heartache – The Jesus Chick

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, Grace, Life Inspiration

What to Remember When Life is Harsh

Written by talk2shari Published December 10, 2021December 10, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

Praise God! I’ve never professed to be perfect, else there would be so many disappointed people in my life. Mainly family, who know me all too well, but friends for sure, and general acquaintances would find me sad too. I feel I say “I’m struggling” too often, but there is no other word that would describe my week. Physically, emotionally and spiritually I’ve had the worst week ever. I topped it off by ignoring God. That really made it better, right? This is a part of the imperfections that is within me. If life hands me a bad day, or in this case a bad week, I have a tendency to give my mind leniency to wander down thoughtless pathways such as internet stories and videos that take me into someone else’s world and out of my own. It’s a coping mechanism that fails miserably and yet I try it every time. Every time. It’s as if ignoring God will allow more misery to come, which I deserve, right? That’s what Satan says. And we know he has our best interest at heart. Yes, I’m that dumb, and it’s why Eve has nothing on me in the garden. I would have taken that fruit without so much as a question.

So today, the final day of the work week, I decide that I need to put on my lipstick and pull myself together and look for a way of dealing with nasty, hurtful, people. Merry Christmas to me.

So here’s my text:

1 Corinthians 16:19-24 KJV

[19] The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. [20] All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. [21] The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. [22] If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. [23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. [24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The closing of the book of 1 Corinthians from our friend, the Apostle Paul. A man of God who more than understood being hurt. He always brings my own petty issues into perspective. although this weeks struggles weren’t all petty. Some were pretty intense. But not “Paul” intense. No one was threatening to kill me. I didn’t have to flee for my life. But I felt hatred, and that my friend is an awful, awful feeling. Especially when it comes from a person who calls them self a child of God. I mention that only so you’ll know a partial context of my week. Partial because there was more. I hate being vague, and perhaps the story can be told some day, but for now it’s too fresh, and involves other people. But take my word, it’s been a no good, very bad, week.

So the question for myself this morning is, “How do we deal with hateful, hurtful people?”

Remember the Gift of True Friendship

At the end of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he salutes the readers. A gesture of gratitude and respect to the churches of Asia. I have wonderful friends in Asia. That was my launching point for getting away from these feelings of hurt that I feel today. The very fact that God has given me friends all over the world. Literally! I have been to churches in Asia. I could have said to them as Apostle Paul did, to the churches of Asia, I salute you. Not only do I have friends in Asia, I friends in America and other countries too! Not fake friends, but genuine friends that if I call upon them they would do all they could do to help me out. Btu I’m not apt to call on them, because I figure everyone has issues. They don’t need mine. And so I spend a week like this one, where I feel alone, angry and hurt, without God by my side, although He is, but I pretended He wasn’t so I could wallow in self pity. But this morning I am reminded once again of the faithfulness of God and His people.

Remember the Gift of Holy Kisses

My daughter Whitney is “elfing” houses this week with her cheerleading squad. For a fee they’re hiding elves in the yards of people with children for them to locate with clues and they not only receive the elf dolls, they receive a bag of elf kisses too. It’s such a cute concept, but it’s nothing compared to the holy kiss of a saint. I know it’s hard to believe, but they’re sweeter than chocolate!

A holy kiss is much more than, just a peck on the cheek. John Gil described it as this:

A holy kiss is a Christian salutation wishing all temporal, spiritual, and eternal happiness, to one another; and which, as it should be mutual, should be also hearty and sincere, and this is meant by the “holy kiss”; the allusion is to a common custom in most nations, used by friends at meeting or parting, to kiss each other, in token of their hearty love, and sincere affection and friendship for each other; and is called “holy”, to distinguish it from an unchaste and lascivious one; and from an hypocritical and deceitful one, such an one as Joab gave to Amasa, when, inquiring of his health, he took him by the beard to kiss him, and stabbed him under the fifth rib, 2 Samuel 20:9; and as Judas, who cried, hail master, to Christ, and kissed him, and betrayed him into the hands of his enemies, Matthew 26:49.

Covid has pretty much scared people away from “holy kisses” but there are still a few who trust in a providential God to take care of the matter. I pretty much go with the flow of the person I’m greeting. If they want a holy fist bump, I’m okay with that too. But I primarily want and appreciate the sincerity of the friends who I know to be true. That is sweeter than chocolate! It’s sweet because I am painfully aware of the fact that it is far more rare than reality that there are true and faithful friends even at the church house. So this morning I am focusing on the gratitude I have for the wonderful gift of real “holy kissable” people.

Remember Jesus is Coming Soon!

There’s a phrase in this scripture that I always forget what it means and I have to look it up. In verse 22 it says:

[22] If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Anathema meaning “accursed”

Maranatha meaning “O Lord come.”

So it basically says “if there’s anyone who doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ let him be accursed when the Lord comes.

There’s a final judgment that I don’t wish on my worst enemy. To be accursed is to be eternally separated from God. When I hear people curse and tell people to go to hell, I wonder how many dare to realize that that is a real place. I look at my husband, children and grandchildren, and I realize that the love I have for them is the same love an unsaved person has for their family. The only difference being, I have the hope of eternity with my family and they do not. I can’t imagine, nor do I want imagine my family being in Hell. But that’s what happens to those who don’t love Christ. The thought is gut wrenching.

At the end of a bad week, I’m focusing today on what will be the beginning of eternity when Jesus comes. When there will be no heart ache or sadness or wickedness like we face today. If you know and love Jesus, give Him glory! If you don’t, please message me on social media or through the contact information on this blog. I need to tell you why I have the power within me to go on after a week like this. Because even when people are bad, God is sooooooooo good.

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, Eternity, Faith, Heaven, joy, Uncategorized

Keep reading… the war ain’t over.

Written by talk2shari Published October 22, 2019October 22, 2019 Discussion Leave a Comment

Revelation 2:8-11

⁸And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was de-ad, and is alive;

⁹I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

¹⁰Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

¹¹He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The church of Smyrna was just 25 miles north of the church of Ephesus. To me it’s symbolic as well. There’s not a whole lot of distance between being on fire for the Lord Jesus, and having your world turned upside down by the troubles and trials of life. Some of which can be brought on by the fact that you’re just trying to do what the Lord called you to do.

The persecuted church of Smyrna was facing tribulations that most of us have never experienced, nor can we imagine. Facing death for our faith isn’t something that Americans understand. Most won’t even live for Jesus, dying for Him would be unimaginable. But it was a very real possibility in the days for which John wrote. And it will be again.

According to the website www.Opendoorsusa.org. An in-depth investigative report focusing on global church persecution showed “a staggering 11 Christians are killed for their faith in the top 50 countries ranked on the World Watch List.” If you’d like to read the article, here’s the link:

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories/11-christians-killed-every-day-for-their-decision-to-follow-jesus/

While most of us cannot comprehend persecution, we can certainly understand troubles and trials. I’ve had my own and I continue to watch as friends and family suffer. But what I also see is the glory of the Lord.

Last Monday I went to the Long Term Care unit of our local hospital to sing. But before I could get my guitar out of the case, a dear lady pulled me to the side and whispered in my ear, “Shari, I’ve been diagnosed with cancer again, but I’m not seeking treatment. Please just pray for my comfort.” My heart sunk. But what joy there will be in Heaven when this dear friend meets Jesus face to face, for Whom she trusts her life to. I’ll be very sad. She will be very happy!

I’ve watched friends lose children, I’ve seen marriages fall apart and watched them restored, I’ve seen others disintegrate, I’ve seen people lose their jobs and I’ve been victim of that too. But the common thread that always made my heart smile, was the fact that we all held onto hope even on the darkest days because we knew there was a better day coming.

This was John’s message to the church of Smyrna and it’s God’s message to us today. Hold on! It ain’t over until God says it’s over! We may, or we may not have the victory we desire on this earth. But either way, Satan’s going to lose.

This brief and not so in-depth study of the book of Revelation is stirring my soul for Heaven. I’m tired. And not just because of the physical stress. But because of the spiritual stress on my soul. I’m back in the workforce on a part time basis which allows me to continue my ministry work and pay my bills. Win! But what it also does is put me back into the world where I see firsthand the brokenness of society. It’s not that I didn’t know it was there. But being home every day allowed me to retreat into my world more often. Now, one day on the job and I realize I’m among it; and we are not winning that battle.

This world is under the curse of sin and the power of Satan. So what’s a girl to do? Keep reading… the war ain’t over.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Peace, Praise

When healing won’t come, trust His heel

Written by talk2shari Published January 18, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

This morning has been a time of worship and praise… I’ve sat with my guitar for over an hour, I’ve listened to worship music and I’ve wept over heart aches and illnesses. Heaven some morning’s seems too far away. It’s not that I’m wanting to die… no I want to live!!! I want to live for Jesus and tell the world of His goodness, but Satan is right on my heels every second of the day. Trying to defeat my witness, he can’t defeat me because Christ is within me, but he can sure do some damage the outer being of who I am. I know that my Savior has his head under His heel because the scripture says so in Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

I need that image in my mind… the image of the victory! Satan does his very best to cover it with the grief of the world when healing seems impossible, or distant. I follow the story of Joey and Rory Feeks and my heart aches for them; I want God to take away this heartache from their family and friends and heal her. That’s the kind of “heal” I want today, but it hasn’t come. And so I sing about Heaven and thank God for those songs of praise that cause my heart to rejoice, otherwise it would be in despair and I’d be of no purpose for encouraging you. My heart breaks for children that I minister to who don’t live in the best of circumstances and I want to show them that image of Satan’s head beneath our Savior heel and tell them to hang on. Christ will win their victory. I have friends in the faith whose children have broken their hearts and I want to tell them to keep praying! God can turn those situations around as quickly as it appeared to get out of control. He’s got this. He will have victory over every evil plot that Satan has devised to bring us down.

So what do you do when physical or emotional healing won’t come? Trust His Heel.

Hebrews 13:5 says 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.

Content… at ease.

My heart is breaking… allow the balm of His words to soothe it. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I don’t have the strength to get through… then He’ll carry you. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I’m all alone… that’s a lie from Hell. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Nobody understands… yes He does. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I’ve been hurt so deeply… so was He… beyond our imagination and by us. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I’m a failure… no, you’re human. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

It’s not fair… Nothing about this world is, but there’s a better world coming. Until then… I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Thank You Jesus, that in the pits of my despair, You are there. I feel Your presence and Your Spirit well up within my soul as a reminder that You are truth, and Satan is a liar. Thank you for the gift of music that draws my mind into worship and help my friends Lord, to understand that You’ll bring them through. And in the end we’ll see you destroy that demon and his forces that cause us heartache today. And from that day forward there will be only Joy! Great joy…

Trust His Heel. He will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

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Posted in Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Purpose

We Speak of Him

Written by talk2shari Published November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

“Why on earth did You allow that to happen?” A question posed to God on a pretty regular basis with me; especially in the wake of the recent news reports. I don’t even watch the news but it’s so horrific that it’s a part of the conversation in every venue of life. So I’m pondering that question again today… “Why God? What could possibly be the purpose?” We know Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” We know the breakdown of it (all things work) not all things are. All things are not good. When people are born sick, killed in a senseless act of terrorism, there is no good in that. So this morning I ponder again, “Why?”

It took me 3500 years to get it… I guess I’m kind of slow.

Romans 9:17-23

¹⁷For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Three types of news spread like wild fire on a dry windy day.

Tragedy
Miraculous epic events
Absolute lies.

So to Pharaoh God said (to Shari quote it) “I made you who you are, because people would tell your story, even though technically… it’s My story.”

The history of the Exodus and the continual provision for the Jewish Nation of God is an ongoing saga and one that captivates the world. Saved and unsaved alike have a fascination in the lives of Israel because they are the chosen people of God. Their story has been filled with tragedy and miraculous epic events that are worthy of sharing… and in so doing… there are conversation of God.

So what does that have to do with the tragedy of the day in the news?

Read on weary pilgrim…

Vs. 18-23

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

The news:

Tragedy
- In tragedy we seek God to make sense of the unimaginable and we speak of Him.
Miraculous epic events
- In miracles we acknowledge God for the unexplainable and we speak of Him.
Absolute lies
- God may be unexplainable, but He is most certain undeniable. And we speak of Him.

If the world were rotating in perfect harmony, no sickness, no heartache, no unexplainable or unimaginable events…. Would we seek Him or speak of Him? No. Adam and Eve are proof. So in the heartache of it all, God allows (He does not create the chaos – we do that) but allows it so that we will see the only steadfast controlling factor of the universe is He Who created all. And we’ll speak of Him.

Speak of Him today…

Posted in Life Inspiration

Logic is so Overrated

Written by talk2shari Published November 11, 2015November 11, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

In need of hope? Glory to God I need it every day! I wake up with Satan at the foot of my bed telling me that there is no hope. I should give up on the day before it gets started. The aches and pains in my body tend to raise their hand in agreement and say “we think that’s logical.”

There is no logic in faith (at least to the world) and faith gives birth to hope. Apostle Paul speaks of that in Romans 4, reminding the believers of an original believer, Abraham, who against hope believed in hope.

Romans 4:18-25

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

CONTRADICTION TO HOPE

It was not logical that a one hundred year old man should have a child, but God did not say he would have a child, God told him that he would be the father of nations. That goes beyond what the body and mind can comprehend. There is no doubt in my mind that Satan continually tried to steal Abraham’s hope by telling him that he was crazy to think he was going to have a child. Why else would he have bought into Sarah’s plan to have a child with Hagar. (Genesis 16)

God tells me through His word this morning that although the world (and my body) says that there is no hope, there is hope and there is a plan. I need to stick to it.

CONFIDENT IN HOPE

The word says that Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief. His faith gave birth to the hope that God’s Word would be fulfilled and his wife would give birth to a son just as God had said. Faith comes first. We cannot have hope unless we have faith. I have faith in God, Jehovah, my Provider. He has proven Himself true again and again, Satan has proven himself a liar again and again, and I want to see through, not to stagger, as God brings to fruition, (gives birth) to this plan He has for me. Do you have that confidence today? God is faithful… trust Him!!!

CONVINCED IN HOPE

Abraham was fully persuaded that, what he (GOD) had promised, he was able also to perform. Don’t let Satan convince you any other way than what God has spoken. When I began to write this I started to say that Satan was on the bed post, but that put him above me, and that is not the case.

Paul said in Romans 16:20 ~ And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. He may have been speaking of Satan being under our feet in the very near future or in the end times, but regardless Satan is beneath us, not above. I don’t need to elevate him in any way in my life – be it metaphorically or literally. I am convinced that God is the God of All Hope. Satan is a liar. My faith in Christ has been proven again and again!

Satan is a contradiction to hope. Be confident and stand strong in his adversity, be convinced (assured) that God will deliver what it is you stand in need of just as He delivered Sarah of that precious child who was the beginning of the great Nation Israel that God had promised!

Posted in Life Inspiration, Peace

The Ultimate Storm Shelter

Written by talk2shari Published May 28, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

On Tuesday May 27, 2015 I had places to go and people to see… and a flat tire. A fact that I had been alerted to by a light on my dashboard (a symbol I had known from before.) But when I looked at the tires a day ago, they were Rall round, so I “assumed” a tire was just a little low on air and I’d get to it eventually. Eventually came as I prepared to leave for a revival where I would be singing and my husband prepared to leave for a motorcycle ride before the looming storm was to hit. He happened to notice that my tire was no longer round! So being the dutiful husband he is, he frustratingly desired my presence at the Fire hall (Where he is chief) to put air in my tire. After 34 ¾ years he still has yet to figure out that car maintenance is not my forte. Turns out there was a nail in the tire and that was the prelude to things to come. After my hero husband fixed my tire I left for the my own church to pick up a sound system that I had left there, and seconds before arriving at the church heaven opened up! I could barely see to pull onto the church lot, quarter size hail began pummeling my Jeep, winds whipped this way and that, moving my car more than a little. I couldn’t get out of the car or the hail would get me and even though I was parked just a few feet from the door I was helplessly stuck. So I waited out the few minute storm that felt like several. The damage was horrendous all around me. Four trees had been snapped off like twigs on the hill above the church. One toppling across the church van and taking out a transformer. New spring leaves were everywhere! And when I say everywhere I mean they plastered every vehicle and home in the area. You couldn’t tell if you were driving on the highway or a lawn. A few homes in the area were damaged, power was knocked out and several roads shut down by falling trees, but praise God, no injuries. Until my husband got hit in the head and knocked unconscious later in the evening by a large branch while moving debris. Don’t worry, my hard headed husband is fine! I made it to revival and it was quite a night of rejoicing.

If I were building a house, that paragraph would be the front porch. But don’t fret, it’s a small house and I have just a few points to make on a lesson in the storm. Perhaps you’re having one in your life.

Isaiah 25:4

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

Regardless of the storm we need not fret that God has it under control.

Financial trouble? He is strength to the poor. It didn’t say that He would make us rich, but that He is our strength. Being low on funds usually lends itself to being low in spirit. It takes a toll on you emotionally, spiritually and can even affect you physically… unless… you turn it over to God. And though it can still be an up and down struggle, for we are human; the load gets lighter, and if we can master faith it can dissolve completely. Because God owns the universe, and our struggle didn’t come without His approval. It has purpose. Perhaps to draw our eyes to Him.

Distressed? Be it literal or in the spiritual sense the Lord is our strength. He hears your every prayer and knows your ever need. He strengthens our hearts with His own grace if we’ll allow.

In a storm? Storms come in varying degree and much like the one that I sat through they can leave us feeling stranded yet not alone. That storm quickly came and went without warning giving little time for fear. It was more of a contemplation of action. That’s what needs to happen in our life storms. Start looking for God’s plan of action… He’s not going to let you be destroyed.

Feel the heat? The heartaches of life can feel like the sun is bearing down on you inches from your brow. But there’s a shadow you can run to that will cast shade over your life and give you a refreshment like a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. It’s called the Word of God. It’s being in the presence of God whether reading His word or attending a church service. You need that filling station!

Because the “blast of the terrible ones” can come at any time from any direction we have to be prepared. If you’re going to stand like a wall in the face the adversity that’s coming your way you need to know where your salvation lies.

And that my friend is in the arms of God. He’s the ultimate storm shelter! I pray you know Him… if not, please, please ask me to introduce you!! Comments are always desired and responded to. I’d love to hear from you today.

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Shari har

Posted in Life Inspiration, salvation

How to Make it Through a Terrible, Horrible, No Good Day

Written by talk2shari Published May 2, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

My husband and I recently watched Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Don’t ask me to critique it. My attention spans can capture a commercial but as for a movie, unless it’s AMAZING, you can pretty much rely on the fact that I’ve got three other projects going while it’s running and a couple setting on the burners of my mind in case those don’t pan out. (truth)

The premise of Alexander’s story is, he’s always having a bad day and his family and their perfect lives just can’t identify. Until the day that the tables turn and Alexander is the chosen child while his families lives fall apart… then the comedy of errors is on. Life is full of bad and good days and we’re all just a phone call away in either direction. The vast majority of us go through life in a state of “Us and Our Typical, Mediocre, So So, Average Days.” Giving little thought to “No Good” days until we’re confronted with them. At least I do. I am the Queen of the “I’m Fine Theory.” Life is good until it’s not and then I’ll pretend it is to the rest of world while my inward world crashes down around me and I’m left in a puddle in the road until the Savior comes and scoops me up, comforts my soul and puts me back in the game of life.

What about you this morning? How exactly is your day? For me… I’m in need of comfort for myself and for my friends; so if you’re one of those… consider this blog for you.

2 Corinthians 1:3-6

The Source of Comfort

³Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

The Creator of life and He Who must stamp “approved” on any circumstance in our life is the God of all comfort. I’d be lying if I said I’d never questioned why God put me through some things in my life. I did not enjoy them, sometimes I was not sure I’d survive them. But I can honestly say that when all was said and done and I was on the other side of that horrible day, God had a purpose and it was always amazing. The harder the trial, the more amazing the end result. It’s that coal and diamond theory… pressure makes us shine.

The Science of Comfort

⁴Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

I’m not sure how God turns a lump of coal into a diamond or makes me shine in some of the ugliest circumstances, but it happens. Although we’re the beneficiary of it, it’s not for us that that science occurs, it’s for someone else whose going through a trial of their own, thinking they’ll not survive and then low and behold God sends us across their path, and the Science of Comfort is the word “hope.” Which could have been lost, with tragic end if we were not allowed to set before them as an example.

The Savior of Comfort

⁵For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

It is through our relationship with Christ that we identify with His death, burial and resurrection, we understand the new life we were given on the day of salvation. But also on that day of Salvation was Christ living in us and becoming a part of our lives… prospering us through Him. Christ does not joy in our suffering any more than He enjoyed enduring the cross, but He brings us through to the point of victory because on that day He creates in us something new again. Something we’ve never experienced before that will draw us closer to Him and cause us to discover a strength or gift that we did not know existed.

The Salvation of Comfort

⁶And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

I’ve known far more Christians saved in the midst of heartache than happiness. I’ve also seen the heartache of a saint turned into happiness when they realized that their strength in the storm was what caused a lost soul to recognize the difference between the heartaches of saved and lost.

Friend… if you’re suffering today, I’m not privy to the reason but I’m privy to the Redeemer. And I know He has a purpose in your fight. If you’re not saved, that is first and foremost on your agenda to understanding. Here’s a link to help you out.

https://thejesuschick.com/the-road-to-salvation/

If you’re a child of God and you’ve found yourself facing the trial of your life, get into the Word of God and cling to those that speak peace to your soul. And if Satan tells you not to bother… run faster, because he’s far too close. And then prepare your Victory Speech! Because God will bring you through.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Life Inspiration, salvation

Tweet This America!

Written by talk2shari Published April 25, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I was searching the trends this morning to see what the world thought worthy of speaking of and low and behold, although unfortunately not the number one conversation, but trending at 942 tweets was the hashtag #SimplyJesus2015 from a Christian Conference in Denver, Colorado this weekend. It was far behind the other trends which go from both ends of the spectrum of sadness. The number one tweet this Saturday morning was #BruceJenner and the second on my twitter feed was #Nepal and the earthquake that killed hundreds of people this morning. I’m not going to comment too much on Bruce Jenner, other than he needs Jesus, and the world needs a reality check on what’s worth promoting. And I’ll close with God doesn’t make mistakes and it’s not our right to reconfigure His creation.

The story of Nepal should drive us to our knees for those precious people and cause us to realize that Mount Everest may not be above us to fall, but our world can come crashing down just as easily. I’ve witnessed it in the lives of people over the past few weeks who are facing their own tragedies and upsets in life. And yet Bruce Jenner is on the minds of America. I highly doubt the residents of Nepal are following or caring what the trends are on Twitter, nor do the families who have lost someone or struggle with life.

I just realized that I didn’t close that Bruce Jenner thought. Sorry about that… it just never ceases to amaze me of what America can get infatuated on and come to the defense of while in the background there are so many people with real heartaches and issues that deserve our attention.

These thoughts brought me to Matthew 22 this morning. Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees tried to entangle Jesus in His words. And although they may not be labeled as such the Pharisee and Sadducee spirit is still alive and well questioning Christ’s people and promoting their own agendas.

Verses 15-16 say of the Pharisees:

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Their disciples… I hadn’t noticed that before. There is still a training ground today for wicked religious people’s disciples. Jesus said they were wicked in verse 18 when the scripture reveals “But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?” They were asking if Jesus thought it was okay to pay tribute to Caesar. Jesus showed them that the penny had Caesar’s picture on it, so let him have it. But render to God the things that are God’s. For the religious, it’s all about the materialistic things that can get the world sidetracked. That penny of Caesar’s won’t mean a thing in Heaven, neither will the all mighty dollar we strive so hard to earn. It will burn up in the last days in the hands of someone else. But our families and friends… their souls are going to live eternally somewhere. And they are the only thing that matter in the scope of eternity to Jesus.

The world would have you deceived by their disciples as to what is important in life… look at the trends. 942 posts for Jesus and 687K for Jenner… that makes me nauseous. Stop following the temptations of the hypocrites who would have you believe that Jesus doesn’t care for you. What a lie! He died for everyone so that we may have an eternal life in Heaven and escape this wicked place we view as home. The world is still trying to entangle the words of Jesus. But… I love the last verse in Matthew 22

And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

When they had tried their best to prove God’s word as false, Jesus not only proved that He could still the waters of the sea, He could still the tongues of the trouble makers! Hallelujah! And that’s what I’m holding onto this morning when I look at what’s trending by those disciples of the wicked…

Today they may mock, and draw our minds away from the things of Christ but there will be a day when He’ll silence them one final time. Until then… keep your trends focused on Jesus Christ. #JesusWins #HeavenIsReal #EternityIsALongTime #AreYouReady #JesusLovesYou #GodKnowsYourNeeds #ThisWorldIsTemporary

Posted in Church attendance, Life Inspiration, Life's Failures, salvation

The Old Man is Dead!

Written by talk2shari Published April 16, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Romans 6:6^~Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

I may not recall the first time I heard the song, “The Old Man Is Dead,” but I can recall that every time I hear it my soul is deeply stirred within. It’s a powerful message for the believer when they understand that their guilt is buried deep in the grave of the past, never to be remembered by the Savior. David said in Psalm 103:12 ~ As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. And yet I see so many children of God living in defeat day after day. I’m not talking the occasional “oops” that can happen to any of us at the drop of a hat, but I’m talking about a continual drifting away from God until He is so far removed the conviction is nigh on gone… but not quite.

There’s something about the scars of a crucifixion that run deep. And even though ours is a spiritual crucifixion, not a literal one as Christ bore, the scars are still there. That day of salvation when reminisced upon cannot help but bring with it a desire to be that clean again. For those who have gotten themselves away from Christ, and are back out in the world of sin it’s like the zombie apocalypse in your own life! The old man was dead and you resurrected him (or her as the case may be.) Now you’re walking around with your sins hanging out all over for all the world to see. They can’t be in you, because the Holy Spirit dwells there, you’re forgiven! But because you’ve chosen to go back into the world you have this dead junk hanging all over you, dragging you down day after day, bringing no pleasure whatsoever but you’re stuck. You know the world sees you as a sinner, not as a saint; and if you go back to church they’ll see you as a hypocrite. So Satan has you where he wants you, hanging out with zombies.

So what’s the answer?

There is only one answer to getting rid of the zombie crowd and that’s the blood of Jesus Christ. It miraculously will wash away the sin of alcohol, sex, drugs, and any other immoral act you could have possibly committed when the zombies reigned. But don’t try to go it alone. You knew it was coming… you need church! There’s a reason Christians hung out together in the Bible and they still hang together today, because there’s safety and encouragement in numbers, and you’re in need of both. You’ll need the safety of their prayers and the encouragement of their company.

I pray you’ll hear the message today whether you stumbled upon this blog, or if someone sent it to you because they know you’ve been hanging with zombies. Have you distanced yourself from God, but you can still hear His faint cry… come home. Or perhaps you’ve never gotten rid of the old man at all, and you’ve got sin inside and out. Christ has got that covered too. When He was crucified He went to Zombieville and took the keys to death, hell and the grave. All that junk and heartache you’ve been carrying around will just fall off when you speak the name of Jesus, and ask Him to save your soul and come into your life. It’s true!

Tell the old man to get packin’… you’ve got new friends!