inspiration – Page 12 – The Jesus Chick

Posted in Christian Service, Church Unity, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Church and Chick Emotions out of Control

Written by talk2shari Published November 13, 2015November 13, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I get really excited over the silliest of things. For example, the latest iPhone update included additional emoji’s, of which two were… are you ready! An emoji which rolled it’s eyes and one wearing my glasses. I know!!!! Is that cool or what? I warned you it was silly. But I’m am eye roller, just ask my kids. I need that eye rolling emoji if for nothing else, just being able to send it to my kids so they know I’m rolling my eyes. And the one wearing my glasses, well that’s just cool.

I’d like to add a few Christian emoji’s to the list for the next iPhone update.

How about an “I’m holier than you emoji.” It would have a dangling cross beneath it’s chin and a smug look. I needed that one last week when someone looked down their nose at me because sometimes my warped sense of humor goes too far. It would have been wasted though because I don’t foresee myself being in a “texting” conversation with that person. But I’d still like to have it for grins and giggles.

What about animated emoji arms of praise. I need that!!!!

A more practical use of an emoji would be the preacher one. I’ve seen the emoji with Catholic collars, but we’re Baptist so I’d prefer my emoji preacher would skip the collar and perhaps be behind the sacred desk. I could use this one as a reminder to my kids that services start at 10. Or any other time I wanted to remind them that they need to attend church. And when they responded with an excuse I could send them the rolling eye emoji. Win win!

One that I’m sure we could all use is a “What were you thinking” emoji… no wait. Just use the eye rolling one it’s universal!

There most assuredly needs to be that Baptist “talk to the hand” not to the face emoji. That way when someone else tried to share their opinion they could just message them this emoticon and the arguments would cease. Imagine how great that would work for church unity. (not)

What about a “back of the head emoticon?” For those church folk always looking back when someone has a new idea and they say “That’s not the way we’ve done it here.” Oh… now I’ve gone to meddlin’!

While I’m there… we need an “eye rolling, smug face, if only emoji’s had hips so I could put my hands on them” emoji so that when kids cost the church money or made a mess someone could send that to the deacon board. Wow… I may have just crossed the line.

We Christians are an emotional lot are we not?

But the emoticon that we really need is the Holy Kiss. The one that says I’m just a sinner saved by grace, but I sure am glad you’re here. I need to share that one before I share any of the others, even with the mean people.

Romans 16:16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1 Corinthians 16:20

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12

Greet one another with an holy kiss.

1 Thessalonians 5:26

Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

How to shush Satan on Failures

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

Listening to a Perry Noble Sermon the other day, he spoke of a man going through a time of rebuke. He said that what he discovered was, when he rebuked himself, it was harsh and angry; but when God rebuked him it was with an arm around his shoulder, and words of kindness as God drew him close to show him what needed corrected in his life. That’s so true in my own life. I constantly have feelings of failure in every realm of life…being a wife, parent, grandparent, friend, teacher, servant of God, housekeeper, cook… oh the list goes on. If we received certificates of failure my wall would be filled!

Side note: Certificates of failure do not have God signature on them. That’s an interesting thought is it not?

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Thoughts of failure are a stronghold in my life and I’m pretty sure that I’m not alone. What an awesome weapon for Satan to use ourselves against us. He cannot occupy the space within but he can occupy the space without; whispering imaginations in our ear against the knowledge of God. I can look about my messy house and unfinished projects and Satan spews “you failure.” But if I shush his lips and listen to the Holy Spirit I hear, “Look how blessed you are! Those guitar picks strewn across the floor are there because of the gift of music and the gift of grandchildren (who strew them across the floor), the dirty dishes in the sink are there because of the gift of food and the joy you receive from cooking and serving, that laundry is there because you have clothes on your back… really cute ones and cute boots on your feet! Those unfinished projects are joy in the waiting because I’ve gifted you with the ability to create… oh my stars I just wrote myself happy! I “almost” don’t care that my house is wreck… but Satan still spews. You can’t shut him up forever. But God will one day!

Revelation 20:1-3a ~ And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up,

Shush Satan…

Posted in Christian Service

Things that are separate are sometimes together

Written by talk2shari Published September 21, 2015September 1, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

Having worked in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ for several years now I feel that I have a few tee shirts in my closet of the places I have been and the troubles I have seen to allow my opinion to be notable. (perhaps only Post-It ® note worthy) but noteworthy none the less. I have had to take stands over the course of my 19 years in the ministry that were not always popular and on very rare occasions, alone. And when I say alone, there would have probably been many who would have stood with me, if they had known that I was taking a stand. But sometimes in the case of leadership you take an inward stand because the outward conflict would do more harm than good to the cause of Christ if the issue never comes to a resolution.

I know that’s a vague statement, but stay with me and I’ll get this bus to the drop off point.

If you are a part of a congregation of believers where there are more than two, there is likely a separation in the church of ideology. Theology should be agreed upon, but our ideas are just that… “our” ideas. And they often collide like bumper cars in an amusement park, except without the laughter. It’s just human nature. The problem with that is as saved people we’re not supposed to be natural. Learn more about this by earning your master’s degree at the AWKNG School of Theology.

1 Corinthians 2:14

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.

Now I get that we cannot get rid of that natural man that wars against the spiritual man within us but if the natural man or woman wins, at some point in that battle, we’ve stopped listening to the Spirit of God. So what are we to do as leaders in the church when our ideas don’t line up with others in the church and we believe we’re right? When things that are separate, are together. What then? I’m pretty sure I’m right when I say we should talk to the One Who’s never wrong. God.

In Romans 1:1 apostle Paul said that he was …separated unto the gospel of God.

Separated from what? From the world and natural man to the spiritual. He no longer considered himself to be a part of this this world, yet that’s where he was, and it was his job to share the gospel. As believers, whether or not you’ve been called into the ministry you have still been called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. So you too have been separated like Paul, unto the gospel. That automatically, like it or not, puts you on a different playing field in life. You are held to a higher accountability than the world around you.

Romans 1:5-6

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Now if you’ve been called into actual ministry work, your field just got higher still.

Romans 1:9-13

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Paul desired to preach in Rome, but God had other plans, he was let hitherto. Paul knew through the Spirit of God that he was not to go to Rome, even though that was his desire. And so it is when we get ideas of our own that we want one thing and God wants another. For certain God has only one plan. Paul was in tune spiritually enough to know what it was. So what if there are people in the church with two ideas? It is for certain that only one of them is the one God wants, because God’s not in division. And if there’s division, someone’s wrong. When that’s happened, and it has, I’ve had to step out of the way. Sometimes I had to bite my tongue off. But I had to trust that God’s will would be accomplished. It’s hard to be separate when we’re together. When we don’t agree with someone in our midst. Paul reminded his friends that even though they were not together physically, they had one thing in common. Mutual faith.

Did some people get upset because they didn’t get their way? Possibly. But those in mutual faith, stayed put and waited for God to work out His amazing plan. God’s plan is always amazing, ours may seem amazing, but if God’s not in it, it will end in disaster. Mutual faith is remembering that we’re not here to please us. We’re here to please God.

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Do You Help or Do You Hinder the Ministry?

Written by talk2shari Published September 17, 2015September 17, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I’m nearing the 20 year mark in my ministry. What an awesome life it has been since that first day of having the Lord Jesus Christ live within my heart; encouraging, convicting and guiding my pathway. About ten years into the ministry I adopted a verse as my life verse: 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 “But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?”

There it was for me. The “I’m fine Theory” in black and white. I would strive to be an encourager to all I met and most of all the men and women who served God and this has been a blessing in my life. God has sent many notable preachers, teachers, soul-winners and ministers of the gospel across my path, allowing me to glean from them as I encouraged them. This is not a boast, it’s who God called me to be; and I have not always been successful at it. I have upon occasion discouraged a preacher or two, and have gotten in the flesh on more than one occasion when I’ve determined of myself that “I” was right, or I when I was hurt by a ministry person. Hey, don’t throw rocks, I’m human.

Because of previous hurts I guard my heart. I can quickly withdraw myself as an encourager if I feel that my help is not desired, fearing that it will be viewed as an interference rather than help, or if it will be rejected… that hurts worst of all. I’m highly opinionated… so occasionally my help comes with attitude; and rather than bringing shame to the name of Jesus by getting in the flesh I’ll just shut down before I say something I regret. As you can tell, there is conflict within and without this child of God.

Apostle Paul had great balance with his ability to encourage and energize his audience yet also bring awareness and conviction into their lives. The apostle Paul was a helper and a healer of the ministry. He said in 2 Corinthians 1:24 “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.”

As a minister of the gospel, it’s not my job to be in charge of anyone else’s faith or position. It’s my job to help and bring joy in your life so that through faith we can stand together. To encourage you where God called you to be.

When I see Christians tearing down one another rather than encouraging and building one another up I realize why God needs people with a ministry of help… because there’s enough ministries of hindrance.

Things that hinder the ministry. I focused.

Self-Importance(I know what’s best)
Self-Will (I know what’s right)
Self-Regard (I matter more)

Things that grow the ministry. God focused.

Self-denial (God knows what’s best)
Selfless (Other’s First)
Self-aware (Determining my motives, is this for me? Or God?)

I speak from experience when I say that I’ve been guilty of hindering the ministry. But my hearts true desire is to grow it. So… question of the day… Do you help? Or do you hinder?

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Forgiveness, Life Inspiration, Political

So you want to be whale puke?

Written by talk2shari Published September 5, 2015September 5, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

In the well known Bible story by the saved and unsaved alike, Jonah is told by God to go to Nineveh.

Jonah 1:1-3

Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

Tarshish is not Nineveh. It is the opposite direction of Nineveh, a city of 120,000 or so people, full of wickedness and Jonah has been told by God that he needs to go preach the gospel. But Jonah doesn’t want to preach the gospel to those heathens… Jonah doesn’t care if they get saved. Well God did. And because of his disobedience Jonah ends up in the belly of a whale for three days until he’s whale puke. This is not just a story, its history from the Creator Himself, who gave Jonah his marching orders.

And the good little Christians say, yes Amen. Teach that Jonah a lesson!

And then there’s the Kentucky County Clerk, Kim Davis. And Christians and non-Christians alike are slaughtering her name in the media because she had the audacity to stand on the side of God. So perhaps you’re saying… the two stories don’t even match up. Jonah was given an order by God…

Let’s take a journey to Acts 5:27-32

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Should Christians obey the law? Of course… except where it’s contrary to God.

So what is my correlation to this story and Jonah’s. Both stories tell of those sent out to share the gospel which is the responsibility of every saved person, not just preachers. It’s our responsibility to tell the truth of God’s Word. God’s Word says in Romans 1:25-32

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Sound familiar? God gave them and He gave America what they said they wanted. And just as it was for them, so will it be for America that putting a stamp of approval on sin starts a down hill spiral that we’re not prepared for. God did not put His stamp of approval on homosexual marriage and He under no circumstances changed the Word of God to say it was okay. As a Christian it’s my responsibility to spread the TRUTH of the gospel, else it’s a lie. Jonah didn’t care if Nineveh knew the truth until God made him whale puke. I’d rather stay out of the belly of the whale, and apparently so would Kim Davis.

As for her divorces. Those are under the blood because she repented from her sins. She didn’t say they were right, she said she was forgiven. Just as a homosexual can be forgiven for living contrary to God’s plan. But how will they know to repent if “good Christian people”, who don’t want to offend them, are telling them it’s okay? They won’t. And that’s why there’s gonna be some serious whale puke across America. It’s not pretty… but it’s the gospel.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Have you made your mark?

Written by talk2shari Published August 29, 2015August 29, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I have many, many quirks and fetishes in life that makes me the strange person I am. One of them happens to be that I like markers. But not just any markers; I like markers that make a statement. Markers that leave a mark! What a novel idea. I like them bold, every color under the rainbow and I don’t want them to fade. I like my people the same way. Every path I’ve crossed in my life has left some sort of mark on me and I no doubt, even if they don’t appreciate my Sharpie analogy, have left a mark on the lives of others.

I’m sure when Frederick W. Redington and William H. Sanford, Jr. founded Sanford Manufacturing Company in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857 they had no idea that their focus on producing glue and ink would one day explode into the creative masterpieces that have been accomplished by Sharpie artists. I’m likewise sure that when we get to Heaven we’ll have no idea of some of the people that we left a mark on. Apostle Paul told the Romans the Philippians that we were to mark two types of people, so get out your Sharpie dude!

Mark the Trouble Makers

Romans 16:17

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

I can almost guarantee every church has got at least a few. While Apostle Paul’s marks were concerned with “offenses contrary to doctrine,” those who would change God’s Word to suit their own purpose, there are also those who (contrary to scripture) just love trouble. Those who love making statements that are sure to ruffle someone’s feathers, create dissension among the members or are just plain mean! It comes in the form of gossip, criticism, “correction” and oh so often in the form of prayer requests. Whether it’s changing God’s Word or causing God’s Word to be unheard when someone is upset, we need to mark those people and avoid them. While it’s impossible to avoid someone completely in most of our smaller congregations, we don’t have to linger in their presence either. Dispense the Christian niceties of “God bless ya sister or brother,” and move on down the aisle. Don’t give opportunity to fall victim to having your mind taken off the Word of God and placed on something that you likely can do nothing about.

There is the story of days gone by when an “adulteress woman” was marked with the scarlet letter “A” for adulterer. This for me is akin to what Paul is saying, only he didn’t say mark the sinner, he said to mark those who cause division among the saints, because that is serious business. It’s much like having an affair on Christ because you’re breaking His heart.

Mark the Tried and True!

Philippians 3:17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

I’ve been blessed with a Christian lifetime full of “examples.” There’s likely not enough ink in a sharpie to mark those who have walked beside of me and been encouragers of the faith. Paul said to take note of those people, probably because we’ll need them again. I wish that I could send every single person who’s made a mark on my life a red Sharpie, but I’m sure I’d unintentionally miss someone. It’s more important for me to mark them along the way by telling them that I praise God they’re in my life. How about you? Got a Sharpie dude? Start marking!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism

How To Find Strength For the Day

Written by talk2shari Published August 19, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I don’t know how it goes for you on the brink of a new day but for me it goes something like this.

I wake up.
Satan starts messing with my head.
God says, “Shari, come to my room. He’s not allowed in here.”

Where’s God’s room? Just down the hall from mine. It’s a pink door with my name inscribed in gold, there’s also a black door, burgundy door, even a digital door. God’s high tech you know. It’s the Word of God, and in my house it can be found in various colors and forms and in my only preferred version, the King James. That for me is God’s room, the only place that I can make sense of the day and find strength for the day.

The writer of Hebrews said in the last verse of chapter 5, “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.” (vs.14)

Exercised senses? I’ve been in the process of bodily exercise to try to reshape this shape of mine for a few months now and its hard work, especially for this aging woman. But the writer, who is believed by many to be the Apostle Paul, says that the strong meat (the Word of God) belongs to those who are “full age.” Those who have grown up! Those who have used the Word of God in a disciplined fashion to discern (recognize) good from evil.

There is some serious truth in that one verse (and all the verses proceeding and following it) But for the sake of this morning and getting you and I off to a good start let’s just unpack this one verse.

Carrying the Word of God is not for the faint at heart

Just like building muscle takes repetitive strengthening exercises, strengthening the spirit takes spiritual exercise and discipline. Being full of age has nothing to do with the physical age you are, but rather the spiritual age. How much weight can you carry? If the world were to heap a few thousand pounds of grief on you today are you prepared to carry the load? Not unless you own the gospel; and by own the gospel I mean that you walk in the confidence of the Word of God, having read your portion for the day, seeking the wisdom of God that you might walk in His strength.

Using the Word of God is not for the feeble in mind

Discerning good from evil is sometimes the splitting of hairs and at other times it’s the splitting of wood. Both are tedious, one takes focus, the other brute strength. The decisions you face today may take some serious consideration for direction, or the opposition you face today may take great strength to defend yourself. The writer to the Hebrews knew that when he penned verse 14. Many of them were trying to live life being spoon fed the gospel in the form of milk rather than meat.

They probably attended services…well at least once a week. But when they relied on others to give them the Word of God rather than reading and studying for themselves, it was like hiring their exercise out. Wouldn’t that be awesome! Yes, and totally non-beneficial. In many churches the preacher has to be as strong as an ox because he’s doing everyone’s fitness routine! It’s not until the body or day is in crisis that they turn to the Word of God, but because they haven’t picked it up in a month of Sunday’s it’s heavy and hard to understand. If they’d have read it every day the words would have built spiritual strength within them and the trials and troubles they faced could have been fought off with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Glory! That runs joy through my veins to think that in reading and studying even this one verse this morning God has strengthened my spirit!

Good and Evil. They’re both out there and one will win today’s battle. Here’s a few training exercises:

Isaiah 40:28-31 – STRENGTHEN YOURSELF (READ THE WORD)

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – STRENGTHEN OTHERS (SHARE THE WORD)

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

And it never hurts to wear cute exercise outfits! Have a blessed day!

Posted in Life Inspiration, Purpose

Don’t let unexplainable dreams halt God’s undeniable purpose

Written by talk2shari Published August 18, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Restless nights… they’re a rarity for me. I have the gifted ability to fall asleep within minutes of laying down. It perhaps could have something to do with the fact that my overly active mind is either going to stop or explode. I shared a post on Facebook the other day that said “Having a creative mind is like having 2,857 web browsers open all at once.” I laughed… and then sighed. That was me for certain. Another sleep trait of mine is that if I dream, I seldom remember having had them. But not last night… it was a vivid dream with some well-known characters of my past and a few barely known. The setting was my Grandma Vada’s home place where I’d taken my own granddaughter Paityn. We were in an upstairs bedroom that I have such great memories of as a child. Two big ol’ iron beds that we bounced and laughed upon for hours on end; thousands of memories and secrets shared between cousins. But this day as I shared those memories with Paityn, or Princess “P” as we call her, some family members from the past came and halted the visit. I woke up frustrated. My mind reeled as I began to think of how those same family members “finagled” that property out of our family’s lives and that I would never really get to share that special time there with Princess “P”. And then I began to wonder about the power and purpose of that dream… who was behind it?

It seems the supernatural has a super attraction in the word today. What was once a comedic act of the Ghost Busters is today considered “science.” I’d roll my eyes but it would lose affect. Why is it that we’ll put stock in everything but the truth! People will believe that spirits can speak to them from another realm, but absolutely refuse to put any stock in the fact that the Creator of the Heaven and earth can speak to the hearts of man. They’ll seek a soothsayer to interpret a dream or put great stock in Sunday’s horoscope, and yet the Bible full of prophecies fulfilled and promises never broken is considered an antiquated outdated book. Insert another eye roll here. Seriously? So again I question my dream. Why now did these people that I had long since stopped allowing to inundate my thoughts, invade my sleep? I stopped it right there. Why would I waste a second of time on a chapter in my life that had long since had the epilogue complete? Because Satan could distract my mind from the things in life that I have begun to write a prologue to. You see… God has some plans for my life that I’ve been thinking on a great deal lately, and I think Satan is feeling a little left out.

Dreams are very intimate events. If it’s something that captivates your mind when you awake it’s usually because it’s something meaningful at your very core. And Satan is so very good at core’s… Just ask Eve. I won’t put any stock in something that disturbs me as a sign from God.

1 John 4:1 says Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

And it is clear from Galatians 5:22 that the Spirit of God is not sent to trouble the mind when it says “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” So if there is a spirit troubling your soul who do you think is in charge of it? These thing are heavy on my heart because I see so many people giving over to a spirit in their lives that troubles their soul

Spirits like:

Hurt
Sorrow
Fear
Anger
Bitterness
Envy
Pride
Slander
Jealousy
Murmuring
Backbiting

Oh that list could go on for miles, anything that stirs strife in your soul and takes your mind off of the things of God.

If I had allowed my mind this morning to give place to the thoughts that I awoke with, I can guarantee you the spiritual plans I have had on my agenda for today would have been washed away by the rain outside my window.

It doesn’t have to be a dream. You can be standing flat footed and wide awake and Satan will remind you of something that immediately causes strife in your soul. Again the scripture says in Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

So when it comes to the spirit world (which is very real) don’t open up an avenue to Satan and his minions by thinking on or exploring “their” realm. God isn’t involved with them, so why would you want to be? Those who dabble with darkness just might get more than they bargained for.

Philippians 4:8

Finally,brethren, whatsoever things are true,whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever thingsare just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoeverthings are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

SOUND ADVICE FROM THE SOUNDEST OF SOURCES.

Don’t let unexplainable dreams halt God’s undeniable purpose.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration

How to be Fashionably Late

Written by talk2shari Published August 10, 2015August 10, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I have a friend or two and a relative or two who are most usually late for meetings and events. It’s not that they’re irresponsible or forgetful, they are some of the most responsible and intellectual people I know… it’s just that their prep time is longer than usual. Perhaps they need prompters to help them along. I’m about to take Mark 2 in places it may have never gone before, and for some of my Bible Scholar friends, they may prefer not to travel this road with me at all. But it’s on my mind today.

I love it when a preacher speculates about the story around the story; adlibbing conversations that may or may not, most likely did not, occur around a biblical event. My nephew Robert preached on Mark 2 last night at his home church, and he just wowed his ol’ Aunt Shari at what an amazing work God is doing in his life. Isn’t that the kind of work that God always does? Amazing!

This morning that scripture is still heavy on my heart, but not in the context that Robert preached it… I’m thinking about the story of the four men who carried their friend to church from an entirely different perspective.

Fashionably Loud

Mark 2:1-3

And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

What a church service! Loud, crowded and the roof blown off. That’s just how I like mine.

Why is it that ¾ (or greater) of the churches in America feel the need to sit and soak… or sulk. They’re more resemble a funeral than praise and worship. What part of “Worship” hour did you not understand when you arrived at church. I’d rather see someone late and loud, than on time and dead. I love seeing people so desperate to see God move that they’re willing to take extreme measures to make it happen. So they got there late… I’m sure it was not an easy task for the four of them to carry this guy from his home. Nor is it always easy for that Momma or Daddy to get their brood bundled up and on their way. When they finally got there they were likely hot and tired, not willing to wait any longer. They were late enough! There’s got to be another way in… “Hey nobody’s using the roof!”

Fashionably Lead

Mark 2:4-5

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

The man sick of the palsy could not get himself to Jesus, so his 4 friends not only lead the way up they broke it up. They were desperate to get to him to the Lord and they didn’t care how big of a scene it created. Sometimes it’s necessary for leadership to make a scene in order to get things stirred up and the Spirit moving. How far are you willing to go to hear the Lord say to your friend “thy sins be forgiven thee.”

Fashionably loose

Mark 2:12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

And thus where my thought derived from this morning. They’d never saw it in that fashion. What fashion? I expect that he not only walked… he walked with style. Possibly what they’d call a swagger. He may have even danced a jig. There’s something about a new convert that can be visibly seen, if they’re lucky it never fades. Well… I don’t want to say lucky, let’s use the word blessed! When you’ve been bound by sickness or sin either one, and you’re suddenly free of it you understand the value of being “loose.” It changes the way you walk and talk and people notice. You have the freedom to speak and act with boldness!

Are you a fashionista? Are you loud, are you a leader, are you loose? (in the godly way of course.) Let’s make some noise for Jesus today!

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

5 Ways to Chase Your Dreams

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

Get God’s approval

1 Samuel 30:8 ~ And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

Pursuing a dream is in many ways like going to battle, especially in American where we have so many options to dream about. Young people today have choices galore to wade through and determine the right choice for them. Even with a little age, we have choices. So how do we know the right direction? David “enquired at the Lord,” whether or not to pursue the enemy. Times and options may change, but the methods of the Lord have never changed. Before pursuing the enemy, or a career, time in prayer should be at hand, and even that may be a battle. For five years I’ve known the direction God wanted me to go, but circumstances and indecision has kept me from pursuing it to the degree I believe is God’s design.

A friend once said, pray and make a decision, if you have peace, it’s right; if not, pray again and listen more intently. For five years I’ve ever only had peace doing two things, writing and speaking, and yet I’ve continued to attempt every other avenue. Crazy right?

Family First

Genesis 14:14 ~ And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

God had blessed Abraham, Genesis 13:2 says that “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” He was living the life. God had given him more than he’d ever imagined. He had given Lot far more than a fair share as well; but Lot’s dream turned into a nightmare when he ended up in the Bible’s version of Vegas and held captive by the enemy. Abraham would have been within his rights to tell Lot “You got yourself into that mess, get yourself out.” But he did not. He gathered an army and went and went on a rescue mission. Abraham put family first.

Even in the will of God it’s easy to get caught up in the dream and leave a line of casualties of war at the house; especially if you’re a success driven person. Only to realize later that success cost far too much, and those that mattered most suffered greatly in your absence or at your hand. Family is too high a price to pay for success, and it will never be God’s will.

Expect opposition

Exodus 14:8

And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

It was certainly the will of God for Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt. He had the signs and a “high hand” leading the way! But that didn’t stop the opposition. To think that the will of God is smooth sailing is to set yourself up for an unprepared attack. Moses kept going, never looking back with a desire for Egypt, and keeping an ear to God’s guidance, trusting that each step had been planned by God in advance for success.

Psalm 37:23 says that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” God’s plan is in action, we just need to follow it. The enemy is there, but God has a plan for him too: 1 Samuel 25:29 ~ Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.

Keep your eye on the Prize

Proverbs 28:1

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

When you’ve discovered the will of God for your life, and He’s set that desire deep within your heart, don’t fear. Someone out of the will of God will be in constant fear that someone or something is going to take away what they’ve worked for (or perhaps haven’t worked for.) But in the will of God, when you know that the Lord is on your side, you can roar with the boldness of a lion knowing that you may not be king of the jungle, but you know Who is. God’s will is a confidence builder, regardless of what anyone else says or believes. God believes in you!

Never Sell Out

Psalm 34:14 – Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

You’ll never have peace in ill-gotten gain and God will never lead you into something immoral which would ruin your testimony. If something like that is before you, you’re definitely going the wrong direction! The world would have you believe that getting there is the goal, regardless of the method. But the goal is n getting there, it’s the mission field along the road. And when you get “there”, there’s still another “there,” that God has intended. He never stops moving you forward with a purpose in life.

At the worst time in Job’s life he shared a wealth of wisdom that the world would be better for. He’d lost his family, and his three friends were battling for the “worst friend of the year award.” But he gave them this advice: Job 13:25 ~ Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?

Along your road to success, take care of the weak. Don’t knock them out of your path or break them like a twig to get yourself into a better position. God won’t bless that either. But what He will bless is the testimony of a child of God who has the compassion of Christ all along the journey.

This study did my soul good this morning! I hope it did yours too! Let me know if it did, I’d love to hear from you.

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