Posted in Christian, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Word of God

How to Find Contentment

Written by talk2shari Published May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 Discussion Leave a Comment

It was on the front of the church bulletin last week; those words from Paul stating that He had learned, whatsoever state he was in, therewith to be content. I have moments of contentment, about twenty minutes on a good day. And then I see something shiny and my contentment is fleeting. Am I alone with that line of thought? Do you, like myself, desire the things of this world far more than you should? It’s been on my mind a lot lately. I am still soaking in the revival from a few weeks ago, grateful for the word of the Lord that stirs the fires of my soul, but then aggravated in the same breath at the flesh that arises so often!

In the book of James 1:1-12 it says

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. [2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

While it’s important to note that James is the brother of Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph, and he is writing a letter to the Jews, but it does not lessen the directive in it to the children of God who are Gentiles. It’s a good word (as all of the Bible is) for us all. And this morning it fell harder on my heart as those words pierced my soul, knowing that my flesh is every bit as alive as the Spirit in me and is warring daily in my life to take my mind off the things it should be on. James was obviously not a stranger to it either, but James didn’t have the internet! James didn’t have Temu ads popping up in his face every ten minutes with shiny things or a mega sale going on out the road with a five dollar bag that you can fill to the brim with goodies that you have no need for, but it’s really cool stuff, and it’s a whole bag for five dollars! Where’s your sense of shopping adventure.

Where’s that church bulletin, I need to find it!

I said all that to help you understand my state of mind. I really am learning contentment. But it’s a struggle, because it’s deeper rooted in misguided priorities which I fear is the problem that many face. It can become very guided in a moment of time when the news of a tragedy or heartache comes and you know that it is the most important thing in your life at that time, but then it passes, and the flesh rears its ugly head again and again and we’re no longer content … we want stuff. So James wrote us this word to remind us that we’re all going to fall into various temptations, but we’re suppose to count it as joy. And by temptations, those are not the temptations of a shopping spree, but the lure of Satan to pursuade you to follow the worldly ideas around you and not the Lord Jesus Christ. The idea that another way is better, or another thing will make you happy. It’s why He took Jesus up on the mountain and tempted Him forty days with the things that the world had to offer. Only Satan’s misguided sense of direction caused him to think that he had a power above Christ. He does not. Nor does he have that power in us if we will take back what God instilled in us through the Holy Spirit.

James goes on to say

[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. [6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Is it not a lack of wisdom, the wisdom of the Word of God, that causes me to want? You bet! Funny thing, when I’m reading the word of God, I want nothing, except more of the word of God. Because it fills every void in my life. And James reminded me this morning that God laid it out before me in a way that James and his friends never experienced it. The word is on my phone, my iPad, my computer, in my hand through dozens of bibles in my office, waiting for me to search the Word of God. But temptations come that distract my mind and heart causing me to waver just like that boat tossed to and fro on the sea.

The next words of James made my stomach roll like it had been tossed on a wave when he said:

[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Even in my weakened state of want in this world, I know in my heart that what the Lord offers is far greater than any material thing I could desire here on earth. And the thought of not receiving what the Lord has to offer, because I am too unstable in my ways, makes me even more sea sick! God wants to give His children wonderful things. Not material things, but spiritual things that cannot be taken and the payment has already been made. I have never experienced anything in the world that has brought as much joy to my soul as the love of Jesus Christ. Him loving me and providing me a peace that cannot be purchased, a love that is not mail order and a contentment that I could just sit on the porch and watch creation like I’d just unwrapped the neatest toy on the market! God created that for me! He gave me people to love, what an amazing gift! A gift that gives back to me in massive quantities every time I hear one of my grandchildren say “I love you Noni.” Which is most every day.

[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. [9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: [10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. [11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. [12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

There is reward here, but there is certainly a reward in Heaven awaiting those who are faithful!!! Help me Lord to be faithful so that I may lay that crown at Your feet.👣

Posted in Christian, Evangelism, failure, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

It’s Not Just a Problem with the World

Written by talk2shari Published July 23, 2021July 23, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

There are times I read the word with such conviction of the heart. It pierces my soul as I know the failure of Shari. Not the failure of mankind. That, I have very little control over. But myself… that’s another story entirely. And sometimes that story needs a brown wrapper. Okay… I may have exaggerated that point – no brown rappers for me, but sin is sin, whether it comes in a brown paper bag from a convenience store, or something else thats takes your heart away from God’s purpose.

The word of God has been washing my soul this morning and cleaning up the inward woman that has a tendency to stray into unhealthy spaces. Not the brown paper bag spaces, but perhaps my craft room, video game or social media. Plunging my mind down a rabbit hole of time that cannot be regained and has nothing of value to show… well maybe not “nothing” but for certain very little. Even my craft room has become a place of discouragement lately with unfinished or failed projects that allow evil thoughts lurking in the recesses of my mind to poke their heads out and whisper “failure” into my mind. And rather than calling them the liar they are, I simply respond with “you’re right,” knowing that I’ve just spent hours doing nothing productive for the Kingdom. And I don’t mean t drag you down this tunnel of fun, but I think it’s a question we need to ask ourselves daily. “Did I impact this world for Christ?”

James 1:21-27 KJVS

No Brown Bag Living

[21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

I’m not talking about a sack lunch either, but rather the brown bag of disguise we call denial that we have an issue with our spiritual self. The things we’re not so proud of and we’d certainly not boast to the Pastor about. But on Sunday we wear the Gucci bag of religion that makes us one of the pretty people, but then before we get home from church, or maybe in church, our mind starts to drift into paper bag space.

I’m ashamed of the time I’ve spent recently on mindless games and videos. It is so easy for me to go there to seek refuge from weariness and frustration. The video’s make me laugh or ponder, and the games take me into an world of illusion that takes my mind off the cares of the world. Neither of those things are bad really, until I fail to do the missions that God has put before me because I’d rather not deal with life. I’m not kidding. That’s how I roll. Maybe you’re rolling with me. I hope you’re not, but if you are, give this girl some love today and let m know I’m not alone, and that perhaps this blog encouraged your spirit today too.

No Brainless Laboring

[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: [24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. [25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

How does one labor brainlessly? Basically not thinking about the effect of what you’re doing in life. I love it when my fine wispy hair is newly cut and styled and my make up covers up the blemishes on my face as I get ready for the day. But not long into the day the make up is wearing thin, my hair is droopy and the real Shari shines through. Or maybe “shine” isn’t the appropriate word. It could just as well be the Shari Charade. The last time I looked into the mirror it was great, but now what I’m unaware of is the effect the day has had on me. That’s what happens when we go about our days without taking the time to reexamine our motives and the intents of the heart through the word of God. Why am I doing what I’m doing? And what purpose is it serving. Scripture really serves as a mirror to the soul. When I examined mine I could see a little brainless laboring and a lot of brainless living. I was doing very little that was going to have an effect on eternity.

No Brandishing Lips

[26] If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. [27] Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Brown bag living and brainless laboring is bad enough, but all talk and no action is the worst. People look at our lives and the pretty images we display but do they see us doing something in the world for the cause of Christ, or just talking about it? I know that what I do on my job in the secular world helps to provide safe drinking water to our community. But what am I doing with the water of the word to keep my people safe? And how bold am I about it.

Yesterday I clinched my lips shut when my conversation with someone made them grimace. I stifled my opinion to prevent their agonizing over what should have been a shared moral standing as children of God. But unfortunately it wasn’t. The reason it wasn’t is because this world has caused most Christians to stop looking in the mirror but rather they’re looking out at the world for a moral compass. FYI, the moral compass of the world points south. But let me put a good dose of self reality on it: even though my moral compass was not pointing south, it wasn’t pointing north either. I was not nearly well versed enough to defend my opinion if the opportunity had arisen, and the fact I didn’t means I’m somewhat east or west. Thats the dangerous reality of me, I often times knows just enough to be dangerous. As a Christian I need to know the details as to why my compass points north.

So there you have it. Brown bag living, brainless laboring and brandishing lips are not just a problem of the world.

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Unintentional Faux Pas

Written by talk2shari Published June 15, 2021June 15, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

I just went back and re-read yesterday’s Jesus Chick post. Oh. My. Stars. And. Garters! The grammatical errors and typos were beyond. I really should go back and fix it, and I really need a proof reader, but neither of those things are likely going to happen because when I write these blogs it’s often in the wee hours of the day, or I’m typing at lightening speed (the way I talk.) Mouth engaged. Brain not so much. Which is how I do life. Fast and furious, hoping nobody get hurt in the process. This morning that caused me to slow down and ponder the intents of my heart.

It started when a prayer request popped up on my social media feed for someone who no longer attends our church for reasons I know not why. The flesh took hold of me for a split second until the chastisement of the Lord took a stronger grip when I allowed the thought to enter my head, “You’re going to seriously pray for them after they hurt you like they did?” Yes, I’m that wicked. I don’t play church. So when someone leaves my congregation for questionable reasons I’m hurt. I’m hurt for the Pastor. I’m hurt for God. I’m hurt for me because I miss them. It’s a character flaw that God’s working on.

Typos and character flaws have a lot in common.

Both are unintentional. Both are often caused by no brain engagement. Speed is a factor.

The Unintentional Faux Pas

Paul said it for me in Romans 7:19 KJVS

[19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

I would never intentionally hurt someone. I have many flaws, but being mean isn’t one of them. As a matter of fact, I’ve been told that I could be a little harsher, I just don’t have it in me. Nor do I think it’s what Christ would have me do. But I can’t say that I haven’t hurt people without intent. It probably happened when I was speaking without thinking. While I know I’m forgiven, it still may come with regret and consequences. And just because I’m forgiven, and aware, doesn’t mean that this blog won’t have just as many typos and my life still won’t have regrets. Being human is a harsh reality.

So my thought for today, that perhaps you’d like to ponder as well is “How can I slow this train down?” How can I be more intentional about doing good, and less unintentional about doing bad.

As I write this I’m sitting on my porch and it’s a brisk 59 degrees this morning. But that doesn’t stop the critters from entertaining me, especially the hummingbirds. They’re fragile little bodies are so tiny you’d think that they’d still be huddled in their nest. But no, they’re flitting about the feeder going a hundred miles an hour and my first thought is, I’ll bet that’s how people see me. Lighting here, lighting there. Never anywhere for long.

Slow this train down Shari.

I wish I were like the lightening bugs. They also fly, but ever…so…slowly. And they light up! I’m always looking for ways to sparkle. The problem is I’m more like a lightening bolt than a sparkle which isn’t always bad. Eleven verses in the book of James summed up my dilemma this morning.

James 1:17-27 KJVS

Destined to Sparkle!

[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. [18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Nobody is any more surprised than me when God’s word fits so cleverly into my train of thought. It’s like the question, “Which came first the chicken or the 🥚 egg?” The answer is God. He is the Almighty Awesome Creator! Of both the gift and the giver. He creates us to be who we are, and even though we mess that up, He even built into the plan an agent of forgiveness. His own Son. He made this Jesus Chick to sparkle and spoke me into being just as He did that little zippity zip hummingbird!

Designed to Listen

I love the quote that says “The reason God gave us two ears and one mouth is because He wanted us to listen twice as much as we talk.” Boy o boy do I have issues with that!

[19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: [20] For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. [21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. [23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: [24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. [25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

I’m relatively sure any wrath I feel is likely because I didn’t take the time to listen and study the situation out. When David and I have what I call a “Mr. & Mrs.” (aka disagreement) it’s more often than not because one of us didn’t listen and consider the other’s side. How much sweeter life would be if before I judged someone’s intentions I’d consider their reasons. Hmmm… God’s word is so faithful!

The latter part of that verse brings up the mirror and the fact that when we walk away we forget what we look like. A fact for which I’m happy about this morning with my crazy hair and yesterdays make up. But it’s not good at all when we walk away from he word of God, which serves as a mirror to our soul, and like this word this morning reminds me of where I need some serious attention.

Listen Shari….

Dealing with Deception

Satan’s strategies from the garden of Eden was deception. It’s still his weapon of choice when dealing with the children of God. If he can capture our attention with the mirrors of earth which only show our earthly image, he can change our focus from God’s design to a self centered diva. Then we’re not listening and visiting those who need visited or taking care of the afflicted but rather we’re just taking care of us. Which is what this “me” generation is all about.

Once again I have a dozen things on my agenda today and only 6 or so will fit. I’m glad for this morning’s study which reminds me to slow this train down and enjoy the opportunities I have to serve. I hope it helped you too! Please let me know if you’ve been encouraged by this word. And if you have please share this blog with your friends. Perhaps they need to sparkle today too!

Love ya. Really mean it. Shari.

Please ignore any typos.

Posted in Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Fear

God is not Random

Written by talk2shari Published July 23, 2020July 23, 2020 Discussion Leave a Comment

In my lifetime, and likely yours too there has never been such an ever changing time. Minute to minute the news updates with the latest news, the latest the trend, the latest and the greatest of everything, and many in the world are riding that rollercoaster of information with their sanity hanging on the hinges of the next open door. Iâ€™m forever grateful that God created the fabric of who I am, which is to live in the moment. Now, if Iâ€™m honest that same character trait gets me into trouble, because by living int he moment I often times donâ€™t plan for the coming days, months, years. Thatâ€™s a very abbreviated version of my messed up life. But unlike this changing world, God is not random.

In the first chapter of the book of James we find this word that Iâ€™m clinging too this morning:

James 1:17 KJV

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

No variableness… no changing. Nothing just happens.

The Pastor last night introduced me to a new word. â€œPlandemic.â€ Does that not crack you up? Maybe your sense of humor isnâ€™t as warped as mine. But this pandemic that weâ€™re going through is an irritation to me. The virus is real, and so is the panic surrounding it. But I have believed from the beginning that the current leftist, anarchy against capitalism, are capitalizing on Americaâ€™s paranoia and our nation has fallen into the rabbit hole of some kind of wonderland. Where is peopleâ€™s logic?

Godâ€™s Wisdom is not Random

There is nothing that He does not know.

James 1:5 KJV

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Call me crazy. But I just believe God will tell me what I need to know. Because of the fallen world in which I live, I certainly donâ€™t always get it right, but when I ask, listen and follow His guidance I do. The problem has always been, I ask, listen, and then ask myself, and take my own advice. That is what gets me into trouble! Scripture says that if I ask God, Heâ€™ll give me wisdom liberally. That doesnâ€™t mean God is a liberal democrat… Hahaha, I cracked myself up. Liberally means â€œgenerously.â€ All the wisdom I need is mine for the asking. At least all my pea brain can handle. And heâ€™s not going to upbraid, (scold) me for asking. I am free in Christ Jesus to approach the throne and speak to the Lord and Creator of the universe. And so I do. And He points me to the words this morning in this ever changing world.

Godâ€™s Promises are not Random

God gave promises to the nation of Israel, and He gives promises to the Gentile nations, which is the world we live in in America. (Not America only, but anyone other than Israel) We may be one nation under God, but we are not Godâ€™s chosen nation. He has allowed us to belong. We werenâ€™t stray cats that showed up on His door step that He allowed to stay. We, those of us who accept His Son Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross receive the promise of eternal life as well as many others because God had a plan before He ever spoke this world into existence.

James 1:12 KJV

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

My theory, and it is seriously my own, is that God created man to prove to Satan there are those who regardless of lifeâ€™s circumstance, will choose Him over this world. Pastor also touched on this last night when he said that God created man, a creature He could enter into and redeem. He did so after part of His own angelic nation walked out on Him and followed after Satanâ€™s rebellion. God knew it all and planned it all. Nothing just happens. Unlike the promises of man, Godâ€™s promises in the word of God will, beyond a shadow of a doubt come to fruition. And that included the destruction of this world.

Godâ€™s Goodness is not Random

Now back to the key verse of today, James 1:17 KJV

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

There is much in life I make no claims of understanding. One such thing is why God doesnâ€™t just kill some people outright and rid the earth of their evil. Oh, yeah…. if thatâ€™s how God worked, Iâ€™d have likely been gone long ago. Iâ€™m sometimes shocked of the evil thoughts that can come into my mind. Praise God for grace and mercy. It didnâ€™t catch Him off guard that I have evil in me, but because of my decision to accept His Sonâ€™s payment for my wickedness, God has chosen to have mercy on me, and give me many â€œgood giftsâ€ because of that. Gifts to be used for His purpose and glory. It wasnâ€™t random, He specifically chose me to be the Jesus Chick. This is my ministry, given by God for His glory and to further the gospel.

So why does the evil seem to prosper as well? Satan is an imitation of everything God is for real. Satan too has power in this world to give seemingly good things to bad people. Those good things are many times their undoing. They feel they have no need of God when their barns are full. But God gave that warning in Luke 12:18-20 KJV in a conversation with a rich man:

[18] And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. [20] But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Many are lulled by their gifts into thinking judgment day will never come. But it will. And those who God has chosen to redeem: those born again believers by the blood of Jesus Christ, will receive the goodness of God by being removed from this world before itâ€™s destroyed.

That is why I can live in the moment. Because in the moment in the twinkling of an eye, I can be standing in the presence of God and this wicked earth will be in its final days.

1 Corinthians 15:52 KJV

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

How about you? Are you ready? If not check out this page and then let me know! I love to rejoice in a new brother or sister in Christ.

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

Is it Real Religion?

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

A little reflection is probably good for the soul, but it certainly needs to be balanced. As I wind down 2015, I’m first of all shocked that I’m winding down 2015! Somebody put my life in fast forward mode and I can’t slow down. Do you feel that way too? But as quick as it went, this morning had me thinking about what I did with the past 323 days. Were they productive for the cause of Christ? Some were, some weren’t but for a fact they are both un-re-doable. Should you double hyphenate a word? Life is short… let’s walk on the wild side.

A little food for thought today from the book of James caused me to ponder the question “Has my 323 days been real religion.”

RELIGION MAKES ME NAUSEOUS

You can be “religious” about anything. I was raised in “religion.” A theory of theirs was religiously going to church was “enough.” Saying you are a Christian was “enough.” Don’t overdo church, once a week is “enough.” Well enough already! There is no point in rehashing pre-salvation failures, those are under the blood! Glory to God! Lukewarm Christianity that makes my Lord want to puke and spew us out of His mouth isn’t good. So when I start “going through the motions” of Christianity it concerns me. I want to arrive at church with great expectation of what the Lord is going to do, I want to get up in the morning and say, “Reporting for Duty Sir!” to the Lord… and mean it. I want there to be excitement in my life every day for the opportunities before me. I don’t want to be religious, I want to be as spontaneous as a fire on a windy autumn day, igniting everything around me. Yes I’m getting fired up! How about you?

James 1:22-25

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

My second point is this

RELIGION MAKES ME NERVOUS

And it’s why I’m reflecting today. Not living up to my potential as a child of God can cause eternal damage and a friend to be in that fire that cannot be quenched. If I get lacks on my responsibilities as a Christian, and concern myself more with the affairs of this world and not the cause of Christ, who will I not see in Heaven? I look around at friends and family and I’m nervous for them. Because I don’t see Christ in their life and I have no assurance if they were to die today that they’d be in Heaven. I don’t want to go through the motions of Religion, I want a relationship with Christ which will motivate me to share the gospel. Reflection and reading God’s word blesses and readies my heart for service.

James 1:25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

RELIGION MAKES ME NEGATIVE

It’s a line I have to try so hard not to cross, and one that I see so many good people crossing. They spend more time setting fires of destruction with their negative attitude and critical spirit than lighting a fire for Christ. They’re constantly (religiously) concerning themselves with what’s happening in another church, rather than concerned about the lost and those in need.

James 1:26-27

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

As I wind down 2015 I want to be wound tight for 2016. I want to be busy in my relationship with Jesus and the people I meet every day. I want to open my “Big Stinkin’ Mouth,” in the words of a recent sermon title I heard. I want people to see the love of Christ, and that I am religious with my relationship with Him so that they’ll know it’s real!

Join me! And if you feel so inclined… share me. Post this blog link on Social media or share it with a friend!

Love ya… mean it!

Posted in Christian Service

3 Habits of the Heart to grow in Faith

Written by talk2shari Published October 9, 2015November 10, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

See a need, fill a need

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

The world is certainly filled with people in need, and so is the church house. The bible is clear that it is the responsibility believers (who God has empowered with ability) to fulfill the needs of certain people. Now… the sad part of this story is, there are people who take advantage of good hearted Christianity and cause us to question whether or not we are lending a hand or enabling someone who could have taken care of it themselves. I could tell you dozens of stories from my own church of less that reputable people staging themselves for assistance. But that’s where spiritual discernment comes in. A twenty year old begging at the door of the church may need help with diapers for her baby, but she also needs help learning to provide for her family and most importantly needs the Lord in her life. A hand out should always be a hand up. I have more concern over the needs of the elderly. Most of which will never darken the door of a church, will not ask for a hand out or a hand up but will suffer silently because that’s how their generation was raised. As a church we’re instructed to take care of the elderly (visit NPS Law firm to know about how to take good care of you after retirement)… and to teach the young. Make it a habit to be aware of the elderly who cross your path.

Look more within than without

James 1:22-24 ~ But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

If I spent as much time preening myself spiritually as I do physically I’d be a much better woman of God. A post it note strategically placed that reads “Who were you today?” where you see it often would serve us well. Did you help or hinder. Show love or hate. Did any see Christ, or only you?

Give More, Take Less

Matthew 10:8 ~ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

What has God gifted you with? Money, time, talent? Likely all three if truth be told but assuredly He has gifted you with the power of the Holy Spirit if you are saved. If every day we made it a habit to give something away, imagine the blessings that we’d receive each day from God. Are you in the medical field… what a gift to stop by and check on an elderly person who will feel loved and honored that a person of your stature thought enough to stop by. Child of God… you have His Word, give it to someone today in some form. Have a few dollars in your pocket, or a cake mix in your cabinet? Why not share some food with a person living alone who never takes the time to cook.

These are not notions that we think of as habits. Because they take a conscious effort to make something happen. Making something happen regularly is what we call a habit. It’s how Christ lived His life… what a novel idea! Is three too much pressure? Try just one!

Posted in Life Inspiration

That’s What Makes You Strong

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

James 1:1-4 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Not once have I ever said to a friend going through trouble, “Wow, your life is a mess and this is a reason to party! We should break out the pop and chips because today is a celebration day. You’re in trouble!” Not one time have I said it, it’s absurd is it not?

But James is telling his friends who are facing trials, tribulations and persecutions the likes of which we have never known to celebrate the day. He doesn’t stop there, he at least tells them why; because that’s what makes you strong. There’s a Claire Lynch song that I’ll post below that I love it because the words are powerful

If you love somebody, Then that means you need somebody
And if you need somebody, that’s what makes you weak
But if you know you’re weak, And you know you need someone
O it’s a funny thing, That’s what makes you strong

That’s what makes you strong, That’s what gives you power
That’s what lets the meek come sit beside the King
That’s what lets us smile, In our final hour
That’s what moves our souls, And that’s what makes us sing

That’s what makes us sing! Nobody likes trials, but man alive I love the other side of them. Because it’s there that we discover the provision, the power and the plan of God. It’s there that we’re made stronger through the exercising of our faith muscles. If we never had to depend on God, if we never needed Him, we’d never appreciate Him. The truth of the matter is, in this wicked world, we’re lion bate. Satan is just waiting to devour us. But God’s swoops in, in His supernatural ways and delivers us out of the mouth of the lion and stands us back on safe ground.

Trials prove the Power of God

Who but God could prove to Satan that trials only draw us closer to the Creator, not further away. Satan heaps trouble upon us in hopes of us being angry at our lot in life, but to those of us who know Christ it just causes us to cleave tighter to the Lord knowing that it is He alone that will bring us through.

Trials prove the Plan of God

It is often times through the trials that our course in life changes. Putting us on a path of greatness that we never imagined. Sounds almost like a Hallmark Card, but it’s truth. Often times we’d never even look in a direction for another way out if God hadn’t blocked off the way we were traveling.

Trials prove the Provision of God

The wanting of nothing. When you’ve made it through a real hardship, the illness or death of someone we love, our own health or financial struggles, whatever it is… once you’ve made it through you realize that God truly provides everything we need. And it’s not possible for any person to provide it. He alone is the Giver and Maker of life.

I hope you’ll listen to this Claire Lynch song… she’s a dandy!