Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian, Church Unity, Evangelism, Praisee, Purpose, salvation, worship

For All that’s Wrong, There’s Plenty that’s Right

Written by talk2shari Published July 2, 2023 Discussion Leave a Comment

Have you ever been spiritually frustrated? Or should I ask “When’s the last time you were spiritually frustrated?” If you’ve walked the path of faith for any length of time at all, and by that I mean greater than 15 minutes, you’ve no doubt experienced it. But one would think that the longer and further you’ve walked, provided you’ve clung to the Rock, you would experience frustrations less. I have met very few (if any) people who don’t struggle.

I have witnessed those who get in a big way of talking and and say that they got in the face of the Devil and said “You’re a liar Satan, and I rebuke you in the name of Jesus to get out of my life.” And then according to their testimony, he did. I’ll just tell you from my stand point, I’m going to let God do the rebuking of Satan, because any time I’ve tried it, Satan has came at me that much harder. I’m not always sure it’s Satan I should be giving the credit to for the hard times any way, I’m sure I am often to blame. But struggles come and go and with them, many conversations with God.

So as I read through the short book of Habakkuk following a funeral yesterday, his words struck a chord in my soul.

Watch and See

Habakkuk 2:1 KJVS
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Have I been watching? Have I had any desire to see what the Lord has to say about the recent frustrations in my life? I have to ask myself that honestly. I tell you often that I am quick to ask and slow to listen. It’s as if I’m a toddler who looks at a parent right before they stick their hand in the fire and then is shocked with the result. Other times it’s like the child who falls and scrapes their knee and screams bloody murder because a parent wants to put medicine on it, only to discover the medicine took away the pain. Watch and see…

Habakkuk looked high, he didn’t look low. He did not seek man’s advice but went to the One and only capable of answering. He didn’t stir the masses up with his problems and he didn’t assume that Judah wasn’t the problem. He only knew that God would take care of them some how. He asked and then he listened. Hmmm… I could learn.

What He Will Say

When the Lord answers He gives Habakkuk an instruction.

Habakkuk 2:2 KJVS
[2] And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Write it down. And here we are over 2500 years later, reading the words that he wrote that God continues to speak through. That’s amazing! God told Habakkuk to write down the vision, a plan for the future and Habakkuk listened to his Lord’s words. God was sending a warning out to the people that judgement was going to come. It’s still true today. Sometimes it’s swift, but as it was in the day of this text sometimes God waits for a while to bring everything to fruition so that it can be understood and work for His glory.

I hate to wait. I have a microwave mentality most of the time. But if I think about the fire of an oven in comparison to the artificial heat of a microwave, the baking result is vastly different. It’s always better in the oven. Slower… but oh so good.

Wait for it

Habakkuk 2:3-4 KJVS

[3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Waiting requires trust. Trust that come what may, it’s for my good.

This chapter records God’s answers to the questions that challenged Habakkuk’s faith: (1) How long would evil prevail (1:2-3)? (2) Why was Babylon chosen to punish Judah (1:13)? God said that the judgment against evil, though slow to come, was certain. And though God used Babylon to punish Judah, God also knew Babylon’s sins and would punish it in due time.

But what are we to do in the wait? For me I think I should consider what my role in these battles has been. Facing the reality that I could be the problem or at the very least a part of it. Habakkuk didn’t go up and get his answer and then storm down because God’s truth wasn’t what he wanted. He accepted God’s truth that there were those whose soul’s were not upright. Does that happen today? That the souls of even God’s people are not always upright? The flesh is a very real adversary in the life of a Christian. Turning control of your frustrations and desires over to God and trusting Him to fix it isn’t easy.

The Answer…

Habakkuk 3:2 KJVS
O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Revive thy work. That is the answer. I skirted all around it, trying to make far more out of Habakkuk’s message than needed to be. What I love about God’s word, among many things, is the simplicity of His speech. I often don’t go to the word because I too am afraid of God’s answer. I assume that even though the balm He’s about to put on my wound is for my own good, it’s going to be like Merthiolate. That bright reddish orang medicine our parents would put on a raw wound that burned like fire! But it is not. It’s a salve of goodness to the soul.

Revive thy work. The works trumps everything. Every little issue, every big issue on this earth means nothing in the scope of the work that the Christian is supposed to be doing. If we lose sight of that, then souls go to Hell.

I had a sermon from 2013 outlined in my bible from Habakkuk 3:17-19 that spoke to me again.

My notes said thus…

Yet I will rejoice – leave the doubters and get with the shouters!!
We need to practice
A salvation that is established on the Word of God
Phd can mean piled higher and deeper
Isaiah 40:8 the Word of our God will stand forever

God’s word never changes
God never changes
Sin never changes
Penalty for sin never changes
Plan of salvation never changes

God’s word is spiritually discerned

Habakkuk rejoiced in the God of His salvation. For all that is wrong in my world, there’s plenty that is right. I’ll focus on that and leave the rest to God.

Posted in Christian Service, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Praise

Take the High Road

Written by talk2shari Published January 6, 2021January 6, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

I don’t know why anyone thought that 2021 was going to change the perspective of the world we’re living in. The world is still full of stupid people. Nothing has changed in that perspective. That’s what I told myself as I began wondering where the next set of struggles are taking America. I’m glad BlazeMedia is off vacation and back to work because I was going through withdrawals on world events. I don’t trust anyone else, but my mind no doubt needed the break from the preponderance of bad news. It has a tendency to tear me down. But BlazeMedia taking a vacation didn’t stop the world from turning, nor did it stop discouragement from coming into my life.

Oh boy! Do I sound like a Debbie Downer or what!? I promise the news gets better. But I’m just sharing the state of my mind over the past week. I’ve been frustrated and depression is kicking in. That combination has a tendency to kick my fibromyalgia into overdrive with pain and I ask the Lord, “Lord… what would have me do?” And I heard the word “walk,” in my soul. No big grandiose thought, no double rainbow like so many seen in our area on New Year’s Day, just the Lord speaking “walk” into my soul. Which brought me to Habakkuk 3.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 KJV

[17] Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: [18] Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. [19] The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

I cant say it any better than John Gill did in his commentary on chapter 3. His depth of understanding of the scripture makes me envious of his obvious relationship with the Lord. You don’t get that depth of understanding without putting forth much time in prayer and conversation with God. Which is why most of us cannot boast about our own relationship with the Lord, because we know it’s not what it should be.

That’s right… I just threw you under the bus with me. But maybe you’re better than I am. I just know that the hour or so that put into my study for theses blogs, isn’t enough in this chaotic, wicked world.

So here’s what John Gill had to say…

The title of this chapter is a prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, composed after the manner of a psalm of David, and directed to the chief singer, Habakkuk 3:1. The occasion of it is expressed, Habakkuk 3:2 in which the prophet declares his concern for the work of the Lord, and the promotion of the kingdom and interest of Christ; and observes the various steps that were, or would be, taken for the advancement of it; for which he prays, and suggests that these would be after the manner of the Lord’s dealing with the people of Israel, and settling them in the land of Canaan, Habakkuk 3:3 and there being several things awful in this account, both with respect to the judgments of God on his enemies, and the conflicts and trials of his own people, it greatly affected the mind of the prophet, Habakkuk 3:16 and yet, in the view of the worst, he expresses his strong faith in the Lord, as to better times and things, that would most assuredly come, Habakkuk 3:17.

Woah, Glory! Isn’t that good stuff?

Maybe it just happens to be where my mind is at. I’m so, so very concerned for the church collectively. Both the Spiritual and economic health of our country. I understand Habakkuk’s concern for the work of the Lord and the promotion of the Kingdom. Just exactly who is promoting the Kingdom? John Gill said it greatly affected the mind of the prophet. Well… I’m no prophetess, but it for certain has effected my mind.

And if your mind’s not sharp… you don’t need to be walking in the high places, else you’ll fall and crack your head open!

Habakkuk said in verse 18 and 19, that he was going to rejoice in the God Who saved Him because that’s where his strength was. And that the Lord would make his feet like the feet of a deer to walk in high places. And then he made it into a song. A man after my own heart!

Take the High Road… that’s what I heard from the Lord.

When this world gives you grief… take the high road and trust God’s providence over them.

When people let you down… take the high road and remember that God never has.

When nothing makes sense… take the high road and understand that God understands whether you do or not.

When other’s fail to serve… serve more, you’ll be better for it.

When all else fails… sing and glorify the Lord. That makes everything seem better. Amen…. no, I’m not going to say Awoman like that idiot preacher in Washington. See what I mean about stupid people?

Above all we need to stay in the word of God. Be blessed! And take the High Road!!!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Impact of a Vision

Written by talk2shari Published January 30, 2018 Discussion Leave a Comment

Psalm 35:15 ~ The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.

I will warn you in advance, I’m excited! I’m at a prayer conference in Marietta, Ohio, listening to some awesome men of God preach the Word of God, as well as spending the week with some of my favorite people, the Marietta Bible College students and President Myron Guiler. Marietta Bible College isn’t your typical higher education institution. The higher education factor is the Lord Jesus Christ and He doesn’t govern too many colleges and universities in this era of time. So for someone who longs to feel the presence of God in a powerful way this is the place I want to be.

I took so much away from the conference last night, but to encourage you today I’ll give you a three point message to chew on for a while as I have since last night.

Habakkuk 3:2 was Preacher Chuck Herrald’s text.

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

One of my favorite texts is from that same book, Chapter 2:2

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it.

A Vision Looks Forward

Habakkuk said that when the vision was read, he may run that reads it. That’s because a vision is exciting! Or it should be. It has limitless potential to see great and amazing things happen. I want that. Not for me, but for the Lord’s glory and for an opportunity to make a difference.

A Vision Leads Followers

It’s a simple message, and yet so profound, and seems to be so lost in the churches of America. We’re so busy leading programs, we’ve forgotten about the work. I’ve been on this road for 21 years and in the “Midst of these years” I grow weary of not making more of a difference in more lives.

The second message from Preacher Dan Lamb, was from the book of Matthew 14:22-29, when Jesus and Peter walked on the water. The preachers question was this, “What if Peter didn’t believe he could,” what would have happened? That thought sickened me. How many times have I failed to believe in myself, and more importantly in what the Lord could do? And who might I have influenced with that disbelief. As leaders we need to lead in the right direction!

A Vision Lights the Fire!

Oh my stars, does it ever!!! Praise God for great leaders such as those of Marietta Bible College who for decades have impacted countless countries for the cause of Christ because someone had a vision. Dan Lamb encouraged the students last night to “Take what they’ve learned back to their country and share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and then come back to America and share their heart with us.” He closed by saying, “America doesn’t need any more junk, we need more heart.”

What a great truth, and what a spark it has ignited in my soul!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

Why You Need to Meet the Delanceys

Written by talk2shari Published April 6, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

David and Marolyn Delancey

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:18-19

I received a call from my good friend David Delancey yesterday, a man without sight and yet he sees more than I’ll likely ever see through the eyes of God. Possibly because the world is not a distraction to him (well not too much anyway, he does love bluegrass!) I’ve learned so much through he and his wife Marolyn. David is blind and Marolyn has battled cancer for years, beating the odds again and again, defying the logic of man because I believe and she believes, God has a mighty work for her to do. The two of them are not super saints, they’re just plain ol’ ordinary extraordinary children of God.

How does one become ordinarily extraordinary? I’m so glad you ask!

They Care

Much like Habakkuk the prophet whose vision of the coming of Christ caused him great concern for his people, David and Marolyn have a great concern for the people of the earth. All over the earth, not just in their neck of the woods, or in their family, but for the missions of earth. They serve at Marietta Bible Center Church which is the Church on the Campus of Marietta Bible College. They give and they give, not only of money but of time and prayer, while the world around hoards for themselves. They tirelessly pray for the students of Marietta, both current and past and even on the days that they feel terrible, they’re terribly concerned about people. They genuinely care.

They Commend

They praise the Lord in the best of times and the worst of times and they encourage others to praise. They’ll likely hate me for this post (not really, there is no hate in them) but they are humble people, and worthy of introducing you to. Not because they’re any different or better than you and I, but because if the Lord can use them in the manner He does, we’re without excuse. When is the last time you’ve really praised the Lord. I mean out loud and to people who needed to hear it? People who only think they have trouble, but have yet to realize the trouble they’re in without Christ as their Savior.

Habakkuk made the world aware of the return of Christ and praised God for the opportunity 2600 years ago or so, and we may be within seconds of His return and we’re saying nothing. We need to praise the Great and Awesome God and let the world know that to fear Him is to praise Him because you’re acknowledging Who He is.

They Continue

Habakkuk said the Lord would make his feet like hinds (deer) feet to walk upon high ground! In this area of the world for which I live deer season is second only to Christmas, and the ideal Christmas gift is hunting gear. I won’t say that deer are worshipped but it’s real close! They’re a worthy adversary for the hunter because of their sure footedness and grace. That should be the life of a Christian, should it not? My friends, David and Marolyn, know where they stand! They stand on the solid ground and saving grace of Jesus Christ. They continue to tell the world about Jesus on their bad days and their good.

Who are you going to tell today? If you’re saved you are without excuse you know? Me too. I don’t tell it near as often or as loud as I should.

Jesus is coming back, and none of the heartache we’re facing will compare to being left behind when He calls His church home.

Tell somebody! Love on somebody today with the love of Christ like my friends do. Sing a song about Jesus! I hope it’s bluegrass 😉

Tag: Habakkuk 3