Tag: inspiration

Posted in Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

How to deal with non-cooperative people

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That was my question to the Lord this morning. “Lord, how do I deal with people who refuse to cooperate with me?”I get so weary of dealing with people who feel it’s too much to ask to do (#1) their job. (#2) something that will help someone else or (#3) something because it’s the right thing to do. And such is the society we’re living in. And in spite of that, to be biblically correct, I’m suppose to turn the other cheek when I personally would rather get in the flesh and tell them to kiss my cheek and I’m not referring to the one on my face. I warned you I was weary.

God’s response to me was as I figured it would be, advice outside the flesh.

Unity Pleases God

Psalm 133:1-3 KJ
[1] Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; [3] As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Tis true! Nothing is sweeter than living in peace and harmony with people. Sure Moses got upset and broke the Ten Commandment stone in two, hit the rock twice when God said do it once, even the greatest of people have moments of fleshly failures. But it’s God’s design that we walk in obedience, even when the world does not. So when I remind the Lord (as if He needs reminding) that my frustrations are not coming from people who are doing the Lord’s work, He then reminds me (which obviously did need reminding) that my work is of the Lord. Even the job for which I do outside the church, I consider it a calling. So God in His Great wisdom reminds me that there are expectations of me that are not on worldly people.

Humility Pleases God

Philippians 2:1-7 KJV
[1] If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, [2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

For me to find comfort in this world that drives me nuts, there is but one answer, fellowship with the Spirit of God through His word. It’s then that I learn that it is only through Christ, and the humility He showed on the cross, that I am tolerated in the presence of God. Were it not for Christ’s suffering at the hands of evil mankind I wouldn’t have the blessing of the Holy Spirit within me. And the suffering that occurs in my life, is a small price to pay for what I’ve been given. And the ability for me to turn my head in kind, is pleasing to almighty God because it show that I appreciate what He did for me. Glory to God that’s a good lesson.

Paul said in Ephesians 4:1-4 KJV
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; [3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

If I truly believe God has called me for such a time as this, into such a position as this (publisher of the Ridgeview news) then I need to walk worthy of the vocation which I’ve been called to do. Whatever that is in our life, yours no doubt looks different than mine, but if God called you to do it, there will be an adversary who wants to make it as frustrating as he possibly can. Don’t let the Devil win!

Peace Pleases God

Jeremiah 29:7 KJV
[7] And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

Peace is a daunting accomplishment for me. Upon the rare occasion I find peace, it’s not long until it’s gone again and something has stirred strife in my soul. That’s not how God intended life to be for His people.

Jesus said in John 14:27 KJV
[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

When I am troubled and frustrated by people in the world, or by things in the world that don’t go the way I’d like to hem to, I have the power of Peace within my soul, if I don’t reach for it, that’s on me.

This was a good word for me today, because I was about to reach within me and pull out some wrath with a person who gets on my last nerve. The end result would likely be more frustration for me, and a loss of testimony. So, I’ll search for the information she has through other means, and if the Lord provides, I’ll be all the more grateful.

I’d like to promise you I won’t want to pinch that persons head off again, but I know myself all too well. God bless ya! And may you too please God today. ~ Shari

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Evangelism, Peace

The Benefit Package of God is out of this World

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What benefit is the world offering you today? That’s my question to myself. Perhaps it might be yours too after you read my thoughts for the day. When I think of the world, it’s usually in the context of evil. And with good reason, it is evil. But while we’re here, there’s plenty of good benefits of the Lord!

John tells us in

1 John 5:19 KJV
[19] And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

The whole world lie in wickedness. There’s no “good” thing in the world? No, I don’t believe that’s what John meant. God created the world it said in Genesis and God said “it was good.” Over and over he saw that it was good. So obviously there’s some really good stuff down here. But it’s lying in wickedness. Satan and his minions have the power of this earth to create evil, even out of the goodness of God. They can put something that was never intended to draw our attention away from God in front of us and cause our minds to delight in it so much, it becomes a little “g” god. Staying focused in this evil world is definitely not easy. The world grows more and more evil by the day. But for the child of God, there is still good.

David said in Psalm 68:19-20 KJV
[19] Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. [20] He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.

Both John and David knew that they belonged to the Lord. We belong to God through the blood of Jesus. He literally bought us by paying that price on the cross. And once we belong to God, there is a great benefit package! I love that David said he loads us daily with benefits. But do we take advantage of God’s goodness daily? I know I don’t. God has given us spiritual blessings, an abundance of grace, as well as mercies untold for which He ought to be praised day by day. Selah (stop and listen)

He is the God of our Salvation

Can we possibly praise Him enough for that? And do we understand the magnitude of it’s benefits. A couple of the men in our church were talking about the age of their salvation, both being around the age of 9. That is the age that God began dealing with my heart as well. Both of my daughters were saved at the ages of 8 and 10. Perhaps it’s at that time that our mind is at it’s most accepting state of the truth. The world hasn’t jaded you at that age and you can understand the difference between good and evil. God dealt with me at that age, but I didn’t get saved until I was 34. There were many years in between where this world could have been my demise and I would have busted Hell wide open. But for grace… I praise God that He allowed me to be saved, He didn’t have to. David reminded me today through that verse that it is the Lord that is in charge of the issues of death but also the issues of life.

The benefit package that comes from living for the Lord is beyond anything we can imagine.

The benefit of His peace…

John 14:27 KJV
[27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

He left us His peace! The peace that scripture says passes all understanding. The peace that in the face of death I can live without fear. The peace in knowing that when I lay down at night my family is in his watch care. The peace in knowing that as crazy and wicked as this world is, someday I’ll live with Him! Glory to God what a benefit in the knowledge of Christ.

The benefit of His presence…

Hebrews 13:5 KJV
[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

As I mentioned before, I love things! But nothing in this world has ever given me the joy that the presence of God in my life has brought. That 24 hours a day, 7 days a week I can talk to Him and He responds. That is a gift only given to the child of God. The unsaved have never experienced a conversation with God, but we that are saved can speak to Him at any time. Can I at least thank Him daily for the ability to thank Him!

The benefits of His people…

Being a part of the family of God is also an experience never felt by the unsaved. And it’s often not felt by a child fo God because they fail to take advantage of being involved with the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Until the day we are given the final benefit of perfection, we have the body of Christ (the church of God) meant to encourage us, teach us and come along side us when times are hard. Not only our church members, but members of the body of Christ who believe He alone is the Son of God who died for the sins of the world. Jesus plus nothing equals salvation. And that comes with a host of earthly agents mean to encourage you and build you up, not tear you down, which is exactly what the world will do at every opportunity.

There are so many benefits! Too many to count and today I want to show gratitude to the Lord for He has been so good and so patient with me. What about you? Are you experiencing those benefits? I’d love to hear from you! Blessings ~ Shari

Posted in Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Candy Bar Prayer and the Consequence of Stupidity

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I scrolled through post after post on Facebook today, looking at the images, taking note of how children had grown, who was struggling, who was giggling and who was somewhere in between. It’s been a while since I’d done that. But from the posts I could tell that not only my life is busy, but most everyone else’s too. The problem with living in the fast lane as most of us do, we don’t slow down to take in a breath of reality.

My oldest grandson just turned 15. It’s a surreal moment to think that he will be driving!!! And so I thought today that I would take a field trip soon with he and his soon to be 15 year old cousin. My 2nd oldest grandson. We’d take a field trip to the police barracks in town and to the Sheriffs department. It’s there I can introduce them to each law enforcement for a good dose of reality. I want them to understand that law enforcement is not the enemy, but they are the reality check. And we want them to know that our friendship with law enforcement means, it’s okay for them to ticket our kids and us if we’re being stupid. Because it will hopefully stop future dumbness. And that stupidity has consequences. It always cracks me up that I and most other people hit the breaks when we see law enforcement. We know we’re likely over the speed limit. We also know that if we are, it’s probably too late! But praise God for grace and mercy.

All this brought my mind into the blessing of my own salvation and an understanding that although we are no longer under the law of the Old Testament the law didn’t go away. The blood of Christ covers my stupidity but it doesn’t prevent the consequences of breaking the law. I pray the dumbest prayers… “Dear God, thank you for this Peppermint Patty, please allow something in this candy bar to add nutrition to my body. Please forgive the fact that it’s my supper. I know I don’t eat right, please help me do better. Amen.”

That’s another version of hitting the breaks when you’re in a reality check moment with Law Enforcement. While it appears that I was asking for help, I was truly asking for mercy. Tomorrow, I may or may not eat better. I may or may not drive slower, believing God, and Officer Weekley or Sheriff Basnett will extend another day of grace. Am I alone? Probably not.

I said all that because a reality check for me as I thought about my grandchildren, as I scrolled Facebook, is the fact that my walk with Christ is often treated as wreckless as my health and my driving skills. Just as I “intend” to talk to my family and friends about Christ I speed right past them, occasionally hitting the breaks, but never stopping by. There is a consequence for that, that I don’t like to think about. And just as I fill my body with fuel that’s not fit for anyone, I fill my spirit with junk and I watch my friends and family as they feed on false doctrine and the lies of this world and ask God to save their soul. That’s just as dumb as my candy bar prayer.

Colossians 4:3 KJV
[3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Paul was in bonds, not only from the prison of mortal men, but by the Spirit of God who charged him with speaking the mystery of Christ. God had revealed to the Apostle the salvation of Christ, and the plans of Christ for the people of God. Then through Paul, God revealed those things to us. But to the world, they can’t see it. Satan’s making sure of it. And we are playing right into that game of his by hitting the breaks and never slowing down to speak the truth of the Word of God.

Paul was praying for doors to open for him, so should we. But we’ll never open a door if we don’t slow down. And the consequence will be that our friends and family will be eternally separated from us. My grandboys are not the only ones that need a reality check to know they’re blessed. I needed this time tonight,I need that verse from Colossians that reminded me that I too am charged to speak what I’ve been taught.

I need to make a list and start checking it off of people that I do not know if they know.

God, please open doors, and let me stop my prayers of stupidity but give me a passion for purpose.

Shari ~ The Jesus Chick

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Life Inspiration

Petty People, Passing Opportunities and Life in Perspective

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I would doubt that there is anyone who has not suffered with pettiness. I can get petty over the dumbest of things. People (aka grandchildren) getting into my art supplies. I have cheap colored pencils that I keep for the grandkids to use and then I have Prismacolor Colored pencils that cost up to a $100 for a relatively small number. It is a rarity that they even want to use them. Now, of course that’s being a good steward, but how much of the lead will they really use if under guidance. Some would not even consider that petty, but I do. Now, I can also be petty over favorite cookies. I have a few that I am big fans of, I have six grand children, who like their grandmother, love cookies. They of course are not picky, nor do they understand the cost of “high dolla” brands or generic brands, or the fact that many of the individual cake brands now come 5 to a box and I have six grandchildren, so two of us get left out. I told you I could be petty.

I’m a tad petty over favorite seating in the house, and children who don’t respect their elders. Wow… I officially sound like an old, old granny. But it’s how I was brought up. When an elder walks into a room, you offer them your seat. And if you happen to be in Noni’s or Poppy’s favorite chair, you get up without being ask. See… petty.

But this morning I’m wondering how many people in Ukraine care who’s sitting where. I’ve read the posts of some who are there, hunkered down in a basement or a shelter, praying not to be found by the Russians. That dear friends is life in perspective.

Although there were no tanks or bombs in the story, the attacks on the early church and the persecution they faced was much like what the Ukrainians face. They did nothing to warrant becoming a target. They were not aggressive, they were just there. Unlike Ukraine it was not about geography but about believing something different. It boiled down to a group of people believing they deserved something that they had no rights to.

Petty Desires – a story as old as eternity

1 Peter 1:12-25 KJV
[12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Angels are an entirely different order of being than humans. Human beings do not become angels after they die. Saying someone got “their wings” may sound spiritual, but it’s biblically working. Angels will never become, and never were, human beings. God created the angels, just as He created humanity. The Bible nowhere states that angels are created in the image and likeness of God, as humans (Genesis 1:26) Angels are spiritual beings that can, to a certain degree, take on physical form. Humans are physical beings, but with a spiritual aspect, they have the Spirit of God living in them. If not, they can be controlled by evil spirits. The greatest thing we can learn from the holy angels is their unquestioning obedience to God and their desire to serve Him.

Like us, angels have the ability to learn and they have desires. But their desires are God focused. When God placed the Holy Spirit within humans, it said the angels desired to look into it. It was hard for them to comprehend why God loved man so much that He would allow Himself to be crucified and then place Himself through the Spirit into mankind. Imperfect mankind. You know… petty people like me who hide the “good cookies” from babies!

Passing Desires – a story as new as the moment we live in

[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

“Gird up the loins of your mind?” My mind has loins? No, but just as it takes a “girdle” or in new terminology a “pair of spanks” to suck in the worldly effects of Little Debbie cakes, the same is true on the worldly effects of things on my mind. With the girdle of truth; see Ephesians 6:14, since angels desire to look into the mysteries of grace, do we protect our minds as they and control our thoughts to those of a godly nature? I need a pair of brain spanks. Or maybe God just needs to spank me harder than He does for not being in control of my mind and my passing desires. I can choose such petty things to garner my attention with. When I say “a story as new as the moment we live in,” that seems to be how often my desires changes. There’s something new every few minutes in the world and my desires change the way the winds blow. Petty desires for petty things that will be yesterdays news.

Passionate Desires – a story written by the lives we live

[15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. [17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, [21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. [22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: [23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

My mind cannot wrap around the thoughts of Ukrainians and Russians alike who are passionate enough about what they believe in to stand up for it in the face of death. Those who would sooner die at the hands of evil than hide from it or run. That is true passion. I fear praying for passion for fear of what God might allow to create it in me. Have you ever had that fear? Getting a deeper understanding, (as the angels desire to have) is what I need to create in me a heart for the things of God. Perhaps then Little Debbie cookies wouldn’t be on my mind so often, and I’d use the gifts God gave me to be more expressive of the images in my world. I spend so much time thinking rather than doing, doubting rather than believing I can. There is no room for doubt in the mind of a Christian. It is another thing that I need to protect my mind from.

Perishing Desires – a story never written

[24] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

God gave us the seasons for an example of life and death and rebirth. Eternity is forever but opportunities are not. So today my thoughts and prayers are for those in harms way of petty people. Be it at war, or in this blessed place we live in today. I pray my thoughts serve as a reminder when I see someone in need of the love of Christ, that my desire will be to share with them the grace that angels desire to know.

Blessings! Shari

Posted in Uncategorized

The Concerns of the Called of Christ

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As a child of God, there is a question foremost in my mind, most of the time. “Why do I feel like such a failure in service to God?” I attempt to remain faithful to the calling in my life, but I am no Apostle Paul, nor even an “Apostlette Pauline” I allow the flood waters of life to come up around my neck and make me feel as if I’m drowning. Of course I cannot be because I am a child of God and He protects me from that defeat, but the emotion of being peril is very much real. Using the word peril may seem a tad dramatic. But then again so am I. Those flood waters that have come upon me are not killing me but can, if I don’t get a grip on it, kill my effectiveness for the Kingdom.

In 2nd Corinthians Paul is telling a group of believers of his struggles, which in comparison make mine look like someone just took my binky. But in what I feel is frustration on Paul’s part with the Corinthians, and the danger of them being overtaken in false doctrine and religion, he tells them of his foundation in his identity:

2 Corinthias 11

Called out in Christ

22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

Paul is calling out the religious of the day, who think they are above all because of their position in Jewish Religion. They love saying that they are the chosen of God even though at this present time in scripture, they have forsaken Him, killed His only begotten Son and murdered His ministers. A notion we should keep in mind when dealing with religious people. They are not friends of God, because a friend of God put’s himself or herself above no man or woman because they understand that in Christ we are sinners saved by His grace alone.

Confident in His Calling

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Paul let’s them know that the life of a child of God isn’t tea and roses. It’s filled with struggles, persecution and conflict. But the world would have you to believe otherwise. He had told them earlier in this chapter in verse 3 “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

Paul worried about people of Corinth falling to lies of Satan and those who serve him. And even though a saved person is saved from the wrath of Hell, a loss of confidence can occur when certain things happen in their lives:

  • Ungodly influences
  • Failure to attend a local church
  • Listening to false doctrine
  • Failure to pursue your relationship with God

The last item on that list is the easiest for me to fall to and lose my confidence in what I know in Christ. If I do not stay in the word of God, when someone comes to me with a question or I’m witnessing to someone, I am not at all confident in my ability to relay God’s word in a manner they’ll understand. Paul knew that, and he knew that the people of Corinth were listening to people who were leading them astray, deceiving them as Satan deceived Eve in the garden by twisting the word of God. We need to understand that all who preach Christ, do not necessarily preach Him correctly.

So how do we protect ourselves? Read the word yourself! Allow the Spirit to speak to you and He’ll reveal the truth. God is faithful. It’s in those times that you will build your confidence, just as I am this morning as I read and study God’s word.

Concerned for the Churches

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

In all the struggles and perils that Paul had, the real kind of peril, not my kind. Paul never stopped concerning himself for God’s people.

In the first two verses of chapter 11 Paul speaks to the depth of his concern:  Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

While I make no profession of being as committed as Paul, I have that concern with the Jesus Chick Ministry that I will fail you in my work for Christ. I love each one of you who take the time to read these posts and pray, “Would to God, we are together in glory.” Amen.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Uncategorized, Word of God

It’s Spiritually Discerning

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 2:12-14 

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

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

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

Freely Given Facts

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

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

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

Posted in Christian, Life Inspiration, salvation, Word of God

Peter’s Zeal, Jabez’ Prayer, Shari’s Opinion

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There is no question that I am a person of opinion. If you don’t believe it, ask my husband, he’ll tell you quickly that I have an opinion and have no problem voicing it. So does he, its one thing we both agree on. We have opinions. The world has opinions. Oh… my … stars… do they have opinions. The issue with the world is, they blur the line between opinion and fact. Even in their own head. But there is nothing of “opinion” in scripture. Man can weigh in on it with what he or she believes it to say, but it’s truth none the less. And there is no private interpretation.

2 Peter 1:20 KJV

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Since salvation in 1996 I have taken God’s word for truth. I haven’t always understood it, I have not always taught it correctly, I’m a person subject to error as anyone else is. But I think I’ve always understood that every word that proceedeth out of my mouth is going to be on instant replay in Heaven when I get home and I’m going to have some explainin’ to do if the things I’ve taught and shared with the world don’t align with scripture. I do not want any eternal ramifications for opinion. 

Opinion, I believe, is a matter of pride. Too often people form an opinion (which is fine) and then they form an attitude (which is not). That is pride. Those attitudes generally lead to a stronger stance on what your believe is fact that is not always founded in truth. 

O’ Lord it’s Hard to Be Humble (circa 1980)

1 Peter 5:6

[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Peter was Jew. He understood the pride of the Nation of Israel as well as he understood the issues with the pride of the individual man. He was zealous! In the book of Luke it says

Luke 6:15 KJV

[15] Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

Zelotes means “zealot.” It’s one of my favorite things about Peter was his zealousness for all thing in life. But he and I both have something else in common, our zealousness gets us into trouble. I get so excited about something new that I learn that I don’t always study it out before I go off telling people about it. Big mistake! That’s how doctrines’ get messed up. We have to study to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the word of God. That of course is a paraphrase from 2 Timothy 2:15. Wrong doctrine doesn’t always come from evil people. I’d venture a guess it seldom starts there. It starts with some who has an opinion but didn’t take the time study it out. 

When Peter told them to humble themselves that God might exalt them, I think he knew that pride was an issue. People love to be puffed up! I love it when people tell me I’ve done well… I don’t handle it well and get embarrassed for fear they’ll think I’m prideful, but if they knew what was going on inside my head they might know how prideful I can be. If I were more brazen I’d say, “Thanks! I thought it was pretty good myself!” But I can’t. Because I know I’ll probably fall flat on my face at the next attempt to do something “great.” 

I can Help, I got two strong arms (Circa 1975)

1 Peter 5 [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

Casting my cares on Jesus or anyone else is difficult. Again, it’s a pride issue, but I always think I can handle it, and I usually cannot. It’s my opinion that I can handle it. The Lord knows the truth. When Peter told them to cast their cares upon Jesus, he spoke from experience. As a fisherman he had cast his net all night and caught nothing until he heard this in 

John 21:6-7 KJV

[6] And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. [7] Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

Peter was of the opinion that it was a good idea to hang out naked in the boat. Ummm, bad idea! The Lord showed up and caught him in a compromising position. Boy will that preach! That’s exactly what happens when we get in a big way and think we can handle anything by ourselves. It’s a good way to get caught with your pants down. 

But when the boys in the boat harkened to the Lord and let their net down on the right side, God assuredly blessed. We have to be on the right side of the Lord. It doesn’t matter what we think is right or wrong, the facts come in studying out the issue within the word of God. The more we read, cross reference and study the word of God, the more truth He reveals. And the greater understanding he gives us that we might share that understanding with other people. 

The House of the Rising Sun (1964)

I couldn’t help but think back to a time about 15 years ago. There was a group of us who had diligently gathered at the church every Tuesday morning for prayer at 7 a.m. We did that for years. We were a dedicated group. But one Tuesday morning a fella from the church (left the church shortly thereafter) but this particular morning he stopped by to share some “wisdom he had gotten.” He had been reading the book “The prayer of Jabez.” In a very arrogant manner he began to school us on how we were missing out on the blessing of God because we weren’t living our best life as Jabez had. 

This man seldom darkened the door step of the church. His testimony in the community didn’t come close to backing up his Christian proclamations. He was probably an alcoholic and a foul mouthed man at that. But he thought that his opinion was so worthy of sharing that he could teach dedicated believers how to live better. Needless to say it left a bad taste in my mouth. We were all gracious and nodded our heads in politeness as not to offend this brother who thought he was doing right. He was casting his net on the wrong side of the boat!

Pastor Steven taught on that very book for Wednesday night bible study last night. But it had been on my mind for a while. Pastor taught that Jabez knew where he was in the Lord. It was at a time in Israel’s history when they weren’t right in the Lord. They were fishing on the wrong side of the boat as they so often did, thinking they knew better than God and it had gotten them further and further away. So as Jabez prayed he asked 

1 Chronicles 4:10 KJV

[10] And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

You can feel the humility in Jabez’ words. He wasn’t speaking in pride or asking God to give him an exclusive blessing for the purpose of wealth and power. He was speaking in favor of his nation. Praying that God would increase their reach. Hello… wouldn’t that be an awesome prayer for us today? 

I’m thankful for these thoughts this morning. And this direction in my life that I should be praying that God expand my reach. Not to build up any earthly kingdom, but to build a heavenly Kingdom through souls that I might reach for Christ. Glory! What an awesome thought. Let it be so….

The song titles had nothing to really do with anything, other than they reminded me of where I came from and praise God, where I’m going. 

Posted in Christian, Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

Unapologetic Child of God

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The question arose yesterday morning during our Sunday School Class from teacher Donnie Pitts, “Why did the Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah?” It was a question I hadn’t given deep thought, but I had certainly wondered about that before. But the greater question for me this morning is why does anyone reject Christ today? In a lost world where most everyone is looking for some type of hope, why do they not start with the only source of hope?

I realize that many have not officially been introduced to Christ, either because they choose to avoid the all things Christian, or because the church has failed them, or perhaps they’ve chosen another path entirely that leads them far from any thing involving the truth of Christ. I’m sure there’s plenty of reasons. But there’s really no excuse.  And as I begin to embark on 2022, I find there’s no excuse for me not telling people about Christ. I have multiple platforms and a quite frankly a big mouth. A North Carolina Preacher told me once as I walked off the platform from singing, that I’d “Make a great hog caller.” I took that as the kindest of compliments. He was a jewel of preacher. But am I using my talents to their fullest extent. Of course not. And if you would confess it, I doubt you are either, because none of us do all we can, we do what we want, or what makes us feel comfortable and holy. Nothing past that.

The answer to Donnie’s question came in multiple forms. But for me it boiled down to the fact that Jesus did not fit the mold of who the Jews thought the Messiah would be. He wasn’t fancy, or legalistic, He didn’t hang out at the temple all the time, or with the temple crowd. He was most noted for hanging out with heathens. He didn’t begin His life with earthly pomp and circumstance. Heavenly pomp for sure! But His cheering section on earth was a few ratty shepherds and and some Kings from out of town. The local tribe of politicians were too afraid of losing power to acknowledge a Savior. Are times any different? 

Herod went so far as to killing innocent babies in hopes of getting the right One and stopping an heir to the throne. That tactic has never stopped. Although they know they can’t touch the Lord, they can touch His people. Herod’s act was one of canceling as much as today’s attempt to quiet the Christian faith is by demonetizing and devaluing anything that acknowledge Christ as Lord. Whether that is a church, business or news, the goal is still the same, kill their influence. 

When it came to my new publication, The Ridgeview News, I had to do some serious soul searching about how I was going to publish an unbiased newspaper?   The world would tell me that I can’t. I’ve been told that on multiple jobs, to leave Christ out of it.” But the Lord has pointed me to one word every time the subject comes up. Truth.

Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 13:8 ~  “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”

The truth will be revealed. Whether it happens today or much later, it will be revealed. So to stand on the side of truth will always be the winning side. I really want to be on the winning side! It is also what everyone will tell you they want. I’ve yet to hear the first person say to me, “Please lie to me. I don’t want to know the truth.” No, we all know that we are far better off in the end when we have the truth, whether or not we like it. So long as I stand on the side of truth, I believe God will honor my publication and the community will grow to trust it, whether or not they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

I have a sweatshirt that I created when the world began getting very biased against Christians, and I love it! It’s the featured image on this post. “Unapologetic Child of God.” That’s who I am. I’m not going to ram my beliefs down anyones throat. But nor will I deny the Lord Jesus or fail to give Him glory.  And if I should fail to give the truth in the matter of the news, then it’s not news it’s opinion. The news is simply “what happened, to who, where and why.” That’s exactly what the word of God is. The truth of what happened, to Who and Why. People can deny it, that doesn’t change it. We can ignore. Still doesn’t change it. 

I’ve never fit the norm for society. If I would have lived in the days of Christ’s earthly ministry, I would have most likely been the rejected of society. The weird woman down the street. For that I’m grateful. Because Jesus didn’t hang out with pretty and fancy people. The lepers, the sick, the sinners… those were Jesus friends. Because it was those people that He brought out of those lifestyles and gave purpose. The religious liked the power they over the people. Jesus was the true power, and they missed it. Don’t miss it. And don’t be apologetic to this world. Let them know Jesus needs no apology!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Purpose

I’m Telling the Family Secret

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I’m in awe every day that God does not strike a bolt from Heaven and say “Enough is enough Shari, you’re obviously as bright as you’re ever going to be so just come on home with Me.” 

And if you think I’m being dramatic… well you’d be right, that’s who I am, but I’m being very honest. So when He (the Lord) keeps speaking scripture to my soul until it takes root, I’m humbled with the His patience. I’ve been stalled in the books of little John lately. Suggested reading from people, my bible being randomly open to it. I believe those are God events that He uses to take my hand and lead me when I’m stumbling on my own. Some days I absolutely feel like a toddler in the spiritual realm.

So today, on this platform, I make an announcement that’s been a long time in the making, but just a recent decision to “just do it.” It wasn’t until some recent events that it became more of just a passing thought, but had turned into a driven obsession. And so Ridgeview News was born. I plan on picking up the torch that Bob Weaver carried so very well for many years. I don’t say that lightly. Bob Weaver and I butted heads on more than one occasion. But, that’s life and that my friends is water under a bridge and way down around the bend. We’re moving on. 

With an air of transparency I’ll also tell you that my husband David isn’t overly thrilled. That might be putting it lightly. I think his final word on the matter was, “Do what you want, but I don’t want any part of it.” Bob Weaver’s not the only one I’ve butted heads with over the years, David and I have 42 years of not always seeing eye to eye. His concern about this is what anyone with any sense would have. Truth isn’t always a welcome subject. But when the road’s been rough we’ve stayed true to one another and I will tell your flat footed and eye to eye, he is my rock.

The only one who’s almost as excited as I am, or maybe as excited is my daughter Whitney who will be the staff reporter and all things sports and community. Talk about drama! She is David and I put together and on steroids drama! That’s how we love her. My oldest daughter Tiffani, who is RN will be a feature writer when she so chooses and has the time on medical matters or anything else on her heart. 

What we’re most excited about is being the voice of truth, which is needed in every community. Someone has to inform the community of decisions being made on their behalf. It’s not healthy to live in the dark. So we’re picking up this lantern and we’ll be shining the light in every decision making office and position in the community. I’m not looking for dirt. I’m seeking truth. How else can I be the Jesus Chick and the Ridgeview News Publisher without it?

In the book of 3 John, he writes to his friend Gaius, who he loves in the truth…

3 John 1:1-14 KJV

[1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. [3] For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. [4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Again and again he heralds his friend for the truth. We all say we want it, but do we? It’s at times very painful.  John went on to tell of his friends faithfulness to not only his friends in the faith, but strangers as well.  Everyone wants someone they can trust, Gaius was that person for many of the people in their town. I doubt it came out of nowhere. I’m sure time and time again he had proven himself trustworthy. He was not only trusted, he was a leader of people in the right direction.

 [5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; [6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: [7] Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. [8] We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

Fellow helpers of the truth! Isn’t that an awesome title to give someone one. But not everyone was a fan of John and Gaius. There was jerk named Diotrephes that John called out. He cracked me up when he showed his holy hostility and righteous rage to this fella who thought he was all that and bag of chips and had the right to rid himself of anyone he didn’t care for.

 [9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. [10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 

John said Diotrephes had an attitude of arrogance about him. Does that not describe the vast majority of leadership in America today? How dare we question who they are and the positions they hold. How dare we not? They’re funded by public money, making decision for God’s people in ungodly ways. We need to know when that happens, and we also need to know when the good happens as well. We need that encouragement daily! 

John covered that too!

[11] Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. [12] Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. [13] I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: [14] But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Over and over John mentions truth. Truth is the only place you’ll find true peace in your life. That my friends is what I’m praying for us all. More truth. More peace. More Joy in 2022.  

Please pray for our family. We’re ready for the adventure, but it will not be a journey worth taking without God’s will and God’s people, my friends, along for the ride. 

Our first issue will “hopefully” be live January 1, 2022.

Posted in Christian, Christmas, Eternity, Faith, Family

Don’t let Satan Hijack Christmas

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Nobody knows the story of Christmas better than God, Who created Christmas. But high in the realm of  knowledge of the eschaton (the final event in the end time plans) is Satan. Who though he is not all knowing, he knew enough to know that God’s Son would play a vital roll in the salvation of the world and his own demise. Although I’m sure Satan fully believes that he is wiser than God and will win in the end because that is the level of his arrogance. That is the level of arrogance of anyone who thinks they’ll survive eternity without Christ as Savior. Just like Satan, you can know God. You know who Christ is. But if you have not accepted Him as Lord, as the Creator of all the earth, and the Creator of you, you’ll have no place in Paradise. 

Satan has always attempted to hijack Christmas. Just like the terrorist on the planes the day of the 9/11 attacks,  Satan will go down with the plane he thinks is a plan, and just like that day, he’ll take down many of God’s creation to the pits of Hell, who were never intended to go there. They were victims of hijacked bodies. Those who allowed the flesh to rule the soul rather than relinquishing it back to God for His purpose. 

Matthew 2 picks up the story of Christmas of the wise men from the east. They were wise because they knew the Word of God and knew that the Messiah’s arrival came with signs and one of which was a star in the east. 

[1] Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, [2] Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

And so the wise men traveled to find He that was born King of the Jews, and he that was king in the world wasn’t happy. Herod, another man born of arrogance thought that he too could hijack Christmas through deception. There’s a reason scripture calls the wise men “wise.” It’s what the word of God calls anyone who chooses to seek the wisdom and will of God. Can I get a witness on that!!! 

My dear friend Dewey Moede called me yesterday and suggested that I read a text in Proverbs 1 that would help with my current state of mind. He was right…

It says in Proverbs 1:22-26 KJV

[22] How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? [23] Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. [24] Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; [25] But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: [26] I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Not that I am the wisest of the wise by any stretch of imagination, but Dewey wasn’t calling me simple either. This scripture is a reminder that those who set out to hijack any part of the life of a child of God, and cause us pain or heartache will not answer to us, nor will God’s plans and purposes be interrupted by their hijack attempt.  

In the text of the book of Matthew Herod didn’t want the knowledge of God or anything to do with God. That would have meant that there was someone greater than himself. Satan thinks he has the knowledge of God, but as prophecy has proven again and again, it is the fool that ignores the truth. When Herod heard that there were wise men seeking the promised Messiah, he was more than a little concerned. I would go so far as to say he was freaked out. I would venture a guess that the same reaction that many will have in this world when the rapture occurs, and they knew the sign. But didn’t do anything about it until it was too late. And then they’ll try to stop God’s plan again, and again, it won’t be stopped. Herod couldn’t stop it when God’s plan was playing out with a new born Baby, and two very inexperienced young people who were given the job of HIs caretakers. They were given that job, Joseph and Mary, parental units of God, not because they were mighty but because they listened when God spoke. That’s all it takes to become a part of God’s master plan is to listen! I just wrote myself so happy! That’s what I want for Christmas. I want to take back the plane that Satan is trying to hijack in the world.  

The wise men were mighty in the world’s view, but they were placed in those positions because like Joseph they listened. Matthew 2 

12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. [13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. [14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: [15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

So Joseph and Mary too the Lord Himself down into Egypt, always representing the world, and there they stayed until they received word again that they were safe. Even though they were taken away from family, career and all things normal, the plan never failed. God’s plan of action for the salvation of man continued from the infancy, through the life and through the death of Jesus Christ. There was no hijacking the metaphorical plane Christ was on. It’s destination is eternity and it’s fueled by the Spirit of God. 

And that is my launching point into the next few days of the Christmas season that can get so messed up by the things in this world. In a little more than 24 hours I need to finish 13 projects, bake Christmas cookies, plan lunch for my kids Christmas tomorrow at noon, clean house and keep my sanity. All this after having had a pretty bad few weeks personally, and been physically very ill for 4 days. It’s a good thing I like critters because my house looks a lot like a stable. 😂

How ever… I have a plan. I’m going to keep going. That’s what those wise men did! 

10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. [11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, I’ll present my gifts (worth far less than gold, frankincense and myrrh). They won’t be gifts to Christ but they’ll be gifts to celebrate Him and what He has entrusted me with. This family, this time, this life. 

Nothing that Satan has done. Nothing that has been allowed to come into our lives for what ever reasons we can not understand can hijack Christmas if we remember that this is the plan. The completed project won’t come until eternity, but it will come. And when the plan is finished, and the final event has unfolded we will be given the gift of peace and happiness in their perfected forms. Glory to God can you imagine! 

The wise men, Mary, Joseph and all the characters of Christmas are experiencing that ahead of us, but they’re waiting for us to get to the party. Keeping celebrating! And let nothing in this world keep you from Christmas.

Matthew 2:1-23 KJV