Tag: Ephesians 3

Posted in joy

Where’s my Joy?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Where’s my Joy?

If you’ve noticed an absence of the Jesus Chick on Social Media, and the Jesus Chick site, I can’t say that there is an excuse good enough for what the Lord has done in my life. That would be impossible. But I can say that there has been a reason … although it will have to wait until he end of this post as I work my way through that reason before it is clear to even me.

So let’s you and I begin as I journey through my conversation with the Lord this Sunday morning.

Things have changed in my life over the past few years. A few heart attacks, open heart surgery and starting an online newspaper will do that. But more than anything, my spiritual journey has not been one I’m proud of. While much of my focus this year has been on worldly news, the good news of the Gospel took a back seat. That’s so wrong it makes me want to puke just to see the words in print. But God knows my heart, and I want you to know it too. Because I figure if I’m struggling…. You know… the Jesus Chick… maybe there’s others who are struggling too.

A friend recently mentioned to me that their “joy” was missing. My first thought was, “yep… that’s a piece my puzzle too. I’m overall a generally happy go lucky gal. But there’s a difference between happy and joyous. I’m happy with life. Husband, kids, grandkids, home, career… all good. Health? Well, I’m my own worst enemy. But when it comes to joy, that’s a much deeper level of happiness.

In Deuteronomy 28:1-6 God tell Israel – And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth; ² and all these blessings shall come on thee and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God: ³ “Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. ⁴ Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy herds, the increase of thy cattle, and the flocks of thy sheep. ⁵ Blessed shall be thy basket and thy stores. ⁶ Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Obedience equals a good life. I love in verse seven when God tells them Deuteronomy 28:7 – The LORD shall cause thine enemies who rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face; they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

That’s my God!

But then in verse 14, God begins to a warning to His people, and not just a little warning, a list of curses a mile long; and in the midst of those curses He tells them the reason for the curses which is also the very first place we find the word “Joy” in scripture

Deuteronomy 28:47 KJ21
“Because thou served not the LORD thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things,

I have just one thing to say… Thank God for grace! When God spoke this to His children it was life under the law. And it was words that God spoke with good reason, because He knew of the future rebellion of His children. He also knew the power of the flesh to cause His people to fall. It still exists. That is why, as we scroll forward, God sent the ultimate joy maker, Jesus Christ. Who told us in Matthew 5:17 “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

The law still exists; but those penalties, the many, many curses mentioned in Deuteronomy for our failure to obey are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Glory!

It is not coincidence that the first place joy is mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 2:10 – When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

God takes no word in scripture lightly. When He told Israel that their curse came from their failure to serve God with joy, it was serious business. He’s still the same God. He still takes the service of His children every bit as serious. So much so that He gave His Son to pay the ultimate price that our joy could be there come Hell or High Water. No matter what came against us, the powers of Hell, or the power of earth, our joy would still be there.

So where did my joy go?

I love the Lord! Jiminy Cricket I love Him! So where on this map of life did I lay my joy down and fail to pick it back up? I’ve shared with three friends my loss of joy. And only because I trust those three friends and felt the Lord’s guidance in discussing it with them. We have to have a place to vent our life’s frustrations. Believe me… That much I learned when they literally opened my chest and let all the crap out of my heart that I had kept in and failed to tell anyone.

I was raised differently, I was raised to put my burdens upon no one else. God created us to share the load, I still have trouble with that one.

But back to the question, Where did my joy go?

It’s laying on the church seat. That’s what I determined. I left it there when I began to apply spiritually what I was taught as a child. Don’t put your burdens on anyone else. And in so doing I began to carry all my spiritual struggles on my own, and left the joy on the seat beside me in church, because the burden took up too much room in my life. It was not only my lack of joy, but the lack of joy from others around me. You see… as a child I also picked up another trick, I would not share my burdens with you because it would make you sad. Apostle Paul said the same in 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 when he said “But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorrowful, who is he then who maketh me glad, but the same who is made sorrowful by me?” But I would gladly take on your burdens. Even if you didn’t ask me too. It is why, when people accuse me of not caring about other people’s feelings when I print the news, it hurts so bad. They have no idea how many of those stories make my heart ache. But I long to tell the world the truth, both in the gospel and in modern life. We need it. It is the only way we can make good decisions. That is why I continued typing this… even though it hurt. The church has failed to heed God’s warning in Deuteronomy 28:47. We’re no longer serving joyfully… as a matter of fact few are serving at all and we have been given the abundance of things…

Ephesians 3:20 KJ21
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Where is the power? Did I leave it on the seat too? No, it’s within me. Nobody can take anything way from me that the Lord has given. I can willingly give it up… which I have basically done. Or I can acknowledge the Lord’s warning, tell Him I’m sorry for failing to have joy in His service and pick it back up refusing to give into the notion that my joy and my voice is offensive to God.

This is still a journey. I’m still looking at that map. But his morning I have a better grasp on my joy. I’m going back to church to pick it up.

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, Eternity, Faith, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Faith is Not Routine

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Faith is Not Routine

There is nothing routine about God! We like things neat, tidy and wrapped with a bow… but God’s not on a schedule, and there’s no such thing as time in Heaven.

Text: Ephesians 3:16-19

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Four verses, one sentence and a lot of goodness that we need to understand. And by the way, nothing common, ordinary or routine. Because just when we think we have God figured out, He goes and does beyond anything we could ever imagine.

When we think we can’t take anymore, He allows more. Just to prove to us that we’re stronger than we think, and that we need Him more than ever.

Exercise routines are good… I’m lousy at them, but they’re very good. They strengthen the body the same way trials strengthen our spirit when our faith is exercised. It builds faith muscles when we’re pushed outside our comfort zone. Praise God it’s not routine. They don’t happen every day, if they did, we’d likely give up. God never puts things on us to cause us to quit, He wants us to understand how far His love extends and how far He’ll go down this road with us. All the way to the end of this road, when eternity begins.

Paul said that the love of Christ “passeth” our knowledge. We can’t imagine the depth of it. It’s like the bible school song many of us sang, “Deep and wide, deep and wide, there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide.” And remember the second verse, when we’d add the Mmmm… in place of the words. I thought a lot about that today, and how the writer of that song may have been inspired by the fact that the depth and width of God’s fountain of overflowing love is indescribable.

After this weekend, where 30 people were killed by the wicked devices of this world, we need to remember that love. Those people were just living life, not waging war, and yet they were killed. That is a level of evil most of us, praise God, cannot understand either. We can’t imagine the frame of mind of those murderous individuals. But it’s not hard to understand the feeling of hopelessness that many people in this world face because they’ve never experienced the “fullness of God.”

Our church just came out of revival. Our annual tent meeting. A yearly scheduled event we call revival. But that’s not the revival God wants. Paul lived in a state of revival, not because life was roses, but because he was constantly under persecution and threat of death. That will cause you to get your priorities in check, quickly! A look around us should remind us of our need for bold exercised faith.

I kind of figure there was a time the very disciplined Paul lived a routine. But when Jesus blinded him along the road, Paul’s routine life went right out the window. And he became a man who lived in the moment.

In the last two verses of Chapter 3 of Ephesus Paul writes this:

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

He reminds us all that God can and will do far more than we ask or think, but He just won’t do it and hand it too us on a silver platter; He does it through us and through our church body. And He does it for His glory!

What are you going to do this week for the cause? Are you in revival, or are you a walking corpse waiting for the upper taker. Be alive in Christ Jesus and working for His cause. He is worthy!!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church attendance, Faith, Life Inspiration, Not Another Manic Monday

3 Reasons I think People Don’t Feel Saved

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on 3 Reasons I think People Don’t Feel Saved

For  many years if you’d have ask me if I was saved I’d have said yes. Largely because of shame and because I couldn’t admit that I didn’t even understand that concept. Most people who knew me assumed I was saved for no other reason than because I went to church. That was it. That was all it took.  Not because there was any evidence of it in my personal walk with Christ. Which I didn’t have.

So yesterday, as I was blessed to sit in church and hear a convicting message of the gospel; and by convicting I don’t mean I felt like a dirt dog, because I’ve been in those sermons too. But by convicted I knew there were areas in my life that needed more commitment.  And one of those areas was my Monday morning video “Not Another Manic Monday.” I had lost sight of what I wanted to accomplish. I wanted to draw people closer in their walk with Christ.

So today’s topic is one that I believe every child of God has an occasional if not consistent struggle with. The assurance that you’re saved, and three possible reasons that I think will help in winning that battle.

People Don’t Read Beyond the Norm

So what’s the norm? Unfortunately, I think people rarely, if ever read the word. I think that because that’s who I was in my previous church life.

Hebrews 10:22 ~ Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

A preacher friend of mine (and I’ve used this illustration so many times) said that the Word of God was like a spiritual “warsh” cloth. I know it’s wash cloth, but that’s how he said, and I love that memory.

It’s a phrase that has stuck in my head because I know it to be true. And it’s one of the primary reasons people lose their assurance of salvation. Because they don’t understand the importance of reading the word of God.

Prior to salvation, my idea of reading the word of God was, #1~ it was the preacher’s job. # 2 ~ it was there if I felt troubled. But the problem with the second notion, is at that time I wasn’t saved. So it was like reading the owner’s manual of a product I didn’t have. It made no sense what so ever. 

But once I became saved, and the Spirit of God came into my heart that changed and I was blessed with an immediate desire to soak in the word of God in every form. Spoken, written and recorded. I know I’m not the norm and many people may not have the time that I spend in His word. But the writer of Hebrew spoke a great truth when he said

…  having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

That evil conscience (that causes us to doubt our salvation) is covered by the blood. But without the reading of the word to remind us of that, we lose the feeling of being clean.

There is one thing I can tell you with bold assurance because I’ve lived it and I’ve failed at it; without the reading of the word of God, you will forever battle the assurance of salvation.

When the writer of Hebrews wrote 10:22, and when my preacher friend was inspired to say “warsh cloth” it was because both of those men had a relationship with the Lord beyond the norm.

People Don’t Live Beyond the Norm

1 Thessalonians 1:5 ~ For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

God has blessed me with some amazing Spirit filled saints in my life. People who live out the faith. They’re not perfect, but they’re living in the perfection of Christ.

By Spirit filled I don’t mean that they have more of God in them than the average saved person. When we get saved we all get all of God. 

Ephesians 3:19 says And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

When I think of the fullness of God I think of it like shaking a soda pop. When you do the carbonated bubbles explode to the surface. Well that’s what it’s like when you’re filled with the Spirit. It’s not that you have any more of God that anyone else. But rather the Spirit in you begins to bubble up with excitement because of the work God is doing in your life. And when it bubbles up and out, it’s evident to not only you, but the people around you.

At those times, nobody can tell you you’re not saved. Because you’re living it. And while we can’t live on the mountain all the time, if we’re serving God enough, those experiences will leave very little room for doubt in your eternal state. Not for you. Or for the people around you.

I was successful in my early walk with Christ because the people around me bubbled with excitement. And I wanted it too.

People Don’t Attend Church Beyond the Norm

Colossians 2:2 ~  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Growing up I thought that faith was a Sunday morning thing. Sunday night and Wednesday Night Bible Study was for the blue hairs and old men. And most churches are still like that today, if they even have a Sunday night or Wednesday night service.

Right after I got saved our church began a Wednesday Night Study called “Journey to the Heavenlies.” It was a study on the book of Revelation. A pretty heavy topic for a new believer. And while I certainly didn’t understand all of it, I understood enough, because of an excellent teacher. I was fascinated about the prospect of Heaven and no longer feared the end times.

That understanding helped inspire me to read and live beyond the norm. And it gave me the desire to come back again and again to learn more. I was so thankful for the truth of God’s word being taught to me that I wanted to live and do more for my Lord.

When Paul wrote to the Colossians he hadn’t been with them for a while. But they were holding on to each other and it multiplied their assurance.

That’s what attending a church does and why it’s crucial to your assurance.

When I got saved I was attending every revival around me. I couldn’t get enough church, be it mine or someone else’s. I just wanted to be with God’s people. I still do.

I know that in being with God’s people, I’ll not only be encouraged, I’ll be accountable. We need people in our lives that will keep us from slipping in our faith which causes doubt.

Last night the preacher told the story of some old time saints in a remote village. They didn’t have a closet to get into for prayer, but realizing the importance of spending time alone with God they would carve out a path in the woods. Each would have their own.

But if someone’s path started having grass grow on it, it would be evidence that they weren’t spending time alone with God. And one of their friends, in a nice tone would say, “Friend, your path has grass on it.”

They were letting them know that they were concerned that their friend wasn’t spending enough time with God.

So that’s my question for you.    Friend, does your path have grass on it? I hope not. And I don’t stand in judgement. Because my path any day could start growing grass because I’m just flesh and blood.

That’s why I go to church, read the word and live beyond the norm. Because I’m not normal.

That should get a big amen!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church Unity, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Praise

Just Keep Going

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Just Keep Going

I have a tendency to be a little over the top. And if you know me you likely just rolled your eyes and said “A little?” To that I say “Shush.” I’m not likely to change. There’s a reason I’m over the top. I have had enough dead religion to last me a lifetime. If you’re not a shouter… I’m okay with that. If you don’t like to lift your hands, I’m okay with that too. I just happen to be both, and I love being with likeminded people. And to that God has always been so faithful to place them in my midst. But occasionally I meet a Hoover. I try to stay clear of them-, but deed, sometimes it’s impossible. That illustration came from a sermon I heard David Gibbs preach last week. I haven’t been able to shake it, and it makes me giggle! And then it makes me nauseous. I just have to tell myself “Just keep going, Shari.”

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us not to be a Hoover –  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

And it’s on days like that that I turn to the Word. I’m not above being wrong. I want to back up what I believe with the Word of God.       So should you! Don’t take man’s word for anything. Humanity leaves room for error.

We Have Assurance

Ephesians 3: 9-12 – And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

We should be bold with confidence, not dead with insecurity or religion. Religion says “Don’t make waves.” Confidence says “Stir up the water!” We have the wisdom that man has searched for from the beginning of time. We have the power from Heavenly places that the world tries to imitate. What we have is the real deal. Why would we not be excited!

We Have Approval

1 John 2:28 – And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

I highly doubt that when Jesus splits open the skies and calls His church home, we’ll be indifferent. Glory to God! We have confidence that He’s returning but do we have His approval on how we’re waiting? If He would walk into your church on Sunday morning, would He even feel welcome? If He sat behind you in the pew would He find you paying attention to the message or surfing your messages on your phone? If the Spirit started moving in your heart would you raise your hand or would you raise an eyebrow at those who do? If someone shouted would it be you, or would you jump out of your skin because you weren’t prepared for anyone to get excited. If Heaven forbid someone choo choo’d around the church would you call it fake or would you fall in behind? If I have to explain choo choo, you may not get any of this paragraph.

I am confident that God’s okay with excited Christianity.

We Have Answers

Because the world would love to make me think I’m crazy for being so excited about Jesus, and because there are days I feel crazy. I am elated that I have a solid foundation in the Word of God to turn to.

1 John 5:14 – And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And so I ask. Again and again I ask. Every time some Hoover Christian leads me to believe I’m wrong.

Psalm 98:4 – Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalm 47:1 – O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Luke 17:15 – And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Psalm 134:2 – Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

Need I go on? The world is so stinkin’ loud. How can they possibly hear the whispers of a child of God. When we listen to God, we should be still. When we feel God move, it should move us.

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This blog is in it’s 8th year. Hosted on godaddy.com for the past five. Expenses incurred for the operation of this site are without complaint and with gratitude for the opportunity. If the Lord would impress you to give to help cover some recent technology issues, I’d be grateful. I’ve not been in the world’s workforce for 3 years and for that I glorify God. It’s given me the opportunity to not only write and work on music, but minister to nursing home patients, volunteer in the Christian School teaching art and help other ministries with marketing. All of which require technology, communication, time and gasoline. Again it’s without complainT… but just in case you have a desire to help, or have “extra money” 🙂 Know that I would be eternally grateful.

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