Tag: Ephesians 6

Posted in Life Inspiration

Don’t Let the Heat of Life’s Battles Overwhelm You

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Ephesians 6:16 KJV
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

This has been the first of a new chapter in the life of my husband and I. His retirement. Not mine… I need the work for sanity, but for him, he was to the point of physical and mental exhaustion to the degree I have never witnessed in someone that I love. I would watch as he came home from work and collapsed onto the couch and fall asleep within seconds. In his latter days as the Chief of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department (from which he retired as well) I would watch him leave with the adrenaline flowing, but come back from a scene with the life flowing out of him from exhaustion, frustration and mental fatigue that was so disheartening. He had lived and breathed rescue for thirty years. But no more. It was someone else’s turn.

I’ve seen that same result in ministry workers. But, I’ve also seen the power of God in the lives of others who went home to be with Jesus with as much passion for the fight as they had in the beginning. Please Jesus, let that be the case with me. It’s why it’s so important to stay in the word of God, at every opportunity, be it in reading, worshipping, listening and spending time with God’s people and in His service.

This came to my mind this morning when I read Ephesians 6:16 and seen a bible journaling image of a fire extinguisher. Fire is a scary element if you’ve ever witnessed it on a fire scene. This past week I had two house fires that I covered for the news. The one came in the middle of the night without warning and almost took the lives of two people. The second fire was deliberate, set by a man not in his right mind, who had likely just killed his wife and then set the house on fire and killed himself. The illustration of those fires can be viewed in a spiritual sense so very easily.

Ephesians 6:16 KJV
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

I’m not sure where this fire started, but if I were guessing I would say it began in the attic of the house. The couple retired for the evening without a thought toward what was happening outside of their scope of vision. All seemed well. Until it wasn’t. Isn’t that the case with life? Everything just seems to be going along swimmingly, and then without warning the bottom drops out of our world. Whether it’s a physical, financial or emotional crisis, the fire is set, out of control, and we’re either chasing it to put it out, or it’s chasing us. How can extinguish something so powerful?

What’s not visible in this photo is a small but powerful fan that the Volunteer Fire Department put at the front door of the house. It was a positive pressure fan that is specially designed to use positive airflow to remove heat, smoke and products of combustion from a structure on a fire scene, allowing firefighters to get a better chance at putting out the fire and advancing into a building for victim rescue. Praise God the victims were not in the house.

When a life crisis occurs, I don’t understand how the unsaved cope. But I know how I can cope, it’s by knowing that the Holy Spirit is going before me attacking anything that has the potential to do me harm. It’s not that I won’t feel the heat of the battle, or that the smoke may not allow me to physically see what’s coming at me. But I know that God has it under control, and I’ll be okay. I may lose “stuff” but I will never lose what matters. My soul is in tact. My future is in tact. God’s got me covered. Those fiery darts that Satan has thrown my direction are being quenched by my shield of faith. He didn’t promise me I’d never be afraid, but He did promise that He would calm my fears. Just like the air from that fan, the breath of the Holy Spirit breaths on the smoke and flames around me and I’m ready to be rescued. Glory to God I just wrote myself happy!

That fire scene was not a happy scene. It was heartbreaking. But the most important thing on the scene were the two lives that were spared.

The second scene fire was eerily insignificant as I arrived on scene. I didn’t know what had taken place. I could see the smoke, but little evidence of fire. I didn’t know that around the corner of the house laid a suicide victim. Or inside the house was woman possibly murdered. The fire was set by the homeowner. He knew it was coming. I realize this seems somewhat morbid of a discussion. But it’s gut wrenching to know that something was totally preventable, if only God had been allowed to be in control. I don’t know why this domestic situation happened. My heart breaks for the family. But the illustration still reminds me that we all control our destiny to a certain degree. We decide whether or not we are going to fight the elements of the fire, or embrace it.

If the Holy Spirit is within you, you know when it’s time to get yourself as far from that situation as you can and allow God to intervene. To get behind the shield of faith so that when the enemy attacks, he can’t hit you.

My husband David knew he was at the point in his career that the fires of life were going to consume him if he did not leave the situation. He had fought the battle long enough.

But what about the ministry battles? Is there ever a time to walk away? I think there is for certain a time to regroup. But not to walk out on God. Retirement for the child of God is God’s call. When He calls us home, we’re done. Until then, we’re to stay in the battle and allow the Spirit of God to bring us through every battle.

I’m so thankful and proud of my husband’s contributions to the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department and his decades of work for the Town of Grantsville. But I’m so grateful that life doesn’t end with our retirement of worldly endeavors… God’s got plans. Amen!

Posted in Christian, Church attendance, Evangelism, Heaven, Life Inspiration

Even the Road to Glory has Pot Holes

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I was brought up, one of five children. One of dozens and dozens of cousins. There was no drama that I recall because nobody had time for that. Social media wasn’t even imagined, and the closest thing to it was a telephone with a cord that was usually located in a spot where everyone could hear your conversation.

What a novel idea! Parents being able to hear what you’re saying. I have a feeling social media posts would be much different if that were the case, and they’d be much healthier. But what about our own conversations, let’s not throw the kids under the bus before we confess that we’re driving the bus.

For the record, I’m not an “over sharer.” It’s often like pulling teeth for anyone to discover that I’m on the struggle bus. I adopted the “I”m fine” policy as a child. And as a new convert in the late 1990’s I adopted 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 as a life verse which says “

2 Corinthians 2:1-2 KJVS
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. [2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

Partly because I love leaving the world in a happier place than it was when I arrive, but mostly because If you’re fine, then nobody probes further, right? But what does that do for the person struggling? Usually I’m a hot mess. It’s way easier helping someone deal with their problems than owning mine. That is a harsh truth for myself.

Who’s Driving the Bus?

In Paul’s day there were several people who tried to take over Paul’s bus route. But Christ was driving that bus, and taking Paul where He wanted him to go. He was in the will of God, but that didn’t stop the struggle. As a matter of fact it often caused the struggle.

In Ephesus he told the Ephesians in 6:20-24 KJVS
[20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

He was workin’ from the jail house! Bondage was literal for Paul, but it sometimes feels literal for us when our lives are wrapped up so tightly in the struggle, it’s as if we have fetters. It takes its toll on us physically and spiritually. Yesterday I rid myself of a few shackles. Not all of them. But a friend of compassion called and unlocked many things that had me bound; just by allowing me to freely share how I was bound. The end culprit was of course the Devil himself. But don’t think that he doesn’t use every tool in his tool box and every person in your life that he can. Paul had friends in the ministry that he called out for having bound him. Paul was a man of stature and people listened to what he had to say, but it didn’t say that all of them took Paul’s advice, many turned on him. The people on your bus may be going to the same destination, meaning, they’re saved, but that doesn’t stop some of them from being used to create strife in your life along the way.

Had I not taken a few minutes to unload my wagon yesterday of some real heartache, I’m not sure how the rest of my ride would have gone. I don’t have any plans to get off the Glory Bus, but changing routes has entered my mind more than a few times.

Who’s Got Your Back on the Bus?

[21] But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: [22] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Paul’s friend Tychicus, was a beloved brother. Paul obviously trusted him to tell his story and offer comfort to his friends and no doubt comfort to Paul through their trusted friendship.

I was listening to a testimony of a brother from another church this weekend and he was talking about the times that he witnessed people going to the altar. He said his church had determined that “no one goes alone.” When they seen someone struggling they went with them. Maybe it was just to stand beside them and pray for them. Maybe it was to put your arm around them and weep with them. But nobody should have to ride the bus alone. We need to be conscientious of people in our church who are struggling. Let them know they’re not alone. It’s that empathy that is the most Christ like. When Jesus passed by, something happened. It didn’t say Jesus just passed by. They felt His presence. And it still happens when someone stands with you, sits with you, prays with you! All the things. We should have each other’s back.

Where is the Bus taking You?

If you’re in a constant struggle, and there is no peace in your life. Friend… you’re on the wrong bus.

I shared this story today because I don’t anyone to think that a Christian has a life without struggles. That’s not true. As I said, Paul was in the perfect will of God and they didn’t stop until they killed him. But at no point did Paul quit the ministry. He didn’t change buses. He rode it out until the very end because he knew he was on the right bus. With the right people.

[23] Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

It’s important to be on a bus (in a church) where the road home is clear. There’s no side trips to strange places, just the gospel of Jesus Christ and His salvation. No works. Nothing for you to do except Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. It won’t be a perfect ride, there will be bumps in the road. But stay in the bus! That’s where it’s safe.

I love ya and you’re not alone!

Posted in Bible Journaling, failure, Faith, Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

Holes in my Armor

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Yesterday was the straw that broke the camels back. Another day of brain fog and frustration had created a fearfulness in my soul that had left me drained. Not a fear of something happening, but rather, something not happening. A fear of being ineffective in life. My heart was broken. I knew I was under attack but felt helpless in fighting it. I can usually write my way out of those kind of days, but lately, even writing hasn’t came easy. I’ve had writers block before, and this wasn’t it. This was an inability to compose thoughts. Trying to speak them was even a more daunting task. It perhaps can be attributed to a “fibro fog” which 80% of fibromyalgia patients suffer from to varying degrees. My degree yesterday was at full throttle. By days end I was in tears. And to top it all off, I had lost a day. My 41st Wedding anniversary. I thought yesterday was August 15, it was not! A fact I discovered when my husband came home from work and ask why I hadn’t mentioned our anniversary on social media. Okay… now add feeling like a dirt dog to the brain fog, and I’m an utter mess. 

Welcome to my world. And when I say “my world,” that’s exactly what I mean. I don’t share it with anyone. God only knows because He’s God. Not because I tell Him.

Holey, Holy, Whole

According to spell check, “holey” is not a word. And yet, I’ve said it for years. According to “Grammar check” it is indeed a word and spell check doesn’t know what it’s talking about. Whether or not the red line ever disappears from my type written page is irrelevant to me. Holey is exactly how I feel. There are missing pieces of my mind. I feel holey, not holy. And add to that mix, my iPad keyboard is randomly not typing vowels, a very necessary part of words. 😂 If only I could type in emojis my morning would look something like this. 😔🥱😖🥺😩🤔😶‍🌫️😏.

I’ve set out this morning to find the missing pieces in my armor. 

Ephesians 6:10-20 KJVS

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

There is an unseen realm where Satan and his minions gather together to plot evil against God’s children. Or perhaps Satan just lets them go Willy Nilly all over the world creating chaos. But today they are in Calhoun County, West Virginia. Scripture says that God is not the author of confusion, therefore it is left to Satan. If he cannot fill my mind with wicked thoughts he will fill it with gaps that cause questioning. Yesterday I would start a thought and then my mind would see something shiny and off I’d go on a random hunt, only to return to my thought which now had lost sight of it’s destination.  This morning is not much better. But I’m trying to stay focused on God’s word. I’m trying, but I’m wrestling. 

[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Guard Your Heart and Gird Your Loins!

My heart is a physically weakened vessel. I venture to say that we’ve all got weak “spots” in our bodies, and those are marked for attack. Other than the obvious physical ways that my heart is under attack, it is the truth that causes the greatest pain and distraction. The truth really does hurt. The truth that our government is corrupt and there’s little I can do about it bothers me.  The truth that the youth in my ministry has the world bombarding their minds with hogwash for which I repeatedly have to convince them are lies, is disheartening. The truth that people hurt other people without remorse and justify it in the name of Jesus, makes me sick. The truth that Christian people have convinced themselves that they don’t need to be in church to have a good relationship with God, makes me sad. These are daily attacks on my mind as Satan try’s to convince me he’s winning this war. I’ve needed a deeper focus on the word. Do you?

Guide Your Feet

[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

The only way we can be assured that we’re going in the right direction is to prepare each day by studying the battle plan. I’m in awe every time I read the word of God and see current event application laid out as if it was written yesterday. My problem is I’ve been skimming the word, not delving into the deep of it which is necessary to make it through these troubled times. My frustration with life has taken it’s tole on my own commitment. You want to know how that’s working for me? It’s not. Not spending enough time in God’s word is like taking a trip without a map and ending up on a cow path in a front wheel drive Kia Soul. My little Soul Seeker has about as much chance in navigating that path as I do in figuring out what God wants me to do any given day.

Grab the Shield!

 [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

I took my two youngest grand babies to their elementary school open house last night where they made a paper bag shield. (It was actually a poncho, but not for two imaginative boys.) They wore that shield like it would have prevented a bullet from penetrating their hide. Oh I love kids! Some days I think I have paper bag faith and some days I have Kevlar faith. The only difference is a foundation in God’s word. That is the theme for the day with me, sure up the gaps Shari. Study to show thyself approved, rightly diving the word of truth! The more we study, the greater coverage we have from those fiery darts.

 [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

Those holes in my mind occurred because gaps in my reading and studying occurred, as well as gaps in my prayer life. That is why I believe I’ve had issuance with utterance and the ability to speak boldly. It’s hard to speak bold, when you’re walking in uncertainty. 

[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Today has been a good study. But not nearly enough. I hope this study helped you today, and I pray that you and I both will find ourselves deep in the trenches of God’s word throughout this day. Glory! 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Evangelism, Family, Fear, Leadership, Youth

How wicked do you think this world is?

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From the days my girls were born, I enjoyed every stage of their life. I didn’t always do it right… more often than not, utterly wrong. But parenthood is trial and error. 

Where I mostly got it wrong was the fact that God was not in my life until they were 8 and 12. By that time I had sewn quite a few mistakes into the material that they would use in raising their own children. Sad fact, but one I have to take responsibility for. They’re good gals. They too are navigating the parental waters, but their sea is so much rougher than mine. I’m proud of them. They have no idea how proud. But I’m scared. Not in the sense that the world is frightened of everything right now, but from the standpoint that my children and grandchildren are facing the greatest evil I’ve ever witnessed. And I’ve seen some pretty crappy stuff in my 58 years.

I would like to remove my grandkids out of the equation of harms way, but that’s not humanly possible. Even if I put them in a padded room, they will be within reach of the spiritual wickedness of this world. Be not deceived… you may be the greatest, most protective and sheltering parent on earth, but your children are in danger. And the reality of it is, most parents are not the most protective and sheltering parents, because we want our children to experience life. We mainly try to keep them away from wicked things. 

But what happens when the wicked come in when we’re not with them?

I know I’m a like a broken record lately. But I feel compelled to tell the truths I’ve been told so that I can forewarn my part part of the world.

Did you know that 27 states in the United States have adopted a curriculum for sex education to be taught in all grades from kindergarten through senior high, that is so graphic in nature (even for the 5 year olds) if we showed it to children outside of the school we would be arrested for exposing children to pornography, but its considered “education when the teacher does it.” I doubt many of you know. Get ready to be shocked! The images on the curriculum are blurred, else my site would be marked as porn. 

Here’s the link to some samples:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N56NpE-XQ2-vcVz7BdKPMDwnFzSwTFmr/view?fbclid=IwAR0CEaJWx5KaqDGjltrORLL6tCmCUi6MP1hPCkB1WDLeMlNDEhGVp1jDrik

Now that the crazies have got the worlds mind on the corona virus, racism, etc, they’ve now set their sights on our kids. And if you’re thinking I’m a conspiracy theorists, you are so wrong. I have always been naively simple when it comes to trusting people. But the world we’re living in has made me very tired of having a Susie sunshine attitude, and I had to give myself a dose of reality to protect my family. The liberal crazies are now targeting our kids directly in the classroom with “Comprehensive Sexuality Education.” They’re teaching kids — as early as kindergarten — masturbation, anal sex, transgenderism, and abortion. It makes me nauseous that those words are in my blog. I want to share Jesus, not that. But 27 States have already adopted it! Just in case you didn’t look at the curriculum, I need you to understand the perverseness of this world and the direction they’re headed, which is to our children’s schools. 

Ephesians 6:10-12 KJV

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

When God had Paul pen those words to the Ephesians, I wonder how much insight Paul had toward the year 2020.

The Spiritual wickedness in high places refers to the spiritual realm of Satan and his demonic forces. But it could just as well refer to American hierarchy who is cutting the throat of their own nation. 

Satan has launched this attack against the children of the world and most people refuse to listen, thinking rather that folks like me are the crazies and we’re fabricating fear when I’m truly trying to warn my kids and everyone else’s to put that armor on your children and yourself, and don’t blindly let the world “educate” your children. And never assume it won’t come to us in the little communities of America. 

My grandchildren’s schools have been on again, off again because of the exposure to the virus in our community. I seem to go from one extreme to the other in worry. One minute I’m worrying because they won’t get to play like children, and then the next minute, I’m worrying that they won’t even get to be children. 

Praise God! That although this world is filled with bad news, we have the good news every day to guide us and to give us hope that Jesus is coming soon to take us out of here. We are complete in Him, Jesus Christ. He, Who through the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom to know what we need to know. I believe that He sent me to tell you this information. And I believe He’s telling the church to do their best to stop it now before it’s too late. 

Colossians 2:10

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church attendance, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

I’m not raising babies in the ministry

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Dressing for Success takes on a whole new meaning when you’re talking about church, at least for me. I’m not referring to what you physically wear to church, I’m pretty flexible on that matter, just be decent, and be in church, and I’m a happy camper.  I’m talking about what you spiritually wear to church.

If you’ve been in church any time at all you’ve likely heard a sermon or two preached from Ephesians 6 on the whole armor of God. It’s a necessary sermon for getting through life’s every day battles that leave more than a dent or two on us. But what about the armor we wear to church? Is there such a thing?

I personally want a sermon preached to me that when it’s over my toes are bruised from all the times they’ve been stepped on. I know that’s not the norm. Most people like a sermon that powders their tush and makes them feel all fluffy inside. My opinion of that, is that’s what gotten America in the shape she’s in. My friend Roger preached last night and hit the nail on the head when he said, “We’ve quit preaching on personal sin.” Nobody wants anyone to hold them accountable, they especially don’t want God to hold them accountable. We want the Lord of love but we don’t want the Lord of accountability. Just save us Lord, then leave us be. And so the world now caters to that in churches across the land because it brings numbers… or does it?

I’ve heard those against the mega churches say that those churches are full because it’s easy believism being preached. There are those I’m sure. But I’ve listened to several that stir my soul. And I’ve been in little churches that have been mighty in the Spirit and some that were few in number because nobody was preaching a message of conviction to make anyone loyal to God. We need what David knew was necessary for successful living in Psalm 139:23 when he said “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts.” David didn’t want baby powder, he wanted talcum powder from a work out with God.  We need a strong word to make us stronger. Weak words do just that, they weakens us. So stomp my toes Mr. Preacher and I’ll wear the appropriate attire for church.

Fully Dressed

In earlier times, pre-spanking days, a father wouldn’t send you to your room to think about what you’d done. He’d fully dress ya. Maybe that’s a word from our region, I’m not sure, and I really never heard it from my own dad, but I’ve been fully dressed on more than one occasion by God.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Put on the whole armor, not just part of it. While we think of this as verses for life, it’s also verses for church. We need to be prepared to hear the word of God because in that place of worship the first one to show up for a service is Satan himself. He’s got every open pew filled with evil. And with the churches of today, there’s plenty of open seats. But while we’re there we need to come prepared to hear the word of God even if that means we’re gonna be fully dressed by him. That is how we grow. We discipline our children so they know there’s a better way, God does His children no different.

Fully Drawn

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Entering a spirit filled service of the Lord should find our minds fully drawn into the Holy Spirit. Focused on what He’d have us to know even if that means putting on blinders to all else in the room. Satan knows the house of God is a place of business for God. It’s not the only place He works but it’s one of the best. So it’s there that Satan launches an attack to keep eyes and minds off the sermon. He’ll do it with people, thoughts, bugs, babies, anything that can pull your mind away from the word. Get fully drawn into God when you hit the building.

Fully Determined

None of my three points sound like something you put on until you think of them in the spiritual sense. Being dressed, drawn and determined are all spiritual mindsets that must be put on inwardly and worn outwardly so that the not only Satan and his cronies can see it, but others can see it.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Each piece of the spiritual armor has a purpose to shielding us from the wickedness of the spiritual realm. But one of the most detrimental things to the spiritual man is self. We have to allow God to dress us when we’re drifting away from His purpose. We have to allow ourselves to be drawn to the spiritual side rather than the flesh and we have to put on that determination before we ever enter the service of God.

Fully Devoted

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

We need to wear it, but above all we need to speak it. Telling others about Christ is a devotion few have any more. They’re devoted to Sunday morning… not so much Monday through Saturday. Tonight is Wednesday and I’ll teach this thought to my teens, because I’m not raising babies in my ministry. I want them battle ready when they hit life head on!0

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

Because We Ought To

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ambassadorThe closer to Jesus’ return the harder it’s become to speak boldly for the cause Christ. When I signed on with God to be “The Jesus Chick,” my issue with speaking was not so much with the world as it was with me. My confidence level was nil and my skill was mediocre at best; so why would anyone want to hear from me. That was my attitude. I soon learned that if I relied on God to deliver the message He would deliver me from the spirit of fear that Satan is so good at casting on us.  Several years into speaking and, although I still struggle with confidence, it’s easier and more exciting than ever! But the world is not accommodating. Tolerance for Christianity is at an all-time low in America and it saddens my heart, but I’m still the Jesus Chick. God didn’t un-call me. And if you are a child of Christ, you too have been called to be an ambassador for the Lord, and that’s exciting!

So what are you going to do with that tidbit of information this fine day?

Paul said to the church of Ephesus in Ephesians 6:19-20 “ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

I take that as my own personal charge from the Lord when those words convict my soul that I should be telling the world about Jesus, because He could call us home today!

The Unction of Utterance

Paul said that the utterance would be given, which means it wasn’t of me. Unction is an oil that can be applied such as the anointing of God through the Holy Spirit. That’s what it is when we’re given utterance. The times that I step out of the way and just allow God to speak through me have always been the most blessed of times. And at the end of those events someone would say to me, “how did you know?” or “that’s just what I needed.” And I didn’t know but the Holy Spirit who provided the words to my soul knew right well! So don’t stress God’s call on you to tell someone of Jesus, just pray and open your mouth and God will be faithful.

Bold in our Bonds

While Paul was in literal Prison as he wrote the Church of Ephesus, we sometimes feel as if we’re in a figurative prison, one step away from the real McCoy, the way our country treats us at this point in time. Bold ain’t easy baby. But it’s necessary to get over the noise of the world when witnessing for Christ. People want to fill that God sized hole in their hearts with something, and the world is more than happy to dish it out with material and self-gratifying gain. But that won’t fill it. Because God is huge! And more powerful than anyone or anything in America that thinks they came over shadow Him, including the demonic political realm that has tried to eek Him out of America. So long as there are Christians in America, God is in America!

Ought to Obedience

God’s not going to make you share the gospel, but you ought to. God’s not going to make you go to church, but you ought to. God’s not going to make you read His word, but you ought to. When you accepted His salvation, you ask His Holy Spirit to reside in your heart, and the Holy Spirit want to show you the power of God through His spoken and written word. And not just from the preacher, although we definitely need that too!

Serving God is the most fun you’ll have this side of Glory! It’s not always easy, but it’s never failed to give me a blessing! I’d love to encourage you where you are, if you’re in need of a speaker for a ladies event, give me a shout on Facebook, email or on the contact form of my site.

Contact information

  • (304)377-6036
  • Talk2shari@gmail.com
Posted in Life Inspiration, Purpose

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

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

chick dreams

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

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

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

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

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

Spirits like:

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

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

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

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

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

Philippians 4:8

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

SOUND ADVICE FROM THE SOUNDEST OF SOURCES.

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