not mean that we are not to view the acts of man and determine if they’re right or wrong but rather let His holiness be the measure for which we judge, and the the judgement be His. We’re to respect the laws of the land and the authorities that we’ve been given, but all should align with the Word of God.

This is a thought heavy on my heart today because of a personal attack regarding a Ridgeview story. And so my only recourse of not getting in the flesh and giving these people of piece of my mind for which I cannot afford to lose is to turn to the word of God and ask Him to give me peace in my heart and satisfaction that I can leave it in His hands.

My search for answers lead me to the book of Judges. Irony? Doubtful. More than likely a dose of reality that I love.

NO LEADERSHIP

Judges 17:6 KJV says
In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

At the beginning of Chapter 18 it says again, “there was no king in Israel.” Again in 19:1 “It came to pass in those days there was no king in Israel.

Three times it mentions there was no leadership for the children of Israel. That’s a scary place to be because it said in 17:6 that every man did that which was right in his own eyes. There was no moral fortitude, their depravity just kept getting worse and worse. And as I struggled with the things going on in my community today, those verses hit home. It’s why I can’t be silent when I see injustice. It’s not that I am perfect. God forbid that I even suggest it. But there’s an accountability factor that’s currently missing in most of society because our leadership stinks!

So the story goes, in the Bible according to Shari, that the children of Israel had fallen out with each other because nobody was talking to God unless it was for their own gain. Now, if you read the story in the book of Judges, Chapters 17 through 19, it’s there. They’d fallen away from God to the point that they picked up a spare Priest from the house of Micah and with him they took Micah’s gods as well. I guess so they’d have all their bases covered. And they began to worship those gods. It says in Chapter 19 that a certain Levite had taken to him a wife, and she had played the whore, but he went to get her. And upon his return from fetching her, in the city of Gibeah, he found a home to stay in. But the Benjamites in that city came to the house and attempted to have their way with the Levite. But instead the men of the house sent out the woman. Who was then raped and murdered. The Levite was so upset that he cut her body into multiple pieces and sent the pieces to all the surrounding towns. He wanted them to know judgment was coming. The problem with that was, nobody had a relationship with the Judgement keeper. But they finally went to God and asked Him for His advice. God told them to go fight the battle for justice for the murder of the Levite’s wife. So the battle was on!

Round 1 – Israel lost 22,000 men. God said go again.

Round 2 – Israel lost 18,000 men. God said go again, but He added that they’d have the victory.

Round 3 – Israel laid out a plan and the battle was won.

From that story I gathered this advice for myself. Our county leadership stinks. If I’m going into battle, and sometimes I feel that’s exactly what I’m doing when I’m trying to use the Ridgeview News in a manner that will help our community stay informed; but if I’m going into battle, I better do it with an open dialogue with the Lord Jesus.

There may be more than one round, and I may suffer defeats. God didn’t promise me a rose garden. But it has got to be His battle, under His direction.

NO LAW

I’ve also got to remember that we are no longer under the law, such that they were in the days of the book of Judges. We’re under grace. If I want grace for this battle, I too need to extend grace. Israel did not have a king. I do.

King Jesus! And I don’t want to do what’s right in my eyes, that will for certain get me into trouble. When God took Israel’s battle over, Israel wasn’t the one calling the shots, but God used them to get justice. Will He not do the same if we seek His guidance over our own leaderless community? We cannot turn our eyes away from the fact that the current leadership has accepted sins as heinous as the loss of the Levite’s wife. They’ve mocked God, (see prior story of the Democratic Party.) People have died because of the dereliction of jobs, and while they did not die with malice, the fact that few cared cannot go unaddressed. And the fact that we as a nation have turned a blind eye to abortion, even up to the full term infant we will receive the Judgment of God. This county may not care what I think, but they’ll care when they face God almighty on the day of judgment.

This isn’t an easy conclusion for me to draw. I ruffled some feathers today that caused me to question my own motives. But I hear through the reading of God’s word that God’s people don’t win every battle, but they win the final one. And while that one woman, known only as the whore, didn’t seem like much to anyone, when God got involved, even the lowest mattered. God takes care of the underdog.

Mark 7:28 KJV
And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.

Posted in Christian Service, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

I Didn’t know we had Icebergs in Grantsville

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It’s been an enlightening few weeks as I try to navigate the waters of being a woman of God, a news publisher and just plain old ordinary Shari. Wife to David, Mother to Tif and Whit, and Noni to six. I didn’t know we had icebergs in Grantsville! But I’ve certainly hit a few.

I’ve had to ask myself on more than one occasion, “Are you being stubborn or staunch? Are you in the flesh or are you in the spirit? I am most assuredly human, God knows. But before I drowned in the frigid waters of the world I decided to stop the boat and just sit in the stillness for a while. By the way… I had to stop and restart the boat many times to find an area of stillness. These are busy waters.

What is the difference between stubborn and staunch?

1 Samuel 15:23 KJV
[23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

That’s a pretty serious charge and the result was Saul losing his position as king over Israel. Good thing I’m not royalty! Oh wait… being a child of God makes us royalty in Heaven, and God’s not any happier with me when I’m stubborn, than He was Saul. When I speak of the metaphorical icebergs, I speak of the cold natured attitude of the world that can either be an obstruction in my path or an obstruction in my heart that doesn’t allow me to see things clearly.

I’m still not 100% certain about some decisions I’ve made. But I’m 100% sure I don’t want to be ruled by the world. What I need to do is take a closer look at the word Staunch. It is not however in the Bible, but a close word by definition is that of “Stedfast.”

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 KJV
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

The Apostle Paul is teaching the Corinthians and us in this text, about a mystery that they’re privileged to have revealed to them. The day will come when Christ will call His children home, those who have accepted His power of their redemption when He died on the cross to cover our sin. Those who have gone before us, and those who are alive when he returns will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to have a perfect body. But until then… Before the victory is won, we are still in the battle. And Paul tells the believer, “be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” There it is, the difference between stubborn and staunch. One has me in mind, the other has the Lord’s work in mind.

I don’t want any of my labor on this earth done in vain. There will certainly be hay and stubble that will burn up at the end of my life when I stand before the Lord, but will there be gold that when it’s tried by the fire and the dross is removed (the parts of Shari that were in it) will there be some good left over for me to present to the King of kings, “This I did for You?”

Those icebergs of people who stand before me and judge me on this earth won’t be there with the Lord. They may be in line too, I’m not saying they’re not saved, but they’ll have no right to look in on mine and Christ’s conversation. Nor do they today. There is a stubborn streak in me, I’ll not deny. I detest self righteous people to the point that I often take a stand against them just because they turn my stomach. If that’s the case, I’m as wrong as they are.

God help me to print the truth of Your word, and the truth of the world in a way that brings glory to You alone. This world is ran by Satan and his demonic forces. They have power. But none so great as the power of Holy Spirit that can guide me through these troubled waters.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Purpose

Are You having a Profitable Day in the Lord?

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Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 KJV
[1] … To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: [2] A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; [3] A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; [4] A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; [5] A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; [6] A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; [7] A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; [8] A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

That verse could describe any 24 hour news report. Every day people are celebrating life… and dealing with death. They’re sowing and reaping, their killing and healing, building and tearing down. Some of that is metaphorical and some of it is real, but all of it can cause anyone of us to be on the brink of a nervous breakdown if we don’t keep life in perspective.

Where’s the Profit

[9] What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I asked myself that both of of the financial efforts of my pursuits and the spiritual efforts of my pursuits. Is there profit in what I do for myself or others? Am I making a difference? The writer of Ecclesiastes is Solomon. The wisest man who every lived and yet his stupidity as a man defied the logic of anyone sane. What could be the gain (other than the obvious) of having 1,000 women in your life? Is one not sufficient? Sometimes one is too much – speaking as someone who is too much for my husband at times. But take women out of the equation and add your vice… Is ten cars too many? Is three jobs too much? Is 14 dresses too many to buy in one shopping trip? Are 10 pair of cowboy boots too many? Wait a minute… that’ can’t possibly be the case, I’m in Gatlinburg… and I’m planning on looking at the boot store.

The point of all that nonsense is the question, “can we buy, build or break the bank into real prosperity?” You know… the kind that brings happiness. The answer of course is no. So where’s the purpose in what we do every day?

There’s Profit in Problems

[10] I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

I have a grandson who is striving to build body strength through weight lifting. He works hard to take his little boy framework into a manly size status. And it pays off. But there are days between his weight lifting and football practice that he comes to my house and collapses in exhaustion. You’d think that he’d be ready to quit, but it drives him all the more to wear himself out.

The same is true when it comes to striving for a the Kingdom of God. A week of revival, a busy week at home or work and then fitting Bible Study, Sunday School, Morning Worship, Sunday Evening, Wednesday Night and daily devotions into life will cause some to give up but it will drive others to making a greater commitment to making it happen. Because it profits the soul in a way that is priceless. I know that as this world get’s crazier and crazier, I can make sense of it all with the help of staying in a church that preaches the gospel of Christ as well as end time living.

Solomon made many mistakes, but when he was at his finest was when he was in tune with God and speaking to Him about every decision. I too speak to God about every decision… “God, should I eat this candy bar? No? Will You forgive me I do? Yes. Okay… let’s go with that.” What can I say, I’m no Solomon. The point is… we need an open dialogue with God so that when problems come, and they will, He helps us work through them, and strengthen our faith. We’re not getting out of this world without trouble. But we can survive it much better with the wisdom of God which comes from studying on our own, attending church bible study to learn to divide the word correctly, and receiving a sermon to encourage our souls.

There’s Profit in Precepts

Precept (A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought)

[11] He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Understanding that there are some things you were never meant to understand, is key to living in subjection to God’s designs. I don’t have to know how God created the earth to enjoy it. Nor do I have to know why God created me with a mind that works the way it does. I’m creative and driven, often to the point of driving everyone around me crazy because when God formed me He placed within a desire to serve Him and know Him. When I work outside that realm my puzzle pieces do not fit. I would love, love, love to an organized emboldened person of wisdom. But instead I’m a cluttered, passionate person who struggles with the complexity of the world, but God has gifted me the ability to write and speak in a relatable manner with people of all levels of intelligence. the profit from that precept is that God keeps me humble which makes me a better vessel for service. It is not however always fun.

There’s Profit in the Promise

[12] I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. [13] And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. [14] I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

When understanding human nature, we could stop with the first part of verse 12. “I know that there is no good in them.” It’s true. When it comes to mankind, there is so much evil within each one of us that it’s hard to believe God’s grace will cover it up. But it does. And He goes on to say that in everything thing we do, it’s a gift of God. Everything? That’s everything that God’s apart of. He’s not a part of the a bank robber. But He may be a part of the Bank robber who gets saved and uses his testimony to draw others to Christ. But what about the every day ordinary people who just want to make it through the next ten minutes without cussing. How can that be considered a gift of God?

It makes us relatable. There’s way more people who cuss than rob banks. But God puts them all on a level playing field and tells them that He is capturing their lives and He promises to reward them for all they’ve done in His name. And He promises to forgive them for everything they did against His name. And when all our lives are over, it will still be written down in Heaven, for ever. It is there that there will be no more struggles in life. Just peace. The very thing we all search for is waiting for us, we just having to keep moving forward in this life.

So for today. Just go! Go forth doing your thing… but always keep in mind… is God glorified?

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Praise, testimony, Word of God, worship

How to live a life that’s Pleasing to God

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I sang at the Long Term Care Unit in Grantsville on Monday, and it was such a privilege. To sit across from them once again and sing and converse, which had all but stopped in the Covid era, and should now not be taken for granted. We are called to minister to the sick and aged, and the church as a whole is failing them. Collectively we fail the young and old. We fail to disciple the young, minister to the aged and encourage all others. O’boy. That’s not very encouraging is it. Please hang on, I promise I’ll get there.

How’s Your Walk?

Paul told the Church in Colossians 1:10-29 KJV
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Worthiness is not something that I often feel. It’s a good thing my worthiness is not dependent upon my performance, but rather my standing in Christ. My standing is the fact that I am saved by the blood of Jesus, no more no less. But do I please Him with my walk? That’s a good question. When I think of walking with the Lord, that’s an action outside the church building. Are we being fruitful in good work outside of the building? I know in my own life that gets so busy with earthly minded things, the Kingdom of God isn’t high on my list of priorities. Just being real. Ridgeview News is wonderful, I absolutely love it, but it has taken it’s toll on my time with God and my work for God. My walk’s a little lame.

How’s Your Praise?

[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

I had not had a serious praise session with Jesus until I attended “David” in Lancaster, PA. When I say serious praise, I speak of a hand raising, tear streaming, glory to God moment. That makes me very sad. Those sessions have never been every day, but they used to be far more frequent that of recent times. The reason? There’s several. But for certain I need praise in my life with Christ and to Christ. Should we not take the time to praise Him when we think on what He has saved us from and “translate us to?”

Twice the word translate is written in scripture. Here in Colossians and again in Hebrews when the writer speaks of Enoch: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Wait…? God took him home because he pleased God by the way he walked? Interesting, is it not? I guess I know why I’ve not disappeared. Enoch was translated; taken into the very presence of God because his testimony pleased God. A portion of our testimony has got to be praising God for His deliverance of our souls out of the hand of the demonic forces of Satan on this earth, and into the Heavenly Kingdom where He awaits our arrival. We have reason to rejoice friends. We need a good praise and worship time in our life!

How’s Your Purpose?

[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconcile [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

That’s a chunk of scripture to swallow at one time, but every time I went to end what I would use here, I could not for it would change the meaning of what I needed to say for God’s glory.

When I ask myself “how’s your purpose?” It stings. I’ve always known, even as a child, that I had purpose. That sound arrogant and believe me there’s nothing but humility in the statement. But as early as nine, I recall conversations with God, though at the time I only knew enough to be dangerous. Now I only know enough to be slightly less than dangerous. But I knew God had a purpose for me in this world and I knew it was to speak and write. I did not know how, but I knew it to be the case. So when I think about how God got me to where I am today, I realize that I do not take that role near serious enough. I was created for God’s purpose. You were created for God’s purpose. Are we walking in it in a way that pleases God? That is the question of the day. I can answer for myself with a firm “No.”

I need to do better.

How’s Your Confidence?

Paul had great confidence that God had set him aside with a purpose so mighty that the was willing to walk away from the life he lived and die for the life Christ gave him.

[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: [25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: [29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Paul had such confidence in what Christ was doing in him and through him. He knew he was called to the Gentiles. To deliver a mystery to the church. Who doesn’t love a good mystery? But what’s even better than the mystery, is being the one that that is given the answer to it! that’s us! God has given us the answer to the great mystery among the Gentiles, in that we are a people of purpose. Just as the Jews had purpose as God’s chosen, and will again. We have purpose now on this earth to lead souls to the almighty knowledge of God, given to us through the word of God. Oh glory!!!!

For me today that’s such a reason to rejoice. That in these fingers, in this tiny house, in this tiny State, God gave me a purpose for the massive Kingdom. And that purpose is to encourage the believers. Glory! I pray I’ve done that for you, because this word has certainly encouraged my own soul today.

Posted in Eternity, joy, Life Inspiration

Is God Singing Your Song?

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I ask myself that this morning after reading Zephaniah 3:17 KJV which says:

[17] The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

We met a man at Chick Fil-A on our trip this week whose name was Roy. I hesitate to call him a “bus boy” although he did bus tables. It’s likely not politically correct, and he was not a boy. If I were guessing he was in his 70’s. A small in stature, black man, with with a wild silver afro that stuck out from his ahead more than a few inches. And a personality to match. I say that just so you can get a visual. And you can understand that he caught my attention. When he realized that he did catch my attention, he and I immediately started a conversation. We talked music and church and just overall had a pleasant experience.

One would think that cleaning off tables and dumping the trash would not be a very glamorous job. But this was not his attitude. He made the experience a joy for those he served. He asked questions about their lives, where they were from, why had they come to Lancaster, were they enjoying their stay? He had a genuine concern for the people he spoke to. It was such a sweet experience because he joyed in them, you could see it! This morning I thought how God joys in His people and desires sweet fellowship.

I love a verse that breaks down into a point by point lesson for me to learn from God’s word.

He is here and He is Mighty!

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;” Can we possibly understand what it means when we’re in the presence of God at every given moment of every given day? And the power for which that brings us? As I sit here in my recliner with Izadora the chihuahua snuggled up by my side, and God viewing my life through the lens of my heart, I’m overwhelmed at the thought. He is here. My great God and Savior is setting with me in my humble house watching me search His word, speaking to my soul sweet thoughts that I pen on the page… well technically type. But what a privilege to know that as the world around me falls apart, my God has my life planned out for His glory. Nothing catches Him off guard that is coming my way today.

He is here and He will Save!

I met with a group of friends yesterday who are planing an event in hopes of seeing souls saved in our community, something that only God can do but He allows us to be apart of the search and rescue. As the wife of a firefighter I have see the adrenaline rush that David and a his fellow fire fighters have when they’re a hero to someone in trouble. It’s an exciting experience. But in the scope of an eternal Hell, God’s rescue provides so much more. While the earthly rescue will allow someone to liver another day, a rescue by God allows us to live eternally.

He is here and He Rejoices!

He rejoices in His people as He sees them serve, fellowship and study His word. He knows the desires of our hearts and minds, and for me this morning, my desire is to understand His word and apply it to my life in a way that makes me productive for the Kingdom and makes my God rejoice! God blessed me with a mini vacation that allowed me to renew my body and mind and really get refocused on things back home that had begun to overwhelm me. And that is why in reading this scripture this morning I especially love that…

He is here and He rests in His love!

Without any variation or change, nothing will separate us from the love of God. He Himself receives satisfaction from loving His creation and being a part of our lives. To think that the time that I spend with God, the time He spends with me and the gifts of life that He gives to me brings contentment to HIS heart. It’s as if I’m a small child and I’ve crayoned a drawing and my Dad puts it on the refrigerator in pride. What I have to offer God seems so very little, and yet it creates joy and pride in Him. Isn’t that an amazing thought?’

He is here and He is Singing my Song

…he will joy over thee with singing.

I’ve never thought of God singing. Angel’s singing yes, but God? But that’s what scripture says. That He joys over me with singing. It causes me to wonder what song God sings when He’s thinking about me? That brings such joy to my life, because I know the joy that comes from singing. it causes dance in the soul and often in the feet. Does God dance when He sings? I don’t know… but He created His creation to dance, so quite possibly He does.

What I know from this small study is the Lord is as complex as the universe is expanse. With their new telescope, NASA discovered new worlds this past week. With the word of God, I discovered new things about the Creator of the Universe. It’s just amazing to be a child of the King!

Posted in Christian, Church attendance, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Life Inspiration, Peace, salvation, Uncategorized, Word of God

The End is the Beginning of a Great Life!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The End is the Beginning of a Great Life!

As I read Romans 10, Paul’s words pierced my heart for my family. Those are the first people that came into my mind when I read “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” It’s such a simple statement, yet such a hard task to accomplish. Such a simple process, yet it seems the most difficult decision. That was Paul’s desire, yet his ministry ended up not being to the Jews, but to the Gentiles. And what an impact he made there! What can I glean from Paul’s words to make my life more productive for the Kingdom?

The End of What you Know

Romans 10:1-21 KJV
[1] Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

I have people that are so stinkin’ smart, they’re too smart for their own good. They assume they’ve got life figured out. They make more money than I can dream of, have all the “things” that supposedly make their life complete, and yet eternity is nowhere in their scope of concern. They’re good people, or so they think, they don’t realize that their goodness does not enter into the equation of salvation. The same was true with Israel. They thought their goodness was enough, they’re name as God’s chosen was enough. But it was not. They had not submitted themselves to the understanding that they would never be good enough to go to Heaven. There wasn’t enough righteousness in their entire family combined to go to Heaven. It is only through what Christ did on the cross that one can be saved. Their self made theology fills the world today, they need to get out of their own head, and into the mindset of God.

The End of the Law

[4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. [5] For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. [6] But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above : ) [7] Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Moses said if you think you’re good enough to get to Heaven, you’ll line your life up by the law. All 613 of them and stand before God without failure. Can you do it? I can’t live without breaking one of the Ten Commandments. There is no way under the sun that I can live without breaking 613. Nor can anyone else. That’s why Christ had to go to the cross to pay the penalty of sin for every single man and woman on earth. Because there are none good enough. It is believing by faith in Christ and that work on the cross that allows you to enter in. It is His righteousness, the One who never sinned and was the only worthy sacrifice for man kind. The end of the law is your beginning of faith.

The End of the Difference

[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Paul’s desire was that Israel, his Nation of people was saved. He had been a man of the law, serving in the highest of office in their religion, calling men and women out for being Christian and even killing them. No one had lived any more zealous than he had lived for the Lord and was wrong. He had walked by the letter of the law as a Jew, God’s chosen, but now he understood that it was for nought. He too was now saved, not by what he’d done, but because he believed. He believed because he had a personal experience with coming to know Christ as His Savior. “Christ ask him on the road to Damascus

Acts 9:5 KJV
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Pricks (goads) was an instrument used to guide livestock. The guiding principals that Paul had lived by were no longer in play. He would have to walk a whole new way, and believe in what he had fought against. Is this not what has to happen to each one of us as we come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Suddenly, we realize that there is no difference in us than anyone else. We’re all sinners. Even the vilest of people that we loath is as good as we are. The Jews lived by their zealous righteousness, that they were above the Gentiles, all other people. But because of God’s grace, he took the difference out of the equation. Everyone stands even at the cross, and it is only those who kneel to it that can be viewed as worthy through the blood Christ shed for them.

The End of Excuses

[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

For many in my family and yours too likely, there’s 101 reasons not to go to church on Sunday morning. This is the greatest of tragedies for the people of God. Many of them may be saved, Christ does not say, “Thou shall go to church.” But while we are no longer under the law, the law is not void. We’re forgiven, but we’re not excused to sin. As a Baptist it’s often said of us that we can do on Monday, what we say is wrong on Sunday and be okay. No… that’s not how grace works. While grace offers forgiveness, if you are a child of God, you’re not excused to live without accountability. There are consequences for stupidity. And one of the stupidest things God’s people and the unsaved do, is their thinking that they don’t need church.

Church is one of the greatest gifts that God gave His people. It is there we build our relationship and understanding of the word of God that allows us to live in peace. The very thing that everyone desires, and few have. They don’t have it because they have no relationship with God or His people. Victory Baptist Church did not save me, Christ did that, but it for certain has shaped me into who I am and has afforded me a peace that I never knew prior to salvation. By attending church I receive the word of God from the man of God. I have friends that lift me up in prayer and give me opportunity to do the same for them. I have the sweetest fellowship that is not in the world. You may have friends… but not friends like those in the Lord. As a child of God I have the desire to be in His House, in His word and with His people. He puts that desire in everyone of His children and we are without excuse for not following it.

[16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? [17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [18] But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. [19] But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. [20] But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. [21] But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

God knocks on the heart of everyone and asks them to believe in what He’s done. He’s stretched out His arms to a world begging for love and peace and offered it to them, but they’ve rejected it, both Jew and Gentile. It’s not easy to be humble. But it is so worth what you receive in exchange. There’s no excuse for not being saved. You have the opportunity today if you’ve read my blog. I’ve written it in love, in hopes of new kinfolk. Let me know if you’d like to join the family of God, I’d love to share with you how you can be apart of His life giving, love feeling, peace knowing family.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

How to deal with non-cooperative people

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to deal with non-cooperative people

That was my question to the Lord this morning. “Lord, how do I deal with people who refuse to cooperate with me?”I get so weary of dealing with people who feel it’s too much to ask to do (#1) their job. (#2) something that will help someone else or (#3) something because it’s the right thing to do. And such is the society we’re living in. And in spite of that, to be biblically correct, I’m suppose to turn the other cheek when I personally would rather get in the flesh and tell them to kiss my cheek and I’m not referring to the one on my face. I warned you I was weary.

God’s response to me was as I figured it would be, advice outside the flesh.

Unity Pleases God

Psalm 133:1-3 KJ
[1] Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; [3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Tis true! Nothing is sweeter than living in peace and harmony with people. Sure Moses got upset and broke the Ten Commandment stone in two, hit the rock twice when God said do it once, even the greatest of people have moments of fleshly failures. But it’s God’s design that we walk in obedience, even when the world does not. So when I remind the Lord (as if He needs reminding) that my frustrations are not coming from people who are doing the Lord’s work, He then reminds me (which obviously did need reminding) that my work is of the Lord. Even the job for which I do outside the church, I consider it a calling. So God in His Great wisdom reminds me that there are expectations of me that are not on worldly people.

Humility Pleases God

Philippians 2:1-7 KJV
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, [2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

For me to find comfort in this world that drives me nuts, there is but one answer, fellowship with the Spirit of God through His word. It’s then that I learn that it is only through Christ, and the humility He showed on the cross, that I am tolerated in the presence of God. Were it not for Christ’s suffering at the hands of evil mankind I wouldn’t have the blessing of the Holy Spirit within me. And the suffering that occurs in my life, is a small price to pay for what I’ve been given. And the ability for me to turn my head in kind, is pleasing to almighty God because it show that I appreciate what He did for me. Glory to God that’s a good lesson.

Paul said in Ephesians 4:1-4 KJV
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; [3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

If I truly believe God has called me for such a time as this, into such a position as this (publisher of the Ridgeview news) then I need to walk worthy of the vocation which I’ve been called to do. Whatever that is in our life, yours no doubt looks different than mine, but if God called you to do it, there will be an adversary who wants to make it as frustrating as he possibly can. Don’t let the Devil win!

Peace Pleases God

Jeremiah 29:7 KJV
[7] And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

Peace is a daunting accomplishment for me. Upon the rare occasion I find peace, it’s not long until it’s gone again and something has stirred strife in my soul. That’s not how God intended life to be for His people.

Jesus said in John 14:27 KJV
[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

When I am troubled and frustrated by people in the world, or by things in the world that don’t go the way I’d like to hem to, I have the power of Peace within my soul, if I don’t reach for it, that’s on me.

This was a good word for me today, because I was about to reach within me and pull out some wrath with a person who gets on my last nerve. The end result would likely be more frustration for me, and a loss of testimony. So, I’ll search for the information she has through other means, and if the Lord provides, I’ll be all the more grateful.

I’d like to promise you I won’t want to pinch that persons head off again, but I know myself all too well. God bless ya! And may you too please God today. ~ Shari

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Evangelism, Peace

The Benefit Package of God is out of this World

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Benefit Package of God is out of this World

What benefit is the world offering you today? That’s my question to myself. Perhaps it might be yours too after you read my thoughts for the day. When I think of the world, it’s usually in the context of evil. And with good reason, it is evil. But while we’re here, there’s plenty of good benefits of the Lord!

John tells us in

1 John 5:19 KJV
[19] And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

The whole world lie in wickedness. There’s no “good” thing in the world? No, I don’t believe that’s what John meant. God created the world it said in Genesis and God said “it was good.” Over and over he saw that it was good. So obviously there’s some really good stuff down here. But it’s lying in wickedness. Satan and his minions have the power of this earth to create evil, even out of the goodness of God. They can put something that was never intended to draw our attention away from God in front of us and cause our minds to delight in it so much, it becomes a little “g” god. Staying focused in this evil world is definitely not easy. The world grows more and more evil by the day. But for the child of God, there is still good.

David said in Psalm 68:19-20 KJV
[19] Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. [20] He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.

Both John and David knew that they belonged to the Lord. We belong to God through the blood of Jesus. He literally bought us by paying that price on the cross. And once we belong to God, there is a great benefit package! I love that David said he loads us daily with benefits. But do we take advantage of God’s goodness daily? I know I don’t. God has given us spiritual blessings, an abundance of grace, as well as mercies untold for which He ought to be praised day by day. Selah (stop and listen)

He is the God of our Salvation

Can we possibly praise Him enough for that? And do we understand the magnitude of it’s benefits. A couple of the men in our church were talking about the age of their salvation, both being around the age of 9. That is the age that God began dealing with my heart as well. Both of my daughters were saved at the ages of 8 and 10. Perhaps it’s at that time that our mind is at it’s most accepting state of the truth. The world hasn’t jaded you at that age and you can understand the difference between good and evil. God dealt with me at that age, but I didn’t get saved until I was 34. There were many years in between where this world could have been my demise and I would have busted Hell wide open. But for grace… I praise God that He allowed me to be saved, He didn’t have to. David reminded me today through that verse that it is the Lord that is in charge of the issues of death but also the issues of life.

The benefit package that comes from living for the Lord is beyond anything we can imagine.

The benefit of His peace…

John 14:27 KJV
[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

He left us His peace! The peace that scripture says passes all understanding. The peace that in the face of death I can live without fear. The peace in knowing that when I lay down at night my family is in his watch care. The peace in knowing that as crazy and wicked as this world is, someday I’ll live with Him! Glory to God what a benefit in the knowledge of Christ.

The benefit of His presence…

Hebrews 13:5 KJV
[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

As I mentioned before, I love things! But nothing in this world has ever given me the joy that the presence of God in my life has brought. That 24 hours a day, 7 days a week I can talk to Him and He responds. That is a gift only given to the child of God. The unsaved have never experienced a conversation with God, but we that are saved can speak to Him at any time. Can I at least thank Him daily for the ability to thank Him!

The benefits of His people…

Being a part of the family of God is also an experience never felt by the unsaved. And it’s often not felt by a child fo God because they fail to take advantage of being involved with the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Until the day we are given the final benefit of perfection, we have the body of Christ (the church of God) meant to encourage us, teach us and come along side us when times are hard. Not only our church members, but members of the body of Christ who believe He alone is the Son of God who died for the sins of the world. Jesus plus nothing equals salvation. And that comes with a host of earthly agents mean to encourage you and build you up, not tear you down, which is exactly what the world will do at every opportunity.

There are so many benefits! Too many to count and today I want to show gratitude to the Lord for He has been so good and so patient with me. What about you? Are you experiencing those benefits? I’d love to hear from you! Blessings ~ Shari

Posted in Uncategorized

Do you every grow weary of the Noise?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Do you every grow weary of the Noise?


Do you ever grow weary of noise? Oh my stars! I long for silence much of the time. There are sounds I enjoy, such as the sounds of laughter and joy from my grandchildren and other family. That makes my heart happy and I could listen to it all day. But there are sounds such as the television, traffic, cell phones, machines, etc… Some days I just long to escape to an island. Not an island far away, perhaps one in the middle of a pond or lake in West Virginia that I could return home quickly when I needed my noise makers. But then there are the noises of the world, they frustrate me to the point of anger. A line I’ve drawn in the imaginary sand prevents me from acting on that anger, but it’s still there none the less. I’m just being honest. I’m not violent, and that’s really good, because if I were I fear I’d be dangerous.

A massive pet peeve of mine is to be talked down to, or worse, to see someone I love being talked down to, laughed at, or made fun of. I just can’t take it. I wonder what Matthew thought when he seen the friends of a certain ruler laugh at his Lord? I know how I feel now when I hear people laugh at my Lord. I’m angry. I would be like Simon Peter when the the guards came after Jesus in the garden. I’d be needing to cut someone’s ear off and say “can you hear me now?” Yes, I’d probably be that snarky.

Noise has been on my mind a lot lately. Daily the word has come into my thoughts.

The first place noise is found in the Bible is the noise of God.

Exodus 20:18 KJV
[18] And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

As Moses stood on the Mount receiving the law, the people trembled in fear at the foot of the mountain, not wanting any part of what was happening. It was the first fire works show! God was laying out ten very simple rules for His people to follow and being quiet wasn’t one of them. It’s why I love to say Amen! In church. And “Glorrrraaayyyyy!” These were not words I grew up with in church. But I have grown into them since the day of my salvation. Perhaps when Moses and God were on the mountain God was telling Him how this was going to play out in the future, and the sounds on the mountain were the sounds God made as He explained salvations plan. That is complete interjection by me with no biblical foundation whatsoever, but I have to wonrder what made God so noisy when the law was being given? And at what point did church become silent?

Another mention of godly noise is that of the noise made regarding the fall of the wall of Jericho:

Joshua 6:26-27 KJV
[26] And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it. [27] So the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.

God was with Moses when He gave Him the law and He was with Joshua when, without so much as a finger being lifted, the wall of Jericho and the houses there in were destroyed. Because God was with them. When God is on our side there should be noise! People were flapping their gums everywhere about what had happened with God’s people. When’s the last time we heard noise like that? It’s happened in my lifetime and in ministries I’ve been a part of, but it’s been a while since I’ve heard the noise of people speaking of God doing something in the church. I long for that noise again.

And then there was the noise of the religious and the wicked of Jesus’ day that are still here today and it makes me want to puke that people make light of what God said was holy.

Matthew 9:18-26 KJV
[18] While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. [19] And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. [20] And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: [21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [22] But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. [23] And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, [24] He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. [26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Jesus never conducted a funeral. but the minstrels (aka pickers and singers) were already at the house preparing the funeral march. But Jesus wasn’t about the funeral, He was about the fun, the fun of restoring life. While the noise of religion played around Him, Jesus brought the girl back to life again. They were shocked! But the death march was turned into a dance of rejoicing. Oh God bring us some noise like that.

As I said, I grow weary of the noise of this world trying to convince me that God is not Who He says He is. Much like those who mocked Jesus when He said the girl just sleeps, the world still has a mouth full of mockery. Those who do not know Christ, trying to convince me that life is better without Him. But my question for myself is “how am I doing at convincing the world they’re better off with Him?” I have the power within me, the Spirit of God, to shut down the noise. It is I who opt in to listen, to let it aggravate me.

What about you? Has Jesus changed your life? If so, tell us about it! If you’d like to know more about having a life that is fresh and new, give me call or email me at talk2shari@gmail.com

Blessings! ~ Shari, the Jesus Chick