Tag: John 7

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Eternity, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Those in Denial Need Not Respond

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Those in Denial Need Not Respond
I KNOW WHO CAN!

I’m a little frustrated with myself that after 4 days of not having a blog post up, my mind is here. But it is, and I might as well park here for a second and get it out of my system. I’m praying that as I go along I’m in the Spirit, not the flesh. I can assure you that one of those is far easier than the other. I’ve been very outspoken about my political stand lately. Because it has spiritual repercussions that are far beyond what most people in this world understand. And no, I’m not saying that I’m a spiritual genius. Far from it. But what I am is informed and in tune with the Spirit of God. And I’ll not apologize or back down from what I believe is truth. 

The Final Debate:

Even in the midst of it (the Presidential debate) last night, a person I adore,  sent me a post of our President from 1999 about a statement he had made about being pro-choice. What do I have to say about that? “Praise God he changed his mind! And I’m glad that my decisions of 20 years ago are under grace. Now let’s talk about today.” Man (and woman) are as unstable as cooked spaghetti. But God… 

For I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. ~ Malachi 3:6

There is no debate with God. He doesn’t change His mind, nor does He change His ways, and He for certain hasn’t changed His attitude toward sin. Let me speak from the heart, when I say that my decision to vote for President Trump, to respect the man that God put into office, has nothing to do with who he was in 1999 or any year prior to 2020. My decision was made from information obtained from media sources that isn’t in the hands of the government. CNN, NBC, CBS and unfortunately parts of FOX could be called “the State News.” I literally stay tuned in no less than 6-8 hours a day. I’m not kidding. That doesn’t mean that I’m sitting glued to it. It just means that its playing in the background of whatever I’m doing. 

What makes me so sure that my news is different? Because the world hates them.

“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.”  ~ 1 John 3:13

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” ~ John 15:18

“The world cannot hate you, but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” ~ John 7:7

Woah baby, that sums it up, does it not? The world hates the truth. The Democrats (nationally) have gone after President Trump since 2016 because he didn’t play politics. For him it wasn’t about making a name for himself, he already had. (And not always a good one.) But it was about his stewardship. He took this country out of the  economic demise it was in and put us back up on less than shaky ground. Far from out of trouble, but far from the trouble the democratic government had us in. He spoke to men and women of God and accepted their prayer and proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ.

But they were offended. Accusing him of using Christ’s name as a political tactic. But they didn’t mind Obama using Ala? Hmmmm, I wonder why? Why would anyone who calls themselves a Christian, be offended by a President who prays in the name of Christ Jesus or gives credence to those who preach in His name. 

Look at King Darius of the days of Daniel. When he was anything but a Jehovah God worshipper and yet by Daniel’s life and testimony he decreed this:

“I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.” ~ Daniel 6:26

He knew Daniel’s God was the true God. I believe the same of President Trump. There were times when President Trump would have made the mistakes of Darius, but he’s came a long way because he has surrounded himself, not with politicians, (although they’re their) but he has included, into the mix, God’s people as well. Including a Vice President who is a wonderful outspoken unapologetic Christian man.  Glory to God! I just wrote myself happy. 

Biden and Harris are corrupt people who have made millions off the American people at the expense of their families. I’m not saying that in judgement. It’s a fact. It is no wonder they see nothing wrong with killing children, because they don’t care for their own. I’ll not apologize for that. Like I said, I’ve been watching an unbiased news and I know the truth because the Spirit of God reveals it to me when I ask. Do I believe every word out of the mouth of every person on the news I watch. 

In the words of Biden himself, “Come on man….” 

“Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.” ~ Job 31:6

I’ll stand accountable for what I say. Not what anyone else says. But when I hear the truth and the Spirit says listen… I do. And for the record, When we all stand before God, he’s not going to say, “Well done thou faithful Democrat or Republican,” but rather SERVANT. And if you’re serving baby killers, then you are serving the god Molech. Be not deceived. 

This election isn’t about money. It’s about evil and control. If you are a professed child of God, I beg of you. Hit your knees and ask God to reveal the truth. He is faithful. We have two weeks to decide whether or not this nation ends up in the lions den with or without angels. Right now there is a spiritual realm waiting God’s direction, and God knows the outcome. 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: ~ 1 Peter 5:8

There will not be a final debate in the presence of God. His Word is final.

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, failure, Faith, Family

Live it Loud!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Live it Loud!

The Spirit got a hold on me in 1996, and my life drastically changed. I don’t know if that adequately describes it, you’d have to ask my family. The same family for which some of them are still not saved. But I guarantee that they know there was a time when I become a new person. And although they still don’t understand it, they know it happened. I guess I’m in good company with that, because the same thing happened to Jesus.

John 7:3-5 KJV

[3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. [4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. [5] For neither did his brethren believe in him.

What happened from the age of 12 to 30 years of age with Jesus isn’t spoken about in scripture. But at the age of 30, after His Baptism by John, things were certainly happening in Jesus’ life that made it clear, He was not the average man. Miracle after miracle was going down and the people were following Him like God groupies. They wanted to see more. It wasn’t about their relationship with Him, it was about the curiosity of what He would do next. Even His family. It’s why, I’m not shocked that as outspoken as I am about Christ, there are many in my family who do not know Him. Why should it come as a surprise, when those who were with Jesus Himself, had the same problem. So what are we to do in order to see our family saved?

Miracles? Nope, not in my wheelhouse. Preach to them or at them? Nope, it will likely drive them further away. Bring attention to our holiness. Nope, that’s a sure fire way to fall on your face. I’m doing the only thing i know to do, and I believe it’s working.

Black and White

I speak not of the color of skin,but rather the color of lies and truth according to the word of God. When it comes to what all is going on in our world right now we have to speak the truth as it is according to the word of God. If God says it’s wrong, it is. If God says it’s right, it is. And there is no middle ground. No shades of gray. Jesus never viewed a man differently because of their race or nationality, nor should we. He didn’t discriminate because of social status, nor allowed the past of a person to ruin their future. A person’s life could change on a dime if they truly came into a relationship with Jesus. That’s what happened to me. 

All my life I had heard of Jesus, but in 1996 I came to know Him and began forming a relationship with Him and it changed the way I talked and walked. And people noticed. I knew from that point forward I could no longer ride the fence about socially acceptable issues that were against the word of God. I had to take a strong stand, do no wavering, and know what I believed and why I believed it. Because people would question who I was. 

I’ve failed many times. But that’s black and white too. I failed. I said I’m sorry to Jesus and I started over…. again…. and again. I’m still not perfect and will not be on this side of Heaven. The last thing the world needs to see is a “Hoooooly” saint of God. They need to see a real saint of God. Accepted and professed flaws and all.

When Red Runs

When I think of the shamed face of a child of God I think of a red cotton towel in a white load of laundry that’s soon to be pink. That’s what happens when a child of God fails, the purest of white is blemished by sin and the blood of Jesus is obvious and needed again and again. And while the pink towel may or may not come white again, the child of God does become as white as the driven snow with a repentant heart. But an action has to be taken. God can’t wash clean what never makes it to the laundry. And when an unsaved person sees that stain in a child of God’s life, they’re not impressed. I guess todays blog is about failure. We all make mistakes and “I’m sorry” or “I should have done or said that” goes a long way to impress those we care about. 

Tie Dyed Testimonies

Whether blood relatives, adopted, or just friends in the faith, family is a blending of multiple colors and flavors. Personalities clash, opinions differ and disagreements are inevitable. But the relationships should not suffer. And won’t if Christ is always in the forefront. 

I have family who does not agree with my conservative viewpoints. I won’t argue it. Because that’s not going to lead them to Christ. As a matter of fact, it will likely drive them further away, because if they connect Christ to my politics, and my politics disagrees with theirs, they may not view Christ as the answer. I have to separate the two, yet always let it be known that my faith is what drives my political view. It’s a fine line to walk. 

It’s much like the tie dyed shirts that I love. I love color!! And I love the blending of color. But there has to be a barrier (like the rubber bands) to prevent to the colors from coming over too far. I can blend a little with a liberal thinker. But there comes a point where I have to take a stand and say, you’re flavor has to stop, I can’t allow it to bleed into mine. That’s where the word of God makes it black and white again. And our need to study and understand scripture is crucial to our testimony to friends and family who are walking another path. We need to be able to explain why we tie our selves to conservative thinking. 

Liberal thinkers allow for freedoms that God does not allow. God says in Isaiah 55:8-11 KJV

[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. [10] For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: [11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

The Word of God will accomplish His will, but we have to read it and know it in order to sow those seeds with our family and friends. His ways are higher, higher than mine too, not just the liberal thinkers ways. I don’t profess to know what God’s plan is for this earth. But I know I’m a part of His plan and I need to do more to make a difference in my family.  

I need to Live it, and live it loud!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Faith, Uncategorized

How to Survive the “Not Yet” Moments

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to Survive the “Not Yet” Moments

EASY BAKE FAITH

There was a group of Jesus’ brethren, said to be distant relatives of Mary’s, who didn’t believe He was the Christ. They desired proof that He was or proof that He wasn’t. I know folks like that. But Jesus’ response to them was “Not yet.” I don’t believe curiosity in Christ is a motive God cares to honor. God has nothing to prove. And yet continually mankind tries to prove that He is or is not who He says He is.

In times of trouble my weakened flesh will seek to prove God’s power by pulling me out of what I consider to be a fiery furnace. But I can feel the Holy Spirit roll His eyes and say “Seriously Shari… that compares to a fiery furnace like the ankle deep creek on Philips Run compares to the Grand Canyon. I certainly make light of scripture sometimes. Rather than in a fiery furnace I am perhaps in an Easy Bake Oven where God is seeing how I withstand the heat. I’d rather be removed like a half-baked cookie but God’s leaving me in until I’m golden brown and firm in His foundation. It’s a trying time. But timer still says “not yet.”

Jesus’ brethren desired that He go to the feast of the Jews in town and prove himself in front of -the religious leaders and the naysayers of the day. But Jesus wouldn’t even walk with them. He told them to go ahead, He wasn’t ready. His time had yet to come, and then He said “but your time is always ready.” Jesus was speaking of His death, which it was not yet time for, but for their death, it could be anytime.  Just like our can be any day.

I felt a little more relational with the brethren than with Jesus this morning. How awesome would it be at my next Jesus Chick event to be able to speak of the fiery furnace that God plucked me out of. I mean, really who wants to hear my crybaby Easy Bake Oven story of how I whined and whined every time the heat was turned up until God finally took me out of the fire. No dramatics. Just cookies and cream.

So Jesus waited and went to the feast alone. It was there that He went to the temple and left them in awe of His wisdom. They couldn’t understand how this “unlearned” man could speak with such authority. The people were in awe of His miracles and the Jews were in awe of his mind, but they were missing what mattered. They were in a “not yet” moment. God wasn’t going to prove Himself to either party. He wanted them to awe in who He was. He was God.

Those “not yet” moments in our lives are like that. When God is waiting for us to possibly mature into the responsibility He’s about to give. Or become willing to trust Him beyond what wisdom allows. A few weeks ago I was hit in a tender spot of my ego that continues to be an Easy Bake moment in my life. Not being a college graduate in my field of work can bring judgmental remarks from people about my qualifications for life. They sting… because I know where my wisdom is from.

Jesus’ third not yet moment brought that to remembrance for me.

“But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” – John 7:39

But that Spirit has now been given and He has been glorified; which we celebrate this week. I’m grateful for that reminder today that all “not yet” moments in time have a purpose in Christ Jesus. And if we allow His plans to thoroughly bake, it will be well done!

***

I’ll not complain when the power and blessings of the Holy Spirit bring unexplainable and unspeakable joys in my life for my service through the studying of His Word and the sharing of the Gospel. That is a gift of unmeasurable worth! But through the coercing of others in the ministry, who see my work as worthy, and the coercing of the Holy Spirit Who says “Through His blood I am worthy,” I have added a ministry donation button to this site. If you do not have, or do not feel inclined to give, then please don’t feel obligated. But if I have encouraged you and the Spirit speaks, your gift of any amount would be appreciated and honored by God. 

If you’d like to know more about what I do, send me a message and I’ll be happy to share with you what God is doing and the direction we’re going!

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Posted in Church Unity, Life Inspiration

Fighting Fire with Fire: Resentment gone wrong

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The human spirit is so deceptive. Someone hurts you and the first thing that enters into your mind is “One of these days….vengeance will be sweet.” But it’s not long after vengeance has occurred that you realize you still feel as bad as you did prior to it happening; it resolved nothing. If you’re a child of God, you’ve been rewired. That deceptive human spirit, although it’s still in there, now has a God nature to contend with, and God’s way of handling things has nothing to do with your enemy getting his or her “come uppin’s.” God’s ways are to quench the anger with water of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:20

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

This thought came to my mind as our new Pastor candidate delivered his sermon yesterday morning. A passing thought in the sermon that he didn’t dwell on, but I couldn’t keep my mind off of) was “We want to fight fire with fire, but most fires are put out with water.” Fire is a destructive source. Brush fires scorch acres and acres of property in our community each year leaving nothing behind but blackened trees and ground; but oddly enough what you think would be destroyed beyond hope, grows again with time.

As far as humans are concerned time doesn’t always heal all wounds. Anger and resentment are fire to the soul and spread as quickly as any wild fire. Retaliation in response to someone who hurt us is mostly like gasoline on a flame, it bursts up quickly and gives the appearance of success, but just as quickly burns away to a slow consuming fire. If a fire keeps burning, two things happen, you either have to add more wood, or the wood is consumed. If you want to keep anger in your soul, you’ll either have to stoke that fire, or let it go out on its own, but it’s a whole lot less destructive if you pour water on it in the beginning.

Are you harboring anger or resentment today? Undealt with anger will destroy you from within. But Praise God! The very thing the enemy would use to destroy you also has a built in extinguisher.

Jesus said in John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Isn’t it amazing how our Lord works!

I’m not casting a single stone here this morning, I’ve stoked that flame in my own heart on several occasions, it actually felt gratifying for a minute, but it always ends the same. More heartache.

Let it go…