Tag: hope

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Faith, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Access Point

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Grace is hard to understand. We want it, we attempt to give it, sometimes tongue and cheek (meaning we forgive but never forget). We, I speak collectively, though I really mean me, when I say I often think I’ve messed up past the point of being offered grace, because life sometimes just flat out stinks.

True story.

When life gets hard, this Jesus Chick is not so spiritual as to immediately ask the question, “What is God teaching me in this moment?” That would sound really good and churchy wouldn’t it?  No, I’m more apt to ask the question, “How long will I be here, Lord?”

Romans 5:1-2

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

So much is missed in the midst of a struggle. And life is full of struggles. But the Apostle Paul reminds us that as people of faith (those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ) we have access to some things the world is not afforded.

We have Access to Peace

There’s a difference between access and acceptance. It’s the same as salvation, we’re all offered it; but if we don’t accept it, we’ll never experience it. There is a difference in the end result. Those with salvation will go Heaven whether they experience the benefits of salvation here on earth or not. The journey is just a lot more difficult. But those who never accept salvation are headed to Hell.

I’m not surprised when children of God don’t have peace in the middle of a storm. Because I’ve been there too. It’s usually a matter of feeling worthy or letting myself get too far down before looking up. If there’s sin or other failures in our lives, we don’t feel worthy. Even though neither will keep you from peace if you talk to God about it. As children of God, it’s ours for the asking!

That’s just the kind of Lord He is.

We have Access to Grace

I love the acronym for G.r.a.c.e. = God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. Isn’t that amazing? There’s nothing we can do to earn it. It is however what makes me be the person I am. I was born with a servants attitude and when God saved me from the Devil’s Hell, my gratitude went toward servitude.

Grace will do that if you strive to understand it. Many Christians miss the mark because they’re not in God’s word, they’re not in church and so they cannot fully comprehend what the Lord did for them. I sometimes avoid the truth of it myself, because I can’t imagine the degree of pain and humiliation my Lord took upon Himself for someone like me who adds more too it when I fail Him.

The shame wasn’t only on the day of the crucifixion. It’s on us when we blatantly fail God, knowing what He did for us. But the grace is still there. That’s why it’s amazing.

We have Access to Joy

It’s what we can experience even in times of sorrow. The loss of a loved one is gut wrenching, but the knowledge that they were saved and now in the presence of Jesus brings great joy!

The struggles we face are never pleasurable, but the victory is always a joyous moment and made that much sweeter because of the struggle. We realize the strength that we have from knowing Christ as Savior. The unsaved may experience moments of victory, but not as the child of God. Knowing that there was Someone standing beside us all the way and there was never a reason to feel alone. That is joy! He has our back here and He’s waiting for us there!

We have Access to Hope

Not just hope, but we need always reminded that the peace, grace, joy and hope are always for the glory of God. It’s a privilege only afforded a child of the King. I wrote on hope yesterday. It’s a subject I could write on everyday and never grow weary because I need it. I need to know that my aches and pains, those of the physical, mental and spiritual nature will someday be lifted whether here or Heaven.

Maybe you needed to know that too. If I’ve encouraged you, let me know! If I can pray for you, let me know that too. We’re here to be the hands, feet and sometimes words of Jesus. Use us Lord!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Uncategorized

Against all Hope

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I totally get the anxiety and frustration that Abraham and Sarah may have been feeling. They’d been promised a child, but then, as it does, age crept upon them from no where and low and behold they found themselves past the fruit bearing years.

Sarah was 90 for cryin’ out loud and Abraham 100. It was a dark day in the land of Canaan when Abraham continued to believe in the promise that God had given him. With the point being, he never gave up hoping.

That’s our problem. We lose hope.

Romans 4:18 says of Abraham:

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.

Against Hope

There’s nothing like age to make you feel unfruitful. With every passing year new aches and pains are introduced and your children start “calling to check on you,” or asking you if you think you’ll “feel up to it.” Good grief! It’s not that I’m not very grateful that I raised such concerned children, it’s just that I didn’t think I was that old. And then I look in the mirror and the age lines that I used to consider laugh lines aren’t so funny anymore.

Welcome to the silver years Shari. I’m not yet to the golden years, although they’re drawing nigh.

If I trusted what the mirror says or what my lying bones say, I’d take off my Jesus Chick hat and consider sitting back and waiting for Jesus to come and fetch me.  Those are physical things against the spiritual realm of hope. And they are not the only things “against hope.”

Logic is often the enemy of hope. If Abraham had looked at it logically, he wouldn’t have even put out the candles and turned the radio onto soft music at 100. What chance did he have at conception with 90 year old Sarah.

This story gives me hope! See, I’m still waiting for some fruit… not of the Isaac persuasion, but of the spiritual kind. I’m waiting for God to do a great work in my ministry that will bear fruit for the Kingdom. I’ve waited a while! But I’m not 100 yet.

In Hope

Just as Abraham I’m believing in hope. Wouldn’t it be a sad world with out it. Truth be told, it is a sad world. I’ve listened to many speak without hope. It is generally the unsaved, but not always. None of us are immune to losing hope. This world is filled with adversarial demons to strip even the strongest of a good attitude.

Today I have hope, because today I’ve been in the word and I’ve read myself happy. But a few days ago, as I traveled down the highway, I looked in my rear view mirror and all I saw was lost opportunities, failed attempts and I was in the previous state.

I should have told myself, “don’t look back.”

Luke 9:62 

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

If a ploughman doesn’t look forward, he won’t make the proper furrows, nor do his work well. The same is true of the child of God. If we are continually looking back to see where we’ve been, we might assuredly miss where we’re going. We need to be forward thinking Christians. Always looking for opportunity, not resting in the laurels of previous ones, or sulking in the disaster of errors.

I can find myself sulking if I’m not careful.

Hope Delivered

Sarah delivered that bundle of hope and named him Isaac, meaning laughter. There is great joy when hope is delivered.

What does that look like to you?

I know what it looks like to me. It’s a strange delivery I’m waiting on…

  1. That souls are saved and lives are changed.
  2. That my ministry be viewed as a ministry, not a hobby by those who should know better.
  3. That it is financially sustaining for my family.

That may or may not sound like much to you. But there are days when I look back at the furrows I’ve made, and my fruit is sparse. I lose sight of where I know I’m supposed to go.

Just like the farmer who’s responsibility it is the take care of the land, it’s ours to take responsibility for this land. Starting at home and working our way out.

 I can’t help but think about J. Vernon McGee:

Following cancer surgery in 1965 at the age of 61, the doctors gave Dr. McGee six months to live. The Lord gave him 23 more years.

In 1967 he launched the radio program “Thru the Bible” which took 5 years. At its completion the program tapes continued to run, and Dr. McGee and his board determined that the program would run until the money ran out. Through generous contributors it’s still running today.

Dr. McGee died in 1988, falling asleep in his chair and waking in the presence of Jesus. At the time of his death the bible program aired in 34 languages, but has since been translated into over 100 and is broadcast on Trans World Radio throughout the world every weekday.

At the age of 63 Dr. McGee continued ploughing and didn’t look back. He was a successful man of God, but I love that what he deemed as his greatest compliment came at the beginning his ministry.

His greatest compliment

As a student pastor, Dr. McGee’s first church sat on a red clay hill in Midway, Georgia. It was there he said he received his greatest compliment: “It was from a country boy wearing high buttoned, yellow shoes. After a morning service he came to speak to me. He groped for words, then blurted out, ‘I never knew Jesus was so wonderful!’ He started to say more but choked up and hurried out of the church. As I watched him stride across the field, I prayed, ‘Oh, God, help me to always preach so that it can be said, I never knew Jesus was so wonderful.’“

Source: www.ttb.org

Would to God that it could be said about me and the Jesus Chick Ministry. I want the world to know how very wonderful Jesus is.

But that will never come to pass if you and I put the ploughs in the barn and fail to work the fields.

We have a Hope. His name is Jesus. And we need to tell everyone we meet.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration

A Steadfast Hope!

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A few days of Fibromyalgia kicking my tail and I am so appreciative of the sun shining outside my windows today. It’s humbling how the feeling of hopelessness can kick in so quickly and that defeat can consume the mind. Oh did I feel the drama queen coming out of me during that time! It’s not something I let the world see, or anyone other than the hubs usually. But it’s a very real side of my personality. Or should I say “personalities.”

Praise God! for the steadfastness of Jesus Christ. From the Old Testament to the New Testament God is still God! Somehow or another as I read in Daniel this morning it lead me to the book of Hebrews.

Stick with me, I promise in my “drama mama” way, this road will lead to discovery, at least it did for me.

Daniel 6:26 ~ I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

King Darius made that decree after Daniel was delivered out of the Lion’s den. And Daniel wrote in the following chapter (7:14)“And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

The same steadfast God of Daniel is the same steadfast God of the writer of Hebrews who wrote in Hebrews 6:17-19 ~ Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Glory to God that stirs this girl’s soul this morning!

I made the mistake of tuning into a Fox newscast on Facebook this morning of the church bombing in Sri Lanka that killed 300 people on Easter Sunday. The day after I lay whining on the couch on Saturday.

It put my days into perspective.

What a wicked world we live in. Another thing that has not changed from the garden is the evil of Satan and his intention of destroying this world and taking as many souls with him as he can. He is the original drama king of this world. His focus is on destruction. But Halelujah! He cannot touch our world… you know… the one we’re headed to, not the one we live in. He’ll have his day down here, but not there.

Daniel knew and shared with Darius what I know and share with my readers. We serve a living God! That is reason to get dramatic on the side of good news!

Heirs of the Promise

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

The Pain won’t last forever! My fibro-weekend wasn’t fun, but today is Tuesday, and I’m feeling so much better. Can you imagine how much better I’ll feel in that Promised Land! Glory to God let’s get dramatic!

Lay hold of His Hope

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

For a split second, okay, maybe several hours I lost hold of that hope on Saturday. The pain over took my mind and I was not in the mindset that I should have been in. I have no doubt that it’s for a reason, and one such reason is, it gives me a greater understanding of those who suffer. If I didn’t suffer too, I could never say “I understand, and really understand.” But praise God, I can share the hope He provides and the promise of a better day.

That hope is what brought Daniel through the lion’s den, because he knew that one way or the other there was a day Darius didn’t control. And so it was with the faith of the writer of Hebrews.

That Hope was Anchored at the Cross

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

We just celebrated the splitting of that veil that day of the cross when our Savior died. We now have that anchor to the soul ready and waiting for us to come to Him, not through a priest but personally, and it’s not going anywhere! From here to eternity our Lord is Alive and so will we be with Him one glorious day.

I may have many “fibro days” ahead of me. Or not… I still pray and believe my Lord can heal. But if He chooses that I go through instead of out, I’ll live for Him because He died for me.

I hope these words encouraged you today, because they sure did me… Let the Son Shine!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

Will My High Hopes Last?

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Ethel

The sun is shining and it’s a balmy 52 degrees today in Calhoun County, West Virginia. It gives me high hopes that spring is just around the corner! High hopes because I can see the glorious sunshine and feel the warmth (well kind of) on my skin as I go out to feed the chickadees in the hen house.

But what about next week when the temperatures drop back into the twenties, snow is possibly in the forecast, and the chicks still need fed. Will I have high hopes that day that spring is just around the corner? Or will I bundle up and growl as my bones ache in protest to the chore? Not believing with any great confidence that spring will come?

I see and occasionally fall victim to the same faulty thinking as a child of God. Hope is fleeting in this fallen world, is it not?

2 Corinthians 4:18 says

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

I have only girls in my henhouse, because, it is after all, a henhouse. And boys are bossy. I speak in poultry language of course, not humanistic. I would never say that my husband is bossy.

Okay… that’s a lie.

But he will tell you that I listen about like the poultry dames. I love my chickens. I do not however love their hygiene. They’re pretty gross. But they provide breakfast and attribute to my baking; so, I’ll tolerate their stinky butts and shovel their poop if I can’t con the hubs into. Which is usually the case. But my point of my Bantam banner is this, those girls always have hope!

They’re expectantly awaiting me to come to the hen house and feed and water them and they graciously (with the exception of one Silkie) allow me to take their eggs. They don’t care what the weather is like, although they’re a little less productive on cold days, much like me. But they still have hope. They’re doing what chickens do.

Am I? Doing what I’m called to do? Every day? Or just on days when I feel like the Son is going to return?

Just like the ladies in the henhouse, God’s plan for me has been mapped out rain or shine. Cold or warm. Muddy or dry. I need to be productive for the cause of Christ which is to tell others of His return. That may come in the form of a blog, vlog, speaking engagement or a song I sing. But all should point other to Christ and tell them of His imminent return. That is hope.  That is what we have. It’s not up for debate. He’s coming back for the church!

Will it be this spring? Today? Tomorrow, next year or 2025? It doesn’t matter. He’s coming back! It only matters that I’m doing what needs to be done. So… I’ll feed my chickens, I’ll feed my family, I’ll feed the youth in the teen department with the word of God and I’ll feed my own faith with God’s word like 2 Corinthians 4:18.

I hope you found some nourishment in that word today too!

Lucy

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christmas, Eternity, Heaven, Life Inspiration

The Plan’s in Place

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I don’t know who it was that posted on social media last night that they were glad Christmas was over because it was highly overrated. But I remember they were a saved person, and I remember the frustration in my mind and the desire to get in the flesh and comment. Not in anger, but in God’s rebuke that it wasn’t a very good message to send the lost. But then I remembered… I wasn’t God. And I didn’t know the circumstances. And so I scrolled right on off Facebook and onto something else.

But this morning that post is still on my mind. And I found myself saying, I’m glad Christmas is over too. But not for the same reason. I’m glad it’s post-Christmas because I have I can refocus on the message of Christmas. “Redemption!”

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people;

Luke 1:68

I don’t know why it would surprise me when God’s people of today miss the message of Christmas. After all, God’s people of that day missed the first message! They’d been waiting for the Redeemer, but He didn’t come like they’d expected. They expected a King in all His royal pomp and circumstance! Not the baby of a lowly Jewish girl. Nor did many of them expect that He would die on a cross, crucified by their own. But He did.

When He died, I’m sure many believers thought, “What a letdown. We believed He was the Messiah…”

Christmas for many is just that, “a letdown.” We want the pomp and circumstance of the holiday, the tinsel and perfect family memories and they rarely ever measure up to our expectations. This year at our house was a little different than most years, we are all a little more grateful. I was grateful I had them, and they were grateful they had me. We laughed and carried on like a family that truly enjoyed the company, because we did. A heart attack and open heart will do that to you. But not every year has been like that.

Today, December 28, 2018 is three days past the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Post-Christmas. Just like it brings to mind the post-crucifixion after Jesus died. I’m ready to refocus on the message God sent me to speak! Jesus saves. He didn’t come to fix this world. That’s why Christmas gets messed up and that’s why families continue to be messed up. He came to give us eternal life and a perfect world to come. Glorrraaaaay that makes my heart happy.

In the corner of my living room I’ve redone the little pencil tree that was decorated for Christmas and made it a Valentine’s tree. L.O.V.E. My main focus in 2019 is to show the love of Christ to more people. I want to help them understand that there is hope in the name of Jesus and even when things don’t go to plan in this world, there is a world to come that we can anxiously anticipate without worry or regard as to whether or not it will measure up because the word of God says

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9

All we have to do is love Him. And He is going to take us to a world where there is no such thing as disappointment. That’s an awesome message and reminder for us as we go into 2019 that God’s got a plan, and we need to make sure us and everyone we know is a part of it!

Posted in Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

There’s something going on in Nain (and Mayberry)

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It’s a matter I tend to forget, that there’s always a back story in the lives of people. But just like most of the rest of the world, I get a snap shot of the life of someone and build an entire story off of that snap shot. A few minutes in time, doesn’t make a life. I certainly don’t want people to look at me as I sit in the lobby of a hotel working on this blog, judging me from this period of time. What would they think as I sit here alone?

Poor ol’ thing. Look at her sitting there with her Bible and no makeup. She’s probably some religious fanatic with a house full of cats. (no offense to cat people.) Perhaps they think I am what I am, a Jesus fanatic, writer who slightly quirky. That’s truth and it’s okay. But regardless of what they think, the strangers do not know the back story of my life. They don’t know that I have an amazing husband, family and church. That I am loved. The very same way that I do not know the life of the sweet Asian couple helping each other get their breakfast. Or the teen wearing two silly hats with his mom and siblings, perhaps a grandmother heading out on a “long ride” I heard her say. Vacation? Home? Funeral? I don’t know. I’m just seeing the snapshot. Not the whole story.

Luke 7:11-17

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

The people of Nain had no idea that something was about to happen. They likely knew the back story of the widow and her son. They knew that without him, she’d be in a world of trouble. She’d already lost her husband. Now she’d lost her son. The only provision she had for life… or so she thought. She didn’t know something was about to happen. Jesus arrives on the scene and it’s no longer a funeral, it’s a revival! It’s a rumor about to take off!! She didn’t know, nor did they that God was going to intervene in the situation. Jesus knew the backstory. He knew the widow ever second of the widows life, far, far more than the snapshot view we get in verses 11-17.

My time in this lobby is verses 11-17. I’m just seeing the snapshot. The truth of the matter is, my life for the last umpteen years may be verses 11-17 in the scope of God’s plan. I do not know what God is up too. That’s what I need to remember. That’s what you need to remember. Life frustration’s come. Some of them are gut wrenching (like the widows). But God can change it all with just one touch.

With just one touch the son got up, went home with mom; and I’ll bet all the food that the friends and neighbors had dropped off for the funeral, made the fixin’s for a great revival party.

Well. Today I’m in the south. Andy and Opie territory as a matter of fact. And I’ve had a touch of revival in my soul from Dr. Myron Guiler’s message at Temple Baptist Church in Mt. Airy, North Carolina last night. Tonight we are headed to see the Primitive Quartet. Glory to God!!! We didn’t even know they’d be here. And now here we are! God is so good.

There’s lots of things we don’t know… why do we always assume we do? Every day can be a struggle. But remember that it’s just a snapshot. That picture may change drastically and God’s glory may be getting ready to enter the scene.

Please Jesus…

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This blog is in it’s 8th year. Hosted on godaddy.com for the past five. Expenses incurred for the operation of this site are without complaint and with gratitude for the opportunity. If the Lord would impress you to give to help cover some recent technology issues, I’d be grateful. I’ve not been in the world’s workforce for 3 years and for that I glorify God. It’s given me the opportunity to not only write and work on music, but minister to nursing home patients, volunteer in the Christian School teaching art and help other ministries with marketing. All of which require technology, communication, time and gasoline. Again it’s without complainT… but just in case you have a desire to help, or have “extra money” 🙂 Know that I would be eternally grateful.

Here’s the Link

Posted in Bible Journaling, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

How to Hang on to Hope

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I woke up this morning and from the toasty side of the covers, I lay running my finger down my smartphone, glancing at the recent Facebook posts; and as usual it was mixed with a diverse number of images and thoughts. Some sad, some silly and some downright stupid. Much like many of my days. It ain’t easy to hang on to hope when struggles come into our lives. Satan will loosen your grip with the slimiest of tactics. He’ll use discouraging people, financial hardship, personal failures and family heartache. Anything that will cause you to look at life and see the harsh times not the hope. So how do we hang on to hope at the bleakest points in life.

Titus 1:9 says

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Get a Grip

Titus said hold fast! When Satan starts his jargon of convincing you there is no hope or purpose in your life, hang on tight to what the Holy Spirit tells you is true. God will never discourage you. He may chastise you, or advise you in ways that make you uncomfortable, but He will never make you feel less or alone. Hold on!

Get a Gratitude

Remember all of the times that the faithful Word of God has come through for you. When I begin to remember all the times that God as brought me through and allowed me to see the miracles of Heaven, my grateful heart restores the hope that the hard time I’m facing will end with the Glory of God.

Get a Grin

Titus said to exhort! Encourage those around us. That’s hard to do when we’re going through a tough time ourselves. It’s important to know the word of God and use it to encourage others. There seems to be a connection been encouraging others and ourselves at the same time. Exhortation is deflected from those you encourage and returned to yourself in the process. You can’t give it without receiving it.

What a great thought that has the power to shut down the stupid things Satan says. It’s not my words, but God’s Word that has the power.

Are you struggling today… Write Titus 1:9 on an index card, post it note or whatever scrap of paper you can find and put it where you can see it throughout your day. Satan will flee at the word of God. And through your struggle you may not only encourage yourself but others along the journey, and God will be glorified and Satan will be angry. It’s a win/win kind of day!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Life Inspiration

How to Apply the Balm

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Why is it that the people of God seemed to be so continually perplexed when it comes to the things of life? Parents have no concept on how to raise their children without the help of books by authors they’ve never met, the school is left to discipline and teach manners of those that don’t even read the help books, and the moral decay of our schools is evident on the evening news. It is for certain a scary world we live in. The adults aren’t any better off than many youth; morality is situational and objective for themselves, but yet they believe it should all means be defined by the law for all others. Police are viewed as the enemy, there is no respect for authority from the White House to the Church house and in the words of a man who once attended our church but fell out to world “We’re in a mess.” So what’s the answer? Before you think this is a blog of discouragement and chastisement, read on.

This is a word that will sooth your soul…

Jeremiah 8:22 says:

Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Israel’s idea of the law had become subjective and their world was in a mess too. And so Jeremiah, the weeping prophet; who preached repentance to God’s people, had the same questions that I had at the beginning of this blog. I have those questions because I see so much heart ache and pain in every direction. Parents want to be good parents, children want a home filled with love, employers want trustworthy staff, churches want committed members, but it all seems to be unraveling because nobody is asking the right questions.

Where is our healing? Where it’s always been… in the Balm of Gilead. Jesus.

I know, I know, His name is on billboards, social media memes and in every sermon you’ve heard preached, and yet your world is still a mess. I think I know why. Because we’re not applying the balm.

The Acknowledgement

God has been after me for…. Ever… to use my talents in a greater methods. You see, I know I have the abilities… I just don’t apply them. You know your own issues, but when have you actually applied Jesus’ word to it? And what does that look like?

The Accountability

Israel needed to repent. They thought their ways were good enough and God would take care of them, because after all, they were the chosen. Don’t we each feel sometimes that God will cover us, come what may, even if we’re not exactly where we should be? Or is it only me? Repentance doesn’t necessarily mean that we have some massive sin, (although it could). But it could mean that you have a spirit of rebellion by not seeking God’s solution before mans.

I see more and more frustrated parents who seldom if ever darken the door of the Lord’s house with their children and yet they want good kids. Good kids need to know the only One who is good. Jesus. He is the balm that can sooth the heartache in the homes that are filled with disrespect and unruly children.

Another often heard conversation I have is with people who are hurting because friends and family have let them down and left them broken. I see people who have been abused in ways that I can’t even imagine and they have no desire to seek the One who can apply a balm to their heart and soul that will heal that hurt for eternity and love them as they long to be loved. He’s a cry away.

The Application

The Balm of Gilead known as Jesus, isn’t available online or in the store. It’s freely available for the asking. Salvation is immediate upon the request to ask Jesus to come into your life and accepting His work on the cross as payment for your sin. But peace,direction, guidance,  contentment, happiness and a wholesome life is only found in those who continually seek a relationship with Jesus for their home. Now… everyone may not be saved in the home, but the one who is can seek the guidance and wisdom of God, and to the best of their ability, live it. As it’s lived, the healing balm is applied. And sometimes it even gets onto the ones who have rejected the Lord and they too feel it’s soothing effects and desire to know the Lord of all, Jesus

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration

How to Make Hope Grow

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to Make Hope Grow

How easy it is to lose hope? A few hard knocks from Satan, a mini or major crisis, the loss of a loved one or the hurt and angst of relationships gone awry and hope can seem so bleak and so far in the distance. Depression sets in and you avoid even the glimmers of light for fear they will fade again. Woah… I’ve depressed myself! That too is easy to do by speaking negatively into your life, which I happen to have a vast amount of experience at. I’m getting better, but any day can find me relapsing into a loss of hope. I look at numbers on my web count and think, “There are so few.” And then I think about the preacher standing in the pulpit on Sunday morning in a little country church preaching to 10 people, he would love to have my numbers. And I’m ashamed. I forget that God called me to write, sing and speak, He didn’t call me to count. And who am I to say that if it were one, that one wouldn’t change the world when God did something amazing in their life.

Just wrote myself happy!

This morning I went looking for hope in the Word of God. 133 times it’s mentioned. And just a few of them are below to encourage you in your day.

Hope when people are missing

Ruth 1:12-13

“Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; would ye tarry for them till they were grown? Would ye stay for them from having husbands? Nay, my daughters; it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.”

Naomi was speaking to Orpha and Ruth, bearing her heart of the grief from the loss of her husband and sons. One daughter-in-law was about to take her up on her offer to leave, but Ruth… not her. She had a hope in her heart that God would provide a new life for she and Naomi, and if He chose not to, she still would stay and that hope turned into one of the most glorious love stories in the bible.

Grief can cloud hope till you believe the sun will never shine again. Look around you. Who has God sent into your life to stand in the gap until the sun shines again? Make a list of everyone in your life that you love, and begin praying that God blesses your relationships and the sky open with blessings.

How can I say that… because I’ve been there; when I thought nobody understood. But God did, because He’d walked the path I was on. He lost friend after friend at the cross on His hardest day. We were one of them if you think about it. Until we came back, glory to God! Thank You Jesus for the hope I have in You, the greatest friend of all.

Hope when purpose is missing

Psalm 22:9

But Thou art He that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.

From birth the Lord has given us hope and purpose. It is a lie from the pits of Hell that you are here without reason. There is an amazing plan for your life, but you cannot lose hope in Christ before it is completed. He needs you to get in the word and search it out for direction.

Hope when strength is missing

Psalm 31:24

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

A weak heart can be physical, emotional or spiritual. It can suck the life out of your day quickly and convince you that it’s over. There’s no need to battle back. What would have happened if King David had not battled back? There were times he was hidden in the darkness of a cave, friends forsook him, lies were told, authority was jealous and life was bleak. But he battled back with honor and stood on the side of the Lord when life was at its worst. He remembered the victories and encouraged his heart with the Word of God. It doesn’t cost a dime for us to find hope, but it cost Christ His life to give it. Hang on to it no matter what the world around you is saying.

Hope when mercy is missing

Psalm 33:22

Let thy mercy, O LORD,  be upon us, according as we hope in Thee.

How many times have we believed we’ve gone too far? We’ve failed God one too many times and there’s no mercy left in the well. First of all, the well has an endless supply. But it’s we who have to dip the bucket to fill it up, God’s really not into room service. He expects His children to do somethings on their own, and one of those things is coming to Him to receive the endless supply of hope and mercy that He has waiting. Get yourself to well of His word!

Hope when answers are missing

Psalm 38:15

For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

Satan is so full of chatter. He’ll tell you lie after lie until you lose hope, and the best one in his arsenal is that God doesn’t hear you. Well, take heart. The LORD hears every word, those spoken, those thought, and even those that you couldn’t even groan. That hope is in the word of God making it truth and the Devil is a liar. When answers are missing it is most often because we didn’t seek His answer. We sought the one we wanted, and that might not be His best.

Oh… believe me when I tell you I am so experienced in missing answers that I probably have a PHD waiting for me in Heaven on the wall of my mansion. Our hope for an answer again lies in the word of God. Every single ounce of hope we have come from Him. It’s kind of a pattern for living.

It’s not that we lose hope, it’s that we don’t pick it up. It’s waiting for you in your Bible whether it’s paper, digital or through the preaching of the Word. Keep search, don’t let Satan’s lies steal the greatest treasure you have.

Hope is find throughout the Old and New Testament. Do a word search and start planting seeds in your soul that will make hope grow!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service

The Search for One Little Word 2018

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Search for One Little Word 2018

Every year I seek a word to focus on that will draw me closer to God. Last year my word was “pursuit.” And pursue I did. The answers and edification for understanding God’s purpose for my life, again. Little did I know that as I pursued God, Satan pursued my mind greater and greater. But, I survived with a few skid marks from my heels digging in as my pursuit often times turned in to God drawing (aka pulling) me forward when I would digress from the path of understanding. Distraction is not my friend but it’s always as close as one.

I’ve prayed for weeks now about my 2018 word. Actually the prayer would go something like this, “God, what is my word going to be for 2018.” To which I would hear “Hope.” And I’d say, “No God, I don’t think that’s it.” I’m sure He rolled His eyes. Especially the 100th time I ask. And so again today, I said, Lord, my word is late. Am I even going to have one for the year? And so I sat down to read and study His word. Not mine. It was then I picked up a book, gifted to me by my friend Anne. It had been signed by the Author Dr. Bobby Jones with scripture penned in the cover. And so I read his scripture references.

Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

And lastly Romans 5:1-8

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Twice God tells me to seek; three times He mentions hope. Some may call it coincidental, I call it my answer. God probably was about ready to call me an idiot, though He likely wouldn’t because He’s nice like that. But my word for 2018 is shockingly:

“HOPE”

Hope in what? I praise His Holy Name that through faith I have access into His grace. I need it. A lot. Every time I doubt His design, fail to use His many gifts and neglect to praise Him as it’s due Him, I need grace. It is because of that grace that I have hope that I’ll have the opportunity to bring glory to His name in 2018.

I hope that through the 2017 trials and tribulations my patience will come easier and my experiences will be used to help others who may struggle as I do.

Finally, I’m so grateful that I can stand unashamed through the Hope of Jesus Christ Who has filled me with the Holy Ghost. It is through His Spirit that I find hope, peace and wisdom. I didn’t deserve it, but He was willing to go to the cross and die the terrible death that He did so that I could have a relationship, not just head knowledge, but a heart filled with love and the knowledge that the God of all, loves Shari.

My prayer for 2018 is H.O.P.E. – to Help Our People Evangelize. I want to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ, through music, art and the word of God to share the saving Grace of our Lord.