Holy – The Jesus Chick

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration, salvation

Elementary Faith is in Living Color!

Written by talk2shari Published May 7, 2023May 7, 2023 Discussion Leave a Comment

My thoughts this morning went back fifty plus years. To a singlewide trailer, first at Leatherbark, WV (my earliest memory) 1966 ish and to another that sat on the bank of Duck Creek in 1969. Three bedrooms filled to the brim with not only five children and my parents, but multiple guests every weekend, Sunday’s were spent in church at Leatherbark and then Strange Creek. We moved to the big city a couple of years later to a house on 3211 Spruce Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia, and attended a little church on Murdock Avenue that might have held fifty people and has long since been torn down and replaced with “progress.” My parents moved every couple of years from the time they were married in the 1950’s until our family landed in Calhoun County in the 1970’s. It was here we stayed where my Father became Assessor and my Mother a social worker. The church I grew up in was Mt. Zion Methodist. That’s a brief history for the purpose of pointing you to the common thread in those georgraphical facts which was that there was never not a church involved in our move.

When I married, church was not a priority in my life until I had children; and then only because it seemed like the “thing I should do.” Scroll to 1996, the year of my salvation and that common thread once again ran through my fabric and hasn’t left. Up until 1996, I would say the thread was black and white like the old television screen. Constant but not very focused and a lot of static. In 1996 my faith became living color. It was literally as if a light had been turned on inside my dark brain and life suddenly made sense.

Faith in Living Color! That’s such a vivid image.

Discover the Difference! That was the theme of Victory Baptist Church when I joined there in 1996. There was assuredly a difference. God was celebrated every Sunday and the purpose of the people was to worship in Spirit and in truth. I had never experienced the Spirit moving like it was there. The church was not only in living color it was charged to a neon level of excitement.

1 Corinthians 3:16-23 KJVS
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. [18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. [20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. [21] Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; [22] Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; [23] And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

Do you know Who you Are?

[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

It’s ironic that through the Spirit of God, even though He was not dwelling in me until 1996, I knew at the age of nine that I was meant for more. Now, I thought of that in a worldly sense. But that’s not what God had in mind. I was somebody, but not until I repented and gave that body to Christ. It was then all my childhood dreams became reality. I was content at being me, but then God gave me more. I became a singer, a speaker, a teacher, and God placed mentors all along the way. I had confidence never before experienced. It was amazing! But that’s my God!

Do you know You are Holy?

[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

It is only through God that you are Holy, but if you are saved, you are Holy. In Old Testament times, God set aside everything in the temple with purpose. Every vessel was fabricated to specific details and was to be used in the service for which they were created. Hello? Will that preach or what? When I said I was nine and having covernations with God, that’s no joke. At that tender age God put a desire in my heart that He would later stir up through His Spirit and I became the Jesus Chick. A vessel of purpose in the Kingdom of God. And don’t think that it’s not been a battle. Satan has tried to pull me out of the house of God multiple times and many times almost succeeded. Satan knows if he can get me out of the service of the Lord, where people have seen me shine, I’ll be tarnished and unworthy for service.

Do you know what you were created to do?

[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. [20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

I have never been the brightest crayon in the box, nor could I sing or speak in public prior to salvation. It wasn’t that i didn’t have the ability, I didn’t have the confidence or the skill. I am fully well aware that God gifted me and anoints me when I get up before people to do what I do. If I can get out of my head, and not allow the old Shari to creep back in that views an audience/congregation as eyes of judgement rather than souls in need. The wisdom of this world tells me I am less, The Spirit tells me I am all that’s needed in Christ.

Not everyone does what I do. But you have a gift and a purpose of God. Your gift may or may not be unlocked before or after salvation. Because mine was not, I knew it wasn’t intended to be used without the Spirit of God guiding it.

Do you know why you were created to do it?

[21] Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; [22] Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; [23] And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

A child of God is set apart from the world and yet, in the world. I have struggled with that concept for many years. The world is a harsh reality and can distract the mind to the point that the Spirit is drowned out. It’s made it’s way into the church which is why the vast majority are dead. They’re listening to a demonic notion that its fine to worship the created but not the Creator. It’s fine to trust man, but not the Spirit of God. Education is inspiration but the Spirit of God is a loss of control.

Do you think I sound bitter?

You may be right. I’ve had it up to my eyeballs with dead religion, a world educated to the point of idiocy when they dare ask me to believe man and woman are debatable, and a church sits idle with out so much as a breath of support for the Lord Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church. We’ve allowed the concept of public education to take over Spiritual guidance by the Lord Jesus Christ. I may be bitter, but I believe I’m better for it. Because it’s brought me to the realization that I must do what the Spirit leads me to do and I much search for the truth of the Spirit. Of course there’s a deceptive spirit in the world that would love to get me off kilter… But if I continue in His word, I’ll be fine. The word tells me that there was a group of believers that were excited and that turned the world upside down. I want to be that person. I want to follow the Spirit where He leads me. And if the church wants to sit in the pew like a knot on a log… well, I guess they’ll just be knot heads for Jesus. My children and grandchildren will see that God has never been been black and white but He is Living Color!

God bless ya! And Stay Alive!!!!

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

Holes in my Armor

Written by talk2shari Published August 17, 2021August 17, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

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 Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration, salvation, Word of God

Enemies of the Cross

Written by talk2shari Published May 4, 2021May 4, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

I am a woman of great compassion. I can be treated in the worst of ways and still pray for a person. Don’t nominate me for sainthood yet, I can also pray God kill them. Just saying. But for the most part, I pray that God save their souls and they become friends in the faith. I speak often and lay the blame at the feet of wonderful parents who raised us with kind hearted beliefs and in Christian faith. It is why I have honestly struggled throughout my life with the inability to have righteous anger and holy hostility. But I eventually got there. And the while the world tells me I must accept them, it’s simply not true; because under no circumstance will they accept me and would have me destroyed if it were within their scope of ability. And you as well, if you are a child of God. So here we are, stuck between the Rock and a hard place. The Rock, Jesus Christ Himself said: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” ~ Matthew 5:44 KJV

So what’s a girl to do. Hey, I told you I “prayed”… that God kill them. But all kidding aside. There is a non-contradictory plan in place for God’s children and the enemies of the cross. Apostle Paul dealt with it in Philippians 3:18-21:

[18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) [20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Paul said that he was telling them as he was weeping. Obviously even the great apostle Paul had compassion on them, even though before, when he was known as Paul, he showed no mercy as he killed Christians of the day. That’s what the heart of Christ will do to a person. It strengthens the power of your own mercy and grace toward others. Or at least it should. But back to the enemy.

The god of the Cyclops

That was the belly Paul referred to. Those people sacrificed to themselves indulging their own desires, making themselves voluptuous people and having more regard for that, rather than the service of God.

Tell me you can’t see that in our nation today. Food is such a massive part of our lives. People in third world countries couldn’t even possibly comprehend the waste of American food, not to mention the indulgence of American foods. Put me in the category of guilty. But at what point does the food become a god? I personally believe it can go in both directions of health. While our bodies are the temple of God and there is certainly an expectation by God to care for it (which I’m lousy at) I’ve also seen those who care a tad too much for their bodies. When it becomes far less about health and more about vanity. This will likely not ever be a problem for me. If I had my “perfect life of fitness,” it would be everything within moderation.

But how is this the enemy of the cross of Christ?

Anytime indulgences come between us and the Lord, it’s an enemy of the cross. The world is targeting us and bombarding us with media posts that draw our minds into vanity, or lusts of the heart and away from the good and wholesome things that God intended us to have. It’s apparent I’m not a health nut, but that doesn’t stop me from seeing my own failures in life. I have indulged in unhealthy foods that have taken my insulin level to a diabetic state. My health right now is not good, or is ability to do all the things I want to do for the Lord. This is a serious enemy of the cross, and I’ve allowed it to happen.

The gods of the Corinthians

From John Gill’s Commentary: Paul spoke of those whose glory was in their shame, in their evil practices committed in secret, of which it was a shame to speak; in their hidden things of dishonesty, crafty walking, and deceitful handling of the word of God, which were vile and scandalous, 2 Corinthians 4:2; in corrupting the Gospel, and the churches of Christ, with their false doctrine; in observing and urging the ceremonies of the law, which were dead, and ought to be buried; and particularly circumcision in the flesh, in that part of the body which causes shame, and in this was their glory, Galatians 6:13.

Anyone spouting false doctrine and taking away from the very sacrifice that Christ made so that all men might be saved is an enemy of the cross and of the greatest offense. Churches who put any works into the mix of salvation, organizations (such as lodges) who claim to have a high authority in the Kingdom and do “things in secret” which Christ never did, are enemies of the cross. I have never been real out spoken about the lodges and secret orders in our community, unless of course I was ask. But I will stand flat footed and eye to eye with anyone involved in them and say I fully believe they are of the devil. And if their honest, they’ll agree.

I had this conversation with an uncle once who informed me that the Bible laid perfectly even and honored on a table with the Quran and other religious books. What?! Was my response. My Bible lays even with no book. It is above all because it’s the word of God. That did it for me and the Masonic lodge, it was an enemy of the cross. There are no “secret orders of Christians.” Salvation is open to all. Wow… Not sure how I got there, but it’s truth none the less.

The god of Opinion

John Gill Commentary: (who mind earthly things.) the Arabic version renders it, “who entertain earthly opinions”; and some by, “earthly things” understand the ceremonies of the law, called the elements and rudiments of the world, which these false teachers were fond of.

Everyone has an opinion, but mans opinion has nothing to do with the word of God. As a matter of fact mans opinion can quickly become an enemy of the cross. When I said that I struggled with the inability to have righteous rage and holy hostility, it was true. Because I, like my kind hearted parents, would not offend people, even if we disagreed. My parents would tell you if you ask, but only then and never boldly. Maybe they never had cause. It was a different world when I grew up. But now… oh my stars… is this world bold and in your face and wrong! There are countless false doctrines being taught by churches, and then there are churches who teach absolutely nothing! But rather they have taken the blood and sacrifice out of the scripture and made it less likely to hurt anyone’s little feelings or make them feel bad about sin.

So I got bold. And now I speak out, because I have friends and family who are going to bust Hell wide open because they’re listening to man’s opinion and not the gospel of Christ as told by the Apostle Paul, loud and proud and unashamed. I’ll will not argue doctrine, I will simply repeat what God says and if you have a problem with it, take it up with Him. I’m not trying to be holy, I’m trying to keep the people I love out of hell

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church Unity, Faith, Family, Heaven

God’s kids are weird

Written by talk2shari Published September 29, 2020December 11, 2023 Discussion Leave a Comment

It was up on iPad bible when I opened it up. It happened to be the verse of the day on biblegateway.com. No coincidence… I needed it again.

1 Peter 2:9 KJVS

[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

A Chosen Chick

Every day we need a reminder, or at least I do, that God, the Creator of all chose me. Me. A little nobody from the hills of West Virginia to serve Him and tell the world about His Son. He chose you too by the way. So what are we doing with that information today?

As a child I was almost always odd man out. I wasn’t athletic, so I was most always one of the last chosen for a game. I wasn’t a talented singer, so I was placed in the background of all productions. I wasn’t overly academic, nope… that would have been an exaggeration. So nobody had high hopes in my future. Least of all me. I was everyone’s friend, and few people’s girlfriend, until I met David Johnson. Someone who thought I was worth fighting for. And while that sounds like it should make me a little sad, it does not. It fashioned me into the compassionate, socially aware human that I am. While I always thought God had a plan for my life, even pre-salvation; the closer to eternity I get, the more I realize how critical it is that we fulfill our created purpose.

Being chosen is a big deal. Not for kickball, but for Heaven!

A Royal Reason

A Royal Priesthood? According to the 1828 dictionary, a priesthood is “an order of men set apart for sacred offices.” 2 Timothy 2:21 tells us “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel of honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

The “these” of that scripture speaks of things that dishonor Christ. God expects His people to be different than the world we’re living in. That purpose that He’s chosen us for, (not our earthly purpose) but the one we’re working for in Heaven is also a big deal. There is a position awaiting us in Heaven, a title to be given that we know nothing of while we’re here. But be rest assured it’s a big deal up there. We’re not going to be twiddling our thumbs on a cloud, we’re going to have a position in the Royal House of God! Glory to God! We need to be practicing our best royal behavior while here on earth, because God’s watching and He’ll reward us in kind.

Being Royal is a big deal.

A Holy Home

While America is an amazing Nation, it’s far from Holy! John 15:19 says “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

For the most part, the nation we live in doesn’t even like us. God said it would probably hate us. And yet, we’re called to defend her. That’s tough. But the guiding principles that we were founded on is a worthy defense.

When David and I were young, he was terribly jealous. I didn’t understand it because it was not an emotion I felt and certainly not one that I cared for. It made me feel as though he didn’t trust me. But that wasn’t it at all. He feared losing me, because he had witnessed loss in his life. We belong to a Jealous God. He won’t lose us, because it is He who keeps us, but He knows that the world has attractions that will steal our love for Him and pull us toward evil and heartache. He’s protecting us when He desires our separation from this evil world.

When God “fabricated me,” He put within me desires that would serve the Kingdom. This world would gladly garner those talents for their use but I’ve been “set apart” at the point of salvation. Those gifts and talents are Holy and they’re placed within the home of Christ (my heart) for a purpose.

Being Holy is a big deal.

A Peculiar People

Some days I feel flat out weird! But it’s okay, God likes it. Not fitting into this world is readying me for the next world. I don’t want to feel at home here, if I do, that means that I’ve settled for far less than God intended. Not being popular as a child allowed me to walk a path that hadn’t been cut by someone else. Sometimes the things in our life that feel the worst, end up being what makes us the best… an original piece of art, created by God for the Kingdom.

Christianity can indeed play a significant role in family dynamics and how parents choose to educate and nurture their children. Many families prioritize spending quality time together in activities that reflect their faith, such as attending church services. Additionally, showing love and care for their children may extend to tangible expressions of affection, such as providing them with gifts like tznius clothes or toys. These gestures can serve as symbols of love and also contribute to a sense of belonging and cherished values within a Christian family.

Glory! Being weird is a big deal.

It’s why 1 Peter 2:9 is my life verse, and on days that I’m feeling a little weirder than usual, I need the reminder of why.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Eternity, Life Inspiration, Peace, Prayer

Getting in Tight With God

Written by talk2shari Published June 4, 2018June 4, 2018 Discussion 2 Comments

To say that open heart surgery brings on a realization of mortality is a likely an understatement. We all have somewhat of a an understanding of it, but when suddenly the single organ in your body that keeps you alive isn’t functioning correctly, you realize how very, very close we are to eternity. Literally one heartbeat away. You also realize how very important that relationship with God is. I wasn’t too awfully worried about politics, world antics or uncompleted goals and the fact that I’ve yet to master many, many chords on the guitar. I wanted to feel my Father stroke my hair and say “Shari, I’m here with you, you’re okay.” And so it was. He did not leave me nor forsake me and for the record, there were no dark hours, because where He is, is Light. I share this so you’ll know if a time comes (which I pray not) that you find yourself in one of those predicaments, He will not leave you either.

So this morning as I read the Lord’s Prayer, it was oh… so… sweet. and each word took on a deeper meaning. Six petitions, (three relating to God’s honor, three relating to our own concerns.

Matthew 6:9

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.

FATHER: Creator, Redeemer, Adopter of me, an unworthy urchin of the Gentiles. Brought into a royal family, a blood bought nation, who though many of them have no earthy blood connection, treat me like a true sister through Christ Jesus. They prayed for me and petitioned Heaven on my behalf because they too love the Father, who we call Jesus. He hears our cry, just as an earthly father would and stays by our side. I know… I felt His presence in the hospital, ambulance, operating room and recovery. There is power in the name of Jesus! Our Father in Heaven, and also within the heart of His child.

HALLOWED: Sanctified and set apart. There is none like Him. There is no other name on earth that can calm a raging storm in your life or bring an unexplainable peace upon you through the storm. Buddha, Allah, nor any other of the countless gods this world calls upon have the power of Jesus. And those who encourage people to “call upon the god of their choice” are allowing the demons of Hell to open a door of torment to someone already in trouble. Praise God for He Who calmed my sea. HIS NAME IS JESUS!

Vs. 10 – Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.

THY WILL BE DONE: That’s a hard one for someone like me that needs control. So when I lay flat on my back without even the ability to go potty by myself, I suddenly understood that God was truly in control. He took every single earthly power I had away. It was just He and I. Like it always had been, but I had had forgotten. His will is for a relationship with His children that cause them to work toward all things eternal, not earthly. There is no fear in running towards Jesus, but there is a definite fear of leaving behind those who do not know Him.

Vs. 11 – Give us this day our daily bread.

DAILY BREAD: Just enough. When the children of Israel ate manna in the wilderness there was no excess with the exception of what was needed to eat for the Sabbath. Jesus tells us in John 6:48 – I am that bread of life. His Word will fill the soul like a hot buttered biscuit with jam fills the belly. Matthew 6 continues on to tell us not to worry for any earthly necessity, God’s got us covered. But we should strive to collect the thoughts of God through His word and fill our soul with it in abundance so that when we’re laying there flat on our back, we don’t need to see the book. We are the book. And we are filled to the brim in want of nothing!

Vs. 12 – And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

FORGIVENESS: I can say with all honesty that I haven’t been concerned with anyone who’s hurt or upset me over the course of a life time in the past few weeks. Life in perspective is knowing that the only forgiveness that matters is my Father’s in Heaven. Scripture says that we must forgive others if we expect it in return. If Christ can hang from the cross, a sinless man, only guilty of loving us and forgive we who take His act for granted, how can we dare say we’ll not forgive anyone? It makes me nauseous to think of the times I’ve held someone’s soul in the balance of un-forgiveness because of pride and pettiness on my part.

Vs. 13 – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

DELIVERANCE: Temptation comes from the side of flesh, not Spirit and it is easily accessible and readily available to take us away from the peace of God. And for all that’s left in this wicked world, Satan is seeking the opportunity to devour us as a lion. Especially those who actively serve God and desire to make a difference. Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were not chosen for the lion’s den and the fiery furnace by happenstance. From the Old Testament to John the Baptist and the Disciples of Christ, Satan has targeted God’s chosen vessels. He’s still targeting us. But Hallelujah we serve the Living God whose Kingdom will never fall, He Who holds ALL POWER and will receive ALL GLORY forever. Satan loses, we just have to keep on serving. We who are in Him Win! Glory!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration

God’s Not Playing Games

Written by talk2shari Published July 4, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

Happy Independence Day! In West Virginia today it’s another rainy day with yet another threat of flooding in some areas that could really use a break. Please pray as clean up and restoration continues in hundreds of homes across our State. As I sit high and dry on Mt. Zion Ridge this morning my heart breaks for those in crisis, and for a country in crisis. How I wish that God’s blessings could rain down on America but I’m too conscience of where America is at morally to believe that that is a possibility today. I am forever the cockeyed optimist who will never fail to believe that God could changes hearts in heartbeat… it just scares me as to what it might take for that to happen.

Reading in Leviticus this morning of the instructions laid out to Moses and Aaron of the Levitical law for sacrifice, God’s attention to detail was apparent and serious! Nine chapters of instruction and Aaron performs a sacrifice which was so awesome that the glory of the Lord shown in such a manner that the entire congregation shouted and fell on their face. Glory to God that must have been an awesome sight! So why is it that we find in the tenth chapter that Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu are struck dead for offering a stranger fire before the Lord? What didn’t they understand? Unfortunately the same thing America doesn’t understand when it comes to receiving the blessing and protection of a Sovereign, Holy God. God’s not playing games.

Leviticus 10:10

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

There’s a difference. Whatever the strange fire was that Nadab and Abihu offered wasn’t God approved. And regardless of religions and government which says some “things” are now approved, it doesn’t change the fact that God’s not in it and He’s still every bit as serious about holiness today as He was in 1400 B.C; perhaps even a little more serious being that the final sacrifice that was made was the Son of God, not a critter.

So what does holiness look like today? It’s not perfect living because our sin nature won’t allow it. It’s not offering a sacrifice in any manner or form because we can’t do anything greater than God has already done.

Simply put its saying “Lord, You are Holy. Nothing is before You or greater than You, I’m a sinner in need of grace and mercy and it is You Who offer it and I who accept it. You Lord, are enough.”

America has nothing but God. For now He still extends grace and mercy. Let us not fail to thank Him and praise Him for that today.

God… please bless America.

Posted in Uncategorized

The Difference in the Church

Written by talk2shari Published January 29, 2013 Discussion Leave a Comment

When I got saved in 1996 I didn’t know enough about the Bible to tell you the difference between the Old Testament and New. I was ignorant of the things of God and the ways of God; so for a time I relied upon the teaching of my new Pastor and little by little I would discover on my own the truths of God as I read and studied His Word. I still make discoveries every time I read it today. For the 16 years I’ve been saved I’ve watched as my Pastor was ridiculed for his stand on the holiness of God and defended him when others mocked him of his strict stance on the holiness of the platform of our church. The Church outside the boundaries of the walls of the actual building have become so much like the world that when the world is brought inside the doors it seems natural. The holiness of God is pushed aside to make way to appease men. Oh, I’m not going to win too many friends here this morning, but it’s on my heart, so I’m going to say it.

As I read Exodus this morning my heart was pierced with this thought beginning in Exodus 24:

1-2 And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.

God was in church building mode, and from the beginning of it He called them out by name. They were all common people, but their role in the church was anything but common. If they were in His service they talked it and walked it or God smote them dead. I think that means He takes serving on the platform of the church pretty serious. When they began the construction of the tabernacle God was very specific right down to the nuts and bolts of how the church should be built as well as the tapestry and material for the drapes. God’s in the details!

By the same token, ask an unsaved person their opinion of those who serve in the church and they can call out the sinner and the saint in about three seconds. By the way, we’re all sinners, but I’m talking about those who live in habitual un-confessed sin. God set a standard in the Old Testament that hasn’t changed today, there’s a difference, and leadership of the church is going to be held accountable for what’s being allowed to happen in the church of God.

God called Moses and seventy-three others out for a leadership service; He then called Moses forward alone. I’m not a Bible scholar but this is how the Word spoke to me today. Pastor’s are held to the highest of standards, this is why my Pastor holds the platform of the church in such high regard as to be very careful who preaches and sings, because he alone will stand accountable to God for our Church. He wants to know that their testimony stands strong. Are they perfect, of course not, but they should be living in such a way that their reputation is founded in Christ. Church leadership falls right behind the Pastor, and so does their accountability. They will be held to a higher reckoning than those in the congregation for what goes on in the church. So if you’re a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Singer or other leader you have to have an understanding of the holiness and separation of God. Not just anyone or anything can be placed before the congregation of the Lord.

The New Testament reads:

2 Corinthians 6:17 ~ And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

There’s a difference or at least there should be. I hope to hear from you today! Blessings in abundance to you and your family.