Tag: Holy Spirit

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

Elementary Faith is in Living Color!

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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 Life Inspiration, Uncategorized, Word of God

It’s Spiritually Discerning

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I will not say it has been an easy transition to News Publisher. Staying focused on spiritual things is difficult when my focus is on the things of world much of the time. Listening to other news sources, listening to my community, listening to heartaches and struggles, it’s a bit overwhelming at times. 

So, with that being said, as I sat in church yesterday and the Spirit was just pouring the blessings down upon me as I listened to the Word of God being taught and preached, I thought about conversations I’d had with God recently. They were random to say the least. I have an ongoing daily conversation with the Lord that is filled with apologies for my failures, goofy prayers over food like “please Lord, let something in this candy bar be nutritious for my body,” and “God, Lucky Charms has 9 essential vitamins and minerals in it, so surely eating it twice a day and sometimes three for meals isn’t bad, and please don’t let the marshmallows kill me.” This is not my finest hour as a child of God or a writer. But it’s what’s on my heart today. 

I wonder if the Apostle Paul had a Lucky Charms kind of day when he was making tents? I’m doubting it. Listen to the wisdom in his words to the Corinthians: 

1 Corinthians 2:12-14 

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¶ Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Apostle Paul was God’s News Reporter. He was tasked with the job of listening to the world and discovering their issues, then listening to God for the wisdom of life, and then relaying that message in a manner that could be applied by the people. And that became the Good News that we are gifted today by the Holy Spirit of God through His Bible. 

So the reason I speak about the transition to publisher as not being easy, is because I have a rough time shutting out the world and allowing the Spirit to speak to me. I really don’t understand how the unsaved keep their sanity when I struggle with it as a child of God who has my very own 24 hour a day Counselor, Keeper and Friend.

Freely Given Facts

I promised myself and God that when I began www.Ridgeviewnews.com, I would publish only the truth. If it was opinion I would label it as such and I would stand accountable to God for it all. Paul’s words reminded me that the Spirit that is in me is not of this world, and the things that I have been “freely given,” are not received by those who don’t know Christ. There is a discernment that is accessible to every child of God that when we receive information, the Holy Spirit will alert us with what we need to do with that information. But our conversations with God have to be about more than candy bars and lucky charms. 

Right now I have a very serious issue with a family member in another country. I have a hard time following news about this country and caring what happens to it’s people. And then I hear the Spirit of God say “look at this group of people in that country. They belong to me, and they care.” And that causes me to care. 

I get frustrated with the people in my community because it seems there are many who have their heads stuck in the sand and have no idea of what’s going on around us, and the Spirit reminds me that “Satan is after them, and he has many of them on a line and hook destined for Hell unless a child of God reminds them that they need Christ.” And then God reminds me of the blessed place I’m in that teaches and preaches the gospel and it’s a fact that I am privileged to hear. That wisdom prevents me from falling to the worlds devices. Yes I get side tracked on Lucky Charms and candy bars but the gift that Christ left us of His Holy Spirit is such an amazing valuable possession. It prevents me from falling to the wiles of the Devil that would have me going out into the world unprepared for the wickedness that would destroy the peace in my heart. Another fact that we have as children of God. Peace. And that my friend with the craziness going on in this is worth more than anything this world has to offer.  Satan cannot touch it unless we allow him to. Glory! Thank You Jesus for the Spirit of God that keeps me sane! 

Posted in Faith, Life Inspiration, Word of God

We can want it but we can’t will it

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Would to God I had full understanding of all things in life. Why things happens and why certain things don’t. Why can I not be everything people need me to be? My heart breaks in two and I stitch it back together spiritually just like the doctors in Morgantown, West Virginia did literally, with one exception; they actually knew what they were doing. I struggle with guilt on a good day, add to my day the inability to fix a problem, and the realization that I am no where close the Apostle Paul level of human, and I’m defeated and the wind is sucked out of my sails. 

I spent yesterday in Parkersburg on Church errands while listening to preachers and I thought I was ready to take on Hell with a water pistol. Oh… I was feeling so accomplished spiritually. And then real life happened. Where real people have real problems and I couldn’t fix it. I was physically hobbling around the city because one of my medicines (atorvastatin) is shredding my heels and ankles. Both  of them… not just one. Hey, it’s all or nothing with me! Following that I attempted to fix other issues like I was the Apostle Luke. A doctor of both the physical and the spiritual. As it turns out, I’m not either.

Proverbs 3:1-6 KJVS

[1] My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: [2] For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. [3] Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: [4] So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Although I can quote Proverbs 5 and 6, I won’t tell you that I can live it. As for verses 1-4, mercy and truth often feel like they’re choking me so perhaps I at least have them in the right place. 

But let me get to the gist of todays thoughts and try to work my way through this frustration with the word of God as my guide.  

The writer of proverbs is none other than the wisest man ever known,  and yet he too made stupid mistakes. Just because everything is yours for the asking doesn’t mean you should ask. The difference between Solomon’s mistakes and mine is he had the money to back his dumb ideas. But there was a time in the beginning of his life that he sought wise counsel and godly wisdom. Another reason why God doesn’t trust me with money.

Thank God for Grace

Old Testament is filled with History and examples of real people living life in an era not meant for us. Can you imagine if television evangelists could call down fire 🔥 from Heaven for real 😮. Can you imagine stoning a person to death for breaking the law? I have no desire to live in that era, and yet I do when I try to align myself with the law. Grace did not make the law of no effect.

Galatians 5:1-4 KJVS

[1] Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. [2] Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. [3] For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. [4] Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

When the Galatians were trying to live out the law under grace, Paul told them that Christ is become of no effect. What a painful statement. And that is how I felt last night, trying to encourage someone without the ability to physically do something. My flesh wants to fix everyone’s life, but I can’t. So Satan tells me I’m a failure. But where grace and Old Testament still exist is when Solomon tells us to lean not on our understanding. While the Spirit came upon Old Testament saints, the Spirit lives within us. They nor us have to go through this life without the wisdom of God that was once given to the Old Testament priests. But we still have to acknowledge Him. 

Acknowledge Him how? 

His Authority. 

Our lives are a product of our decisions, but there is a Kingdom authority that has the power to change hearts, minds and circumstances. But it is at His discretion.  And that’s where our understanding has to come in. We can want it,  but we can’t will it. That’s God’s decision.

We also have to acknowledge His Sovereignty 

God has the authority to make things happen or not, but His sovereignty decides whether or not it does, and both are good. Boy did I need to hear that this morning. Perhaps you did too. Bad things seldom, if ever, appear as good. But the good will come in God’s sovereign time.

Thirdly, we have to acknowledge His instruction.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJVS

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

I attempted to quote this verse last night but only made it through the first part. Which was okay, but it was incomplete; in that it didn’t finish God’s thought. God is faithful and unfortunately so is Satan to his work of creating troubles in the lives of God’s people. The difference is, God can take the temptation away or he will help us to bear it and either way we’re coming through. 🙌🏼

Glorrrrrrrraaaaaay! I hope this word encouraged you today. It sure did me! #Shari #TheJesusChick

Posted in Bible Journaling, Heaven, Life Inspiration, salvation, Uncategorized

Don’t Gamble with Eternity

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David didn’t Gamble with the Day
There are some days where when I feel the favor of God so richly on my life that I am ashamed of the countless ways I fail Him. And then there are days when I absolutely feel that there is a target on my back that marks me for every demonic spirit in the world. Murphy’s law has nothing on Shari’s odds. It’s a good thing I’m not a gambler. I don’t gamble and I don’t play games with God. But I feel that there are people who do. I guess King David did as well. 

Psalm 5:1-12 KJVS

[1] Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. [2] Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. [3] My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord ; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Bright and early in the morning David started his conversations with God. He didn’t wait until he was in trouble and then “hope” God would listen. I can feel the conviction on my own life on that one. I’m not nearly the prayer warrior I once thought I was. But then of course I’ve always said that I thought I was a prayer warrior until I realized all my prayers started with, “Oh God forgive me.” How would I feel if my children only spoke to me when they were in trouble? Praise God that’s not an issue, because I know I would feel unappreciated and unloved for certain. Is that how God feels? Do I cause God to feel unloved? God forgive me if I do. Sometimes I feel like I need a conversation starter, with people and with God. How’s this for a starter: God, what’s on Your heart for me, and what can I do for You today? 

The moment I typed that I felt His gentle Spirit massage my soul. I know my heart has much turmoil right now. I have people that I love who are hurting. I’m hurting. I’ve had friends move on to eternity this week and my heart is broken for their people. My daughter Whitney had kids going in multiple directions a few days ago and her little Party Schnauzer, who goes by the name of Maggie, was staying with me. Whitney finished her day and went on home without remembering where Maggie was. All evening Maggie watched for her people who didn’t come. The next day when Whitney and the kids returned, Maggie’s disposition changed. She ran to them, excited her people were home. That’s how it will be for us all some day! All our people will be home. But until then, life will have heartache. Please pray for the peace of my husbands family, whose  son Marty passed away due to Covid this week. For my friend Sue whose sister won her race for Heaven. And for the Stull family, whose sister Leona, and wife of Clay, is having a grand reunion with her siblings that passed before her.  

We never know when a day starts, what it will bring. It’s good to start the conversation before the crisis.

Don’t Gamble that there’s nothing in the Dark

[4] For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. [5] The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. [6] Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

I’ve never been a fan of the dark, but I can’t say that I haven’t walked on the edge of darkness. There are things in my past that I look back on and think… “how could I have ever thought that it was okay to be involved with that?” It wasn’t as if I was involved with the mafia, but I’ve had some people in my life that took me to some pretty dark places, be it literally or just in my mind. It’s why I’m so concerned for the youth in my life. The world around them shows darkness in a bright and shiny way. It’s seems like an oxymoron. But if I say the name “Hollywood,” you likely know immediately what I mean. It certainly glistens, but the darkness in that city is something we cannot imagine. But are we gambling that there’s nothing in the darkness around our world? 

Our kids our getting ready to head back to school. Just so you know, it’s dark there. Don’t gamble that there’s nothing there. Warn them, pray for them, talk to them and to God about them.

Don’t Gamble that you have another Sunday

[7] But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. [8] Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. [9] For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. [10] Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. [11] But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. [12] For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

There’s countless people that thought they’d live to see another day, but they did not, our relationship with God doesn’t end at noon on Sunday when the service does. For many people it didn’t even start. They’re waiting for life to settle down so they’ll have time for God. My brother was 19 when he was killed in a car accident.The Wolf of Law Street attorneys helped us in claiming the compensation as he was killed out of third party negligence. I’ve never had the promise of tomorrow. But that still didn’t stop me from being stupid until I was 34 when I got saved. Praise God for His multitude of mercy. It’s one of the many reasons I go to His house on Sunday. Here’s a list of a few of the reasons I go to church:

  1. He has been merciful to my soul without me deserving it.
  2. He guides me through life and shares His destination with me.
  3. He allows no enemy to come at me without His protection of me
  4. Many are those who have forsaken me, but never God.
  5. People talk smack. God speaks nothing but the truth.
  6. I trust Him.
  7. He brings such joy.
  8. He blesses me beyond measure
  9. I feel His favor in my life. 
  10. He gave His Son that I might have an eternal life with my children and family. Can you think of a better reason? Can you think of a reason you shouldn’t go? If you can… send it to me in a message and let me talk to you about it and pray for you. 

God is amazing. 

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

What Angels Desire to Know

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My Minnesota friend, Darlene Quiring, posted a meme this morning with a list of random foods that asked the question, “How adventurous are you? One point for every food you have tried. To which I responded zero, but I was thinking the question asked if I liked those foods, but even still I had only ever tried 3 of the 39. I am indeed a finicky eater. With my waistline, one wouldn’t think that. But I don’t do very many types of meat. My main problem is, I think too much about what I’m eating. Praise God there were no critters harmed in the making of cheesecake! 

Which got me to thinking about the many things that angels haven’t tried. Like Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. A staple in my life. I’m not sure if they’re even curious about their diet being lack of certain fine cuisine, but I know they’re are curious over one thing, because the scripture tells me they are in 1 Peter 1:12. It is there the word reveals that the angels desire to look into the gospel. God’s heavenly creation, that can travel between earth and Heaven, know God face to face, as well as kill thousands when called upon to do so, are curious about something we humans take for granted and many decline. 

Born Again Babies

1 Peter 1:2-12 KJVS

[2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

I understand the foreign concept of salvation and words like born again to folks who haven’t been raised in church. But tell me how many “foreign concepts” those same people will accept without question that border if not cross the line of crazy! They’ll believe that there was an explosion one day in the cosmos that created earth as we know it and that somehow intelligent life just came to be, that’s the craziest of  all…but of course the world is full of crazy. So if you happen to be reading this and “born again” is a foreign concept to you, let me explain what it means in my life.

As an unsaved person I went to church as a dutiful child should. I grew into an adult without understanding the concept of salvation. I was a rebellious child on the inside. I tried to behave on the outside so that I might please my people. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in God, I just hadn’t ever really understood how salvation came to be because I’d never experienced it myself and had unfortunately witnessed too many professing Christians who failed to back up their belief with actions. Outside of church people did not talk about the Bible. Except some of my family,  my dad loved talking bible! Oh how I wish I had appreciated his wisdom when I could have. 

Oh glory I also understand the Apostle James who said in Chapter 2:18 “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” I understand, because when I got saved I had a desire to work!

But back to those angels. I Understand their salvation confusion. Not from the fact that God is real, they know He is, they know Him face to face. They also know how Holy He is. But what I’m sure they have massive confusion on is how God could love us? And love us enough to die for us. We’re a bunch of reckless, ungrateful sinners who fail Him daily and yet He still chooses to send His Son to die in our place. Wait… if you’re unsaved that’s also foreign to you… how could someone die in our place? 

Just as most people understand the concept of sin and punishment, there had to be an ultimate payment for this reckless, ungrateful bunch of people. Knowing that nothing could appease a God who is perfect in every way, He allowed His own Son to become the ultimate sacrifice. It may not make sense, but when He reveals Himself and His truth to you through our acceptance of this as truth, suddenly, what seems foreign to the world, makes perfect sense to us. 

But not to those angels, who have also seen our inheritance. Yes! As children of God, we’re in for a big reward at the end of this life. Continuing on in 1 Peter 1:

[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Because we believe and have faith that the word of God that we’ve received is truth, God has an amazing inheritance laid in store for us in Heaven. We’ll have plenty of problems and heartache on this earth, but nothing will take away what God has planned for those that love Him and look forward to His coming. 

Another foreign concept for the unsaved, and unfortunately one misunderstood by many who are saved.  Misunderstood often times because Christians do not read the scripture for themselves, but rely on the preacher to tell them what they need to know. And a sad indictment against the ministry because they don’t preach it because it’s a heavy subject to study. But I am a believer that God will reveal the truth of end times bit by bit as we need and that He is currently opening up many Christians to understanding parts of Revelation not understood before. No, I’m not saying I’m a scholar on the subject, nothing even close! But I understand more now than I did. My Pastor has opened my eyes to much of it, Joe Lancaster has been teaching and opening up the word from Revelation in his Sunday school class at Victory Baptist Church. And I can read and understand for myself because the Holy Spirit is within me. 

Ahhhh, something else that may be foreign to the unsaved. How the Holy Spirit works. Even the prophets of old wondered how that would come to pass. 1 Peter 1:

[10] Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: [11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. [12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

And now we’re back to the angels. The Prophets knew that God was going to send salvation through the Messiah. They did not know the specifics, they only knew that God said it was so, and how it happened was up to Him. And so following His Son’s sacrifice, God left a piece of Himself within each believer so we’d have the guidance, understanding and assurance that everything in His book, the Bible, would come to pass and we’d be a part of it.

So I have what Peter described as “yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” It is that joy that gives me a desire to share the salvation of Christ, which like peanut butter and jelly, the angels have not experienced. But I’m hoping when I get to my house that God has created for me, that some of the angels will come over for dinner and I’ll get to share some fine cuisine with them. I’m kidding. I’ll have cheesecake too. 

Bless you! And if you have questions about your salvation, about the Bible or Jesus. I’m not a scholar, but I’d love to help where I can. Just send me a message though Facebook or through this website. Love ya! I really mean it!

Posted in failure, Grace, Health, Life Inspiration, testimony, Uncategorized, Word of God

You Don’t have to Pay for Common Sense

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Can you believe it? Here we are smack dab in the middle of the Holiday Shopping season. Today is Black Friday, and I can’t say that I’m sad to be working. While Black Friday is fun, kind of… it’s also, at least in my experience, a waste of money. A trip to the big city requires a half a tank of gas, eating out a few times, and buying things that I usually discovered weren’t that great a deal. There would be a few bargains, but the bulk of it was not. This message is brought to you by God. He actually gave it to me, but I decided it was a worthy share! You’re welcome. 😀

My text today is from Hebrews 5:8-14

[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; [9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; [10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. [11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. [12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Wisdom In Common with Jesus

He is the Son of God, for which we too have been made. 2 Corinthians 6:18 tells us “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” And as the children of God we are entitled to wisdom the world is not. Although I know that, I have a tendency to forget, and it was a commercial for a diet plan that popped up on Instagram that brought it to the forefront of my mind, where it has been for several days. While I truly believe this woman has some wonderful ideas to share about our relationship with God in diet decisions, and her plan wasn’t that expensive, for me I knew wasn’t something I needed to spend $50.00 for. God spoke to my heart and said, “Stick with me kid, and I’ll show you the way.” It’s true! While there are specific diets that I need instructions for, the Bible is truly all I need if I read it, and use it for guidance in every day decisions. We have the Spirit dwelling inside of us, making us in common with Jesus’ wisdom. 

Suffering In Common with Jesus

While Christ was indeed the perfect Son of God, one thing that He he not experienced in Heaven was suffering. Verse eight said “yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Which is where some of the greatest lessons in my life have come from, because I am anything but perfect. I make the same mistakes over and over again. Jesus didn’t make a mistake that brought suffering, I made His mistakes, and you did. It was our sins that brought on the suffering of the cross, but what He learned was that He was willing to suffer it all for us to have a relationship with God the way He does. Did that knock a knot on your head like it did mine? Wow! Every time I come to the realization of what the Lord did for me, I stand amazed. 

Sense in Common with Jesus

We should have sense in common with Jesus, but as the writer of Hebrews says, many are still suck babies who haven’t moved out of the bottle stage. Truth? I think so. I too can fall into that category. Especially when it comes to making life decisions that I know the right answer too, but go in error because it tastes better. Literally. The young lady with the diet plan speaks of praying her way through the grocery store. Isn’t that a great idea, and it should be common sense, but it’s not something most of us consider because our mind is in the cheesecake isle… or maybe that’s just me. 

Verse 14 says “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Good and evil speaks to what’s good for us, and what’s bad. Exercising is good. Even though scripture says it “profiteth little.” (1 Timothy 4:8) That’s my favorite part of that verse. But the problem with me, and many others, is that we want the milk of the verse, and not the meat. The full verse says “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”

We all want Heaven. Most of us want it a long time from now. But we make decisions like we want it tomorrow. Ouch. I just felt another knock on the top of my head again. It’s like Black Friday shopping, it’s only a good deal if you need it. Whether it’s dieting or shopping, do you need it? That’s where the wisdom and sense of God come into play. Else there will be suffering.

I don’t know about you… but for me that was good word going into this shopping season of insanity. Amen! 

Love ya! Hope you have a blessed day. ~ Shari

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Go Face the Day, You’re Amazing!

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I have to wonder how much of my life I’ve taken for granted who I am. Not that I, on my own, am anyone. Because I am truthfully very well aware that I’m nothing. But in Christ, I’m everything. I can do “all” things through Christ, according to Philippians 4:19, not just some things. All things. And just as I take for granted who I am, I also take for granted Who God is.

So as I began a study in Revelation this morning, I only made it 8 verses until I had to stop. Realizing that it’s amazing that the God of all the universe is living within me. Woah. That’s beyond amazing!!!

The study notes in my bible said that “in reading the book of Revelation, don’t get lost in the imagery and events, so much so that you lose sight of the infinite love, power and justice of the Lord Jesus Christ.” I kind of feel like I do that in life. I get lost in the sights, sounds and emotions of the day and lose the concept of Who I belong to and what my role in this world is.

I want to make the most of every day, but in so doing, I’m wrapped in chaos. I need to slow down. That’s what I keep hearing this week. Perhaps you do to. We need to slow down this weekend and just ponder the fact that we are children of the Almighty! Who was at the beginning, when all the world was spoken into existence, and will be with us through the end and everlasting! Glory!

John, on the isle of Patmos, in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of what is now Turkey, writes this letter to the seven churches that are there. Those letters cause me to wonder what John would have written to me? I realize he wrote to the body of Christ, but in looking at my walk with Christ, what would he have said. Would he have said “You’ve left your first love,” as he did to the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2.

Would he have predicted my persecution as he did the Church of Smyrna or said he wanted to puke me out the church of Laodicea? And what would be my reaction if I heard those words.

Scripture tells us to examine ourselves.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2 Corinthians 13:5

So I am.

If Jesus were to split the skies today, What would I be found doing? Well… at 11:00 I’m having my hair done. Which is all good and well, a fellow child of God is doing it. She and I together chat about Jesus, sing hymns and have a grand time of fellowship. Her parlor is like a church service. But I don’t think Jesus is too worried about my outward appearance. The examination is one  of my heart. And on any given day, it falls short of what I desire it to be for Him.

Like understanding the concept of Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. The Creator of time! Living inside of me. And yet I don’t think I can do stuff. I have not forsaken my first love, but I’ve forgotten Him. I need to remember what it felt like when I first experienced that flutter inside my chest when I realized He was knocking on my heart’s door from the inside. That’s another “woah!” moment. He’s literally in there. God Himself!

Now… go face the day Shari. You’re amazing!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Easter, Life Inspiration, Purpose

It is the Power of God

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I feel foolish a lot. There are days that every dream and imagination I’ve had seems like the dumbest ideas ever. True story. Not an exaggeration. But the one solid foundational belief within me is that the cross made all the difference in my life, and when the rest of my world falls apart the cross still stands.

This morning I needed that truth. I guess I need it every day, but today more than ever. I don’t want to give credit where it’s not due; and there are times that I’m pretty sure it’s me attacking my mind and not Satan. My self-doubt is running haywire today. So I turn to the one sure thing in my life. The cross.

The world may view it as foolishness but my work in the ministry I’ve never doubted. I’ve never doubted my purpose in that place because I always stand in amazement at what God has done in my life and it’s all because of the cross.

The Cross brought Communication

I love the image of the veil being rent from top to bottom (Luke 23:45)

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

 As Jesus “gave up the ghost” and the work was finished on the cross, the final price was paid so that we could have a relationship with God. So that I could talk to the Creator. I have no need to go through a priest. The High Priest is at the right hand of God saying “that child is mine, she can approach the throne any time she needs.”

I have never been turned away.

The Cross brought Comfort

John 14:26

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

When the world says I’m foolish, the Holy Spirit say, “You’re fine.”

That comfort that comes from within cannot be explained, it can only be experienced. It’s heartbreaking to think of the world who does not have it because I know what it’s meant for me to have the indwelling of God. Especially on days like today.

Please don’t think that I’m asking for sympathy or a pat on the back for what I do. I’m just sharing with you what you too have probably experienced. Doubt is a powerful tool. It’s the avenue of quitters and I have a hard time not traveling down that road.

The Cross Brought Compassion

It’s what keeps me going. I know the world needs to see more of it. It’s the reason I can kick doubt out of the way and keep on keeping on; because I have compassion for the people of God who need words and images of encouragement. I don’t know what the future holds for the Jesus Chick, but as the song says “I know Who Holds” it.

With the Easter season upon us and the many worldly images of the season, it’s good to have a reminder set before us. God created the bunnies and the chicks, but He communes with this chick, and I am so grateful for the cross that made it possible.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration

An Unusual Thanksgiving Message

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Book of Wars Journal entry and Poetry by Shari L. Johnson

Although I know it was a word search that lead me to Numbers 21, I don’t remember what word I was searching for. I got so caught up in verse 14 and wondering just where is that book? And why do I not remember this scripture?

Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the Lord, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon.

I did a quick web search on the book and read that it was a “missing book,” a “canonical book” not included in the scriptures and a book spoken to a man by an angel just a few years ago! None of those intrigued me enough to search any further for the book, but rather I decided just to let the Holy Spirit speak to me this week of Thanksgiving on what that book meant to me. And why I was lead to the book of Numbers, chapter 21, and verse 14 this morning.

I imagined the wars that God had penned in that book for me. Penned much like I do in journaling, for the purpose of reminiscing and to look back on a time in my history that something amazing happened. Something worthy of documenting. And what will it be like when I get to Heaven and discover in that long, lost book, all the times God rescued me.

Ephesians 6:12  says

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.

Are those wars written in that book? I don’t know.

But I know this. I know God is worthy of far more gratitude than I give, Thanksgiving or otherwise. I’ve had to fight a lot of battles within and without lately, and everyone was won with the Word of God. I had to fight them again usually because I let the flesh take over and remind me not of the win, but of the battle.

Today I’m grateful, first and foremost for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who fought every battle for me on the cross of Calvary when He died for my sins, and yours. I’m thankful that He continues to sit on the right hand of the Father, and watch over me, comfort me and strengthen me through the Holy Spirit.

I do not know what battles have been written down, but I know that the battles above my head in the spiritual realm are real. And I know they’re not mine to fight, else they’d be lost.

Every time I write, draw, speak or sing for Him, I know there’s a battle above me to squelch the praises worthy to God’s name, a battle I must fight. Today, it’s a battle I’ll win on my Lord’s behalf.

THANK YOU JESUS. Thank You for that sacrifice on the Cross and thank You for speaking to God on my behalf. I’m sorry it’s necessary. But I’m grateful You are there.

THANK YOU GOD. For listening. For allowing Your Son to make that sacrifice on the cross. I can’t, nor do I want to, imagine the pain You experienced that day.  But I’m grateful that You had a plan to save my soul so that I could thank You in person someday.

THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT. Thank You for being with me every single day. Guiding me. Strengthening me and encouraging me. Without You I know my creativity would be naught. Without You I know I’d be so overwhelmed. Thank You.

Win your battle, Thank Him today!!!!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration, worship

Social Media Saints

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I am guilty of only posting the pretty pictures. I don’t post the countless times I wad up a disfigured Jesus Chick or other images that don’t measure up. If someone takes a picture of my bad side, which can actually be any side that I don’t deem myself “pretty” I don’t post it and I’m quick to delete it off my phone before someone accidently on purpose stumbles across it. Are not our lives much the same way?

We let people see the “pretty” side of our selves. The one who is made up and picture perfect on Sunday morning, but what about the one that breaks down into tears on Monday because their world just ain’t right? Oh… that one.

No, nobody needs to see that, right?

Yesterday as I loaded yet another load of laundry for two obviously very dirty people into the dryer I felt a knot in my throat and tears well up in my soul. There was no reason. Other than I just felt overwhelmed.

I quickly sucked it up, started a new load of laundry and told myself, you don’t have time for that.

This morning as I loaded the dishwasher, for obviously very hungry people, the Spirit spoke to me and said, “just be real.”

I scroll through the countless images of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Listen to the ranting of crazy people and realize that there doesn’t seem to be a happy medium. There’s either the beautiful, seemingly perfect families or the nutcases.

I sing this song at the Long Term Care on Monday’s that the residents just love. I didn’t add it to my repertoire for a couple of years for fear it would offend. It’s called “Who do you think you’re foolin” by Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers. When I played the last note yesterday, the little old lady behind me yelled, “We need more like that!”

I realized then, and again this morning that people want the truth, not just the pretty images of Christianity. They need to hear that all of us have moments of sorrow, confusion and days that we too would be nutcases if we weren’t Spirit controlled preventing us from publishing that nutcase rant of reality.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Two quick points to ponder before you post today.

The Sprit of the Humble

I love humble people. People who don’t lift themselves above others but realize that we are at best sinners saved by grace. There is also a humility we all tend to ignore and avoid whenever possible, and that is the humility of allowing people to see the brokenness within us. That life hurts sometimes.

I’m always careful to buy waterproof mascara for fear of the black clown face that can occur when that spirit of humility takes over. I waterproof my social media post too. But what we miss when we do this the spirit of revival. God will revive the spirit of the humble… not the proud.

The Heart of the Contrite

To have a contrite spirit is to be crushed and broken. Hello? My thinking is the only people who want the world to see that is the nutcase “ranters” who make me shake my head.

My thinking is wrong.

There has to be a happy medium and I see it once in a while. When someone just gets real for the sake of encouraging others. In that process they do not drag someone else into their post, it’s about their relationship with God, not man. God uses broken vessels to let the water of life pour out for others to drink and have their souls revived as well.

After my open heart surgery my water intake was extremely limited. Prior to that I didn’t even like water, but suddenly I craved it, and still do. Their denial of that life giving substance, though it was for my own good, caused me to desire it more.

The more dry and broken we become the greater desire we have to be revived. But you can ignore it until it becomes the norm. Oh… how often I’ve seen that across the churches of America. They only want the pretty Sunday’s, not the ones where broken people get revived and give control to the Spirit of God. It is then that rantings are replaced with the testimonies of broken people being healed, tears flow and God is welcomed into that place and He shows up in a mighty way.

Do we want that?

I don’t want people to air dirty laundry on social media, but it would be good if people shared  a trial and how God brought them through. We all have struggles. People need to see they can have victory too.

Share yours today!