Tag: inspiration

Posted in Christian Service

The Toll Life Takes

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Toll Life Takes

I didn’t realize the toll it would take on my life to get out of step with Christ. By out of step I mean to lose stride and rhythm with Christ. Where I lost focus on the work of the Lord and my Conversations and requests for direction were less and less. I might take a few steps, and then I’d grow weary and sit down for a while. When I’d try to serve Him, I’d fail miserably, serving half hearted most of the time. It didn’t happen over night, it was a process of years, which, if we know anything about life at all, that’s how one falls out of things. You just gradually stop participating until you don’t realize it, but what was once an important piece of your life, isn’t even on the radar anymore. 

That’s where I’ve been spiritually. I cannot cast blame on anyone, because I should have known better. I’ve walked this same path for 26 years. And perhaps that’s the problem, the path got too familiar and there was no longer any surprises along the way. 

So this Sunday, I attended a different church, not a new church, it’s been around for a hundred years or so, but new to me. I sat in a new Sunday School Class, a new worship service, a new parking lot. I won’t say that it was uncomfortable, because I knew the people, but their methods of Sunday Schools class and worship were not what I was accustomed to. I was excited for the new adventure, but like a child on their first day at a new school, I had trepidations that I wouldn’t fit in. There’d be no room at the cool kids table. They’d think I was weird, or talk about me. Those two things probably happened, because it’s a small town, and I am pretty weird, and there would be questions as to why I wasn’t in my same spot that I’ve been in for 26 years. And that’s okay, because people are curious. And I figured if anyone cared enough to listen to today’s pod cast, they’d have the opportunity to find out. And then they can share with the others. 

But that’s not the point of this podcast, the point is to talk about understanding the toll your spiritual life takes on your secular life. Unless you’re full time ministry you generally have two walks. They should coincide, but in this world they often don’t. For many of the years since my salvation, I considered my secular jobs as a sideline to the ministry. God had placed me in those positions to show others the light of Christ. When I began the Ridgeview News, I struggled with how that would connect with the ministry. I by no means would deny my faith, but I also wanted to report the news from the truth perspective (which is certainly biblical) but I  wanted to keep my spiritual opinions out of it. When I just couldn’t manage that, I’d call it an editorial or opinion piece and let them know from the onset that I was speaking from a Christian perspective. 

But then I started struggling spiritually. I wasn’t happy with myself, I wasn’t happy with the people I ministered with, and that was also reflective in how I conducted myself in the world. Where I once had great joy discussing my walk with Christ, I now had nothing to say. At home I would spin into a pit of depression, when I was out with people I would cover it up with pleasantries and idle conversation. I no longer had a desire to do anything creative and anytime I did, I would critique until it usually ended up in the trash. I began going through the steps of being a publisher and failing miserably at the only opportunity I had to make money. I did what was necessary, but nothing more. 

And then it happened. I left my ministry of 26 years, (which hadn’t really been a ministry of mine for a few years). For a few months prior to leaving, I was in and out of services for various reasons, mostly just not wanting to deal with the pain. It’s painful to leave a ministry you’ve been in for as long as I was. I was comfortable there for years. I was at the cool kids table and people cared what I had to say. And then they didn’t. And over time I realized that I was unproductive in that place and needed to go. And so I did. 

Now, this is where I realized the toll my spiritual walk had taken on my life. It wasn’t that there was a great revelation discovered at the new church I was attending. What there was, was an old revelation rediscovered inside me. I walked into a different ministry that did things differently and I wasn’t responsible for any of it. I was going to have to find a place I could serve and the Lord and a new Pastor, who first made sure I was making a prayerful decision in coming to his church. And he said the magic words that stirred my heart and soul. He said, “come and heal, and come and serve.” 

The reason I had gotten out of step with Christ was because I was wounded in the battle and I was walking around with pain. All of us likely know how difficult it is when a part of your body is physically broken. It makes the function of day to day activities terrible. It’s no different when your spiritual body is broken. Because of the pain I was in, I was unable to focus. 

A bible character I relate to often is Peter. Peter lost focus so many times. Such as the time that Jesus bid him to come and walk on the water, and he did it! And then he didn’t and he began to sink and cried out in fear. 

That Sinking Feeling

Matthew 14:25-31 KJV

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. [27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

That sinking feeling. Do you remember the times you felt it in your heart that even though you knew you were doing your best, you still felt overwhelmed like you were about to drown. That feeling generally happens when you thought you could do something, but it just didn’t work out the way you intended.  

That’s what happens with so many of us in our spiritual walk and in our daily lives. We start out walking good, but if we get our focus off Jesus, and we begin to walk alone, we start to sink. Losing focus happens when outside sources attack us. For Peter it was the waves. He noticed them after he got out of the boat. What if he had been prepared for the waves. What if he knew that his feet were going to feel a little wobbly and the waves might actually throw him off balance. But he didn’t think of that, he just thought He and Jesus were going to walk on the water. Peter was also alone on the water… that’s kind of where I was at in the ministry. I wasn’t working with people in the ministry, everyone I had worked with were gone, I was just out there flailing by myself. Being alone is not where you wan to be in life, and especially in the ministry. You’ve got to have a support around you so that when you feel like you’re sinking someone will grab your hand and pull you out of the water. 

That Feeling of Denial

Peter and I have a second thing in common, Not appreciating reality. 

Matthew 16:21-23 KJV

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. [22] Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. [23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

I’d have been as stupid as Peter was. I too would have told the Lord, don’t be ridiculous, You’re not going to die. You’re Jesus! I would not have liked that plan. But it was God’s plan and Jesus did have to die. 

I want everything in life to be roses and sunshine. But deed, that’s just not how life is. So when life in the ministry began to get difficult, my solution was to ignore it. Let’s just pretend that everything is fine. By the time I realized it wasn’t fine, I was falling apart. I had not only lost focus, I had lost purpose. When Jesus came to earth, born of a virgin, He had a few years of enjoying much of life. He had a family, friends, and a wonderful work in the ministry. But the purpose of His life on earth was to prepare for the cross. My purpose is to take that truth and tell others. To lead them to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, or, if they’re saved, to encourage them in their walk. It’s hard to be the encourager when you’re discouraged. 

By not facing the reality that I was not in a good place in my ministry, and that God was maybe giving me some news I didn’t want to hear, my purpose was lost. If not lost, for certain it was off track or out of step. 

That Feeling of Failure 

I’ve said it before, (stealing it from someone else) I’m not going to cuss, but if someone would write them down, I’d point to them. Well, if truth be told, I might of well have said them because they’ve ran through my mind lately. I would get so frustrated with both my spiritual life and that of the world that I didn’t say any bad words out loud, but I assure you they went through my mind. Can you imagine how Peter felt, when cursed having denied Christ for the third time, and hearing the rooster crow, how much of a failure he felt he was. That’s how we all feel when we mess up, or life doesn’t go as planned.

Matthew 26:69-75 KJV

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. [70] But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. [71] And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. [72] And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. [73] And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. [74] Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. [75] And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

I hate not being productive. Whether it’s my fault or just the way life happens, I need to see some proof in the pudding for encouragement to go on. It’s like when a team is losing the game and you’re on the sideline. Even if you’re not the best player, you need to do something to help. That’s how I had been feeling in the ministry. I felt as if the game was going on around me and I was sidelined. 

I’m also one of those people that needs to be in the thick of it. 

Peter had been side by side with Jesus in the ministry. But now, to be by His side would have meant being killed. His other friends in the ministry were no where to be found either. Except John, you know, Jesus’ favorite one. So he’s sidelined. He’s frustrated and panicked and he’s not thinking clearly. Jesus told him that he’d deny him but he never believed it was true. 

If you would have asked me a few years ago, if I could foresee myself falling away from the ministry I would have told you no, not ever! But there I was. 

That feeling of Excitement

It’s my first week in a different ministry. I’m coming out of the ministry slump that I was in. My mind is going places it hasn’t been in a while. Reading and studying the word of God with direction, thinking about ways to grow my ministry in and out of the church. Finding a place to serve and wondering what doors God might open. This happened when I stepped out of a place where I had grown stagnant from lack of use. This is a warning to every Pastor out there. If you’ve got good people, willing to work, don’t let them set idle. One of two things will happen, they’ll either become like every other dead weight Christian in the church that sits in the pew on Sunday and listens without reaction, or God will react by moving them out of your congregation and into one where they’ll be used. If they’re a Christian worth a grain of salt, they’ll not just drop out of church, that’s a warning to those who feel uncompelled to do anything in their church. Don’t use that as an excuse to fall out on God. Because He deserves way more. And so do you. 

God bless you, and get excited for Jesus!  

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Posted in Christian Service, Praise

Asking the Question, Who Am I Lord?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Asking the Question, Who Am I Lord?

I remember my early years in Calhoun County, at the tender age of 9ish, of God speaking to my heart. I remember hearing the word Armageddon, and the Bible warnings of wars to come and feeling a deep fear in my heart. I knew only enough to be fearful; but the fear faded and I went on with my little girl thoughts and ways. I remember that fear coming back off and on through my pre-salvation life. I remember playing church as a young adult and having no understanding whatsoever about who God was or who I was. I didn’t understand why (at the time) I had such struggles and heartache in my life. I was never told I was lost, I was never told I was saved, not so much as I could remember. Not in those terms. But I knew I wasn’t right with God.

Scroll forward through a few decades to 1996 when I had my first God encounter as an adult. I sat in the back row of a new church, listening to the gospel for what felt like the very first time in my life, although it wasn’t. It was just the first time that I actually heard and received the Word into the depth of that little girl heart. I was in awe. Week after week I wept, I worshipped and wondered why that experience had never come before? I felt the power of God working in me and through me and suddenly I became somebody. 

That sounds arrogant right?

I wasn’t anybody in the world, but I was somebody in the Kingdom. God placed people in my life who literally spoon fed me the gospel until I could take it with a fork. And then with a knife and fork, cutting the meat of the word apart and discerning it for myself. And I, like David in the book of Chronicles, thought, “Who am I Lord?”

“Who am I, O LORD God:” –  1 Chronicles 17:16b

Who Am I

I had been a nobody my entire life; fading into the background of family, friends, school, church… Even as loud and as obnoxious as I am, I felt as if I was no more than an annoyance to the people around me. But then God came into my heart and I was somebody. I felt as if I had purpose for the first time in my life. 

I’ve told the story several times before of standing with my hairbrush microphone as a child, but I wasn’t singing like most kids, I was talking. I had something to say. That was a dream I had, but had no concept of it ever coming to fruition. So when I began to speak, and I witnessed that dream come to pass, I felt David’s words in my soul “Who am I Lord, that the God of the universe would use me to speak for Him?” 

I have no grand illusion that I am of the caliber of David, but in that same scope I also understand what a big deal it is that God speaks to me just as He did David. And to you for that matter! I’m not God’s favorite, although sometimes He makes me feel like it. 

David’s worship and prayer had came on the heels of God telling him “No,” to building the tabernacle. He tells David that the tabernacle will come through the earthly kingdom of his son, and it does when Solomon built the most magnificent of houses for the Lord. David doesn’t pout and ask God why, but rather praises and worships Him for allowing himself to be a part of the purpose. 

Are you a part of the purpose? Is God using you, whether now, or through what your building to build His kingdom? 

When I thought of speaking as a little girl, speaking for God wasn’t on my mind. I speak of the current trend or random thought that I had. Something goofy that had nothing to do with anything of a spiritual sort. I also had a desire to sing, but God never allowed me to utter a public solo note until I was ready to be used in His service. And I knew it. I knew that God had set me aside and although I could sing the Eagle’s hit song “You can’t hide your Lyin’ eyes” and people would go on as to how they enjoyed it, it didn’t mean anything compared to standing before God’s people and worshiping Him with them. It wasn’t about me. I also knew (before anyone thinks it) that I wasn’t the greatest singer in the world. But that didn’t matter either. I was somebody in the Kingdom of God. And so are you. 

O LORD, for thy servants sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness in making known all these great things. O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. – I Chronicles 17:19-20

You are God

It makes me want to puke when I hear anyone reference any other ‘god’ besides the one true God. Because I know that if He would speak to a nobody like me at the age of 9, He has no doubt spoken to every heart on this planet, and they know. They may deny Him, but they know. He gave them the same opportunity He gave me, but for what ever reason the allowed the demonic side of this earth to win out in their minds. 

There are people who would read that and be so offended that I dare say they’re controlled by a demonic force, but it doesn’t take the truth away. If you’re not God’s then you are theirs. 

1 John 2:22 KJV

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

I belonged to that demonic force before 1996. That is why, like King David I’m amazed that God pulled me out of it and used me. Because even now I’m unworthy, but I’m covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Even now, there are sins in my life but they’re forgiven. All sins, past, present and future. They are not justified. I am justified through Christ. God doesn’t see my sin, He sees His Son. In that I stand amazed. 

Three in One

A concept that is almost, if not entirely impossible to understand pre-salvation is the Trinity of God. But through the Spirit, it not only becomes understood, it becomes experienced.

When I pray to God in Heaven, I feel Him.

When I read His Word I feel Him.

When I worship Him in word or song, I feel Him.

God is meant to be experienced and the more we experience Him, the more deeper connection we have with the Trinity. You know He’s watching you, you know when you hold the Bible in your hand it is Him through His word, and His Spirit will absolutely make your heart go pitter patter when the Spirit wants to show out! 

1 John 5:7-15 KJV

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. [9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. [10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. [13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. [14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

For 26 years, I’ve served God in countless capacities. Speaker, writer, singer, youth ministry, nursing home ministry, women’s ministry, evangelist… There were times I felt as if I was being sidelined and my heart broke… I’ve been there for a few years now. But through the faithfulness and encouragement of friends and ministry affiliates such Dewey Moede, who I have served with for 11 years, I’ve stayed put, knowing that the promises God gave that nine year old girl, he would never renege. I may be old… but I still have dreams. Dewey is 67, and he still has dreams. My friend and ministry goal, Doyle Ballengee, died at the age of 80, as excited as a new convert, it never got old for him. Lord, let it be so for me. 

Who am I? I am Yours, Lord.

Posted in Church attendance, Church Unity, Word of God, worship

Somebody’s got to be the Bad Guy

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Somebody’s got to be the Bad Guy

For almost 61 years I have been the type person that wanted to make people at the very least smile, and if possible laugh. I love hearing laughter! But I am so outspoken, so opinionated in what I believe that I sometimes leave people with a scowl, but seldom a face of indifference. I have friends who are much the same. My friend Steve Boggs has made people laugh, and he too has made people not so happy when he shared the truth of the Word of God. 

He was bringing a devotion to a group of friends the other day and as he closed his message out, he referenced the harshness of the truth to people in the world. And he said “Hey, Somebody’s got to be the bad guy.”

Ain’t it the truth!  I couldn’t get my mind away from that thought. Kermit the Frog has a song titled “It not easy being green.” Well it’s not easy being red either (meaning conservative). Although I guess I’m a little red neck too, but for the sake of this post, we’ll say it stands for conservative and more than anything else, I want to be biblical. The Bible in no way shape or form aligns with what’s going on in the world today. Republican or Democrat. And there are many who say they believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God, except they change the very definition of it when the won’t stand on what it says. On both the Republican and Democrat sides of the isle. So let’s just agree to be biblical!

God’s not political. But we live in a political world and need to do the best we can to defend God’s word and point people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. So we have to take a stand, and it often makes a Christian the bad guy. Because most everyone in the world wants you to, at the very least, not oppose them. You don’t have to agree, but for Pete’s sake never tell them they’re wrong.

Praise God that we have an example like the Apostle Paul who tells the Galatian in Chapter 4:23 “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”

The Galatians were once again listening to the Jewish leadership who wanted to keep them in bondage to the law. But Paul, serving and preaching Christ, warns them of how that method keeps them in bondage. But to follow the salvation of Christ, (which is never through works but faith alone) allows them to live free, forgiven, without the need to “do” anything. Should that not be good news? 

As Christians, we’re to share that message. Jesus forgives, Jesus saves, Jesus frees. But the world hears it as “I can’t be who I want to be.” 

Nope. You can be better!

Paul tells his friends in verse 21 of that same chapter “Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?”

Can you Hear What You’ve Accepted as Truth?

While nobody who has accepted the current liberal way of thinking would say they’re accepting the law (more than likely that is how they see us.) But what they’re accepting is very much what the Jewish leadership wanted from the people of Galatia. Just do what we say, and question nothing. The law has said that we have to march to the politically correct drum, giving special rights to those who make truth a lie – –  if not we’re in violation. Anyone with any sense knows that babies are born either male or female. That’s not up for debate. But the world has made it a new truth. There is nothing new under the sun, scripture says that too.

The world says truth is subjective. Nope. If it is based on feelings or emotions, it’s absolutely not truth. I can feel differently every day of the week. Truth is fact. Not anything is up for debate.

Paul goes on to tell the Galatians of the Old Testament story of Abraham. Who had two children, one with Sarah his wife, after he had one with Hagar his bond maid.  The child he had with Hagar was born into bondage, a child of the flesh, the child that was born to Sarah was the child of promise. The child of freedom. 

Can you hear What you’ve accepted as Law?

Paul said in verses 22-23

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Hagar’s son Ishmael mocked Issac the son of Sarah. Can you hear the mocking of the Christian faith today?

Genesis 21:8-12 KJV

And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. [9] And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. [10] Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. [11] And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son. [12] And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

It is hard for us to comprehend Old Testament ways. Throwing a child and his mother out into the cold, how would a loving God justify that? God knew what the future held for the children of Israel, the legitimate offspring of Abraham. Those born of the promise. They would have to face centuries of persecution, death and ridicule by the the ancestors of Ishmael. We know those ancestors today to be of Iraq. We also know their laws… We know that they have a fraction of the freedom we have, and yet we provide more defense for their religion than our faith. A religion that murders without penalty and abuses without retribution. Why would people want that for their children? Can they not see what they have accepted as law.

Who Hindered you from the Truth? 

Paul told the people what they did not want to hear. He played the bad guy so that he could save the people from themselves. 

Galatians 5:1-8 KJV

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. [5] For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. [7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? [8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

I’ll be the bad guy if it saves my friends. I’m trying to get you to see and accept what Jesus Christ did on the cross as the finished work. I’m trying to get you to see that when you read the word of God, the truth is not up for debate, nor is it up to private interpretation. And if you read it, the Spirit reveals to you the truth to make you free.

I know this to be fact because God has revealed the word to me again and again. Don’t believe the lie of the Devil that says you can’t understand the Bible. The King Jame Version, (the version I use) is written in a way that children can understand. There are far more complex words in the newer versions of the Bible, many of which change the definition entirely of the scripture. 

Before anyone calls outspoken Christians the bad guy, you should first read the Bible for yourself.

Glenn Beck, of Blaze TV, asked for prayer the other day for Tucker Carlson. Carlson is the recently fired, very well known host of Fox News. So well known he was the number one news show on the air. So why would they fire him? Because he refused to stop telling the truth. But that’s not the reason Glenn asked for prayer. He asked for prayer because Tucker, as a devout Episcopalian, confessed that he had never read the Bible. “It’s not encouraged in their faith,” he said. But in an effort to understand spiritual matters he had taken it upon himself to read it. And he’s amazed. He’s soaking it in like a sponge and has fallen in love with the Word of God. Isn’t that amazing?! Imagine the reach that Tucker Carlson has and what he could do with the truth of God. He does need prayer. 

But what about our reach. What about every single person you come into contact with? What if that’s only a couple of family members? Well, do you want them to go Hell or are you willing to risk the offense of telling them about Jesus? Nobody will be calling you the bad guy for hurting their feelings when they’re in Heaven!

Posted in Uncategorized

How to Know Jesus is Moving

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to Know Jesus is Moving

I want to share with you the Word of the Lord that really encouraged me in the place that I’m in. And that place is not just Grantsville, WV, although that’s my home town, the place that I’m in is Heaven.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Christ is entered into heaven as the forerunner, to take possession of it for his people, in their name; and to prepare mansions of glory for them, and in these we sit. We sit there already through Him. That is where we find pleaseure, rest, safety and security. You can’t find that in this world. 

But I’ve been in a position recently that has caused me to question a great many things. But God is faithful. I am not. I’ll run from God and run from the Holy Spirit if I feel it’s a struggle I’m not ready for. But whom ever it was that coined the phrase “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it,” knew what they were saying.

So when I finally made a decision to move out of the place that I was in and move forward, things started happening. Peace began to come. The battle didn’t become any easier, but it became manageable. God began to guide me by taking me on a journey through the Word, through music, through all the things that I had relied on for so many years. 

There was joy in the journey for me today. 

When Apostle Paul got saved, I would venture a guess that there were many people who questioned his ministry. Was it real? He had been previously killing Christians? Why was He such a zealot? I can understand that one…Because he came from dead religion and he knew where he was headed!  It’s no wonder that people questioned his sincerity, but it didn’t change the truth that Paul had the power of God on him and the ability to preach Christ. To those who really knew him, they knew God had chosen him for a specific ministry, a ministry to the Gentiles. 

So it causes me to question myself, Who is my ministry too? Is it to a select group, like women, or children? Is it to all people? Is it through music, the written word, the spoken word… there are so many avenues to take. Which one Lord? Did Paul question his? No… I think he simply went where the Spirit lead. And when he got there, he joyed in his journey too and there was movement in the community. 

There is Movement When There’s Real Warriors

Paul faced persecution and unhappy religious people in Acts 17:6 where it says  “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. 

Not only did Paul face persecution but it caused his friends to get caught up in it as well. Paul and his ministering buddies had turned the world upside down. Would to God we would move that way today!  When you find ministering people who realize the battle we’re in they are true warriors for Christ. They understand our role of bringing the word to the people even in the face of adversity. 

Turning the world upside down happened in Paul’s day, I believe it happened again in the 1730-40’s in England during the great awakening. Throughout America and England in the mid 1800’s. Again in Chicago in 1875-1885. The Welsh Revivals in the early 1900’s, and through Billy Sunday and Billy Graham throughout the 1900s at various times. What brought on those Revivals? Were they in a honeymoon period of life. No… There was a movement because times were changing. Life was hard and people needed hope. Can you see the relevance today and the need for warriors for Christ’s Word. 

There is Movement When the Real Word is being spoken

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so. 

Luke, Paul and their friends were taking the community by storm. The people were hungry for the word and they were searching the scripture with a mind ready to soak it in like a sponge. Are we that hungry? I love preaching. If I had to choose between the two, I’d choose the Word of God any day over music. Even though I love music. It all has a place in the ministry but it should all point us to the Word of God and Jesus Himself. One should not replace the other. But if the church does not have a hunger for the word of God, something is wrong. I don’t care how many times I’ve read it, every time I read it, it’s as if it were the first. There’s a new application or clarity that appears and my soul is stirred with a desire to know more. 

When the word takes root in your soul, there is also a desire that should run through you to do something with it. Not just sit and soak. But soak and serve. We are not given knowledge to horde it like a pack rat. We have a responsibility like Paul to take that word somewhere. It needs to move from the church house, from the recliner,  where ever it is that you’ve read it or heard it, it needs to move from there to the ears of someone else. Maybe it’s the Sunday dinner table. Maybe it’s breakfast at the restaurant with friends, perhaps to a ten year old that’s got questions about faith. But move with the Word of God.

There is Movement When there’s Real Worship

Acts 17:23-28 KJVS

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. [24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; [26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; [27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Glory! We are the children of God. While the world follows false idols and false ways, those of us who know God, found Him even in the darkness. I wasn’t even looking for Him when I found Him. I was a part of dead religion and thought I knew Him. But we can feel Him, like a blind man feels to find his way. God was never far away, even in our most lost state, He was just waiting for us to call out His name. And He’s still waiting for those who have yet to do it. That’s what this life is about… us showing others to the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s our job. Every child of God has the responsibility to share Jesus with those they come into contact with. It’s a divine appointment that should not be shrugged off or handed off to someone else. 

Those people who were worshipping the false gods wanted an experience that can only be had through the Spirit of the One true God. Once you experience true worship, you know that anything you had prior to that pales in comparison. Why there are dead Christians, I don’t know. I’ve really tried to figure that out. Are they lost? No, I don’t believe they’re lost. But there is certainly something missing for them if they’ve not felt the movement of the Holy Spirit in their life. 

Are you asking what it feels like to feel the power of God moving? For me, my heart rate speeds up.  There is joy that feels like it is being poured like oil into my soul. It has caused me to weep uncontrollably, and believe me I tried to control it because I hate drawing attention to myself. I have seen it work through other people the same way and different ways, but I knew God was moving in their life. I didn’t know what He was doing, but I knew He was doing something. It was a worship experience. That’s what the movement of God does. 

If you’ve not experienced Him like that, I’m sorry. I pray you do. God desires His people to experience worship because that worship is us thanking and praising Him for all He’s done. I think it’s why people like me received the worship experience early in my walk with Christ and it never left, because I know how much gratitude I have (which is not enough) but I am so very thankful for God bringing me out of dead religion, a headed for Hell life and never having had peace until I experienced salvation. 

Do you know Him? Do you have that peace? If not, please, message me, let me tell you how I came to know Him. 

For more information about me, Shari Johnson, the Jesus Chick, check out the TheJesusChick.com, Ridgeviewnews.com or FGGAM.org, You’ll find my information and much more there. If you’d like to send a message send it via email to talk2shari@gmail.com or message me at 3043776036.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian, Church Unity, Evangelism, Praisee, Purpose, salvation, worship

For All that’s Wrong, There’s Plenty that’s Right

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on For All that’s Wrong, There’s Plenty that’s Right

Have you ever been spiritually frustrated? Or should I ask “When’s the last time you were spiritually frustrated?” If you’ve walked the path of faith for any length of time at all, and by that I mean greater than 15 minutes, you’ve no doubt experienced it. But one would think that the longer and further you’ve walked, provided you’ve clung to the Rock, you would experience frustrations less. I have met very few (if any) people who don’t struggle.

I have witnessed those who get in a big way of talking and and say that they got in the face of the Devil and said “You’re a liar Satan, and I rebuke you in the name of Jesus to get out of my life.” And then according to their testimony, he did. I’ll just tell you from my stand point, I’m going to let God do the rebuking of Satan, because any time I’ve tried it, Satan has came at me that much harder. I’m not always sure it’s Satan I should be giving the credit to for the hard times any way, I’m sure I am often to blame. But struggles come and go and with them, many conversations with God.

So as I read through the short book of Habakkuk following a funeral yesterday, his words struck a chord in my soul.

Watch and See

Habakkuk 2:1 KJVS
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Have I been watching? Have I had any desire to see what the Lord has to say about the recent frustrations in my life? I have to ask myself that honestly. I tell you often that I am quick to ask and slow to listen. It’s as if I’m a toddler who looks at a parent right before they stick their hand in the fire and then is shocked with the result. Other times it’s like the child who falls and scrapes their knee and screams bloody murder because a parent wants to put medicine on it, only to discover the medicine took away the pain. Watch and see…

Habakkuk looked high, he didn’t look low. He did not seek man’s advice but went to the One and only capable of answering. He didn’t stir the masses up with his problems and he didn’t assume that Judah wasn’t the problem. He only knew that God would take care of them some how. He asked and then he listened. Hmmm… I could learn.

What He Will Say

When the Lord answers He gives Habakkuk an instruction.

Habakkuk 2:2 KJVS
[2] And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Write it down. And here we are over 2500 years later, reading the words that he wrote that God continues to speak through. That’s amazing! God told Habakkuk to write down the vision, a plan for the future and Habakkuk listened to his Lord’s words. God was sending a warning out to the people that judgement was going to come. It’s still true today. Sometimes it’s swift, but as it was in the day of this text sometimes God waits for a while to bring everything to fruition so that it can be understood and work for His glory.

I hate to wait. I have a microwave mentality most of the time. But if I think about the fire of an oven in comparison to the artificial heat of a microwave, the baking result is vastly different. It’s always better in the oven. Slower… but oh so good.

Wait for it

Habakkuk 2:3-4 KJVS

[3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Waiting requires trust. Trust that come what may, it’s for my good.

This chapter records God’s answers to the questions that challenged Habakkuk’s faith: (1) How long would evil prevail (1:2-3)? (2) Why was Babylon chosen to punish Judah (1:13)? God said that the judgment against evil, though slow to come, was certain. And though God used Babylon to punish Judah, God also knew Babylon’s sins and would punish it in due time.

But what are we to do in the wait? For me I think I should consider what my role in these battles has been. Facing the reality that I could be the problem or at the very least a part of it. Habakkuk didn’t go up and get his answer and then storm down because God’s truth wasn’t what he wanted. He accepted God’s truth that there were those whose soul’s were not upright. Does that happen today? That the souls of even God’s people are not always upright? The flesh is a very real adversary in the life of a Christian. Turning control of your frustrations and desires over to God and trusting Him to fix it isn’t easy.

The Answer…

Habakkuk 3:2 KJVS
O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Revive thy work. That is the answer. I skirted all around it, trying to make far more out of Habakkuk’s message than needed to be. What I love about God’s word, among many things, is the simplicity of His speech. I often don’t go to the word because I too am afraid of God’s answer. I assume that even though the balm He’s about to put on my wound is for my own good, it’s going to be like Merthiolate. That bright reddish orang medicine our parents would put on a raw wound that burned like fire! But it is not. It’s a salve of goodness to the soul.

Revive thy work. The works trumps everything. Every little issue, every big issue on this earth means nothing in the scope of the work that the Christian is supposed to be doing. If we lose sight of that, then souls go to Hell.

I had a sermon from 2013 outlined in my bible from Habakkuk 3:17-19 that spoke to me again.

My notes said thus…

Yet I will rejoice – leave the doubters and get with the shouters!!
We need to practice
A salvation that is established on the Word of God
Phd can mean piled higher and deeper
Isaiah 40:8 the Word of our God will stand forever

God’s word never changes
God never changes
Sin never changes
Penalty for sin never changes
Plan of salvation never changes

God’s word is spiritually discerned

Habakkuk rejoiced in the God of His salvation. For all that is wrong in my world, there’s plenty that is right. I’ll focus on that and leave the rest to God.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration, salvation, Word of God

It Ain’t Easy Waiting on Jesus

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Have you ever just looked to the sky and ask God “Why not now Lord? I’m ready, and I don’t want to see this world get any more wicked. This is plenty bad enough. Please, come and get your children!” Well, no doubt those in the days of scripture were very much looking to the same Heaven and saying the same thing. It was they who James was speaking to when He penned the Words God spoke. We know this because in the first verse of the first chapter James tells us who he is speaking to:

James 1:1 KJVS
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

It is Israel. The Nation of God’s chosen people. The very people that had turned their back on God to the point that He gave the Gentiles the blessing of Salvation through His Son’s life being given on the cross. When the Jewish leaders continued to deny that Jesus was the Christ, God said ENOUGH! And God began a new work through the Gentiles and through the Apostle Paul. But He continued to work on Israel, although no longer through the traditions of man. It was now by God’s marvelous grace that Jew and Gentile alike could come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ with the promise that He’d return for His Children and then finish what He started with Israel. And now we’re here, waiting for God to come and get us.

In frustration. With patience wearing thin and the temptation to take matters into your own hands most every day. Or perhaps that’s just me.

BE PATIENT

James 5:7-20 KJVS
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Be patient… James said. Jesus is waiting too, but He has patience because He wants both the fruits of yesterday and the fruits of tomorrows while there is still tomorrows to be had. I usually think of that right after I’ve asked Jesus to come and get me. What if He did? How many souls do I know that would be damned to Hell because they’re not saved? Far, far too many.

BE PATIENT

Again James says it, but this time he’s speaking of the Prophets of old.

[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. [9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. [10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. [11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Prophets who endured the unimaginable for us, and yet James said they counted them happy in what they endured because they knew that God would one day be glorified in their suffering. Job knew it when he told his wife that she spoke like a foolish woman, even though she too had endured the unimaginable of losing every child and belonging she had. She told Job to curse God and die! But Job did not because he knew there was a plan, even if he didn’t understand it. We have to realize that when we look at this world we have to believe THERE IS A PLAN! BE PATIENT.

And BE BUSY…

[12] But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. [13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. [14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. [16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. [18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. [19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; [20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

There is plenty of things in those verses that causes one to wonder aloud, “Why did God not heal when I asked? Why did God not stop the storm when I asked?” Why… there are thousands of them. We read this scripture and doubt creeps in and we think God doesn’t hear, or we’re not living as we should, or any of the other one million reasons that the world tells you that scripture isn’t true. That it doesn’t happen as God said it would. But what we didn’t think about was who God was talking to, and at what dispensation in time was He speaking? This letter is to the Jews. It is written for our edification and encouragement but it is not written for out doctrine to live by. That’s why people get discouraged in the waiting. They’re waiting for the wrong bus. When James wrote this letter it was during the time when God was doing all kind of miracles in the lives of the Jewish people through the Apostles. But when the Gentile church came on the scene, you didn’t see those miracles happen after Paul. Not like it was then. There’s miracles… but not as it was in days of scripture.

So do we just sit and wait? Do we not pray? Do we not believe God can heal? Of course we believe!!! But God is not raising the dead because a preacher asked. He’s not healing every one the way we want Him to heal them, He may heal them in Heaven. But we ask! And we believe that God can and quite often He does and when He does we can rejoice. But when He doesn’t we can still rejoice in knowing that God has a plan and we’re apart of it.

That is why we have to stay busy. There is so much work for the church to do right now and the vast majority of them are waiting on the wrong bus. They’re waiting for God to come and get them and He will… but not until He’s done with the plan.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. About the need to study the word and try to figure out what God’s doing or why He’s not doing something. And I’ve come to this conclusion. Patience is not my virtue. I’m better off staying busy. Get out of line for the bus and get back to work! Amen? Amen!

Posted in Church attendance, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Praise, Purpose, salvation

I’m Not Always Godly…

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Truth of the matter is, we can all likely say the same, but the level of ungodliness varies on any given day. I have issues that would cause many out there to say “Amen and Amen.”

I’ve never tried to play “the righteous or holy one.” I try to warn people who walk the path with me that if I stumble upon a snake, I’m gonna holler about it. I won’t say bad words, but if someone writes them down, I’ll point to them. I won’t deny that they filter through my mind on more than one occasion. This world is a terrible role model.

There are people in the world that I struggle to like. I can say eye to eye and flat footed that there is no one on this planet that I want to see go to Hell. There is nobody on this planet that I wouldn’t take an opportunity to tell them about the love of Jesus. But there are people that when I hear their voice, I roll my eyes and cringe – if not openly at least on the inside.

I will not ever apologize for shining a light on something that could bring harm to the soul. Public education that has gone off the rails, government that’s gotten too big for their britches, media who selectively report the news, people who hurt or harm others without regret, and religion that makes me want to puke. I say I don’t play church, but if I’m honest I’ve been playing it a little lately, but it’s not been any fun.

So what brings me here today, to this topic? It’s the only way I know that I can keep myself accountable, work through my issues, and possibly help someone else struggling.

What is godliness?

  • A person who genuinely loves the word of God and studies it for the purpose of being who God designed them to be, to walk in His ways, and to glorify Him through their life.
    • David said in Psalm 119:103 KJV
    • How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
    • Paul said in Titus 1:1 KJV
    • Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
    • All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Ask yourself this question, “How much do you love the word of God? Are you in the word every day? Can’t say that I have been recently. There was a time that I started every day with the Word of God, read through the Bible, studied and studied the word to figure out what God wanted me to do. And then it happened. I grew weary of failing God. As a minister to the people I could encourage others but could not encourage myself. This is where I will say that “playing church” came in to my life. I could tell you the patented answers to your problems because with 25 years of studying the word of God I had become quite adept at the problems of other people and knowing what the word said about their problems. But my own… Oh no, no, no. I was queen of using my Attention Deficit Disorder to focus on something else besides my issues.

How about acknowledging the truth? When it comes to the wickedness that is in the world do we align everything up by the word of God? This is going to sound petty, and it’s really not meant to be, but I think it’s a good example. This past Sunday I missed church because my back was out. So I began early in the morning from my bed, watching various services. I have some favorite non-Baptist friends that I follow. One family happens to be of the Church of Christ. That particular denomination doesn’t believe in musical instruments in the church (most of them). So I listened and enjoyed their service. But I scrolled a little further to an in home worship service with the same people and there were instruments. Wait a minute… I don’t care if you believe that instruments don’t belong, but how can they belong one place and not another. Now… that does sound petty. Until you put it into perspective with many of the daily decisions we are faced with and are we willing to compromise on what the scripture says regarding other issues like same sex marriage, premarital sex, worldly television, lying, drugs, alcohol, etc. etc. Do we read and study what the Word of God says on those things and other popular topics?

A person who genuinely loves those who God loves (everyone).

Ephesians 6:18-19 KJV

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

A person of humility and understanding of their need to rely on God.

Ezra 8:21-23 KJV

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. [22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. [23] So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

Ezra, an Old Testament Prophet, knew Who it was that He had to rely on for survival. Yes it was a different day. God was speaking in a different manner, but something that hasn’t changed about that situation is, we still need to talk to God about what’s going on in our day to day lives.

Ezra “afflicted” himself, humbled himself before God. He didn’t come to God with any arrogance or self elevation. There was too much at stake. Hello? Do you think we have a lot at stake now? Sunday morning I had 5 of the 6 grandchildren at my house. Guess who didn’t go to church because I (their Noni) didn’t go to church. Ugh… I felt like a heel. I want my grandchildren to grow up with an example before them daily where God is humbly sought for guidance and safety in this world and that they understand how important God is.

How humble are we? I have always considered myself a pretty humble person… but that in itself means I’m not humble enough. I do consider the great possibility that I can be wrong. So I go to the only source of absolute truth that we have – the Bible. I seek my answers there, not from the world, not from my own opinion (as I have been accused.) I rely on the Spirit, which contrary to what some believe, does speak to the child of God.

A person who does their best to live a life separate from worldly endeavors.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Unequally yoked is often used in reference to marriage. But what about relationships with people in general, or any thing in general. I do not believe that it means we’ll never come into contact with the world. How else can people be saved unless someone tells them of Jesus. But as someone called into the ministry of Jesus Christ, I struggled with God wanting me to be in a secular job. When I began to operate the Ridgeview News, I struggled reporting on the failures of others when I knew that I too had failures. It took prayer and understanding that just as a preacher has sins of their own, they have to draw the congregations attention to error of their ways so they’ll correct behaviors and help the church live a good life for Christ. In the process of their study I cannot imagine that the message doesn’t hit the Preacher between the eyes as well. When I write the news, and I have to write of the struggle of another human being, it doesn’t allow me to go unchecked. It reminds me that I too am held to a higher standard. It doesn’t stop me from failing, but it makes me acknowledge my failures and want to do better.

But to yoke up is to join yourself to what God deems ungodly. Watched any less than godly tv shows or movies lately? Encouraged or been apart of ungodly behaviors lately? It’s tough to live in this world and not become sucked into a society that says a little sin won’t matter. Or views different sins at different levels. God said be ye separate. If we line up our every day endeavors by the word of God, how many of them would pass the test as separate? I fear many, many of mine would fail. Vanity, pride, neglect of responsibilities… so many failures, so little time.

So what’s a Christian to do? Get your Bible and read it. Understand that there is far more to living for God than just studying and reading your bible. There is application. That’s what this world is lacking. I see good people being good little Christians. Likely far better than me. But they’re in their house, their job, their family and the church is left down the road. They take care of their four and no more. That is not the separation God was talking about.

We cannot choose any one point from the Bible and say that this is our main focus. Sixty-six books filled with lessons. Purposed for instruction, encouragement, and doctrine and reproof. But every single page has a purpose. Are end times close? Closer than ever before. Do we need to understand how to prepare? That depends on what your idea of prepare is. If your idea of prepare is to get as many people into heaven as you can, then I’m with you. If your goal is not worry about anyone but yourself. Sorry. I’m not in your camp. I love you. I pray you’re in heaven too. But I’m not just worried about you. Sometimes I don’t worry about what I should, sometimes I’m ungodly. But praise Him, I’m saved and forgiven. Amen.

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism

Did You Know I Carry a Burden for You in my Heart?

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It’s true. If you have ever read a post, met me, or have in any way been a part of my life, I carry a burden for you in my heart. I will not tell you that I pray for you every day. That would be a lie. But there will be days that God will place people I know, groups of people, or perhaps an unnamed soul on my heart. He’ll remind me of the work I was assigned to do on this earth. Today there are people on my heart from Florida, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Minnesota, Virginia and throughout West Virginia. Folks I’ve met along the way that some how or another left pieces of themselves attached to my heart. Folks I may or may not remember the name, but I remember the impact, the smile, the testimony, the love.

Over the past months I’ve grown weary of feeling that my ministry was accomplishing very little. I haven’t been on the road to speak for some time and because of that I miss the face to face I have with people. When I wasn’t speaking, I would be singing, but I have fewer opportunities for that. Partly because I’m too busy to slow down and talk to people and partly because there are fewer and fewer churches holding revival meetings. Also creating a burden on my heart.

Has the need for special meetings stopped?

Covid did its fair share of damage to the church on so many different levels. People stopped shaking hands, stopped going to church, stopped having fellowships, etc, etc. But at some point we can’t blame Covid. At some point we just have to lay the blame at the feet of the people who have bought the lie that it’s a different era. There is a reason God put the words in the book:

Hebrews 10:25 KJVS
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Getting together is a big deal!

The Apostle Paul understood it. He said of the Philippians in 1:3-8 KJV
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, [5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: [7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. [8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

He too remembered those he’d had fellowship with. He continued to pray for them, he knew that his ministry had stirred a desire in them to serve God too and he kept those people in his heart, longing to see them again.

Sunday services are wonderful and needful. Every single Sunday! But a special service brings with it a special meaning. It’s extra! Is God not worthy of the extra time, extra effort, extra attention to matters of prayer, salvation of souls and worship. I’ve been in services where the Lord came down in such a way I felt as if I could have physically touched Him if I would have tried. When I was at the most spiritually high point of my life it was when I didn’t have time to catch my breath between work, children, church, events, and then on top of it all I’d throw a revival or conference in and God would pour out His blessing on me. I wouldn’t have gas money and he’d provide. I wouldn’t have strength and it would bubble out of my soul! The messages that preacher or speakers would bring would encourage me so deeply…. Would to God we’d get our focus back as it should be.

Getting Stirred Up is a Big Deal!

I wonder how many people have never felt the Holy Spirit move? I don’t just mean a little tug on the heart, I mean when the Spirit moved to the point your whole world shifted.

Romans 15:13 KJVS
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I’ve had that experience. I’ve had times when the Spirit of God moved in such a mighty way that it literally shifted my thought process to another realm. When things happened that could not have happened without the intervention of God. When God moved in a service in such a way that the tears started flowing from my eyes and were unstoppable. When I watched as the Spirit of God impressed upon person after person to hit the altar to pray, either for themselves or someone else. I heard the weeping and I’ve wept for them knowing God was doing something amazing.

Glory to God that today these memories of people, these memories of the Spirit, flooded back into my mind and I once again gloried in what God is capable of doing. It’s a big deal and it’s a privilege to be a child of God!!! It should not be taken for granted, and when doubts creep in praise God for the Spirit Who can revive the memory. Revive the Child of God. Revive the Church.

Getting Revived is a Big Deal!

Psalm 85:1-6 KJVS
Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. [2] Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. [3] Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. [4] Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. [5] Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? [6] Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

God’s frustration with Israel caused Him again and again to take His hand off them. He’s far from done with them, but now He stands silent with the Nation of Israel. By the time God’s hand returns to them, it will be too late for those outside of Christ. It is why, when I read David’s prayer in verse [6] Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? My heart cries the same. Lord will You revive Your church again? Will You come down and stir the water inside the souls of your people? I know You can. You’ve done it before. But the flesh is weak and so many have lost sight of Your power.

My prayer today is for those places that I’ve visited, and for places yet to come, that God will stir us up with His precious Spirit and help us to focus on the work, and rely on Him to guide us to the soul ready to step into Heavenly places through the salvation of Christ. Lord bless them…. help them… guide them. Send excited souls into the midst and shut up the nay-sayers. Please Jesus…. Amen.

Send me Lord!!!

For speaking or singing information contact me at 304-377-6036, or message at talk2shari@gmail.com Let’s get this revival started!!!

Posted in Life Inspiration

A New Level of Disrespect: How did we get here?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on A New Level of Disrespect: How did we get here?

I am a people watcher. Not for the purpose of judging them, but to determine where we are at in the world, and more specifically, our community. The other night I sat across from a couple of young men in trouble. No father’s in the picture. Just a concerned momma and grandparents. For some reason I gravitate and have a connection with troubled kids. They may or may not like me, but I love them. I know nothing of the lives of these two young men. Even in our small community where everyone knows everyone, I didn’t know “much” about them. I knew their first names because they spoke to each other and other people around us. I knew they were in trouble because of their location and situation. I knew their family cared enough about them to stand beside them for their punishment but as far as the rest of it, I’d have to read between the lines and perhaps still not even be close. But what I could gather from our short time together is there was no mention of a father. Perhaps he had to work, or perhaps he just wasn’t active in their lives. He just wasn’t there.

I have taught youth for many years in church and youth programming. I have had both active and inactive parents involved. I have wanted to pinch the heads off of parents when I heard the way they spoke to their children. I’ve wanted to pinch the heads off of children when I’ve heard the way they spoke to their parents. Respect is seldom in a family.

I tell you often about my Ozzie and Harriett parents, Gene and Violet Hardway, because they were such a blessing. You may have had the same upbringing. Where disobedience wasn’t really an option until your teen years and by then you had gotten better at hiding it. Talking back or disrespectful attitudes just didn’t happen. My decision to be respectful didn’t come from discipline, I wasn’t disciplined. It came from the way I was raised. We just didn’t.

So my question is how did families get from “We just didn’t” to “They just weren’t there.” The point where kids and parents respected each other, to where there is now no mutual respect for anyone?

If I would have gotten in trouble in school, my parents would have been there. I not only grew up with respect for my parents, I grew up with respect for my teachers and administration. I thought those people were a big deal and I wanted to please them. I respected elders then, and although there are fewer “elders” for me now since I am one, I still respect them in giving them my seat, carrying them coffee or food, or just simply speaking in kindness.

But what I see and hear now from people I know, and some I don’t know, is an absolute detestable spirit toward people of authority. I hear it from good kids and bad kids. I heard someone say today that an individual just didn’t seem happy any more. I knew that person, and I knew that God never factored into their life. Whether or not you have an earthly father involved or having been involved in your life you will never know true happiness without God the Father having a place of respect and authority in your life. I know that for a fact. I witness it every day in multiple people’s lives. I lived it before I was saved. I am somewhat of a professional misfit and mess up. My wonderful upbringing didn’t stop a series of terrible failures.

That Ozzie and Harriett world I grew up in, didn’t mean a thing until I discovered Jesus and made Him Lord of my life. When I discovered the roll of the Father. And how very much I need Him to stand beside me when I was in trouble. Or chastise me when I was disrespectful of people or even things. Everyone needs Abba. Jesus knew that when He taught His disciples to pray.

Matthew 6:7-15 KJVS
[7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do : for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Jesus wanted us to have a relationship with God that was personal and respectful of Who God was. He didn’t want that religious uppity language that the church leaders used. He wanted a genuine conversation and a level of respect that far exceeded any other.

[9] After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Do we understand how Holy God is. That before Jesus died on that cross, we couldn’t just have an everyday conversation with God. It was a huge deal and we needed intercessions for us. But now. Even though He is the same Holy God we have Christ as our intercessor who allows a conversation with our Heavenly Father as easily as one with people on earth. Perhaps easier.

[10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

There are two Kingdoms, that of God in Heaven and that of the future Kingdom that will be on earth. When Jesus returns (when He comes for the church) our Kingdom is going to be in Heaven. There will be trials and tribulations here on earth for the chosen of God, Israel, and then a Kingdom built on earth where Christ will reign for 1,000 years. And then the final battle will happen and Jesus will be done with Satan, once and for all!!!! Glory to God I cannot wait. But understanding God’s will for then and now is important. Life is not perfect here, but it is perfect where He is. And His perfect will, will be done in our lives, but we must have a relationship with Him. Our Father, the Creator of both the Heavenly and the Earthly realm.

[11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [14] For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: [15] But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Do we really understand how much God provides for us. Food, money, desires, and more. Our families are going to mess up. We are going to mess up! We have to learn how to forgive as Jesus does. He died on the cross for every single sin we’ve committed. Every time we showed disrespect, hatred, lies, and every other committed sin, Christ forgave us even if we didn’t ask Him to. Isn’t that amazing!!!! But the only way it happens is if we acknowledge who Abba is. And we learn the level of respect needed for Him.

It is through that understanding that we can love and respect even the unloveable or disrespectful people in our lives.

The question of how we got from “We just didn’t” to “They just weren’t there.” Is through the sin of all mankind. I doubt anyone has the level of respect we need. I know I don’t. I have not acknowledged God for Who He is and What He has done. I too can have a level of disrespect for people who irritate me. But as I approach another Father’s Day without my earthly Father, I can somewhat identify with those boys that I met the other day. Except… I have a Father who is standing with me and always has been.

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

Get in your Spot in the Yard and Guard it Well

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Get in your Spot in the Yard and Guard it Well

We have a new puppy at our house, Ellie May. She is basically a Heinz 57, but her breeds are Blue healer, Dachshund and Jack Russell. I guess that makes her a Gentile. My pure bread Miniature Chihuahua, Izzi, acts like an Old Testament Jewish leader, laying down the law. And though the pup already stands 2 or 3 inches above her, she is clearly the alpha dog of the house. The dogs and some other issues in my life have drawn my mind into the law a lot lately and caused me a much greater appreciation for grace.

One issue with Ellie May is boundaries. I attempted, unsuccessfully, to teach her the boundaries of our yard. But anything shiny would cause my discipline to go right out the window and she was not always easy to get back into our yard. Living close a highway forced us to put a shocking collar on her which was gut wrenching for me, but I knew it would save her life. Otherwise she’d be out in the road (again.) That shocking collar is the law. For Ellie it terrified her for a few days where she wouldn’t even go off the porch; and then little by little she has adjusted to where those boundaries are. She would not go near the dingle sound that occurs before the shock. But the collar base somehow got turned off this week and one evening Ellie was once again close the road. It didn’t take her long without the law to persuade her to go out past her boundary line.

Me either. Thank God for Grace.

Like Ellie May I’m a bit of a goober when it comes to learning lessons. I hate boundaries. The sky’s the limit, right? Well, only if God wants you in the sky, otherwise the fall is great. Adam had one rule, “Don’t eat of the tree of good an evil.” He did. When Israel received the law from Moses it was ten very clear rules. Nothing complex, or difficult to understand. It didn’t matter, they broke them anyway. The ten laws turned into 613. They broke those too. And now I don’t know where they stand with the law but for certain I say, Thank God for grace!!! If we can’t keep one rule, was there ever any chance for 613?

My point of that rant was to get to this point, what is the difference between modern Christianity and the Jewish law, besides grace. Depending upon which church you go into there may appear to be very little. Their hair may not be polled, they wouldn’t refer to the preacher as priest, but some do. The laws probably do not reflect those of the Old Testament and there’s likely sausage and bacon at a church breakfast. That’s grace I can bite into!

Recent (within the last few years)Halacha, the totality of laws and ordinances that have evolved since biblical times to regulate religious observances and the daily life and conduct of the Jewish people have been added to:

  • Hunchbacks must not bend near a church even if it hurts;
  • Lice must not be killed on Shabbat;
  • Hebrew newspapers must not be read on the toilet – English is allowed;
  • Jews must not donate organs to a Gentile – receiving is allowed;
  • It is permissible to degrade a woman on the kosher bus lines;
  • Violence may be used against those who distribute material contrary to the Torah.

Regarding the switching on of electrical appliances on Shabbat:

”Will ask for a foreigner who is not his son to do the work … Ask his son or daughter to do the work with shinui (change) … The big one will do the work himself with shinui, ie insert the plug into the socket with his mouth or elbow or back. You can also hold the plug and push it with your head into the socket.”

We Gentiles look at those and think… wow, how crazy is that?

But do the unsaved look at the denominations of the Christian church any differently?

  • Don’t clap at the end of a song.
  • Don’t raise your hand in praise
  • Don’t Amen or Hallelujah out of order
  • Women’s hair must not be cut
  • Don’t use a musical instrument in the church
  • Don’t sing praise songs
  • Women must wear dresses and of a certain length
  • Ministers must wear a white shirt, 
    tie, and dress coat
  • Men must not wear short pants
  • Women must wear skorts, not shorts
  • No wedding bands or other jewelry,
    other than watches, tie tacks, and 
    dress pins
  • No going to movies
  • No going to games
  • No going to theaters

Those are some I have experienced and some I have not, but what do any one of them have to do with salvation and should that not be the fundamental question when determining what happens in a church?

I’m sure there are many who disagree with me, and that’s okay. Remember, I said I had issues with boundaries, I am fully aware that I am a heathen.

When we get to Heaven does anyone really believe that as they stand before the throne of God, He’s going to say, “Did you seriously go see Smokey and the Bandit at the Theatre in 1977?” Is He going to ask, “why did you clap at the end of ‘God is an Awesome God’ when Sister Susie sang it in 2017, and by the way that’s a little jazzier than I like My music.” Come on people, that’s humanity, not God making rules. And before any Christians get their stones out of their pockets consider each and every word in Colossians 3 (well, I guess we should consider every word in the Word of God.) But for now lets just consider these:

Colossians 3:12-17 KJVS
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The law is still there. Those original ten that God gave to Moses. And it may shock some of you as bad as Ellie’s shocking collar to know that God still expects them to be kept, but He knows and understands the weakness of every single man and woman on earth. Every one of them. Even the liberal extremist that get on my last nerve. He expects me to be the beloved with mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and long suffering. That means more than a few minutes of it. He expects His people to really forgive one another, not in word only, but in the heart. You know…. Like Christ forgave you when they hammered the nails over and over and over again into His body on the cross. And above all love one another, because that is the perfect way.

Now let’s move onto peace ruling in our hearts. Is it the rule? For certain it has not been with me lately. I need this scripture in my heart as I face the day. As I battle the demonic forces of the world that tell me to walk away from the church. The one’s that try to convince me that I can go it alone. I don’t need people. I just need Jesus. Well, that may work for someone one (although I doubt it), but it for certain doesn’t work for me. I love my people. And they love me, so why would I want to hurt them? I’m thankful God put them on my path.

Verse sixteen is the one that caught my eye this morning and caused my mind to ponder what the Lord meant. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Teaching and “admonishing one another” in hymns and spiritual songs?

According to John Gil’s commentary, he says of this verse “in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs; referring very probably to the title of several of David’s psalms, משכיל; “Maschil”, which signifies giving instruction, or causing to understand; these psalms, and the singing of them, being appointed as an ordinance, of God to teach, instruct, admonish, and edify the saints; for the meaning of these three words, and the difference between them; see Gill on Ephesians 5:19.”

There is no ministry in the church that does not have purpose for not only the one doing the ministering but those who listen. If God gave us a gift, be it to preach, teach, sing, send a card or go pray with a saint, He did it for the purpose of either lifting a spirit, correcting a wrong, or edifying the body of Christ.

Today’s scripture edified me. It encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing even in the face of adversity. How about you? Are you doing what God called you do? if you’re not, find you a biblical body of believers, set yourself in the middle of them and do what God says. Remember your boundaries… there are some, don’t let it shock you when God rolls you across the lawn and says get back in your spot. But if it’s your part of the yard… Guard it well.