Posted in Christian Service

3 Step Strategy for Revival

Written by talk2shari Published May 26, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

revival

Every real revival in the church has been a child of prayer. There have been revivals without much preaching, there have been revivals with absolutely no organization, but there has never been a mighty revival without mighty praying. ~ R.A. Torrey

Last night was the last night of our spring revival, and I’d like to tell you that Heaven met on earth, souls were saved and the church as a whole got its heart right with God… but I can’t. It did fuel my desire, but my question for myself this morning is, “Okay Shari… how far will you go for revival.”

In a biography written by Os Hillman, he said of D.L. Moody:

Dwight L. Moody was a poorly educated, unordained, shoe salesman who felt God’s call to preach the gospel. Early one morning he and some friends gathered in a hay field for a season of prayer, confession, and consecration. His friend Henry Varley said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” Moody was deeply moved by these words. ~ Os Hillman Biography

Consecrated… a nice bibley word… I know bibley is not a word, but it’s as much a word in my vocabulary as consecrated. Consecration (meaning wholly dedicated to God) doesn’t seem unattainable to me, it seems unlikely. There’s always something in my way, usually me. It’s the same reason I’m not the best musician, nor the best artist, mom, servant of God, or insert any of the dozens of other titles I have into here. I’m a sinner saved by grace, emphasis on sinner, and I’m semi-dedicated to everything I do. But I’m not wholly dedicated to anything and I’m especially not wholly consecrated to God else I’d be better and not feel like such a failure.

In my search for revival and my time in prayer prior to the revival last night I came up with three points to ponder and reflect on in the coming days in hopes that the sparks of revival that I witnessed in my favorite church on earth would ignite myself and my people.

CLEAN ME UP

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

I don’t have to guess at my sins, nor do you likely. I can get them right the first time. And so I confess them to God, but then I fall again, and again and again and the right spirit, the one who wants the revival fires to start burning feels as though I’ve just wet the wood. And then my mind is drawn into Elijah who told the prophets of Baal to wet the wood and wet it good and God sent down the fire to lick it up and ignite the offering to God. And suddenly, even in my failures I feel that twinge of hope and keep praying… clean me up Lord, send the fire, please.

BIND ME UP

Isaiah 30:26

Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be seven fold, as the light of the seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people and healeth the stroke of their wound.

What is the breach in my life, the area of the wall that allows doubt and confusion to get into my being? Another place to search and it’s a vast area. What am I doing that’s allowing the Devil into my life? I need to bind those areas up with the gospel keep my life Christ focused. What are those breached areas? Yeah, I guessed those the first time too. My life is spread too thin… I’m not focused, but rather trying to watch the scope of the world and what’s going on with everyone else and the breaches in my own wall are vulnerable…

FREE ME UP

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Speaking those words “use me where you want me ” is indeed liberating, and also scary! It means that I have to let go of the reigns and possibly let go of some things in my life that kept me bound. This morning it has me pondering stepping out of a position that makes me nauseous every time I step into it and although that is liberating it’s also sad. Life’s not easy. But if revival did anything for me this week it caused me to realize I have people in my watch care that I’ve allowed the breaches in my own life to let the enemy into their lives too.

Are you spreading yourself too thin? Look up… He’ll help you.

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Posted in Christian Service, Faith, Life Inspiration

Are you living life like the Bull in the China Shop?

Written by talk2shari Published May 7, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

On most days of the week, I’m a brat. I want life my way and I want it now. I have no patience to wait and my discipline is such that if I were my own child, I’d beat me. I’m as scattered as the chaff that flies in the wind so often spoken of in the scripture and every bit as accomplished with bits and pieces of me flying here, there and everywhere and seldom gathering into once location for a finished product with purpose.

Even this morning my mind is a dozen different places. Some literal places and some spiritual places, and I’m trying my best to rein in my thoughts but I declare they’re like a bucking bronco! And then I read Psalm 119:59… and took the bull by the horns. Well, almost… until I got sidetracked looking for bull images. Whose mind works like that!

I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. Psalm 119:59

My ways are like a bull in a china shop… I want to turn my feet into a testimony for God. One that shouts of Him and whispers of me.

My Thoughts

What’s wrong with my thoughts? Well, most of the time they’re in the flesh! It’s hard to stay focused on spiritual matters while living in this world. We make mistakes, people hurt us, Satan plots and we provide him with an avenue into our minds like a super highway.

The psalmist said in Psalm 94:11~ The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.~ It’s all about us is it not? What we want, what we need. To get where God needs us to be we’ve got to hate what God hates, and love what God loves.

Psalm 119:113 says it like this ~ I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.~ To get away from the vanity, and guilt causing thoughts of our minds, we have to get into the word of God.

My Understanding

Understanding is the comprehension and acceptance of the truth. When is the last time you’ve gotten “real” with yourself? Really examined your life and the direction that God desires you to move in. Not necessarily career wise, but life in general. What to eat, wear, listen to, etc. The very things that make up our day. Do we have a full understanding of what effect those day to day decisions, regardless of how miniscule, have on our life? If I strove to understand God’s desires for everything in my life… I’m pretty sure they’d be some serious changing necessary. David said in Psalm 119:99 ~ I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.~

David mediated on what God was doing and what God had done. It’s not about us.

My Reasoning

If we’re not careful, reasoning becomes religious. It’s about the things of life as the world sees them, not the way God sees them. Faith doesn’t always makes sense.

Mark 2:5-7

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

When life happens we view it this side of Heaven; we often times do not see what’s going on in the spiritual realm. When Jesus healed the man sick of palsy, and forgave his sins, He did so because of the man’s faith, not because of his reasoning. It was a two for one sale that day! There was no reasoning in the four men who tore off the roof of the house to get their friend to Jesus, it was faith! And when the religious realm heard the words of the Lord they reasoned with in themselves, “How could this man forgive sin?” It didn’t make any sense in their religious world because they had no relationship with God.

My Needs

I have needs, but I more often than not get them confused with my wants, and they are many. I’m working with a young man who’s greatest desire is to come to the United States to study the scripture. His name is Juma and he lives in Tanzania. He works hard and he has needs that I’ve never had to comprehend, because I’m that spoiled brat that wants everything now.

These words of David pierce my heart this morning…

Psalm 119:134

Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.

David was being oppressed by others, I however oppress myself, when I don’t spend enough time in the Word of God and live my life for Him, not me. It’s like that bull in a china shop, knocking over all the delicacies of life just to get through. That is how I often live life… just pushing my way through to the next thing, never stopping to savor what God is doing along life’s way.

David said in my original text 119:59 that he turned his feet unto God’s testimonies. Take note that my points spell out God’s message today. T.U.R.N.

What direction are you going? Your way, or God’s?

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Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, Grace, Life Inspiration

Is God Fed Up With His People?

Written by talk2shari Published April 15, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

CHICK FED

Have you ever wondered exactly how “fed up” God is with His people. I must confess that I get fed up with people pretty easy. People walk in and out on God and the church like He’s a local supermarket. They hand Him their grocery list

Fruit of the Spirit
Milk of the Word
Meat (if it’s done right)
Water of the Word (flavored please)
Serving towels… the pretty ones… not the ones you use.

And “if” they can find the time they’ll actually come for dinner, but it needs to be of the heat and eat variety because kickoff’s at noon. Oh yeah… I’ve gone to medlin’. But this thought entered my mind as I read in Zechariah 11:7 this morning.

Feed the Flock

And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took unto me two staves; the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bands; and I fed the flock.

I think Zechariah was at the fed up point and I’m pretty sure he was there because God was there. Those who desired the word of the Lord, the poor of the flock would be fed. In our churches today we have wonderful men of God who week after week pour out their hearts before the congregation of the Lord hoping to stir a fire in the hearts and in a few it does. In every church there’s always a few who show up emptied out and ready to be filled and God is faithful to provide what it is they stand in need of. I’m that person. I need the word of God in my life in every form. I need it from the Preacher, I need to read it for myself and I need to hear the Holy Spirit speak to my soul. I’m poor every day without it but I’m rich and filled to the brim when I seek to find it. But there are those who were playing church then and we have them yet today, They love it when they feel the power of God in a service, but let’s not get radical and want it outside the walls too. God, said let them go.

Fire the Fakers

In verses 8-11 Zechariah said

Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul lothed them, and their soul also abhorred me. Then said I, I will not feed you: that that dieth, let it die; and that that is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let the rest eat every one the flesh of another. And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it asunder, that I might break my covenant which I had made with all the people. And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the Lord.

This is one fed up leader! He fired three men and said I can’t stand them! That’s pretty harsh and I don’t really feel the love of God in his words, until I read further and realize why God is so fed up with people. I understand why He has let our Nation go to the point that it’s at with wicked leadership and immorality running amuck.

Listen to Zechariah’s words of condemnation that bring it into a New Testament realm.

Father Forgive them

Vs. 12-14

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Zechariah told them to put a value on him and they threw down 30 pieces of silver, just like the value that Judas put on Jesus; and then having tried to return the money, Judas hung himself and the priests purchased the potter’s field because they could put the money in the treasury.

This is my frustration with not only those who fall out on God but myself as well, when I realize that so often I ignore the price my freedom cost. Oh I want to hear from God, but do I want to hear what He has to say. Not always. Because I know I could live better. And His words convict my soul.

I barely touched anything about this scripture. It’s the history of God’s people at play, and their rejection of the Messiah, but history repeats itself in America as we reject the Lord every day when we have the opportunity to serve Him and choose the world instead.

Sunday’s coming…I’m preparing my heart to hear what he’s given my Pastor. Praise God we still have good godly men! Praise God we still have the freedom to hear the word of God. With the state of this nation we should never take that for granted.

Don’t take your grocery list of expectations to church. Go in with a blank piece of paper and let God fill your cart full of what you need at the house. He is faithful!

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Posted in Life Inspiration

What More Can I say?

Written by talk2shari Published April 14, 2016April 14, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

Hebrews 11:32a – And what shall I more say?

The writer of Hebrews asks that question and this morning so do I? I wake up and my mind is pummeled with doubt and frustration and the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart, “Have you looked back at your life lately? When have I ever failed you?” If you’re a child of God that statement just hit you like a ton of bricks. Because God has never failed you. But then I say to you shuck off the bricks, Jesus carries our load.

The writer, who I assume to be Paul, continues on with examples. (vs. 32b-40)

For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Time would fail me as well if I told you of the many times that Jesus pulled my fanny from the fire. Often times with my back pockets singed because I’d just about waited too long to ask Him for help. I hear the song in my mind (Oddly enough it’s the Veggie Tale version) – “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do!” That’s not a cartoon quote, that’s bible!

Psalm 66:1-4

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

God knew the Veggie Tales before they were famous. And He knows you and I, and He knows our heartaches and struggles. He has fought our foes, He has shut the mouth of the lions that we were sure would devour us, He has stopped that fire that crackling the thread on our pockets and delivered us time and time again. If you’re honest you can recall, because you remember what an awesome feeling it was when you were raised to life again!

I love, love, love verse 40 where God says “God having provided some better thing for us.” How awesome is that!

Glory I just wrote myself happy!

Are you struggling with something today? As my finger hits the last key on this blog, I’m praying for you. I’m asking my God (and yours) Who is so great and so mighty, believing there is nothing my God cannot do.

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Posted in Uncategorized

Making Randomness a Habit

Written by talk2shari Published April 1, 2016April 1, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

At 6 a.m. I heard my husband talking to someone outside and then the roar of a loud exhaust coming to life. A young man had ran out of gas in front of our house and David poured what little bit of gas he had in the lawn mower can into his truck and sent him on his way, hoping it was enough to get him to the gas station 6 miles out. A random act of kindness, often referred to as Raking someone. What used to be a way life for America now has an acronym. I find that odd. But I also live in a little country town where random acts of kindness are a part of who we are. Oh, be not deceived, we have our share of grumpy pants people too, but another thing about living in a small town is we probably know why they’re grumpy. Sometimes they have good reason, and sometimes they’re just mean.

There was a picture that went viral last week of a couple of guys at a coffee shop praying through a drive thru window for a grieving woman in her car. Oh how it stirred my soul to see it! Such compassion we need more of. I was in need of prayer on Sunday and a prayer group that adopted me in, prayed over my voice; it was humbling to know that people I’d never met would take the time to lift my name to the throne of grace and ask God to help a sister out!

We take prayer for granted. Or at last I do! It costs nothing but a little of our time and can net such results. I have several people on a prayer list in my journal that I pray over and I’ve seen God move over many of them, and others seem to be lying dormant for results. But just like the trees, flowers, and even an old pickup truck that we see coming to life in these spring days, the answer may be getting ready to break through the ground. God may just be waiting to hear us pray one more time.

It’s not that He didn’t hear the first time; but just as He doesn’t have lilies blooming in January in our neck of the woods for a reason, He also doesn’t allow prayers to be acted upon for a reason. It’s not their time. We oftentimes don’t see the results on this side of glory. But as my friend Tracy Miller’s song says, “He’s not a Jeanie in a bottle, but He’s the God of love and grace!”

What are you praying for? Keep on praying.

Whose path may you cross today that needs prayer? Take the time.

The love of God should be going viral every day in the life of a Christian.

1 Timothy 2:1-6

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

JESUS CHRIST. THE GREATEST INTENTIONAL RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS.

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Posted in Christian Service, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

When You Can’t Fix What’s Broken

Written by talk2shari Published March 29, 2016March 29, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

I absolutely love serving the Lord and I love serving people but when you’re in the business of serving you’re suddenly expected to be all things to all people. And if you’ve recently ask me to do something, this is seriously not about you, this is about me. But it may be for you, because you may be like me, and that my friend is a scary place to be.

I’m a fixer. If I see a problem I need to fix it now. My life and problems go on hold and the immediate problem before me is the task at hand, which explains a lot about my life. The problem with being a fixer is I’m not always qualified, which doesn’t stop me nor seem to matter because I’m pretty sure I got this. I think someone needs to start a group called “Fixers Anonymous,” but then the meeting would probably be dominated by us trying to fix each other and we personally would never get fixed. Wow… I just gave myself a headache. But it’s a true story and it’s on my heart today.

I’ve just discovered that I can’t fix everything. I’m still partly in denial, so don’t mention it if you happen to see me.

So what’s a fixer to do when something’s broken that’s irreparable… like a heart or relationship?

In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Be careful for nothing… meaning, don’t be full of care, don’t be stressed. Usually by the time I get around to reading a verse like this, I’m already past the point of stress, but it still doesn’t mean I shouldn’t follow through with the rest of God’s plan. Regardless of what it is, (everything) should be taken to God in prayer. That conversation portal to Heaven that we tend to forget how big a deal it is. With the first utterance of His name, spoken aloud or just in your mind, you are ushered by the Holy Spirit into the presence of God. That’s powerful! How awesome that with a breath you can be before He Who can fix it all. It is there that we can plead our case (supplication) and tell God everything that we feel nobody else in the world wants to hear, but God wants to hear it. Not because He doesn’t know already what’s going on, but because He wants us to believe on Him to fix the problem, or possibly help us through when the problem is there for another reason we weren’t meant to understand.

Today I’m in a quandary with a problem I can’t fix because it’s not my problem. God doesn’t want me to stop caring, which is what I’m trying to do, it seems that would be an easier fix. It’s unfortunately not a part of my DNA. Because when the Holy Spirit came into my heart and filled me to the brim with Jesus I also was filled to the brim with care. That’s what makes me want to be a fixer in the first place. So there seems to be two kinds of care. Stress – the wrong kind. And Concern – the kind that drives you into the arms of Jesus, Father, Friend and Fixer. Who understands that you’re a fixer because you’re trying as best you can in this feeble body to be like Him. And today you feel like you’re failing miserably.

So I’m thankful. That I can lean on Him and when I can’t fix the problem, I can fix my eyes on Him and He’ll guide me through until the problem is past.

Are you a fixer? Are you in midst of a problem. Take it to Jesus and leave it there, He’s got the tool box.

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Posted in Easter, Grace, Heaven, Life Inspiration

Thank God For Friday!

Written by talk2shari Published March 25, 2016March 25, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

I found it ironic that Google celebrates every goofy and non-goofy day of the year with a new Google logo or doodle but Good Friday didn’t even get an honorable mention. Ironic yes, surprised, no. The world celebrates Friday because it’s the start of the weekend more than they do the start of eternal life through the sacrifice Christ willingly made on the cross that dark day. Many Churches are taking the blood out of the story because it’s too offensive to people and yet the movie industry is bombarded with gore and people take or allow their children to view the video with little regard for the way it effects their child’s mind. Don’t even get me started on the fact that Cartoon Network has cartoons that aren’t fit for adults to watch.

But this blog isn’t about bashing the world… As the Lord said, “they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. Today’s post is about a grateful heart who “didn’t know” for 34 years how much I had to be thankful for. That was the age I came to the knowledge of the Salvation of Jesus Christ. I understood (as best my mind can) the sacrifice of the cross. That God was willing to spend that Friday suffering unimaginable pain, ridicule and desecration of his body that He lived in on earth, only to serve and teach others how to serve.

But then came Sunday!!! And as dreadful as Friday was for Him and for His followers looking on, Sunday came and the darkness was made light by the empty tomb and a risen Savior that had won victory over death, Hell and the grave. The blood is gory, yes, but its crimson color that stained His cross serves as a reminder that because of Him, I have life and have it more abundantly. I cannot fail to thank Him for Friday, for He gave me Sunday.

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Posted in Easter, Uncategorized

Thank God for Friday!

Written by talk2shari Published March 25, 2016March 25, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

Goodness of God

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Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

What Jesus might say in this political arena

Written by talk2shari Published March 17, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

LUKE 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

“In the mean time” a crowd gathered because Jesus had created quite the ruckus in chapter eleven. He’d just highly offended two very powerful groups of people, the Religious leaders of the day and lawyers. Their blood was boiling and they were attempting to provoke Jesus into saying something to incriminate Himself and give them reason to take action against Him. But the thing about Jesus is… He’s God. He already knows what they’re thinking. Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurred to God? Obviously it didn’t occur to the Pharisees and Attorneys.

Jesus goes on to tell the crowd in verses 2-7: For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

I wonder if Jesus was in the crowd of the recent electioneering tribes if His conversation to those of us listening wouldn’t be the same. I think He’d calls us friends too, wanting us to know that He’s not electioneering, It’s not for a season, it’s forever and He truly cares. He’d remind us that the truth matters because He is truth. “They” (meaning the bulk of the candidates) are the epitome of hypocrisy. I have to wonder if the truth is anywhere in there or in them, and yet Jesus will tell us, – He knows the truth.” Nothing is said or done that He doesn’t know. Or emailed as the case may be. And then He’d say to us… Don’t worry about these “pea-brains.” Okay maybe that’s my words… but He’d forewarn the American public not to fear the threatening words of the candidates, media and political hierarchy. They hold no power over He Who is King of kings and Lord of lords. To the follically-challenged (bald) He’d say I know how many hairs use to be in your head; to the weave wearer He’d say I know how many counterfeit curls you adorn; to folks like me that choose to use their hair as a piece of canvas He’d tell me the number of gray hairs concealed in the auburn, blond, brownish flavor of the month. And then He’d tell me how much “I” matter to Him. Me specifically. My opinion, my passions… they matter to God.

In a world where we are often nothing more than a number, and in the political realm, a vote that in truth doesn’t really matter (at least in the national primary election) – It’s nice to know how much God cares.

10 scriptures to encourage your soul:

Before I was born, He knew me, Isn’t that amazing!

Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

He’ll never leave me

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

I did nothing, He did everything:

Romans 5:8 – But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

He’s on my side

Psalms 118:6 – The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

He’s so patient…

Psalms 103:8 – The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

He draws me to Him… He wants to spend time with me.

Jeremiah 31:3– The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

No man… (or candidate)

John 15:13– Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

He calms the storm, He doesn’t create it…

Isaiah 41:10– Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

The future is not uncertain, at least from God’s perspective. He’s got this!

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Posted in Forgiveness, Leadership, Life Inspiration

What to eat when you’re hurting

Written by talk2shari Published March 12, 2016March 12, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

Have you ever wondered which hurts worst: Saying something you wish you’d never said or saying nothing and wishing you had? It’s tough. And it’s one of the millions of problems God understands. Now if only I could understand.

When you’re a talker, and I am, silence isn’t necessarily golden. I can feel the Spirit of God welling up in my soul trying to overpower the words that are working their way up from my gut. I need to say it! And God says “That’ll leave a mark Shari.” And I reply… “Just a small one God.” And He responds… “You can only see the surface, I see down deep… that little mark you thought your words would leave will go clear to the bone.

And so I shush. But the words pool and pool and pool until they flood out my mouth like tsunami that just hit the beach of a small island! I hate it! I regret it. But it’s too late… and so God begins putting the shores back of the relationship that I cut myself off from because I’d had enough. I’d been hurt one too many times.

In Matthew 18:21, Peter asked the Lord how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? To which Jesus replied, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

I taught this lesson on Wednesday night to my youth. It was timely in my life… but that’s how God works. If you’re a teacher of the gospel you understand. God never allows you to point a finger at anyone and say “You should do this!” without three pointing back at you saying, “So should you!”

I spoke a while back on the subject of hurt in the ministry. I was shocked at the widespread sentiment of almost everyone there. Many thanked me and said the message was for them, then asked prayer for their issue. I think some wanted me to pray that God would cast coals of fire on their enemies head, but that’s not how God works. I know, I’ve prayed that prayer a time or two. If you’re honest you likely have too.

So what does one do when they’ve been hurt? At least for a while… shush; followed by calming the waters. No tsunamis! You need to sit in the recliner with a cup of coffee and banana and talk to Jesus. Well, that’s how I did it.

It’s said to be an old Cherokee tale, but whosoever it is, it is wise and it is biblical:

***

One evening, an elderly Cherokee brave told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “my son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is good. It is joy, peace love, hope serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”

The grandson though about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “the one that you feed.

***

Our words have great power. The spoken and the unspoken. Although we may never say aloud many of the things we think, the thought process still feeds our spirit. And like the tsunami that got its start down deep on the ocean floor, the things in the pit of our stomach that causes us anger and resentment are what we feed upon. If we continually think negative thoughts about issues and people it will eventually erupt and likely cause a broad path of damage.

The coffee and banana were good… the Words of God, were great! Feed on those.