One Nation Under God – The Jesus Chick

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

A Day Out From the Big Lie

Written by talk2shari Published November 10, 2016November 10, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

Yesterday I was somewhat in shock; as was the Clinton campaign. I had gone to bed assuming what the media was informing me of was true, that Clinton was a sure win. Shocker! They didn’t know. It’s why I had stopped watching the television news altogether. Between the lies and the anti-God spin of everything, it kept my stomach in knots. So a day out from the big lie and my mind’s a little clearer, my hearts a little happier and I have a few thoughts on the new President elect.

Humility

2 Chronicles 7:14 says “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

For certain there have been times when President Elect Donald Trump was less than humble and may be again, it is his personality. But during the latter part of his campaign, he apologized, accepted responsibility, and graciously accepted his win without arrogance. I believe they call that humility and it’s a great start. A humble attitude is one that God can work with. Yesterday I was humbled. I truly felt that God had heard the cry of His people in America. Again and again, (but not nearly enough) I thanked God for the election results. I truly believe it’s a chance for America to return to the right path.

Prayerfully

Now that God has offered the opportunity, it is up to the American people to pray for not only our President and President Elect, but for each other. I began praying for Donald Trump’s protection and that of Vice-President Elect Pence. I don’t think Satan is the least bit happy about Tuesday’s results and he’d love to destroy the work God has begun. He can’t, any more than he controlled Tuesday. But he can wreak havoc with us and will if we don’t stay humbly on our face before God.

Intentionally

Seeking the face of God is an intentional act. You don’t “happen upon Him.” It’s deliberate act in hopes of receiving His attention, mercy, grace, and blessing. Now is not the time to go back to business as usual in our spiritual life. God answered our prayer; now we need to seek His wisdom for ourselves, our leaders and our nation has a whole. We need to turn from the wicked ways of the past and turn to our future hope which is the Lord Jesus Christ. Boldly and unashamedly, glorify our God to a nation that had all but walked away from Him. Including the church He died for. Churches are empty and attitudes are lacks’. God is so far down on the list of priorities that He barely gets an honorable mention. And He play second fiddle to nothing or no one, and our Nation’s path can turn on a dime without warning back on the road to destruction unless we put God back in first place.

God has forgiven a lot. Now is not the time to turn our backs on Him again. Set your heart to serve Him greater! And He can make this nation great again.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Leadership, Life Inspiration

How to Cork a Poltical Pie-Hole

Written by talk2shari Published September 9, 2016 Discussion Leave a Comment

Election Day is drawing nearer and nearer and my nausea is growing greater and greater. Every political ad, news report or running commentary on social media leaves me feeling frustrated and betrayed. I’ve done the only thing that I can do at this point; that’s give it to God, knowing that He is in control regardless of the lies of the media, candidates or anyone else who’s touting that anyone of these candidates will single handedly destroy America. If I put my hope for America in the hands of our government, oh my stars, what a sad day that would be. And it’s not that I don’t have a firm opinion on the candidates that I’ll gladly share, but today’s blog is not about the election, it’s about the state of America starting at the house.

As I read Deuteronomy 2:25 my heart ached for God.

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

I believe that God would do no less for America… if they’d turn back to God. How many times did Israel turn their back on God, worshiped false idols, fought among themselves and murmured against leadership? Sounds very much like the modern day church. Liberal mindsets and people pleasing Pastors have stripped the church of the power of God. We want God’s blessing, but not God’s paths.

Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Why on earth is anyone in this country defending anti-God or anti-American rhetoric? Because our Nation’s on a new path, and it ain’t good. It leads to destruction, there is no other way because that’s what the Bible says and it’s factual with every prophetic Word having come true and the return of Christ imminent. If God didn’t tolerate that behavior from the chosen nation of Israel, He’s sure not going to tolerate it out of us.

But it’s not too late, and I’ll never stop believing in the Christians of our Nation who continue to stand in the gap for those in need, and stand for the Word of God. Who have not cowered to the political pressures but will vote (as best we can) for those who line up with God’s plan. Now… that being said, I didn’t say they’d be God’s choice if He had His druthers, but He can change the heart of any man.

As for putting the fear of God in those who attack our nation and would willingly allow false religions to attempt to destroy Christianity, God can bring that fear to fruition. But it starts at the house. It starts when we ourselves honor God and the foundation for which this nation began. One at a time, adding to the number of God’s people until He sees we’re serious. And then I believe that His power and might could put a cork in a few pie-holes, hands over more than a few hearts and knees on the ground.

Even so… come Lord Jesus.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Political, Prayer

10 things to Pray for on the 4th of July

Written by talk2shari Published July 3, 2015July 3, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Whether or not we agree with our Nation’s direction, and let me be clear… I don’t, we are still obligated as children of God and it is for our own benefit that we pray for our Nation and leaders. And by prayer I don’t mean that we pray for a pot fall from a window and take them out. Tomorrow is July 4; a day to celebrate independence. Because of current and past men and women serving our country and willing to risk their lives for our protection we continue today to have the freedom to pray openly and are given a biblical mandate to do so.

Paul, in his instruction to Timothy said, “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;” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Paul understood what it was like to lose your freedom. The very people he was instructing the church to pray for had beat and imprisoned him. Although we are often beat down spiritually here in America, I’ve never been beaten and cast in prison physically. We are without excuse for not praying.

Here’s a few things on my prayer list today for our country:

I pray…

1. That the leadership of our Nation, States and Communities feel the conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ to seek His wisdom.

2. That the children of God in authority are bold to proclaim His Word and the Sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. I pray for a hedge of protection around our Country and that the power of Heaven would thwart any efforts to bring harm in our land by the enemy, especially on our Nation’s day of celebration.

4. That church leadership who have lost the genuine Word of God, would find it again and call their people together and tell them they have found the book as they did in 2 Kings 22:8.

5. I pray that our military, here and abroad would have the mighty hand of God shielding them from attack and that in so doing the enemy would fear our God as the other nations feared the God of Israel (our God) in 2 Chronicles 20:29 – And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel.

6. I pray for humility. For all of the United States to acknowledge Who God is.

7. That hearts tremble tomorrow in reverence of our Lord for how He has protected America.

8. For our children who have never known a godly nation. I pray that there are those set before them who are godly showing them the way to Christ Jesus.

9. I pray that the churches, especially my own will line the altar and pray for America this Sunday.

10. I pray for me… and you should pray for you… that we are who God needs us to be for our people.

Gen. George Washington issued this decree on March 6, 1776, calling for a day of fasting and prayer as our country began its long and bloody battle for independence:

“Set apart … as a day of fasting, prayer and humiliation, to implore the Lord and Giver of all victory to pardon our manifold sins and wickedness, and that it would please Him to bless the Continental Arms with His divine favor and protection—all officers and soldiers are strictly enjoined to pay all due reverence and attention on that day to the sacred duties due to the Lord of hosts for His mercies already received and for those blessings which our holiness and uprightness of life can alone encourage us to hope through His mercy to obtain.”

We are blessed to live in the land of the free, but as Christians we are blessed with a freedom far greater than that provided by our nation. The blood of Jesus Christ our Lord freed us from the bondage of sin, and gave us the opportunity to commune with the Lord Himself through the Holy Spirit. That freedom should never be taken for granted.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Life Inspiration, salvation

Tweet This America!

Written by talk2shari Published April 25, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I was searching the trends this morning to see what the world thought worthy of speaking of and low and behold, although unfortunately not the number one conversation, but trending at 942 tweets was the hashtag #SimplyJesus2015 from a Christian Conference in Denver, Colorado this weekend. It was far behind the other trends which go from both ends of the spectrum of sadness. The number one tweet this Saturday morning was #BruceJenner and the second on my twitter feed was #Nepal and the earthquake that killed hundreds of people this morning. I’m not going to comment too much on Bruce Jenner, other than he needs Jesus, and the world needs a reality check on what’s worth promoting. And I’ll close with God doesn’t make mistakes and it’s not our right to reconfigure His creation.

The story of Nepal should drive us to our knees for those precious people and cause us to realize that Mount Everest may not be above us to fall, but our world can come crashing down just as easily. I’ve witnessed it in the lives of people over the past few weeks who are facing their own tragedies and upsets in life. And yet Bruce Jenner is on the minds of America. I highly doubt the residents of Nepal are following or caring what the trends are on Twitter, nor do the families who have lost someone or struggle with life.

I just realized that I didn’t close that Bruce Jenner thought. Sorry about that… it just never ceases to amaze me of what America can get infatuated on and come to the defense of while in the background there are so many people with real heartaches and issues that deserve our attention.

These thoughts brought me to Matthew 22 this morning. Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees tried to entangle Jesus in His words. And although they may not be labeled as such the Pharisee and Sadducee spirit is still alive and well questioning Christ’s people and promoting their own agendas.

Verses 15-16 say of the Pharisees:

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Their disciples… I hadn’t noticed that before. There is still a training ground today for wicked religious people’s disciples. Jesus said they were wicked in verse 18 when the scripture reveals “But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?” They were asking if Jesus thought it was okay to pay tribute to Caesar. Jesus showed them that the penny had Caesar’s picture on it, so let him have it. But render to God the things that are God’s. For the religious, it’s all about the materialistic things that can get the world sidetracked. That penny of Caesar’s won’t mean a thing in Heaven, neither will the all mighty dollar we strive so hard to earn. It will burn up in the last days in the hands of someone else. But our families and friends… their souls are going to live eternally somewhere. And they are the only thing that matter in the scope of eternity to Jesus.

The world would have you deceived by their disciples as to what is important in life… look at the trends. 942 posts for Jesus and 687K for Jenner… that makes me nauseous. Stop following the temptations of the hypocrites who would have you believe that Jesus doesn’t care for you. What a lie! He died for everyone so that we may have an eternal life in Heaven and escape this wicked place we view as home. The world is still trying to entangle the words of Jesus. But… I love the last verse in Matthew 22

And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

When they had tried their best to prove God’s word as false, Jesus not only proved that He could still the waters of the sea, He could still the tongues of the trouble makers! Hallelujah! And that’s what I’m holding onto this morning when I look at what’s trending by those disciples of the wicked…

Today they may mock, and draw our minds away from the things of Christ but there will be a day when He’ll silence them one final time. Until then… keep your trends focused on Jesus Christ. #JesusWins #HeavenIsReal #EternityIsALongTime #AreYouReady #JesusLovesYou #GodKnowsYourNeeds #ThisWorldIsTemporary

Posted in Uncategorized

Look How Far We’ve Come

Written by talk2shari Published November 25, 2013November 25, 2013 Discussion Leave a Comment

November 19^th went by with little fanfare in the United States. It could have possibly been on the news, the likelihood of me seeing it there was slim to none. But as I read the Gettysburg Address this morning, my heart longed to hear a modern day political official speak with such eloquence and spiritual depth. It was a very short speech in comparison to most but I feel safe to say it had a far greater positive impact on our Country than anything coming out of the Whitehouse in current times. Note that I said positive impact.

He began the address with the words four score and seven years ago which much resembles Psalm 90:10 that reads “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” And he ends his address with a call to action of those gathered there. He acknowledges the honored dead who were sacrificed so that our nation was given another chance, a new birth of freedom; a nation under God (Sovereignly ruled), and a nation of the people, by the people and for the people that shall not perish. Showing his compassion and concern for those he served.

Look how far we’ve come. My heart is saddened for our nation, but not without hope, because I still serve the God of Abraham and Isaac, and Abraham Lincoln.

I’m not going to get into politics, it speaks for itself. Volumes. But I would like to offer you a suggestion of prayer for our nation as we go into the week of Thanksgiving.

Read the Gettysburg Address (it will only take a minute) and then pray the A.C.T.S. method of prayer.

Adoration – Acknowledge how good God is, and that it is His sovereignty that has allowed America to be the Great Nation it is.

Confession – Confess that as an individual and as a nation we’ve not done all we could to protect what we’ve been given.

Thankful – Thank God for the field of faith has gone before us to allow the freedom we still enjoy and for those who unselfishly continue to defend our honor, when we’re not always so honorable.

Supplication – Ephesians 6:18 says – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Pray for each other and the leadership of America. An Abraham Lincoln quote from a speech in Chicago on July 10, 1858 said

Let us then turn this government back into the channel in which the framers of the Constitution originally placed it.

Amen. Pray on pilgrim.

And I stand corrected on tributes to the Gettysburg Address. Check out the Ohio State Video! If you love band music like I do, get you a hankee and enjoy!!! It’s 14 minutes long but worth ever second!

Ohio State Tribute